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δυνατός

dynatós

G1415 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Having capacity, ability, or power; able (in a general sense), possessing the necessary strength or capability (physical or non-physical) to do or experience something. In specific contexts, denoting one who is influential, mighty, or powerful (in status, ability, or resources). Also used neuter as 'possible,' indicating that something can be done or can happen.

Semantic Range

able, capable, powerful, mighty, possible, influential, of sufficient status or ability, describing persons, things, or situations with requisite capacity

Root / Etymology

From the verb δύναμαι (to be able, to have power), which is derived from the root δύνα-, relating to power, capacity, or ability.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, δυνατός covers a wide semantic range from 'capable' or 'able' (of people or things) to 'powerful' or 'influential,' especially in social or political contexts. The word appears frequently in Hellenistic Greek, including the Septuagint, often as a translation of Hebrew terms for strength or ability, and can describe both physical power and other kinds of capacity (moral, intellectual, spiritual). In the New Testament, δυνατός can refer to what is possible (often contrasted with what is impossible: ἀδύνατος), as well as to persons of status (e.g., the 'mighty' or those with social means). English translation traditions often vary between 'able,' 'possible,' 'powerful,' and 'mighty,' depending on the context, but usually do not fully convey the breadth of capacity (mental, physical, legal, or social) indicated in Greek usage.

Translation Consistency

primary "able" 21 occurrences

dynatós primarily denotes having capacity or power — i.e. being "able." "Able" is the most natural, versatile English term that covers personal capacity, influence/power, and the neuter sense (rendered in context with auxiliaries as "is able/able to" or "it is able/possible"). It keeps translations consistent and idiomatic across the range of uses.

Alternatives (11 occurrences):
"possible" (10x) "power" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from δύναμαι; powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible:--able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong.

Root Family

δυνατός (dynatos) — able, capable, powerful, possible

Root δύνα- to be able, to have power, to be capable

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1415-04 δυνατός dunatos ADJ.S NOM M SG able able one able one 13
G1415-03 δυνατὸν dunaton ADJ.S NOM N SG possible what is possible possible 9
G1415-01 δυνατά dunata ADJ.P NOM N PL are possible possible things able things 6
G1415-02 δυνατοὶ dunatoi ADJ.S NOM M PL strong powerful ones able ones 4

Occurrences in Scripture

32 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1415-01 Matthew 19:26 δυνατά dunata ADJ.P NOM N PL are possible possible things able things
G1415-03 Matthew 24:24 δυνατὸν dunaton ADJ.S NOM N SG possible what is possible possible
G1415-03 Matthew 26:39 δυνατόν dunaton ADJ.P NOM N SG possible what is possible it is possible
G1415-01 Mark 9:23 δυνατὰ dunata ADJ.P NOM N PL possible possible things are possible
G1415-01 Mark 10:27 δυνατὰ dunata ADJ.P NOM N PL possible possible things able things
G1415-03 Mark 13:22 δυνατὸν dunaton ADJ.S NOM N SG possible what is possible possible
G1415-03 Mark 14:35 δυνατόν dunaton ADJ.P NOM N SG possible what is possible possible
G1415-01 Mark 14:36 δυνατά dunata ADJ.P NOM N PL are possible possible things are possible
G1415-04 Luke 1:49 δυνατός dunatos ADJ.S NOM M SG Mighty One able one able one
G1415-04 Luke 14:31 δυνατός dunatos ADJ.P NOM M SG able able one able one
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