### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀδυνατέω (adynatéō, `{{G101}}`) is derived from the adjective ἀδύνατος (adynatos, `{{G102}}`), which itself is a compound of the privative alpha (α-) and δύναμαι (dynamai, `{{G1410}}`), meaning "to be able" or "to have power." Therefore, ἀδυνατέω fundamentally signifies "to be unable," "to lack power," or "to be impossible." Its semantic range primarily revolves around the concept of inherent limitation or an absolute impossibility, often in contrast to divine capability. It describes a state where something cannot be done or achieved, either due to a lack of strength, capacity, or the very nature of the circumstances.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀδυνατέω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each instance carries profound theological weight.
1. **Human Impossibility vs. Divine Possibility (Synoptic Gospels):**
* In [[Matthew 17:20]], Jesus declares to His disciples, "if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." Here, ἀδυνατέω is used to underscore the overcoming of human limitations through faith, which accesses divine power. The "impossible" refers to what is beyond human natural capacity.
* The parallel accounts in [[Mark 10:27]] and [[Luke 18:27]] (regarding the rich young ruler's salvation) present a stark contrast: "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible" (Mark). And "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (Luke). These verses powerfully articulate the chasm between human inability to achieve salvation through merit and God's sovereign ability to save.
* Similarly, in the annunciation to Mary, the angel Gabriel proclaims in [[Luke 1:37]], "For with God nothing will be impossible." This affirms God's absolute omnipotence, particularly in the miraculous conception of Jesus, an event utterly impossible by human means.
2. **The Law's Inability (Romans):**
* Perhaps one of its most critical uses is in [[Romans 8:3]]: "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh." Here, ἀδυνατέω describes the inherent inability of the Mosaic Law to justify or sanctify humanity. The Law was "weak through the flesh" – not inherently flawed, but rendered ineffective by human sinfulness and inability to perfectly obey. This verse highlights the Law's incapacity to provide salvation, thus necessitating God's decisive intervention through Christ.
Across these contexts, ἀδυνατέω consistently points to a fundamental limitation or impossibility from a human perspective, serving as a foil to the boundless power and capability of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἀδύνατος (adynatos, `{{G102}}`):** The root adjective, meaning "impossible," "powerless," or "weak." It directly informs the meaning of the verb.
* **δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`):** "Power," "might," "ability." This noun represents the positive counterpart to ἀδυνατέω, emphasizing the divine power that overcomes human impossibility.
* **δύναμαι (dynamai, `{{G1410}}`):** "To be able," "to have power." The verb from which ἀδυνατέω is negated.
* **Concepts:** Divine omnipotence, human weakness, the limitations of the Law, the efficacy of faith, salvation by grace. The word often appears in contexts that underscore the necessity of divine intervention where human effort or capacity fails.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀδυνατέω is profound, primarily serving to magnify the unique power and sovereignty of God in contrast to human limitation.
1. **God's Omnipotence:** The repeated assertion that "with God nothing will be impossible" (Luke 1:37) or "all things are possible" (Mark 10:27) establishes a foundational truth about God's nature. He is not bound by human constraints or natural laws, demonstrating His absolute power over creation, life, and salvation.
2. **Human Inability and Dependence:** The word highlights the inherent weakness and inability of humanity, particularly in spiritual matters. Humans cannot save themselves, perfectly fulfill the Law, or overcome the power of sin by their own strength. This underscores humanity's utter dependence on God's grace and power.
3. **The Necessity of Christ's Work:** In [[Romans 8:3]], ἀδυνατέω provides a crucial theological justification for the incarnation and atoning work of Christ. Because the Law was powerless to sanctify fallen humanity, God Himself had to act. Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death accomplished what the Law, due to human "flesh," could not. This forms a cornerstone of Pauline theology regarding justification by faith apart from works of the Law.
4. **The Power of Faith:** While humanly impossible, the Synoptic Gospels show that faith, when directed towards God, can tap into divine power, making the "impossible" possible (Matthew 17:20). This does not imply human agency overriding divine will, but rather a humble reliance on God's power to act through those who trust Him.
### Summary
Ἀδυνατέω (adynatéō, `{{G101}}`) signifies "to be unable" or "to be impossible," rooted in the concept of lacking power or capability. Its usage in the New Testament consistently serves to highlight the stark contrast between human limitation and the boundless omnipotence of God. Whether describing the human inability to achieve salvation, the Law's incapacity to justify, or the seemingly insurmountable obstacles overcome by faith, ἀδυνατέω invariably points to God's supreme power and the necessity of His intervention. It is a word that powerfully articulates the theological truth that what is utterly impossible for humanity is entirely within the realm of possibility for the Almighty God, thereby magnifying His grace and sovereign might.
TRV