Definition and Scope:
Capability refers to the power or ability to do something, encompassing both natural talents and acquired skills. In a biblical context, capability is often seen as a gift from God, enabling individuals to fulfill their God-given purposes and responsibilities. It involves the stewardship of one's abilities and resources for the glory of God and the service of others.

Biblical Foundations:
The Bible presents capability as a divine endowment, with God as the ultimate source of all abilities. In Exodus 31:3, God says of Bezalel, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship." This passage highlights that capabilities are often linked with the Spirit of God, who empowers individuals for specific tasks.

Parable of the Talents:
A key biblical illustration of capability is found in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money, expecting them to use their capabilities to increase what they have been given. The servants who wisely invest their talents are rewarded, while the one who buries his talent is reprimanded. This parable underscores the expectation that individuals should actively use and develop their capabilities.

Spiritual Gifts:
The New Testament further elaborates on the concept of capability through the discussion of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." Here, capabilities are seen as diverse gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church.

Human Responsibility and Divine Enablement:
While capabilities are God-given, there is a human responsibility to cultivate and utilize them. Philippians 2:13 states, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This verse highlights the synergy between divine enablement and human effort. Believers are called to work diligently, trusting that God empowers them to accomplish His purposes.

Examples of Capability in Scripture:
Several biblical figures exemplify the use of capability. Joseph, for instance, demonstrates administrative and leadership skills in managing Egypt's resources during a famine (Genesis 41:39-41). Similarly, Daniel's capability in interpreting dreams and visions sets him apart in the Babylonian court (Daniel 1:17, 6:3).

Moral and Ethical Implications:
The Bible also addresses the ethical use of capabilities. In 1 Peter 4:10, believers are instructed, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This directive emphasizes that capabilities should be used selflessly and for the benefit of others, reflecting God's love and grace.

Conclusion:
Capability, as presented in the Bible, is a multifaceted concept involving divine gifting, human responsibility, and ethical stewardship. It calls believers to recognize their God-given abilities, develop them diligently, and employ them in service to God and others.1. (n.) The quality of being capable; capacity; capableness; esp. intellectual power or ability.

2. (n.) Capacity of being used or improved.

2428. chayil -- strength, efficiency, wealth, army
... Word Origin from chul Definition strength, efficiency, wealth, army NASB Word Usage
able (5), armies (3), army (82), army* (1), capability (1), capable (3 ...
/hebrew/2428.htm - 6k

On the Power or Capability of God I.
... DISPUTATION XXII ON THE POWER OR CAPABILITY OF GOD I. When entering on
the consideration of the power or capability of God, as we ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxii on the power.htm

On the Vocation of Sinners to Communion with Christ, and to a ...
... 4. Internal vocation is granted even to those who do not comply with the call.5.
All unregenerate persons have freedom of will, and a capability of resisting ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on the vocation of sinners.htm

On the Creation, and Chiefly that of Man
... to God, to Adam, and to the truth itself, it may be said, that in his primeval state
Adam neither received or possessed a Proximate capability of understanding ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on the creation and chiefly.htm

On Magistracy
... In him must be considered power purely free and independent, the best will, and
the greatest capability, as the principles of its institution and preservation. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 25 on magistracy.htm

Whether, if Man had not Sinned, God Would have Become Incarnate?
... Reply to Objection 3: A double capability may be remarked in human nature: one,
in respect of the order of natural power, and this is always fulfilled by God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether if man had not.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... But a hindrance is placed either on the power, on the capability, or on the will,
of a rational creature. ... (2.) On the capability also an impediment is placed. ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

A Nightly Prayer. 1831.
... who hast in thy free communicative goodness glorified me with the capability of
knowing thee, the one only absolute Good, the eternal I Am, as the author of my ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/a nightly prayer 1831.htm

Studied Ambiguity of Plato.
... For the creator creates the creature by his own capability and power, being in need
of nothing else; but the fashioner frames his production when he has ...
/.../chapter xxii studied ambiguity of plato.htm

Divine Love, the Principle of all Good.
... The divine action regards only the goodwill; the capability of the other faculties
does not attract it, nor does the want of capability repel it. ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section ix divine love the principle.htm

Pomerius
... also with it the original sin of the first man, fifth, a review of the fourth book
of the discussion, [2752] and an inquiry as to what is the capability of the ...
/.../jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter xcviii pomerius.htm

Capability (1 Occurrence)
... intellectual power or ability. 2. (n.) Capacity of being used or improved.
Multi-Version Concordance Capability (1 Occurrence). 1 ...
/c/capability.htm - 7k

Capable (10 Occurrences)

/c/capable.htm - 10k

Use (620 Occurrences)
... for a book. 3. (vt) Yielding of service; advantage derived; capability
of being used; usefulness; utility. 4. (vt) Continued or ...
/u/use.htm - 8k

Jurisdiction (4 Occurrences)
... In the New Testament it means right, authority, capability (Romans 9:21);
power, strength (Matthew 9:8); right and might (John 5:27). ...
/j/jurisdiction.htm - 9k

Receipt (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of receiving; reception. 2. (n.) Reception, as an act of hospitality.
3. (n.) Capability of receiving; capacity. 4. (n.) Place of receiving. ...
/r/receipt.htm - 8k

Deceivableness (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Capability of deceiving. 2. (n.) Liability to
be deceived or misled; as, the deceivableness of a child. Int. ...
/d/deceivableness.htm - 9k

Death (1610 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The cessation of all vital phenomena without
capability of resuscitation, either in animals or plants. ...
/d/death.htm - 68k

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

Perception (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) The quality, state, or capability, of being affected by something
external; sensation; sensibility. 4. (n.) An idea; a notion. ...
/p/perception.htm - 7k

Capacity (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The power of receiving and holding ideas, knowledge, etc.; the
comprehensiveness of the mind; the receptive faculty; capability of understanding ...
/c/capacity.htm - 8k

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