### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀσθενέω (asthenéō, `{{G770}}`) is derived from the adjective ἀσθενής (asthenēs, `{{G772}}`), which is itself a compound of the alpha privative ἀ (a-, "not") and σθένος (sthenos, "strength" or "power"). Thus, the fundamental meaning of ἀσθενέω is "to be without strength," "to be weak," or "to be feeble." Its semantic range is remarkably broad, encompassing various forms of weakness:
1. **Physical Weakness:** This is the most common literal sense, referring to sickness, illness, disease, or physical infirmity. It describes a state where the body lacks its usual vigor and capacity.
2. **Moral or Spiritual Weakness:** Beyond the physical, ἀσθενέω can denote a lack of moral fortitude, spiritual maturity, or firmness of conviction. This includes weakness of faith, a compromised conscience, or an inability to resist temptation.
3. **Circumstantial Weakness:** In some contexts, it can refer to a state of being disadvantaged, vulnerable, or lacking in resources or influence.
4. **Inherent Weakness:** It can also describe the inherent limitations or frailty of human nature or of certain systems (like the Old Covenant Law).
The breadth of its usage highlights the pervasive nature of weakness in the human experience, both physically and spiritually.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἀσθενέω appears frequently in the New Testament, offering rich insights into its meaning:
* **Physical Sickness and Healing:** A significant number of occurrences relate to physical illness, often in the context of Jesus's healing ministry. For example, in [[Matthew 10:8]], Jesus empowers His disciples to "heal the sick" (ἀσθενοῦντας θεραπεύετε). Similarly, [[John 4:46]] speaks of a nobleman whose son "was sick" (ἠσθένει). This usage underscores the compassionate aspect of God's interaction with human suffering, as well as the miraculous power of Christ over disease ([[John 5:3]], [[John 6:2]]). The apostle Paul also mentions physical illness, as in [[Philippians 2:27]], where Epaphroditus "was sick" (ἠσθένησεν) almost to death.
* **Spiritual and Moral Frailty:** Paul frequently employs ἀσθενέω to describe various forms of spiritual or moral weakness within the Christian community.
* **Weakness of Faith/Conscience:** In [[Romans 14:1-2]], Paul addresses those "weak in faith" (ἀσθενοῦντα τῇ πίστει), urging stronger believers to receive them without quarreling over disputable matters. This concept is further explored in [[1 Corinthians 8:9-12]], where eating meat offered to idols could cause a "weak conscience" (συνείδησις ἀσθενής) to stumble. Here, ἀσθενέω emphasizes a lack of spiritual robustness or understanding that could lead to sin.
* **Weakness of the Flesh:** In [[Matthew 26:41]], Jesus warns His disciples, "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (ἡ σὰρξ ἀσθενής). This highlights the inherent human susceptibility to temptation and weariness, even when the spirit is willing.
* **Weakness of the Law:** Paul states in [[Romans 8:3]] that "what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh" (τὸ γὰρ ἀδύνατον τοῦ νόμου, ἐν ᾧ ἠσθένει διὰ τῆς σαρκός), God did through sending His own Son. Here, ἀσθενέω describes the Law's inherent inability, due to human sinfulness, to bring about righteousness or salvation.
* **God's Power Perfected in Weakness:** Perhaps the most profound theological use of ἀσθενέω is found in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. In [[2 Corinthians 12:9-10]], God declares to Paul, "My power is perfected in weakness" (ἡ γὰρ δύναμίς μου ἐν ἀσθενείᾳ τελεῖται). Paul then embraces his weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, stating, "for when I am weak, then I am strong" (ὅταν γὰρ ἀσθενῶ, τότε δυνατός εἰμι). This paradoxical statement reveals a core principle of divine operation: God's strength is most clearly demonstrated not through human might, but through human frailty and dependence on Him. Paul's identification with the weak ([[1 Corinthians 9:22]], [[2 Corinthians 11:29]]) further exemplifies this principle.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἀσθενέω is greatly enhanced by examining its linguistic family and conceptual counterparts:
* ἀσθενής (asthenēs, `{{G772}}`): The adjective "weak, sick, feeble." This is the root from which ἀσθενέω is formed.
* ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`): The noun "weakness, infirmity, sickness." This noun frequently appears alongside the verb and further elaborates on the state of being weak, whether physical, moral, or spiritual.
* σθένος (sthenos): The root meaning "strength" or "power," highlighting the privative nature of ἀσθενέω.
* Antonyms include δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`), meaning "power, strength, ability," and ἰσχύς (ischys, `{{G2479}}`), meaning "strength, might." The contrast between human ἀσθένεια and divine δύναμις is central to much New Testament theology.
* Related concepts include: frailty, impotence, infirmity, spiritual immaturity, human limitation, and dependence on God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀσθενέω is profound and multifaceted:
1. **The Paradox of Divine Power:** The most striking theological implication is found in the declaration that God's power is "perfected in weakness" ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]). This reverses human logic, where strength is valued and weakness is avoided. For the believer, ἀσθενέω becomes the very conduit through which the transcendent power of God (δύναμις) is displayed. It fosters humility and absolute reliance on Christ, rather than self-sufficiency.
2. **Christ's Identification with Humanity:** Jesus, though divine, fully embraced human ἀσθένεια during His earthly ministry. He experienced hunger, weariness, and the pain of suffering, ultimately dying a weak and ignominious death on the cross. This identification allows Him to sympathize with our weaknesses ([[Hebrews 4:15]]) and demonstrates God's solidarity with a fallen, frail humanity.
3. **The Nature of the Church and Ministry:** God often chooses the "weak things of the world" (ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου, `{{G772}}`) to shame the strong ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]). This ensures that the glory belongs to God alone, not to human wisdom or might. Paul's ministry was characterized by ἀσθένεια (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 11:29]]), demonstrating that effective ministry flows from God's power working through human limitations.
4. **Call to Compassion and Unity:** The concept of ἀσθενέω in relation to "weak in faith" believers ([[Romans 14:1-2]], [[1 Corinthians 8:9-12]]) underscores the importance of Christian love, forbearance, and unity. Stronger believers are called to bear with the weaknesses of others, prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the community over personal liberties.
5. **The Insufficiency of Human Effort:** The Law's ἀσθένεια ([[Romans 8:3]]) highlights that human effort and adherence to rules cannot achieve righteousness or salvation. This points to the necessity of divine grace and the atoning work of Christ.
### Summary
Ἀσθενέω (asthenéō, `{{G770}}`) fundamentally means "to be without strength" and encompasses physical, moral, and spiritual feebleness. In the New Testament, it frequently describes physical sickness, illustrating both human suffering and the compassionate, miraculous power of Christ. More profoundly, it denotes spiritual weakness, whether of faith, conscience, or the inherent frailty of human nature. Theologically, ἀσθενέω is pivotal in revealing the paradox of God's power, which is "perfected in weakness" ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]). This divine principle calls believers to humility, absolute dependence on God, and a willingness to embrace their limitations as avenues for God's glory. It also underscores the importance of compassion within the Christian community, bearing with the weaknesses of fellow believers, and recognizing that God often chooses the "weak things of the world" to accomplish His purposes, ensuring all glory redounds to Him.
TRV