from δυνατός; to be efficient (figuratively):--be mighty.
Transliteration:dynatéō
Pronunciation:doo-nat-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1414 (*dynatéō*) is directly derived from the adjective G1415 (*dynatós*), meaning "powerful," "able," or "mighty." Both words, in turn, trace their lineage to the noun G1411 (*dúnamis*), which signifies "power," "strength," "ability," or "might." Therefore, *dynatéō* inherently carries the semantic weight of possessing or exercising power, strength, or capability. The base definition "to be efficient (figuratively)" implies an active state of being powerfully effective, rather than merely having potential. The translation "be mighty" effectively captures this essence, conveying not just an inherent capacity but the actualization of strength or influence. It describes a state of being sufficiently strong, capable, or empowered to accomplish a particular end.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G1414 (*dynatéō*) appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within the Pauline epistles and, notably, both referring to the power of God.
* **[[Romans 14:4]]**: "Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
* Here, *dynatéō* (ὁ γὰρ κύριος δυνατεῖ στῆσαι αὐτόν) describes God's inherent and active ability to sustain His servant. The context concerns believers' freedom in Christ regarding matters of conscience (e.g., dietary laws, observance of days) and the impropriety of judging one another. Paul asserts that despite human judgment or perceived weakness, the Lord possesses the mighty power to uphold and validate His chosen ones. This usage underscores divine faithfulness and omnipotence as the ultimate guarantor of a believer's standing.
* **[[2 Corinthians 9:8]]**: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
* In this passage, *dynatéō* (δυνατεῖ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς) again refers to God's capacity, specifically His ability to cause "all grace to abound." The context is Paul's instruction on generous giving, assuring the Corinthians that their liberality will not lead to lack. God's power is presented as limitless in His capacity to bestow grace, thereby enabling believers to experience spiritual sufficiency and to be fruitful in good works. This highlights God's inexhaustible ability to provide and empower His people for His purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G1411 (*dúnamis*)**: This is the foundational noun from which *dynatéō* is derived, signifying "power," "strength," or "ability." *Dynatéō* is the verbal expression of possessing or exercising this inherent *dúnamis*.
* **G1415 (*dynatós*)**: The adjective form, meaning "powerful," "able," or "mighty." While *dynatós* describes one who *is* powerful, *dynatéō* is the verb "to be powerful" or "to be mighty," emphasizing the active state.
* **G1410 (*dýnamai*)**: A more common verb meaning "to be able" or "to have power." While closely related, *dynatéō* often conveys a more emphatic sense of being mighty or efficiently capable, suggesting a greater degree of inherent or demonstrated strength than the more general *dýnamai*.
* **Divine Omnipotence**: The exclusive application of *dynatéō* to God in the New Testament strongly reinforces the theological concept of His absolute and unfailing power.
* **Divine Provision (G5485 *cháris*)**: In [[2 Corinthians 9:8]], God's mighty ability (*dynatéō*) is directly linked to His capacity to make all grace abound, demonstrating His power exercised in boundless benevolence and provision.
* **Divine Faithfulness**: God's ability to make His servant stand ([[Romans 14:4]]) speaks to His unwavering faithfulness and commitment to those who belong to Him, ensuring their ultimate security.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1414 (*dynatéō*) is profound, primarily due to its exclusive attribution to God in the New Testament. This word serves as an emphatic declaration of God's absolute and unassailable power. It conveys not merely that God *can* do something, but that He *is mighty* and *is able* in a profound, efficient, and utterly sufficient manner.
In [[Romans 14:4]], *dynatéō* underscores God's sovereignty over His servants and His ultimate authority in their standing before Him. It provides immense comfort and assurance, indicating that human judgment is superseded by God's upholding power. This reinforces the believer's security in Christ, which is grounded not in their own merits or the opinions of others, but in God's unwavering ability to sustain them.
Similarly, in [[2 Corinthians 9:8]], *dynatéō* highlights God's limitless capacity to provide for His people, particularly in the context of generous giving and the furtherance of good works. It assures believers that God's grace is not finite but abounding, enabling them to live lives of spiritual sufficiency and fruitfulness. This speaks powerfully to divine provision and empowerment for all aspects of Christian living and ministry.
The word thus functions as a robust affirmation of God's omnipotence, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and His boundless capacity to bless and sustain them for His holy purposes. It calls believers to place their trust unequivocally in His mighty ability rather than in human strength, wisdom, or resources.
### Summary
G1414 (*dynatéō*) is a Greek verb meaning "to be mighty" or "to be able" in an efficient and powerful sense, derived from the root G1411 (*dúnamis*), "power." Though appearing only twice in the New Testament, its usage carries immense theological weight, as it exclusively describes the inherent and active power of God. In [[Romans 14:4]], *dynatéō* assures believers of God's mighty ability to uphold His servants, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. In [[2 Corinthians 9:8]], it highlights God's boundless capacity to make all grace abound, enabling believers for every good work. *Dynatéō* thus serves as a powerful theological anchor, affirming God's omnipotence, His unwavering commitment to His people, and His inexhaustible provision, thereby inviting absolute trust in His divine strength.
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