Understanding δυνατός (dynatos) Strong’s G1415: The Divine Power that Makes All Things Possible with God

Pronunciation Guide: doo-nat-OS (emphasis on final syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1415: δυνατός (dynatos) describes that which possesses power, ability, or capability. It fundamentally refers to something or someone who has the inherent capacity to accomplish what they intend. When applied to God, it expresses His omnipotence—the unlimited power by which He can do anything consistent with His nature. When used of humans, it indicates capability, strength, or influence resulting from either natural ability or divine enablement.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root Word: Derived from δύναμαι (dynamai, “to be able, to have power”)
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Appears in narrative, teaching, and theological passages, especially in contexts discussing God’s attributes, human capabilities, salvation, and spiritual warfare
• Semantic Field: Power, ability, strength, capability, possibility

δυνατός Morphology:

• δυνατός (masculine nominative singular) – powerful, able
• δυνατοῦ (masculine genitive singular) – of the powerful one
• δυνατῷ (masculine dative singular) – to/with the powerful one
• δυνατόν (masculine accusative singular) – the powerful one
• δυνατοί (masculine nominative plural) – powerful ones
• δυνατῶν (masculine genitive plural) – of the powerful ones
• δυνατοῖς (masculine dative plural) – to/with the powerful ones
• δυνατούς (masculine accusative plural) – the powerful ones

Origin & History

The concept of δυνατός has deep roots in classical Greek literature. In Homer’s works, particularly the Iliad and Odyssey (8th-7th century BCE), the term described physical strength and capability in battle. Herodotus (5th century BCE) expanded its usage to indicate political power and influence. By the time of Plato and Aristotle, the concept evolved to include intellectual capability and moral strength.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δυνατός became a significant term translating Hebrew words like גִּבּוֹר (gibbor, “mighty one”) and חָזָק (chazaq, “strong”). It notably appears in descriptions of God as “El Gibbor” (Mighty God) in passages like Isaiah 9:6. The concept was further developed in intertestamental Jewish literature, particularly in the writings of Philo of Alexandria, who used δυνατός when discussing God’s unlimited creative power and sovereignty over creation.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Inherent Capacity – The intrinsic ability to accomplish something; the raw potentiality that exists within a person or being
• Divine Omnipotence – When applied to God, it expresses His unlimited power and sovereignty over all creation
• Human Capability – When describing people, it indicates exceptional skill, influence, or strength in a particular area
• Logical Possibility – The state of being logically possible or feasible within established parameters
• Military or Political Power – The capacity to exercise authority, control, or influence over others

δυνατός Translation Options:

• Powerful – Emphasizes the possession of strength or force, particularly appropriate when δυνατός describes God’s ability to accomplish His purposes
• Able/Capable – Highlights competence and qualification, most suitable when describing human abilities or skills
• Mighty – Captures both physical strength and moral authority, often preferred in doxological or worship contexts
• Possible – Used when δυνατός appears in the neuter form (δυνατόν) discussing what can or cannot be done
• Influential – Appropriate when δυνατός refers to individuals with social, political, or spiritual authority

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δυνατός appears 35 times with notable concentration in Paul’s epistles (16 occurrences) and the Gospels (9 occurrences). Its first appearance is in Matthew 19:26, where Jesus declares that “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are δυνατά (possible),” establishing a critical theological framework for understanding divine omnipotence in relation to human limitations.

The term carries significant theological weight in Romans, where Paul uses it in pivotal passages about God’s power to fulfill His promises (Romans 4:21), save completely (Romans 11:23), and establish believers (Romans 16:25). In the Septuagint, δυνατός frequently translates Hebrew expressions of God’s might, particularly in Psalms and prophetic literature, reinforcing the concept of Yahweh as the Almighty One who accomplishes His sovereign purposes.

• “Looking at them, Jesus said, ‘With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are δυνατά (possible)** with God.” Mark 10:27
• “And He was saying, ‘Abba! Father! All things are δυνατά (possible)** for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.'” Mark 14:36
• “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are δυνατά (mighty).**” 1 Corinthians 1:18, 27
• “For though He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you. Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test. Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are δυνατοί (strong)**; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.” 2 Corinthians 13:4-9
• “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord… Now to Him who is δυνατῷ (able)** to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ.” Romans 8:38-39; 16:25
• “And God is δυνατός (able)** to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
• “Now to Him who is δυνατῷ (able)** to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, δυνατός carried significant political and social connotations. The term οἱ δυνατοί (“the powerful ones”) was used to describe the elite ruling class who possessed military might, political authority, and socioeconomic control. This cultural backdrop enhances our understanding of passages like 1 Corinthians 1:26, where Paul notes that “not many were powerful” among the early Christians, highlighting how the Messiah’s kingdom inverted conventional power structures.

The Jewish concept of divine capability also profoundly influenced the New Testament’s use of δυνατός. In rabbinical literature, particularly in Midrashic interpretations, God’s omnipotence was expressed through the Hebrew phrase “אין דבר בלתי אפשרי לה׳” (ein davar bilti efshari laHashem), meaning “nothing is impossible for the Lord.” This concept finds direct parallel in Jesus’ declaration in Matthew 19:26 that “with God all things are δυνατά.” Thus, when Jesus used this terminology, He was directly claiming the divine attribute of omnipotence that Jewish audiences would have recognized as belonging exclusively to יהוה (Yahweh).

Theological Significance

The concept of δυνατός forms a cornerstone of biblical theology, particularly in its articulation of God’s omnipotence. Unlike pagan conceptions of divine power that were often capricious or limited, biblical δυνατός reveals a God whose power is perfect, purposeful, and aligned with His holy character. This is critically important—God’s omnipotence does not mean He can do anything imaginable (such as sin or contradict His nature), but rather that He can accomplish everything consistent with His perfect will and character. This understanding resolves apparent paradoxes such as “Can God create a stone He cannot lift?” by recognizing that omnipotence operates within the bounds of logical coherence and divine nature.

The Messianic application of δυνατός revolutionizes our understanding of power. In the person of Jesus, we see divine power (δυνατός) paradoxically expressed through apparent weakness—culminating in the cross, where God’s power is revealed through sacrificial love rather than domination. Paul captures this paradox in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where divine strength is made perfect in human weakness. This represents a profound theological inversion where true power is revealed not in self-exaltation but in kenotic self-giving love. Through the Messiah, we discover that God’s omnipotence (δυνατός) finds its ultimate expression not in coercive force but in transformative grace that resurrects life from death, creates righteousness from sin, and establishes eternal glory from temporal suffering.

Personal Application

When we grasp the true meaning of δυνατός, it revolutionizes our understanding of both God’s capability and our limitations. The declaration that “with God all things are possible” should not be misappropriated as a spiritual formula for getting whatever we desire. Rather, it invites us into a transformative relationship with the omnipotent God who accomplishes His redemptive purposes even when—and perhaps especially when—human resources and abilities fail. This understanding cultivates genuine faith that trusts not in our strength but in God’s unlimited capacity to fulfill His promises.

In practical terms, embracing biblical δυνατός means relinquishing self-reliance and acknowledging our dependence on divine power. When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges—whether persistent sin, relational brokenness, physical illness, or circumstances beyond our control—we can rest in the confidence that the same power that raised the Messiah from the dead is at work within us (Ephesians 1:19-20). This doesn’t guarantee ease or immediate resolution, but it does assure us that God’s redemptive purposes cannot be thwarted by human limitation, systemic evil, or personal weakness. Living in light of δυνατός means walking in the paradoxical strength-in-weakness that characterized Jesus’ ministry and continues to mark authentic discipleship today.

Related Words

• δύναμις (dynamis, “power”) – While δυνατός describes the potential or ability to do something, δύναμις refers to power in action or operation; the manifestation of capability rather than the capability itself. In the New Testament, it often describes miraculous power or divine energy at work. See G1411
• ἐξουσία (exousia, “authority”) – Where δυνατός indicates inherent capability, ἐξουσία refers specifically to delegated or rightful authority—the permission or right to exercise power. It emphasizes legitimacy and jurisdiction rather than raw strength. See G1849
• ἰσχύς (ischys, “strength”) – This term emphasizes physical strength, endurance, or might, particularly bodily power or force. While δυνατός can encompass multiple dimensions of capability, ἰσχύς typically focuses on raw, muscular strength or capacity. See G2479
• κράτος (kratos, “might”) – This word emphasizes dominion, might, or manifested power, particularly in overcoming resistance. While δυνατός is the potential for power, κράτος is often the visible demonstration or exercise of that power. See G2904
• ἐνεργής (energēs, “active, effective”) – Related to our English word “energy,” this term describes something that is operative, effective, or actively producing results. While δυνατός is capability, ἐνεργής is the active operation or effectiveness of that capability. See G1756

Did you Know?

• The English word “dynamite” derives from the same Greek root (δύναμις) as δυνατός, though with an important distinction. When Alfred Nobel invented dynamite in 1867, he drew on the Greek concept of power. However, Bible scholars caution against using this modern invention as an illustration for God’s power in Scripture, as dynamite is destructive and uncontrolled, while divine δυνατός is constructive and precisely directed according to God’s wisdom. Despite this etymological connection, the divine power described by δυνατός is more analogous to the sustaining force that holds atoms together than to explosive force that tears them apart.
• In ancient Greek military contexts, οἱ δυνατοί (hoi dynatoi, “the capable ones”) referred to elite soldiers or commanders who possessed exceptional tactical skills and leadership capabilities. Understanding this usage adds depth to New Testament passages like Acts 25:5, where the term describes influential Jewish leaders who were capable of bringing formal charges against Paul before Roman authorities. The Roman military system highly valued such capability (δυνατός) and developed sophisticated methods to identify and promote individuals who demonstrated this quality in increasingly complex situations.
• The Septuagint’s use of δυνατός to translate Hebrew descriptions of God as גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) occurs most famously in Isaiah 9:6, where the promised Messiah is called אֵל גִּבּוֹר (El Gibbor, “Mighty God”). This messianic prophecy finds its fulfillment in Jesus’ demonstration of divine power through His miraculous ministry and resurrection. When first-century Jewish readers encountered descriptions of Jesus as δυνατός, they would have recognized the deliberate connection to Old Testament prophecies about the divine nature of the coming Messiah, reinforcing the New Testament’s presentation of Jesus as the incarnate God who possesses all divine attributes including omnipotence.

Remember This

δυνατός reveals that genuine power is not about domination but transformation—not forcing our will upon others but surrendering to God’s will, through which He accomplishes what human effort alone never could, making the impossible possible through His boundless love and unlimited capability.