Bible Dictionary: Ability

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Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

(n.) The quality or state of being able; power to perform, whether physical, moral, intellectual, conventional, or legal; capacity; skill or competence in doing; sufficiency of strength, skill, resources, etc.; -- in the plural, faculty, talent.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ABILITY

a-bil'-i-ti (dunamis, or ischus): Variously used of resources, material, mental and spiritual; e.g. of wealth, "gave after their ability" (Ezra 2:69); of mental endowment, "ability to stand in the king's palace" (Daniel 1:4); of talents and character, "several ability" (Matthew 25:15); of spiritual strength, "minister, as of the ability which God giveth" (the King James Version 1 Peter 4:11). It thus may signify either possessions, native capacity, or gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Greek

1411. dunamis -- (miraculous) power, might, strength
... dunamis Phonetic Spelling: (doo'-nam-is) Short Definition: might, power, marvelous
works Definition: (a) physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1411.htm - 8k

2426. hikanotes -- sufficiency
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: hikanotes Phonetic Spelling:
(hik-an-ot'-ace) Short Definition: sufficiency, ability, power Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2426.htm - 6k

2479. ischus -- strength, might
... Transliteration: ischus Phonetic Spelling: (is-khoos') Short Definition: strength,
power Definition: strength (absolutely), power, might, force, ability. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2479.htm - 7k

1415. dunatos -- strong, mighty, powerful
... Cognate: 1415 (an adjective) -- properly, able, describing what is made possible
because of the (ability) exerted by the subject; " ability or power in ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1415.htm - 7k

2192. echo -- to have, hold
... verb Definition to have, hold NASB Word Usage ability (1), able (1), accompany
(1), acknowledge* (1), am (2), become (1), been (3), being (1), being under (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2192.htm - 11k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... purpose () of our God counting you worthy of the call ?�� even that He may fulfill
(His) every good-pleasure that comes from (His) goodness , in (His) ability ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

419. anexeraunetos -- unsearchable
... out ") -- properly, impossible to fully investigate, no matter how great the effort
(inquiry); (); impossible to discover; , going beyond all human ability . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/419.htm - 7k

2107. eudokia -- good pleasure
... that our God may deem you worthy of the calling, and may fulfill every (2107 , of
God) that comes from (His) goodness and (His) (4102 ), in (His) ability.". ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2107.htm - 7k

2141. euporeo -- to prosper
... From a compound of hetoimazo and the base of poreia; (intransitively) to be good
for passing through, ie (figuratively) have pecuniary means -- ability. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2141.htm - 6k

1743. endunamoo -- to empower
... strong. 1743 (from 1722 "in," which intensifies 1412 , " power-ability") --
properly, to impart (make able); empowered. Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1743.htm - 7k

Topical Bible Verses

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Topicalbible.org

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Topicalbible.org

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 13:22
And when he had removed him, he raised up to them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.
Topicalbible.org

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Topicalbible.org

Strong's Hebrew

3581. koach -- a small reptile (of unknown species)
... 3580, 3581. koach. 3581a . a small reptile (of unknown species). Transliteration:
koach Phonetic Spelling: (ko'-akh) Short Definition: ability. ...
/hebrew/3581.htm - 5k

1767. day -- sufficiency, enough
... root Definition sufficiency, enough NASB Word Usage ability (1), according (1),
annually* (2), each time (2), enough (6), had enough (1), nothing* (1), often (8 ...
/hebrew/1767.htm - 6k

5381. nasag -- to reach, overtake
... ability, be able, attain unto, be able to, can get, lay at, put, reach,. A
primitive root; to reach (literally or figuratively) -- ability ...
/hebrew/5381.htm - 6k

3045. yada -- to know
... root Definition to know NASB Word Usage ability (1), acknowledge (4), acknowledged
(2), acquaintances (5), acquainted (1), aware (6), becomes known (1), bring ...
/hebrew/3045.htm - 8k

8454. tushiyyah -- sound, efficient wisdom, abiding success
... Or tushiyah { too-shee-yaw'}; from an unused root probably meaning to substantiate;
support or (by implication) ability, ie (direct) help, (in purpose) an ...
/hebrew/8454.htm - 6k

3581b. koach -- strength, power
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition strength, power NASB Word Usage ability
(3), able (1), able* (2), force (1), fruit (1), might (4), mightily (1 ...
/hebrew/3581b.htm - 5k

202. on -- vigor, wealth
... Probably from the same as 'aven (in the sense of effort, but successful); ability,
power, (figuratively) wealth -- force, goods, might, strength, substance. ...
/hebrew/202.htm - 6k

Library

Volition and Ability.
... A Treatise on the spirit and the letter, Chapter 53 [XXXI.]"Volition and
Ability. Some one will ask whether the faith itself, in ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 53 xxxi volition and ability.htm

Gracious Ability.
... LECTURE XXXII. GRACIOUS ABILITY. ... Ability to obey God, as we have seen, is the possession
of power adequate to the performance of that which is required. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxii gracious ability.htm

Natural Ability.
... LECTURE XXXI. NATURAL ABILITY. We next proceed to the examination of the question
of man's ability or inability to obey the commandments of God. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxi natural ability.htm

To Each According to his Ability
... V To Each according to his Ability. ... And unto one he gave five talents, to another
two, to another one; to each according to his several ability.'"Matt.25:14 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/v to each according to.htm

To the Best of Our Ability, Therefore, as in a Treatise of this ...
... Chapter LXVII. To the best of our ability, therefore, as in a treatise
of this nature� To the best of our ability, therefore, as ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxvii to the best.htm

In Memory, Understanding [Or Intelligence], and Will, we have to ...
... Book X. Chapter 11."In Memory, Understanding [or Intelligence], and Will, We
Have to Note Ability, Learning, and Use. Memory, Understanding ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 11 in memory understanding or.htm

But Seeing that we have Answered to the Best of Our Ability the ...
... Chapter LI. But seeing that we have answered to the best of our ability
the charges brought� But seeing that we have answered ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter li but seeing that.htm

But I Shall Also Offer, to the Best of My Ability...
... 42 But I shall also offer, to the best of my ability� But I shall also
offer, to the best of my ability, some expositions of the ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/42 but i shall also.htm

But to See the Exceeding Folly of Expecting Ability in Divine ...
... Address 145: But to see the exceeding folly of expecting ability in divine
knowledge� But to see the exceeding folly of expecting ...
/.../address 145 0 0 but to see.htm

And Every one who Imitates Him According to his Ability...
... Chapter XVIII. And every one who imitates Him according to his ability�
And every one who imitates Him according to his ability ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xviii and every one.htm

Thesaurus

Ability (34 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ABILITY. a-bil'-i-ti (dunamis, or ischus):
Variously used of resources, material, mental and spiritual ...
/a/ability.htm - 18k

Power (862 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Ability to act, regarded as latent or inherent; the faculty of doing or
performing something; capacity for action or performance; capability of ...
/p/power.htm - 66k

Talent (16 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) Intellectual ability, natural or acquired; mental endowment or capacity;
skill in accomplishing; a special gift, particularly in business, art, or the ...
/t/talent.htm - 14k

Powers (43 Occurrences)
... Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving
service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.' (WEY ...
/p/powers.htm - 20k

Skill (26 Occurrences)
... and dexterity in execution or performance, or in the application of the art or science
to practical purposes; power to discern and execute; ability to perceive ...
/s/skill.htm - 19k

Cure (28 Occurrences)
... Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving
service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.' (WEY ...
/c/cure.htm - 17k

Miraculous (54 Occurrences)
... Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving
service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.' (WEY ...
/m/miraculous.htm - 20k

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)
... scorpions" (1 Kings 12:14). Rehoboam, however, misjudged the temper of
the people, as well as his own ability. The people, led by ...
/r/rehoboam.htm - 34k

Maccabaeus
... to the throne as Antiochus IV, generally known as Antiochus Epiphanes ("the
Illustrious"), a typical eastern ruler of considerable practical ability, but whose ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Disease (213 Occurrences)
... Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving
service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues ...
/d/disease.htm - 39k

Bible Concordance

Ability (34 Occurrences)

Matthew 18:25 But as he had not ability to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
(WBS)

Matthew 25:15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 2:4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.
(WEB)

Acts 11:29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
(KJV ASV WBS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 12:10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.
(See RSV)

1 Corinthians 12:28 And by God's appointment there are in the Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.'
(WEY)

1 Corinthians 12:30 Have all miraculous powers? Have all ability to cure diseases? Do all speak in 'tongues'? Do all interpret?
(WEY)

2 Corinthians 1:8 For we don't desire to have you uninformed, brothers, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.
(See NIV)

2 Corinthians 8:3 For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
(See NAS NIV)

2 Corinthians 8:11 But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
(WEB ASV NAS)

Hebrews 11:11 By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.
(See NAS)

Genesis 47:6 the land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land cause thy father and thy brethren to dwell -- they dwell in the land of Goshen, and if thou hast known, and there are among them men of ability, then thou hast set them heads over the cattle I have.'
(YLT NIV)

Exodus 18:25 and Moses chooseth men of ability out of all Israel, and maketh them chiefs over the people, heads of thousands, heads of hundreds, heads of fifties, and heads of tens,
(YLT)

Exodus 28:3 You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest's office.
(See RSV)

Exodus 31:3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,
(See RSV NIV)

Exodus 31:6 I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:
(See RSV)

Exodus 35:25 All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen.
(See RSV)

Exodus 35:26 All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats' hair.
(See RSV)

Exodus 35:31 He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
(See RSV NIV)

Exodus 35:34 He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
(See NIV)

Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do any workmanship, and of those who make skillful works.
(See RSV)

Exodus 36:1 "Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom Yahweh has put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Yahweh has commanded."
(See RSV NIV)

Exodus 36:2 Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Yahweh had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it:
(See RSV NIV)

Leviticus 27:8 But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall value him; according to the ability of him who vowed shall the priest value him.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS RSV)

Numbers 14:16 From Jehovah's want of ability to bring in this people unto the land which He hath sworn to them -- He doth slaughter them in the wilderness.
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 8:18 But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth; that he may establish his covenant which he swore to your fathers, as at this day.
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 9:28 lest the land say from which Thou hast brought us out, Because of Jehovah's want of ability to bring them in unto the land of which He hath spoken to them, and because of His hating them, He brought them out to put them to death in the wilderness;
(YLT)

1 Chronicles 26:6 Also to Shemaiah his son were sons born, who ruled over the house of their father; for they were mighty men of valor.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 26:31 Of the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even of the Hebronites, according to their generations by fathers' houses. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty men of valor at Jazer of Gilead.
(See NAS RSV)

1 Chronicles 29:2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for the things of gold, and the silver for the things of silver, and the brass for the things of to be set, stones for inlaid work, and of various colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.
(See NAS)

Nehemiah 5:8 I said to them, We after our ability have redeemed our brothers the Jews, that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us? Then held they their peace, and found never a word.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Ecclesiastes 9:11 And again I saw under the sun that the reward goes not to him who is quick, or the fruits of war to the strong; and there is no bread for the wise, or wealth for men of learning, or respect for those who have knowledge; but time and chance come to all.
(See NAS)

Daniel 1:4 youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Daniel 5:12 because an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Ability

Related Terms

Power (862 Occurrences)

Talent (16 Occurrences)

Powers (43 Occurrences)

Skill (26 Occurrences)

Cure (28 Occurrences)

Miraculous (54 Occurrences)

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)

Maccabaeus

Disease (213 Occurrences)