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G1415 · Greek · New Testament
δυνατός
dynatos
Adjective
Powerful/able/possible

Definition

The Greek dynatos means powerful, able, mighty, or possible. It describes someone or something that has the dynamis (power) to accomplish what they intend. Applied to God, it is one of the most sweeping affirmations of divine omnipotence in Scripture.

Usage & Theological Significance

Dynatos anchors some of Scripture's most hope-sustaining declarations. When Mary sings the Magnificat — 'the Mighty One (dynatos) has done great things for me' (Luke 1:49) — she is not just praising God's general power but the specific, personal, impossible-made-possible power of the Incarnation. When Jesus declares 'with God all things are possible (dynata)' (Matthew 19:26), He is not offering a vague optimism but a theological statement: God's power transcends all human impossibility. Romans 4:21 attributes Abraham's faith to being 'fully convinced that God had power (dynatos) to do what he had promised.' This is the grammar of biblical faith: God's dynatos character becomes the ground of our confidence when circumstances scream impossibility.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me — holy is his name.
Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'
Romans 4:21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.

Related Words

External Resources

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