Able (1415) (dunatos from dunamai = referring to power one has by virtue of inherent ability and resources; see study of dunamis) means powerful, able, strong. Able describes that which has sufficient or necessary power, means, skill, or resources to accomplish an objective. Dunatos is found 32 times in the NT (Matt. 19:26; 24:24; 26:39; Mk. 9:23; 10:27; 13:22; 14:35, 36; Lk. 1:49; 14:31; 18:27; 24:19; Acts 2:24; 7:22; 11:17; 18:24; 20:16; 25:5; Ro 4:21; 9:22; 11:23; 12:18; 15:1; 1Co. 1:26; 2Co. 10:4; 12:10; 13:9; Gal. 4:15; 2Ti 1:12; Titus 1:9; Heb. 11:19; Jas. 3:2) and is translated able(6), could(1), impossible*(1), influential men(1), man of power(1), mighty(3), Mighty One(1), possible(12), power(1), powerful(1), strong(3), strong enough(1). Below are a representative sampling of the 32 NT uses of dunatos which make for a very enlightening and encouraging study in itself. Note especially what you learn about God and also about men and what made men dunatos. with God all things are possible (dunatos) (Mt 19:26) All things are possible (dunatos) to him who believes. (Mark 9:23) With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27, cp Lk 18:27) For the Mighty One (dunatos) has done great things for me; And holy is His name. (Luke 1:49) And God raised Him (Jesus) up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible (literally not possible {dunatos}) for Him to be held in its power. (Acts 2:24 ) And Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. (Acts 7:22) (Apollos) was mighty in the Scriptures. (Acts 18:24) (Abraham) being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform. (see note Romans 4:21) God...His power (dunatos) (see note Romans 9:22) If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. (see note Romans 12:18) Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. (see note Romans 15:1) For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble (1Corinthians 1:26) the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. (2Corinthians 10:4) Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (2Corinthians 12:10) For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. (see note 2 Timothy 1:12) He considered that God is able to raise men even from the dead; from which he also received him back as a type. (see note Hebrews 11:19) For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. (James 3:2) TDNT notes that all words deriving from the stem duna- have the basic meaning of “being able,” of “capacity” in virtue of an ability) pertains to being capable, able (having the ability to perform some function; having sufficient power, skill, or resources to accomplish an objective), adept (highly skilled or well-trained implying aptitude as well as proficiency) or competent (being what is necessary; having requisite or adequate ability or qualities). An overseer who makes it his habit or lifestyle to continually be "holding fast the faithful word" is an overseer who will possess the inherent ability, competence and skill to exhort the saints and refute the spiritual opponents. As we might say today "He will have what it takes!" Overseers therefore should seek to emulate their Lord "Who was...mighty (dunatos) in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people" (Lk 24:19), the Lord's servant Moses who "was a man of power (dunatos) in words and deeds." (Acts 7:22) or Apollos who "was mighty (dunatos) in the Scriptures." (Acts 18:24). Paul uses dunatos to describe the "weapons" available not only to the overseer but to every saint writing that although "we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful (dunatos) for the destruction of fortresses." (2 Co 10:3, 4, 5) The overseer must avoid carnal weapons like intimidation, manipulation, trickery, double-talk, rumor, and hypocritical behavior for they are not effective means of refutation. Paul explained how "dunatos" became a reality in his life writing that "And He (the Lord Jesus) has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power (dunamis) is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power (dunamis) of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. (dunatos)" (2 Cor 12:9, 10) Paul realized that when he was naturally weak the Lord would provide the power that he lacked and needed and would enable him to do things he could not have done had he been naturally strong. It is when we are most conscious of our own weakness and nothingness that we most depend on the power of God. And it is when we are thus cast on Him in complete dependence that His power is manifested to us, and we are truly strong (dunatos). The overseer needs to be a shepherd capable of feeding the sheep and driving away the predators.