Topical Encyclopedia
The term "capable" refers to having the ability, competence, or skill to do something effectively. In the context of the Bible, capability is often linked to the gifts and talents bestowed by God, as well as the empowerment provided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purposes.
Biblical Examples of Capability1.
Bezalel and Oholiab: In the construction of the Tabernacle, God endowed Bezalel and Oholiab with the capability to perform skilled work.
Exodus 31:3-5 states, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft."
2.
Joseph: Joseph's capability is evident in his administrative skills and ability to interpret dreams, which were crucial in saving Egypt and his family from famine.
Genesis 41:39-40 records Pharaoh's acknowledgment: "Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands.'"
3.
The Apostles: The apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel and perform miracles.
Acts 1:8 highlights this empowerment: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Spiritual Gifts and CapabilityThe New Testament speaks of spiritual gifts as capabilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the Church.
1 Corinthians 12:7 states, "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." These gifts include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy, among others, and are distributed according to God's will.
Capability and ResponsibilityWith capability comes responsibility. Jesus' Parable of the Talents (
Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the expectation that individuals use their God-given abilities for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom. The servant who multiplied his talents was commended, while the one who buried his talent was rebuked.
Dependence on GodWhile human capability is important, Scripture emphasizes reliance on God for true effectiveness.
Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This verse underscores that believers' capabilities are ultimately empowered by Christ.
Moses' Reluctance and God's AssuranceMoses initially doubted his capability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, citing his lack of eloquence. However, God assured him of divine support.
Exodus 4:11-12 records God's response: "The LORD said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, sighted or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.'"
ConclusionThe Bible presents capability as a combination of God-given talents, spiritual gifts, and divine empowerment. Believers are called to use their capabilities responsibly, relying on God's strength to fulfill His purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Possessing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of sufficient size or strength; as, a room capable of holding a large number; a castle capable of resisting a long assault.
2. (a.) Possessing adequate power; qualified; able; fully competent; as, a capable instructor; a capable judge; a mind capable of nice investigations.
3. (a.) Possessing legal power or capacity; as, a man capable of making a contract, or a will.
4. (a.) Capacious; large; comprehensive.
Greek
3707. horatos -- visible... visible. From horao; gazed at, ie (by implication)
capable of being seen -- visible.
see GREEK horao. (orata) -- 1 Occurrence. 3706, 3707. horatos. 3708 .
...1415. dunatos -- strong, mighty, powerful
... From dunamai; powerful orcapable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible --
able, could, (that is) mighty (man), possible, power, strong....
Strong's Hebrew
2428. chayil -- strength, efficiency, wealth, army... Origin from chul Definition strength, efficiency, wealth, army NASB Word Usage able
(5), armies (3), army (82), army* (1), capability (1),
capable (3), elite
...Library
The Words, Mortale (Capable of Dying), Mortuum (Dead), and...
... A Treatise on the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants
Chapter 5 [V.] "The Words, Mortale (Capable of Dying), Mortuum (Dead), and...
Now, to those who areCapable of Understanding Him...
... Chapter XX. Now, to those who arecapable of understanding him? Now, to
those who arecapable of understanding him, the apostle...
Our Flesh in the ResurrectionCapable, Without Losing Its...
... Chapter LIX."Our Flesh in the ResurrectionCapable, Without Losing Its Essential
Identity, of Bearing the Changed Conditions of Eternal Life, or of Death...
Women as Well as MenCapable of Perfection.
... Book IV. Chap. XIX."Women as well as MenCapable of Perfection. In this
perfection it is possible for man and woman equally to share....
Plato's Inconsistency He Supposes the Soul Self-Existent, yet...
... Chapter XXIV."Plato's Inconsistency He Supposes the Soul Self-Existent,
YetCapable of Forgetting What Passed in a Previous State....
Let the Ancient Sages, Then, Make Known their Sayings to those who...
... Chapter III. Let the ancient sages, then, make known their sayings to those
who arecapable of? Let the ancient sages, then, make...
In the Dead who were Raised by Christ we Possess the Highest Proof...
... Book V Chapter XIII."In the dead who were raised by Christ we possess the highest
proof of the resurrection; and our hearts are shown to becapable of life...
How Even Celestial Powers Above areCapable of Change.
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XVI. How even celestial powers
above arecapable of change. But that even the powers...
The Occasion of Writing this Work; a Thing May beCapable of Being...
... A Treatise on the spirit and the letter, Chapter 1 [I.] "The Occasion of Writing
This Work; A Thing May BeCapable of Being Done, and Yet May Never Be Done....
Man Born of Whatever Parentage is Sinful andCapable of Redemption...
... Book II. Chapter 39 [XXIV.]"Man Born of Whatever Parentage is Sinful and
Capable of Redemption. He then says: "You conclude that...
Thesaurus
Capable (10 Occurrences)... 1. (a.) Possessing ability, qualification, or susceptibility; having capacity; of
sufficient size or strength; as, a room
capable of holding a large number; a
...Sensible (15 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.)Capable of being perceived by the senses; apprehensible through the bodily
organs; hence, also, perceptible to the mind; making an impression upon the...
Incapable (5 Occurrences)
... for the purpose or end in view; not large enough to contain or hold; deficient in
physical strength, mental or moral power, etc.; notcapable; as, incapable of...
Incurable (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Notcapable of being cured; beyond the power
of skill or medicine to remedy; as, an incurable disease....
Female (95 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A plant which produces only that kind of reproductive organs which arecapable
of developing into fruit after impregnation or fertilization; a...
Marble (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A massive, compact limestone; a variety of calcite,capable of being
polished and used for architectural and ornamental purposes....
Possible (133 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)Capable of existing or occurring, or of being conceived
or thought of; able to happen;capable of being done; not contrary to...
Practical (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.)Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in distinction
from ideal or theoretical; as, practical chemistry. 3. (a...
Corruptible (7 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.)Capable of being bribed; subject to decay or impurity. 2. (a.)Capable of
being corrupted, or morally vitiated; susceptible of depravation....
Capability (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality of beingcapable; capacity;
capableness; esp. intellectual power or ability. 2. (n...
Resources
Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are people irrational? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is it important to believe in biblical inerrancy? | GotQuestions.orgCapable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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