Pronunciation Guide: ah-DOO-nah-tos

Basic Definition

Strong’s G102: ἀδύνατος (adunatos) describes that which is impossible, powerless, or unable. In its most straightforward sense, it denotes inability or incapacity, whether of persons or things. When used of persons, it can mean “without strength” or “impotent,” while when applied to things, it frequently means “impossible” or “unable to be done.”

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Compound word: from ἀ- (a-) “not” + δυνατός (dunatos) “powerful, possible”
• Used primarily in narrative and teaching passages
• Appears in both personal and impersonal constructions
• Common in philosophical and theological contexts

ἀδύνατος Morphology:

• ἀδύνατος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – impossible, powerless
• ἀδύνατον (nominative/accusative singular neuter) – impossible thing
• ἀδυνάτου (genitive singular) – of the impossible
• ἀδυνάτῳ (dative singular) – to/for the impossible
• ἀδύνατοι (nominative plural) – powerless ones

Origin & History

The term ἀδύνατος has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it appeared frequently in philosophical works. Plato used it in his “Republic” to discuss impossibilities in nature and human capability. Aristotle employed it extensively in his logical works, particularly in “Prior Analytics,” where he discussed the nature of possibility and impossibility in logical reasoning.

In secular Greek usage, the word often carried a sense of futility or helplessness. However, its meaning evolved beyond mere physical impossibility to encompass moral and philosophical impossibilities. The historian Thucydides used it to describe political and military situations that were “impossible” to resolve through conventional means.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical impossibility or incapacity
• Natural inability or powerlessness
• Legal or moral impossibility
• Logical impossibility
• Situational impracticality

ἀδύνατος Translation Options:

• “Impossible” – Most common translation, especially when describing situations beyond human capability
• “Powerless” – When referring to personal inability or weakness
• “Unable” – When describing incapacity to perform specific actions
• “Impotent” – In contexts of complete inability to act or effect change
• “Incapable” – When referring to inherent limitations

Biblical Usage of ἀδύνατος

The word ἀδύνατος appears at pivotal moments in Scripture, often contrasting human limitation with divine omnipotence. Its first appearance in Matthew 19:26 sets the theological tone, where Jesus declares that what is impossible with men is possible with God. This creates a powerful theological framework for understanding human limitation in light of divine capability.

The term appears significantly in Hebrews, where it plays a crucial role in the author’s argument about the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice. In Hebrews 6:18, it emphasizes the impossibility of God lying, highlighting His absolute truthfulness.

Key appearances include:

• “With men this is impossible [ἀδύνατος], but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
• “For it is impossible [ἀδύνατος] for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” Hebrews 10:4
• “And without faith it is impossible [ἀδύνατος] to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6
• “It is impossible [ἀδύνατος] for God to lie.” Hebrews 6:18
• “For what the Law could not do [ἀδύνατος], weak as it was through the flesh.” Romans 8:3

Cultural Insights into ἀδύνατος

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of impossibility was deeply tied to fate and the limitations of human nature. The Stoics, in particular, developed sophisticated philosophical arguments about what was truly impossible versus what was merely difficult. This cultural background illuminates the radical nature of Jesus’s teaching about God’s ability to do the impossible.

The Jewish concept of divine omnipotence provided a striking contrast to Greek philosophical notions of impossibility. While Greek thought often focused on natural and logical impossibilities, Jewish theology emphasized יהוה (Yahweh)’s unlimited power to act beyond natural constraints, as demonstrated in the Exodus narratives and prophetic literature.

Theological Significance of ἀδύνατος

The theological implications of ἀδύνατος are profound, particularly in how it reveals the relationship between divine and human capability. When Scripture declares something “impossible,” it often serves to highlight God’s unique ability to transcend natural limitations. This creates a beautiful paradox where human impossibility becomes the stage for displaying divine possibility.

In soteriology, the term plays a crucial role in explaining humanity’s complete inability to achieve salvation through its own efforts, while simultaneously pointing to God’s provision of salvation through the Messiah. This usage appears most prominently in discussions of the law’s inability to save (Romans 8:3) and the necessity of divine intervention for salvation.

Personal Application

When we encounter our own limitations and impossibilities, ἀδύνατος reminds us that these boundaries are not final but rather opportunities for God’s power to be displayed. Just as the rich young ruler faced an impossible situation in Matthew 19, we too face circumstances that exceed our human capacity.

This understanding should drive us to deeper dependence on God, recognizing that our impossibilities are precisely where His possibilities begin. It encourages us to pray with greater faith, knowing that what we cannot do, He can.

Related to ἀδύνατος

• δυνατός (dunatos) [doo-nah-TOS] – possible, powerful, mighty; direct antonym highlighting God’s ability. See G1415
• ἀσθενής (asthenes) [as-then-ACE] – weak, sick; focuses on physical weakness rather than impossibility. See G772
• ἀμήχανος (amechanos) [ah-MAY-khan-os] – helpless, without resources; emphasizes practical impossibility. See G275
• ἄπορος (aporos) [A-por-os] – perplexed, at a loss; relates to mental impossibility or confusion. See G639

Did you Know?

• The word ἀδύνατος appears in ancient medical texts to describe incurable conditions, making Jesus’s healing miracles even more significant in their cultural context.
• In classical Greek mathematics, ἀδύνατος was used to describe logical impossibilities, such as squaring the circle, showing how the term bridged practical and theoretical impossibility.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀδύνατος, but it has evolved to also mean “thin” or “weak,” showing how language can shift from abstract impossibility to physical manifestations of inability.

Remember This

ἀδύνατος marks the boundary where human limitation meets divine intervention, reminding us that our impossibilities are merely the starting point of God’s possibilities.