The term "incapable" refers to the lack of ability, power, or means to accomplish something. In the context of the Bible, the concept of being incapable often highlights human limitations in contrast to God's omnipotence and sufficiency. The Scriptures frequently underscore the idea that while humans are limited and often incapable on their own, reliance on God provides strength and capability.

Human Incapability and Sin

The Bible teaches that all humans are inherently incapable of achieving righteousness on their own due to the fallen nature of humanity. Romans 3:23 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse emphasizes the universal incapability of humans to meet God's standards of holiness without divine intervention. The incapability to attain righteousness through the law is further highlighted in Romans 8:3: "For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin."

Dependence on God

The Scriptures encourage believers to recognize their own limitations and to depend on God's strength. Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse illustrates the transformative power of Christ in enabling believers to overcome their inherent incapabilities. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 records the Apostle Paul’s acknowledgment of his weaknesses and God’s response: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Paul concludes, "For when I am weak, then I am strong," indicating that human incapability is an opportunity for God's power to be displayed.

Incapability in Understanding God's Ways

The Bible also speaks to the human incapability of fully comprehending God's ways and thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 states, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage reminds believers of the vast difference between human understanding and divine wisdom, urging them to trust in God's perfect plan despite their limited perspective.

Incapability and Faith

Faith is presented as the means by which believers can transcend their incapabilities. Hebrews 11:6 asserts, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith, therefore, becomes the channel through which believers can access God's power and promises, overcoming their natural limitations.

Conclusion

The concept of being incapable serves as a reminder of human limitations and the necessity of divine assistance. The Bible consistently points to God as the source of strength and capability, encouraging believers to rely on Him in all aspects of life. Through faith and dependence on God, believers can transcend their inherent incapabilities and fulfill the purposes He has set before them.1. (a.) Wanting in ability or qualification for the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold; deficient in physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not capable; as, incapable of holding a certain quantity of liquid; incapable of endurance, of comprehension, of perseverance, of reform, etc.

2. (a.) Not capable of being brought to do or perform, because morally strong or well disposed; -- used with reference to some evil; as, incapable of wrong, dishonesty, or falsehood.

3. (a.) Not in a state to receive; not receptive; not susceptible; not able to admit; as, incapable of pain, or pleasure; incapable of stain or injury.

4. (a.) Unqualified or disqualified, in a legal sense; as, a man under thirty-five years of age is incapable of holding the office of president of the United States; a person convicted on impeachment is thereby made incapable of holding an office of profit or honor under the government.

5. (a.) As a term of disgrace, sometimes annexed to a sentence when an officer has been cashiered and rendered incapable of serving his country.

6. (n.) One who is morally or mentally weak or inefficient; an imbecile; a simpleton.

551. apeirastos -- untried, untempted
... untempted. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: apeirastos Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-i'-ras-tos) Short Definition: untried, inexperienced, incapable of being ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/551.htm - 7k

102. adunatos -- unable, powerless
... unable, powerless. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: adunatos Phonetic
Spelling: (ad-oo'-nat-os) Short Definition: incapable, impossible Definition: of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/102.htm - 6k

3808. lo -- not
... 1), disregarded* (1), except (1), failed* (1), false* (1), futile* (1), gone (1),
ignorant* (1), illiterate* (1), impotent* (1), incapable* (1), indeed (2 ...
/hebrew/3808.htm - 7k

3201. yakol -- to be able, have power
... able (41), able at all (1), allowed (4), can (15), can i endure (2), can do (1),
cannot* (47), could (41), endure (3), had your way (1), incapable* (1), may (1 ...
/hebrew/3201.htm - 6k

Writing iv. Nor Indeed is this Incapable of Proof, Neither is it a ...
... Writing IV. Nor indeed is this incapable of proof, neither is it a rash conjecture.?
Nor indeed is this incapable of proof, neither is it a rash conjecture. ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/writing iv nor indeed is.htm

With Respect to the Question, "How is He Incapable of Persuading ...
... Chapter LVII. With respect to the question, "How is he incapable of persuading
and admonishing men?" it? With respect to the question ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lvii with respect to.htm

It was Christ that Died the Father is Incapable of Suffering ...
... Chapter XXIX."It Was Christ that Died The Father is Incapable of Suffering Either
Solely or with Another. ... Now if the Father is incapable of suffering, He. ...
/.../tertullian/against praxeas/chapter xxix it was christ that.htm

Are we Then So Corrupt that we are Wholly Incapable of Doing any ...
... Lord's Day 3 Question 8 Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly incapable
of doing any good, and inclined to all wickedness? Are ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 8 are we then.htm

But of this we Should have Been Wholly Incapable...
... BOOK I. Chapter 11. But of this we should have been wholly incapable?
11. But of this we should have been wholly incapable, had ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 11 but of this.htm

The True Doctrine. Creation Out of Nothing, of God's Lavish Bounty ...
... Section 3. The true doctrine. Creation out of nothing, of God's lavish bounty of
being. Man created above the rest, but incapable of independent perseverance. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 3 the true doctrine.htm

Of the Change of Name in Abraham and Sarah, who Received the Gift ...
... Chapter 28."Of the Change of Name in Abraham and Sarah, Who Received the Gift of
Fecundity When They Were Incapable of Regeneration Owing to the Barrenness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 28 of the change of.htm

It Does not Detract from God's Almighty Power, that He is ...
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 57 [XLIX.]"It Does Not
Detract from God's Almighty Power, that He is Incapable of Either Sinning ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 57 xlix it does not.htm

Of Meditation: the First and Lowest Degree of Internal Prayer. ...
... contrary, the more that a soul doth abound with devotion and good affections to
God, the less is she enabled or disposed thereto, yea, incapable of continuing ...
/.../chapter ii of meditation the.htm

The Christ of the Demiurge, Sent into the World by the virgin not ...
... Jesus Descended Upon Christ, at His Baptism, Like a Dove; But, Being Incapable
of Suffering, He Left Christ to Die on the Cross Alone. ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xxvii the christ of the.htm

Incapable (5 Occurrences)
... purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold; deficient in physical
strength, mental or moral power, etc.; not capable; as, incapable of holding ...
/i/incapable.htm - 9k

Unavoidable (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (a.) Incapable of being prevented; inevitable; necessary; as, unavoidable troubles.
2. (a.) Not voidable; incapable of being made null or void. ...
/u/unavoidable.htm - 6k

Implacable (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not to be appeased; incapable of being pacified;
inexorable; as, an implacable prince. 2. (a.) Incapable...
/i/implacable.htm - 7k

Incorruptible (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Not corruptible; incapable of corruption,
decay, or dissolution; as, gold is incorruptible. 2. (a ...
/i/incorruptible.htm - 9k

Wrath (503 Occurrences)
... A man who is incapable of being angry at sin is at the same time thereby adjudged
to be incapable of having a real love for righteousness. ...
/w/wrath.htm - 50k

Anger (387 Occurrences)
... A man who is incapable of being angry at sin is at the same time thereby adjudged
to be incapable of having a real love for righteousness. ...
/a/anger.htm - 54k

Incarnation (1 Occurrence)

/i/incarnation.htm - 8k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... Events had proved that a narrow exclusive aristocracy was incapable of good government
because of its utterly selfish policy and disregard for the rights of ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

Roman (26 Occurrences)
... Events had proved that a narrow exclusive aristocracy was incapable of good government
because of its utterly selfish policy and disregard for the rights of ...
/r/roman.htm - 101k

Valid (10 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Having legal strength or force; executed with the proper formalities; incapable
of being rightfully overthrown or set aside; as, a valid deed; a valid ...
/v/valid.htm - 9k

What is theodicy? | GotQuestions.org

What is semi-Pelagianism? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about cryonics or cryogenics? | GotQuestions.org

Incapable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus