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 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 3:5 | not sufficient...from ourselves; sufficiency...from God | Our ability is God-given |
| Phil 2:13 | God works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure | God empowers our desires and actions |
| Eph 2:8-9 | By grace you have been saved through faith...not from yourselves | Salvation and ability are grace gifts |
| John 15:5 | Apart from me you can do nothing | Dependence on Christ for effectiveness |
| Jer 23:28-29 | Is not my word like fire...like a hammer | God's word has inherent power |
| 1 Cor 1:27-29 | God chose the weak to shame the strong | God's power displayed through human weakness |
| 2 Cor 1:12 | our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves...in godly sincerity | God enables sincerity in ministry |
| Gal 3:2-5 | Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? | Spiritual gifts come by faith, not works |
| Col 1:29 | straining toward it with all his energy that he works in me, powerfully | God's powerful work within believers |
| Rom 12:3, 6 | the different kinds of grace that God gave us | Spiritual gifts distributed by God |
| 1 Peter 4:10-11 | Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others | God's gifts are for serving others |
| Heb 13:21 | equipping you with everything good that you may do his will | God prepares us for His will |
| 1 Cor 2:5 | that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God | Contrasting human wisdom with God's power |
| 2 Cor 10:4-5 | the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but have divine power | Spiritual authority comes from God |
| 1 Thes 2:13 | work of God, which is at work in you believers | God's active presence in believers |
| Josh 1:9 | be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened...I will be with you | God's presence grants strength |
| Deut 33:25 | As your days, so shall your strength be | God's provision for needs |
| Isa 40:29-31 | He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength | God renews strength for the weary |
| Luke 1:37 | with God nothing shall be impossible | God's omnipotence in all things |
| Matt 19:26 | With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible | Human limitations, divine possibility |
2 Corinthians 3 verses
2 Corinthians 3 5 Meaning
Our sufficiency does not originate from ourselves, but it comes from God. It emphasizes that any spiritual capability or ability to serve God and others is a gift from God, not from our own inherent resources or achievements.
2 Corinthians 3 5 Context
This verse is found in 2 Corinthians chapter 3, a chapter where Paul contrasts the ministry of the old covenant (associated with the Law) with the ministry of the new covenant through Christ. He highlights the glory and sufficiency that comes from the Spirit. In this particular verse, Paul addresses the Corinthian believers who were being influenced by those who questioned his apostleship and credentials. He emphasizes that his authority and effectiveness as an apostle were not self-proclaimed or derived from human efforts, but were directly from God. This contrasts the self-reliance often found in human wisdom with the reliance on divine empowerment.
2 Corinthians 3 5 Word Analysis
- Auto- (αὐτο-): This Greek prefix means "self" or "from oneself." It points to the source of capability or sufficiency.
- hikanos (ἱκανὸς): Meaning "sufficient," "competent," or "adequate." It speaks to the ability to meet a certain standard or requirement.
- hēmeis (ἡμεῖς): The Greek pronoun for "we." Refers to Paul and his fellow ministers.
- ek (ἐκ): A preposition signifying "from," "out of." Indicates the origin or source.
- pemptē (πέμπει): While a less common Greek word, "pempō" (πέμπω) means "to send." In some contexts of theological discussion of sufficiency, the implication is God as the one who sends or enables. (Note: some translations may use different wording for "sufficient," but the root idea of God as the enabler is consistent).
Word Group Analysis:
- "not sufficient of ourselves" (οὐκ ἐκ τοῦ ἑαυτοῦ ἡμῶν ἱκανοί - ouk ek tou heautou hēmōn hikanoi): This phrase directly states that believers are not competent or adequate on their own accord. Their ability doesn't originate from their own character, resources, or intelligence. It counters any idea of self-sufficiency in spiritual matters or ministry.
- "but our sufficiency is from God" (ἀλλ' ἡ ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἱκανότης - all' hē ek tou Theou hikanoitēs): This powerfully asserts the divine origin of all true spiritual competence. "Hikanotes" (ἱκανότης) refers to competence or ability, and it is clearly stated that this competence is "from God" (ek tou Theou). It signifies God's empowering grace and provision for ministry and Christian life.
2 Corinthians 3 5 Bonus Section
This verse powerfully counters any form of spiritual pride or reliance on human effort for spiritual growth or ministry effectiveness. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God choosing the weak and unqualified by human standards to demonstrate His own power and glory (1 Corinthians 1:27). The theme of God's provision for our needs, including our spiritual and ministerial needs, is consistently seen throughout Scripture. It speaks to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who equips believers for service.
2 Corinthians 3 5 Commentary
Paul asserts that any capacity to effectively serve God or live a Christ-like life is not an inherent human trait or acquired skill, but a direct endowment from God. This is foundational to the Christian faith, reminding believers that their spiritual strengths and abilities to fulfill God's purposes are gifts received through divine grace. This eliminates boasting in self and directs all praise to God, the ultimate source of all spiritual power and competence, especially within the context of the new covenant ministry which is Spirit-empowered.