Impotent
In biblical contexts, the term "impotent" generally refers to a state of weakness or inability, particularly in relation to physical strength or capacity. This is often seen in the accounts of individuals who are unable to walk or perform certain actions due to illness or disability. For example, in John 5:3-5, the term is used to describe a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years, lying by the pool of Bethesda, waiting for the waters to be stirred for healing. The man’s condition exemplifies not only physical impotence but also a deeper sense of helplessness and despair.Theological interpretations of impotence in the Bible can also extend beyond physical limitations to encompass spiritual impotence, where individuals are depicted as lacking the strength to overcome sin or fulfill their potential in God’s plan without divine assistance. This is illustrated in Romans 5:6, where it states that "while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." This notion emphasizes the need for reliance on God’s power and grace, highlighting that human impotence can be a backdrop for the manifestation of divine strength.