Lexical Summary
yakol: To be able, can, prevail, overcome, endure
Original Word:יָכֹל
Part of Speech:Verb
Transliteration:yakol
Pronunciation:yah-KOHL
Phonetic Spelling:(yaw-kole')
KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer
NASB:able, could, can, prevail, prevailed, allowed, endure
Word Origin:[a primitive root]
1. to be able
2. (literally) can, could
3. (morally) may, might
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
be able, any at all ways, attain, can away with, not, could, endure, might,
Or (fuller) yakowl {yaw-kole'}; a primitive root; to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might) -- be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer.
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origina prim. root
Definitionto be able, have power
NASB Translationable (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), overcome (3), overpower (2), overpowered (1), prevail (8), prevailed (6), succeed (1), surely overcome (1), surely prevail (1), unable* (10).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
,
193 (Late Hebrewid.; Aramaic ; Assyrianakâlu, Hpt in KAT2Gloss i,) —
PerfectGenesis 32:26 8t.;1 Samuel 4:15 2t.; 3 feminine singularGenesis 36:7;Exodus 2:3; 2masculine singularExodus 18:23; 1singularGenesis 30:8 2t.; suffixPsalm 13:5; 3pluralGenesis 13:6 27t. +Joshua 15:63 Qr;Exodus 8:14 2t.;Imperfect3masculine singularGenesis 13:16 34t.;Job 4:2 4t.;Hosea 12:5; 3feminine singularAmos 7:10 2t.; 2 masculine singularGenesis 15:5 16t.; 1 singularGenesis 19:19 30t., etc. (on these Imperfect forms as irregular Qal, see Ges§ 2, R. 3 Köi. 407 WSG 237; others
);Infinitive constructNumbers 14:16;Deuteronomy 9:28;Infinitive absoluteNumbers 13:20; 2Chronicles 32:13;Numbers 22:38;1 Samuel 26:25; P 8 t. (not Leviticus),Ezekiel 3 t.; often J E D Jeremiah, Isa2, not seldom in Samuel Kings Chronicles; —
be able, to do a thing, whether ability be physical, moral, constitutional, or dependent on external authority; usually of manGenesis 13:16 (J) +, but also of gods 2 Chronicles 32:13,15, and ofNumbers 14:16 (JE),Deuteronomy 9:28;Jeremiah 44:22; occasionally of inanimate thingsAmos 7:10;Genesis 36:7 (P),Songs 8:7;Ecclesiastes 1:15 (twice in verse), etc.:
usually followed by infinitive with (122 t.),Genesis 31:35I am not able to rise up;Genesis 45:1Joseph was not able to restrain himself,Genesis 45:3;Genesis 48:10;Exodus 7:21,24were not able to drink,Exodus 12:39;Joshua 24:19 (all E);Genesis 13:16if a man can number the dust,Genesis 19:19,22;Genesis 43:32;Genesis 44:22,26 (twice in verse);Exodus 10:5;Exodus 19:23 (all J),Genesis 15:5;Exodus 15:23;Numbers 11:14 (all J E) + 10 t. J E;Deuteronomy 7:17 10t. D;Genesis 13:6they could not dwell together,Genesis 34:14;Genesis 36:7;Exodus 9:11;Exodus 40:35;Numbers 9:6;Joshua 9:19 (all P);1 Samuel 3:2;1 Samuel 6:20;1 Kings 9:21 (on "" 2 Chronicles 8:8 and text ofJudges 1:19 see BuRS 8),Amos 7:10;Hosea 5:13;Zephaniah 1:18;Jeremiah 6:10;Jeremiah 11:11;Jeremiah 13:23;Jeremiah 18:6;Jeremiah 19:11 +.
followed by infinitive without (27 t.; not P):Genesis 37:4;Exodus 2:3;Exodus 18:18,23 (all E),Genesis 24:50;Genesis 44:1 (J),Numbers 22:37,38 (JE),Deuteronomy 1:9;Deuteronomy 7:22;Deuteronomy 14:24;Deuteronomy 22:29;Judges 8:3;Jeremiah 49:10,23;Habakkuk 1:13;Isaiah 46:2;Isaiah 47:11,12;Isaiah 57:20;Lamentations 1:14;Psalm 18:39;Psalm 36:13;Psalm 78:20;Proverbs 30:21;Job 4:2;Job 33:5.
with infinitive implicit, always negative,Genesis 29:8 go and feed them; and they said,We are not able, cannot (J),Exodus 8:14 (P),Isaiah 29:11;Jeremiah 20:9;Psalm 21:12;Jonah 1:13.
with negative =may not (of moral inability):Genesis 43:32 (J) the Egyptiansmight not eat bread with the Hebrews;Judges 21:18we may not give them wives; especially D,Deuteronomy 7:22;Deuteronomy 12:17;Deuteronomy 14:24;Deuteronomy 16:5;Deuteronomy 17:15;Deuteronomy 22:3;Deuteronomy 28:27,35.
be able, followed by imperfect:Numbers 22:6 (JE)perchance I am able (so that)we smite (see Di; read perhaps for Ges§ 120, 1 b);Lamentations 4:14they are unable, they touch = are unable to touch (Dr§ 163,Obs.)
be able, followed by perfect consecutive, only very late,Esther 8:6 (twice in verse), literally howshall I be able and see? — Also in various combinations where English idiom would make it an auxiliary to another verb:
able to gain, accomplish: followed by accHosea 8:5 how longwill they be unable (to gain)innocence?Job 42:2I know that thou art able (to do)all things;Jeremiah 38:5the king is not (one who is)able (to do)anything with ( for see Gf, i.e.against)you.
able to endure:Isaiah 1:13I cannot endure iniquity and (with)a solemn assembly,Psalm 101:5.
able to reach, followed by ,Psalm 139:6 it is high,I cannot (reach) to it.
prevail:
absoluteprevail, overcome, be victorGenesis 30:8 (E),Genesis 32:29 (J),Hosea 12:5;1 Samuel 26:25;1 Kings 22:22 2Chronicles 18:21;Jeremiah 20:7,11; of wavesJeremiah 5:22;succeedIsaiah 16:12;Jeremiah 3:5 (VBhast had they way).
followed by person,prevail against, overGenesis 32:26 (J),Numbers 13:30 (JE),Judges 16:5;1 Samuel 17:9;Jeremiah 1:19;Jeremiah 15:20;Jeremiah 20:10;Jeremiah 38:22; Obadiah 7;Psalm 129:2;Esther 6:13.
once with suffix,Psalm 13:5I have prevailed over him, +Zechariah 9:15 (where read for with KloThLZ 1879. 564 StaZAW 1881, 18).
absolutehave ability, strength, only negativeJob 31:23because of his loftiness I have no ability, am inadequate (to anything).
Topical Lexicon
Range of Meaning and Semantic Nuancesיָכֹל is the Old Testament’s primary verb for “to be able” and appears in narrative, legal, poetic, and prophetic texts. It can describe sheer capability (Genesis 29:8), permission (Genesis 31:35), endurance (Job 6:11), victorious strength (Genesis 32:28), or impossibility when negated (Genesis 19:22). The verb therefore serves as a hinge between God’s power and human limitation, frequently highlighting the contrast between the two.
Divine Omnipotence
Most significantly, יָכֹל underscores the limitless power of God. InGenesis 18:14 the angel of the LORD asks, “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” The implied answer—nothing—is echoed byJeremiah 32:17, “O Lord GOD, You made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm; nothing is too difficult for You.” The prophets repeatedly ground their calls to repentance and hope in this truth (Isaiah 40:25-31;Zechariah 8:6). When Moses doubts his capacity to feed Israel, God replies, “Is the LORD’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not My word will come to pass” (Numbers 11:23). Here יָכֹל attaches divine ability to the certainty of divine promise.
Human Ability and Limitation
The same verb measures human frailty. Joseph’s brothers “could not answer him, for they were terrified in his presence” (Genesis 45:3). Israel at Sinai “could not bear to hear” the divine voice (Deuteronomy 5:25). Even the strongest believers acknowledge limits: Joshua confesses, “I am old, advanced in years, and I am no longer able to go out and come in” (Joshua 23:2). Such honesty invites dependence on the God who alone “is able” (contrast2 Chronicles 20:12).
Covenant Faithfulness and Fulfillment
Because God both promises and “is able,” יָכֹל underwrites covenant reliability. Solomon prays, “May the LORD our God be with us...that He may maintain our cause” (1 Kings 8:57-59). Nehemiah appeals to the same divine ability when rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls despite opposition (Nehemiah 2:20). The link between promise and power explains why the exile is not final: “He who scattered Israel will gather them and watch over His flock like a shepherd” (Jeremiah 31:10). Divine capacity guarantees covenant restoration.
Prayer, Dependence, and Petition
Understanding יָכֹל cultivates praying faith. Jehoshaphat models intercession: “In Your hand are power and might, and no one can withstand You” (2 Chronicles 20:6). Ezra confesses national sin yet leans on God’s ability: “You our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us a remnant” (Ezra 9:13). The Psalms often frame lament or praise on the same axis—“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart” (Psalm 73:26).
Conflict and Victory
יָכֹל frequently appears in military settings to describe prevailing power. David tells Saul, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them” (1 Samuel 17:36). Yet when David later sins by numbering the people, Joab warns that victory depends on the LORD, not on troop strength (2 Samuel 24:3). Military might is relativized; ultimate victory belongs to Yahweh (Psalm 20:7-8).
Endurance Under Trial
Job’s laments use יָכֹל to expose human inability: “What strength do I have, that I should still hope? And what is my future, that I should be patient?” (Job 6:11). Conversely, the narrative affirms that God “is able to do whatever He pleases” (Job 42:2). The verb thus frames the book’s theology of suffering: human endurance is finite, but divine sovereignty is boundless and beneficent.
Prophetic and Eschatological Use
The prophets employ יָכֹל to declare that no nation can thwart God’s redemptive plan. “Though Nineveh has allies, they will be destroyed and disappear” (Nahum 1:12). Daniel’s Aramaic counterpart קְבַל (“prevail”) underscores similar themes of God-granted dominion (Daniel 7:21-22).Zechariah 4:6 encapsulates the eschatological hope: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” a statement of divine capability fulfilling end-time restoration.
Christological Foreshadowing
While the verb appears only in the Hebrew canon, its theology foreshadows New Testament declarations such as “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) and “He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). The Septuagint often translates יָכֹל with δύναμαι, directly linking Old Testament revelation of divine ability to Christ’s demonstrated authority over nature, demons, sickness, and death.
Applications for Preaching and Ministry
1. Assurance of Salvation: The same God who “was able” to bring Israel out of Egypt is “able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 24).
2. Empowerment for Service: Believers confront their own “cannot” moments (2 Corinthians 2:16) but look to the Spirit who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).
3. Perseverance in Suffering: Pastors may direct the afflicted to passages likeLamentations 3:21-24, where hope rests on God’s unfailing capacity.
4. Mission and Evangelism: Global Great Commission efforts derive confidence from the God who declares, “See, the hand of the LORD is not too short to save” (Isaiah 59:1).
Representative References
Capability:Genesis 29:8;Exodus 18:18;Deuteronomy 16:16
Inability:Genesis 19:22;Exodus 32:1;Psalm 78:19-20
Divine Omnipotence:Genesis 18:14;Jeremiah 32:17;Job 42:2
Human Frailty:Numbers 11:14;1 Kings 3:7;Psalm 88:4
Victory/Prevailing:Genesis 32:28;Deuteronomy 31:5;Jeremiah 1:19
Endurance:Job 6:11;Isaiah 40:31;Micah 6:3
Prayer:2 Chronicles 20:6;Nehemiah 1:5;Psalm 44:1-8
Prophetic Hope:Isaiah 14:27;Jeremiah 20:11;Zechariah 8:6
Conclusion
יָכֹל functions as a theological fulcrum, lifting human eyes from personal impotence to divine omnipotence. The verb’s 192 occurrences form a tapestry that binds creation, covenant, redemption, and eschatology into a coherent declaration: the LORD is able, therefore His word, His promises, and His purposes will stand.
Forms and Transliterations
א֥וּכַֽל אֽוּכַל־ אוּכַ֔ל אוּכַ֖ל אוּכַ֗ל אוּכַ֛ל אוּכַ֤ל אוּכַ֥ל אוּכַ֨ל אוּכַל֙ אוּכָֽל׃ אוכל אוכל־ אוכל׃ הֲי֣וּכַל הַאוּכַ֥ל האוכל היוכל וְיָֽכָלְתָּ֖ וְיָכְל֤וּ וְנ֣וּכְלָה וַיֻּכָ֔ל וַתּוּכָ֑ל וַתּוּכָֽל׃ ויכל ויכלו ויכלת ונוכלה ותוכל ותוכל׃ י֣וּכְלוּ י֣וּכַל יְכָלְתִּ֑יו יְכֹ֣לֶת יָ֥כְלוּ יָּכֹ֖לְתִּי יָֽכְל֔וּ יָֽכְל֖וּ יָֽכְל֗וּ יָֽכְל֧וּ יָֽכְלָ֜ה יָֽכְלוּ֙ יָכ֔וֹל יָכ֖וֹל יָכ֗וֹל יָכ֥וֹל יָכְל֖וּ יָכְל֗וּ יָכְל֛וּ יָכְל֣וּ יָכְל֤וּ יָכְל֥וּ יָכְל֧וּ יָכְלָ֣ה יָכְלוּ֙ יָכֹ֑לְתִּי יָכֹ֑לוּ יָכֹ֖ל יָכֹ֣ל יָכֹ֣לְתִּי יָכֹ֥ל יָכֹ֨ל יָכֹֽלוּ׃ יָכֹל֙ יֻ֣כְלוּ יֻכְל֜וּ יֻכָ֑לוּ יֽוּכְל֔וּ יֽוּכְלוּ֙ יוֹכְל֨וּ יוּכְל֖וּ יוּכְל֖וּן יוּכְל֛וּ יוּכְל֜וּן יוּכַ֔ל יוּכַ֖ל יוּכַ֗ל יוּכַ֛ל יוּכַ֜ל יוּכַ֞ל יוּכַ֣ל יוּכַ֥ל יוּכַל֙ יוּכַל֩ יוּכָ֑ל יוּכָ֔ל יוּכָ֔לוּ יוּכָֽל׃ יוּכָֽלוּ׃ יוכל יוכל׃ יוכלו יוכלו׃ יוכלון יכול יכל יכלה יכלו יכלו׃ יכלת יכלתי יכלתיו נ֣וּכַל נוּכַ֔ל נוּכַ֖ל נוּכַ֗ל נוּכַ֛ל נוּכַל֒ נוּכַל֙ נוכל תּוּכְל֣וּ תּוּכְלִ֥י תּוּכַ֕ל תּוּכַ֖ל תּוּכַ֥ל תּוּכָ֑ל תּוּכָ֔ל תֽוּכְלוּ֙ תוּכְלִ֖י תוּכְלוּ֮ תוּכַ֖ל תוּכַ֗ל תוּכַ֞ל תוּכַ֣ל תוּכַ֥ל תוּכַל֙ תוּכַל֮ תוּכָ֑ל תוכל תוכלו תוכלי ’ū·ḵal ’ū·ḵāl ’ū·ḵal- ’ūḵal ’ūḵāl ’ūḵal- ha’ūḵal ha·’ū·ḵal hă·yū·ḵal hauChal haYuchal hăyūḵal nū·ḵal nuChal nūḵal tū·ḵal tū·ḵāl ṯū·ḵal ṯū·ḵāl tū·ḵə·lî ṯū·ḵə·lî tū·ḵə·lū ṯū·ḵə·lū tuChal tucheLi tucheLu tūḵal tūḵāl ṯūḵal ṯūḵāl tūḵəlî ṯūḵəlî tūḵəlū ṯūḵəlū uChal vaiyuChal vattuChal veNuchelah veyachalTa veyacheLu wat·tū·ḵāl wattūḵāl way·yu·ḵāl wayyuḵāl wə·nū·ḵə·lāh wə·yā·ḵā·lə·tā wə·yā·ḵə·lū wənūḵəlāh wəyāḵālətā wəyāḵəlū yā·ḵə·lāh yā·ḵə·lū yā·ḵō·lə·tî yā·ḵō·lū yā·ḵō·wl yā·ḵōl yacheLah yacheLu yaChol yaCholeti yaCholu yāḵəlāh yāḵəlū yāḵōl yāḵōlətî yāḵōlū yāḵōwl yə·ḵā·lə·tîw yə·ḵō·leṯ yechalTiv yeCholet yəḵālətîw yəḵōleṯ yō·wḵ·lū yochLu yōwḵlū yu·ḵā·lū yū·ḵā·lū yū·ḵal yū·ḵāl yū·ḵə·lū yū·ḵə·lūn yuChal yuChalu yucheLu yucheLun yuchLu yuḵ·lū yūḵal yūḵāl yuḵālū yūḵālū yūḵəlū yūḵəlūn yuḵlū
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