2 Corinthians 3 5

2 Corinthians 3:5 kjv

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

2 Corinthians 3:5 nkjv

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,

2 Corinthians 3:5 niv

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

2 Corinthians 3:5 esv

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,

2 Corinthians 3:5 nlt

It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.

2 Corinthians 3 verses

2 Corinthians 3 5 Meaning

2 Corinthians 3:5 unequivocally states that believers, particularly those engaged in ministry, do not possess inherent or self-generated competence, not even the capacity to initiate a single thought regarding spiritual matters. Instead, all genuine ability, sufficiency, and effectiveness for God's work are entirely derived from God Himself. It is a profound declaration of divine dependence, redirecting all credit and capability from human sources to the sovereign Lord.

2 Corinthians 3 5 Context

This verse is embedded in Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and the validity of the New Covenant. Chapter 3 begins with Paul asserting that the Corinthian believers themselves are his "letter of recommendation," a living testament to the effectiveness of his ministry. This leads him to address the source of such effectiveness. The Corinthian community, potentially influenced by eloquent and credential-flaunting false teachers, might have been looking for human qualifications and impressive displays. Paul directly counters this worldview by stressing that the "ministry of the Spirit" (v.8) is of such divine magnitude that no human is inherently competent for it. He contrasts the temporary, veiled glory of the Old Covenant's ministration with the unveiled, permanent glory of the New Covenant's ministration, which makes one question the sufficiency of anyone for such a task. Therefore, verse 5 sets the theological foundation for understanding that all true capacity for this glorious, life-giving ministry must originate from God, who has "made us sufficient" (v.6).

2 Corinthians 3 5 Word analysis

• Not that (Οὐχ ὅτι - Ouch hoti): A clear negating phrase, indicating Paul is immediately preempting a potential misunderstanding or false accusation about the source of his and his co-workers' competence. It clarifies what is not the case.
• we: Refers to Paul and his apostolic team, but the principle applies universally to all who serve God in Christ.
• are sufficient (ἱκανοί ἐσμεν - hikanoi esmen): From hikanos, meaning "able," "adequate," "competent," or "qualified." It signifies possessing the requisite ability or capacity. Paul denies this capability originates from themselves.
• of ourselves (ἀφ' ἑαυτῶν - aph' heautōn): Aph denotes "from" or "out of," implying the origin or source. Heautōn is a reflexive pronoun, "ourselves." The phrase asserts that their sufficiency does not spring forth from their inherent being or personal resources.
• to think (λογίσασθαί - logisasthai): The aorist middle infinitive of logizomai. This term is highly significant. It means "to compute," "to reckon," "to consider," "to devise," or "to formulate a thought or plan." It extends beyond merely doing something to the very conception or initiation of an idea, strategy, or judgment. This demonstrates that human beings cannot even conceptualize good spiritual thought purely on their own.
• anything: Broadly covers any specific spiritual task, idea, doctrine, or action within the scope of their ministry.
• as of ourselves (ὡς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν - hōs ex heautōn): Hōs ("as," "like") emphasizes the nature or character of the origination. Ex means "out of" or "from," often indicating a source from which something emerges or proceeds. This phrase, combined with the earlier "of ourselves," creates a strong redundancy to emphasize the absolute exclusion of self-derived competence at any level. It is not just that an idea might not originate from them, but that the nature of the thought itself is not out of them, as if by their own native intelligence.
• but (ἀλλ' - all'): A strong adversative conjunction that signals a sharp contrast and introduces the true source of sufficiency.
• our sufficiency (ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν - hē hikanotēs hēmōn): This is the noun form of "sufficient." It refers to the state, quality, or possession of competence, adequacy, or qualification.
• is of God (ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ - ek tou Theou): Ek again signifies "from" or "out of," definitively pointing to God as the sole and ultimate fountainhead. Their competence is not merely supported or helped by God; it originates from Him.

2 Corinthians 3 5 Bonus section

The doubled negative phrasing ("Not that we are sufficient of ourselves... as of ourselves") creates a strong rhetorical effect, emphasizing the absolute rejection of self-sufficiency. It goes beyond merely denying the ability to act from oneself to denying the ability to conceive from oneself. This theological point sets the stage for 2 Corinthians 3:6, where God is explicitly named as the one who has made them sufficient. Thus, human sufficiency is not eliminated but entirely redefined: it exists only as a direct grant and continuous provision from God. This also indirectly combats any tendencies towards anthropocentric views of salvation or spiritual progress, underscoring God's initiating and sustaining role in every facet of the believer's life and ministry.

2 Corinthians 3 5 Commentary

2 Corinthians 3:5 is a foundational statement on divine enablement and human dependence in all spiritual endeavor, especially ministry. Paul emphatically states that neither he nor his associates possess any intrinsic capacity, not even the ability to form a spiritually valuable thought, originating purely from their own being. This stands in stark contrast to prevailing humanistic ideals, ancient rhetoric, or any system that praises self-sufficiency. Paul redirects all glory and ability to God, from whom alone true competence for the "ministry of the new covenant" flows. This truth fosters profound humility, eradicates spiritual pride, and guarantees that any good achieved will be attributed to God, who works through His chosen vessels, not by their power, but by His. It ensures that the effectiveness of the message lies not in the speaker's skill, but in the power of the Spirit.

For practical application, consider:

• Prayer: Before any task, acknowledging, "Lord, I cannot even think rightly for this unless it is from You."
• Service: Recognizing that any gifting or successful ministry is from God, avoiding self-boasting.
• Humility: Understanding personal limitations prevents pride and encourages greater reliance on divine strength.