from Α (as a negative particle) and the base of σθενόω; strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral):--more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἀσθενής (asthenḗs, `{{G772}}`) is a compound word derived from the privative alpha (α-), meaning "not" or "without," and the root of σθένος (sthenos), which signifies "strength" or "vigor." Thus, its core meaning is "strengthless," "powerless," or "lacking in strength."
The semantic range of ἀσθενής is broad, encompassing several key applications:
1. **Physical Weakness/Infirmity:** This is the most common literal sense, referring to sickness, feebleness, or impotence. It describes those who are physically ill or frail.
2. **Moral/Spiritual Weakness:** It can denote a lack of spiritual fortitude, moral resolve, or an inability to resist sin. This includes weakness of conscience or faith.
3. **Societal/Figurative Weakness:** In a broader sense, it can refer to things or persons considered lowly, insignificant, or contemptible by worldly standards, contrasting with what is perceived as strong, wise, or noble.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἀσθενής appears frequently in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Pauline Epistles, illuminating various facets of human weakness and divine power.
In the Gospels, ἀσθενής often describes those suffering from physical ailments whom Jesus healed. For instance, Jesus commands His disciples to "heal the sick" (τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς) in [[Luke 10:9]]. Similarly, the crowds bring "all who were sick" (πάντας τοὺς ἀσθενεῖς) to the apostles for healing in [[Acts 5:16]]. This highlights Jesus' and the apostles' ministry of compassion and power over physical infirmity.
Paul employs ἀσθενής extensively to develop profound theological truths:
* **Weakness of the Law:** In [[Romans 8:3]], Paul states that the Law was "weak through the flesh" (ἀσθενὲς διὰ τῆς σαρκός). Here, ἀσθενής describes the Law's inability to empower humanity to overcome sin, not due to any inherent flaw in the Law itself, but because of humanity's fallen nature.
* **Weakness of Conscience:** A significant use is found in discussions about Christian liberty and conscience. Paul refers to believers with a "weak faith" or "weak conscience" (ἀσθενῆ τῇ πίστει) regarding matters like eating meat sacrificed to idols ([[Romans 14:1]], [[1 Corinthians 8:7]], [[1 Corinthians 8:10]], [[1 Corinthians 8:11]]). The "weak" here are not morally inferior but are those whose conscience is not yet fully robust in understanding Christian freedom, leading them to stumble. The "strong" are exhorted to accommodate the "weak" rather than cause them to fall.
* **Christ's Weakness and Strength:** Paul speaks paradoxically of Christ being "crucified in weakness" (ἐκ ἀσθενείας) yet now living by God's power ([[2 Corinthians 13:4]]). This emphasizes Christ's identification with human frailty in His suffering, which ultimately led to divine triumph.
* **God's Choice of the Weak:** Perhaps most famously, Paul declares that God chose "the weak things of the world" (τὰ ἀσθενῆ τοῦ κόσμου) to shame the strong ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]). This profound statement underscores God's wisdom and power, which often operate contrary to human expectations, elevating the humble and confounding the proud.
* **Paul's Own Weakness:** Paul frequently refers to his own physical or personal weaknesses, notably his "thorn in the flesh," where he learns that God's "power is made perfect in weakness" ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]). This demonstrates a spiritual principle where human inadequacy becomes the canvas for divine strength.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἀσθενής is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual counterparts:
* **ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`):** The noun form, meaning "weakness," "infirmity," or "sickness." This noun often appears in contexts mirroring the adjective, such as physical ailments or spiritual deficiencies.
* **ἀσθενέω (astheneō, `{{G770}}`):** The verb form, meaning "to be weak," "to be sick," or "to be infirm." It describes the state or action of being weak.
* **δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`):** "Power," "might," or "ability." This word often stands in direct contrast to ἀσθενής, highlighting the paradox that God's power is revealed through human weakness.
* **ἰσχύς (ischys, `{{G2479}}`):** Another term for "strength" or "force," often used in a physical or inherent sense.
* **σθένος (sthenos):** The root from which ἀσθενής is formed, meaning "strength" or "might."
* **Concepts:** The word intersects with theological concepts such as suffering, humility, dependence on God, divine election, the paradox of the cross, and the nature of the church as a body comprising both "strong" and "weak" members.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀσθενής is profound and multifaceted, particularly in Pauline theology:
1. **Divine Power Perfected in Weakness:** This is arguably the most central theological insight. God's strength is not limited by human frailty but is, in fact, most gloriously displayed through it ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]). This challenges human notions of power and success, redirecting focus to divine sufficiency.
2. **Christ's Solidarity with Humanity:** Christ's willingness to embrace "weakness" (incarnation, crucifixion) demonstrates His profound identification with humanity in its fallen, helpless state ([[Romans 5:6]], [[2 Corinthians 13:4]]). He became weak to redeem the weak.
3. **The Church's Call to Compassion:** The discussions in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 highlight the ethical imperative for "strong" believers to bear with the "weak," exercising love and self-sacrifice rather than asserting their rights. This fosters unity and mutual edification within the body of Christ.
4. **God's Counter-Cultural Wisdom:** By choosing the "weak things of the world" to accomplish His purposes ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]), God demonstrates His sovereign wisdom that subverts human pride and worldly wisdom. This underscores that salvation is entirely by grace and not by human merit or strength.
5. **The Necessity of Grace:** The Law's "weakness" ([[Romans 8:3]]) underscores humanity's utter inability to achieve righteousness through self-effort. This highlights the indispensable need for God's grace and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit through Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word ἀσθενής (asthenḗs, `{{G772}}`) fundamentally means "strengthless" or "without strength." Its semantic range extends from literal physical sickness and feebleness to spiritual inadequacy, moral weakness, and even societal lowliness. In the New Testament, it vividly portrays the human condition of dependence, whether due to illness, a developing conscience, or a position of perceived insignificance in the world. Theologically, ἀσθενής serves as a crucial canvas upon which God's power is most strikingly displayed. It underscores the profound truth that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, that Christ identified with humanity's frailty to bring redemption, and that God deliberately chooses the "weak things" of the world to accomplish His purposes and shame the strong. The concept also calls believers to compassionate care for the "weak" within the Christian community, emphasizing unity and selfless love.
TRV