### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **asthéneia**, represented by `{{G769}}`, denotes feebleness of mind or body, malady, and moral frailty. It is translated as **disease**, **infirmity**, **sickness**, or **weakness**. The term appears **24 times** across **23 unique verses**, highlighting its significance in describing the human condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G769}}` is used in multiple contexts. It describes physical ailments, such as the woman with a "spirit of **infirmity**" for eighteen years [[Luke 13:11]] and the man at the pool who had an **infirmity** for thirty-eight years [[John 5:5]]. The word also signifies moral and spiritual frailty, as when Paul speaks "after the manner of men because of the **infirmity** of your flesh" [[Romans 6:19]]. Most notably, it is presented as a condition in which God's power is perfected. Paul declares he will glory in his **infirmities**, so that the power of Christ may rest upon him [[2 Corinthians 12:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the concept of weakness and its divine response:
* `{{G770}}` **asthenéō** (to be feeble): The verb form of `{{G769}}`, it describes the state of being weak. Paul connects this state directly to finding strength in Christ, stating, "when I am **weak**, then am I strong" [[2 Corinthians 12:10]].
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (force; specially, miraculous power): This term for power or strength often appears in contrast to `{{G769}}`. God’s **strength** is "made perfect in weakness" [[2 Corinthians 12:9]].
* `{{G2323}}` **therapeúō** (to relieve (of disease)): This word for healing is often the divine answer to infirmity. Many women followed Jesus who had been **healed** of evil spirits and **infirmities** [[Luke 8:2]].
* `{{G4834}}` **sympathéō** (to feel "sympathy" with): This term describes how Christ relates to human weakness. He is a high priest who can be "touched with the feeling of our **infirmities**" [[Hebrews 4:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G769}}` is significant, touching on core doctrines of sin, Christology, and divine power.
* **The Human Condition:** **Asthéneia** represents the comprehensive frailty of humanity after the fall, encompassing physical sickness, moral weakness, and spiritual helplessness. Paul uses the "infirmity of your flesh" to explain why he must speak in simple terms about yielding to righteousness [[Romans 6:19]].
* **Christ's Atoning Work:** Jesus is portrayed as the one who directly confronts human weakness. He "took our **infirmities**, and bare our sicknesses" [[Matthew 8:17]], and a high priest must be one who can "have compassion on the ignorant" because he himself is "compassed with **infirmity**" [[Hebrews 5:2]].
* **The Paradox of God's Power:** Scripture repeatedly frames weakness not as a liability but as the context for God's power. Christ's strength is perfected in our **weakness** [[2 Corinthians 12:9]]. The body is sown in **weakness** but raised in power [[1 Corinthians 15:43]]. Believers who were in **weakness** were "made strong" [[Hebrews 11:34]].
* **Christ's Example:** Even Christ was "crucified through **weakness**," yet lives by the power of God [[2 Corinthians 13:4]], providing a pattern for believers who are weak in Him but will live by God's power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G769}}` is a crucial term that extends beyond simple physical sickness. It encapsulates the complete scope of human frailty—physical, moral, and spiritual. Rather than being a state to be despised, the Bible presents this **infirmity** as the very stage upon which Christ’s empathy [[Hebrews 4:15]], healing [[Luke 5:15]], and perfecting power are most brilliantly displayed [[2 Corinthians 12:9]].
TRV