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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Not {G3756} that {G3754} we are {G2070} sufficient {G2425} of {G575} ourselves {G1438} to think {G3049} any thing {G5100} as {G5613} of {G1537} ourselves {G1438}; but {G235} our {G2257} sufficiency {G2426} is of {G1537} God {G2316};

Complete Jewish Bible

It is not that we are competent in ourselves to count anything as having come from us; on the contrary, our competence is from God.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Corinthians 3:5 profoundly declares that human beings possess no inherent capacity or competence to initiate or accomplish spiritual tasks on their own; rather, any true ability or effectiveness for God's work originates entirely from God Himself. This verse serves as a foundational statement on divine sufficiency, countering any notion of self-reliance in ministry and emphasizing absolute dependence on God as the sole source of spiritual qualification and fruitfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and the superiority of the new covenant over the old. In the preceding verses ([2 Corinthians 3:1-3](/2_corinthians/3-1-3 "2 Corinthians 3:1-3 - Paul's Apostolic Authority and the Corinthian Letter")), Paul has just described the Corinthian believers themselves as a "letter of Christ," written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, and not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. He then asserts in [2 Corinthians 3:4](/2_corinthians/3-4 "2 Corinthians 3:4 - Confidence Through Christ Toward God") that "such confidence we have through Christ toward God." Verse 5 immediately follows, clarifying that this confidence is not born of their own inherent competence but is wholly derived from God. It sets the stage for Paul's extended contrast between the "ministry of death" (the old covenant) and the "ministry of the Spirit" (the new covenant) in [2 Corinthians 3:6-18](/2_corinthians/3-6-18 "2 Corinthians 3:6-18 - The Glory of the New Covenant"), underscoring that the glory and effectiveness of the new covenant ministry are entirely God-given.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was a complex community, influenced by the prevailing Greco-Roman culture which highly valued rhetoric, human wisdom, and impressive oratorical skills. Paul's opponents in Corinth likely boasted of their own abilities and perhaps criticized Paul for his perceived lack of eloquence or impressive credentials. In this context, Paul's declaration in [2 Corinthians 3:5](/2_corinthians/3-5 "2 Corinthians 3:5 - Our Sufficiency is of God") directly challenges the cultural emphasis on human achievement and self-sufficiency. He deliberately dismantles any basis for boasting in human capabilities, aligning his ministry not with worldly standards of success but with divine empowerment. This was a crucial counter-cultural message, asserting that true spiritual authority and effectiveness come not from human talent or persuasive speech, but from God alone.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme is **Divine Sufficiency versus Human Insufficiency**. Paul emphatically states that humans are inherently incapable of spiritual work "of ourselves," highlighting the profound limitations of human effort in the divine realm. This leads to the theme of **Absolute Dependence on God**, where all genuine spiritual ability and effectiveness are recognized as originating solely from Him. This concept is foundational to Paul's theology of ministry, which consistently emphasizes that God's power is made perfect in human weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). It also undergirds the theme of **Humility in Ministry**, as Paul, a highly gifted apostle, models a posture of complete reliance on God, thereby stripping away any grounds for self-exaltation or boasting in human wisdom, a recurring concern throughout his letters to the Corinthians (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:18-31](/1_corinthians/1-18-31 "1 Corinthians 1:18-31 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sufficient (Greek, _hikanós'_):** G2425. This adjective means "competent," "adequate," "able," or "fit." In the context of the first clause, Paul uses it to deny any inherent human capability or qualification for spiritual tasks. It speaks to a state of being qualified or capable.
* **sufficiency (Greek, _hikanótēs'_):** G2426. This is the noun form derived from _hikanós_, meaning "ability" or "competence." It encapsulates the very quality or state of being sufficient. Paul's use of this noun in the second clause underscores that this essential ability, which he just denied humans possess inherently, is instead a divine endowment, originating "of God."
* **think (Greek, _logízomai'_):** G3049. This verb means "to take an inventory," "estimate," "reason," "reckon," or "suppose." Here, it refers to the act of conceiving, planning, or even initiating spiritual thoughts or actions. Paul's use of it emphasizes that even the very inception of a spiritual thought or plan does not originate from human self-sufficiency, but requires divine enablement.
* **of (Greek, _ek'_):** G1537. A primary preposition denoting origin, "from" or "out of." This preposition is crucial in both clauses. In the first, "of ourselves" (G1537 + G1438) stresses that the origin of sufficiency is *not* from within humanity. In the second, "of God" (G1537 + G2316) emphatically declares that the origin of true sufficiency *is* from God. It highlights the source from which something proceeds.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves;":** This initial clause serves as a strong negation, a humble disclaimer from Paul. He refutes any idea that he or his fellow ministers possess an inherent, self-generated competence or ability. The phrase "of ourselves" (Greek: _aph' heautōn_) is repeated for emphasis, underscoring that not only their actions but even their very thoughts or intentions concerning spiritual matters do not originate from their own internal resources or wisdom. This sets a clear boundary: human beings, left to their own devices, are utterly inadequate for divine work.
* **"but our sufficiency [is] of God;":** This second clause introduces a powerful contrast, marked by the conjunction "but" (Greek: _allá_). Having negated human self-sufficiency, Paul now presents the true and only source of competence: God. The term "sufficiency" (Greek: _hikanótēs_) here refers to the actual ability, qualification, or competence required for ministry. The phrase "of God" (Greek: _ek Theou_) emphatically declares that this ability proceeds directly from God as its ultimate origin and source. This is not merely an augmentation of human ability, but a divine impartation, making God the sole wellspring of spiritual effectiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. Primarily, there is a clear **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between "of ourselves" and "of God." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the two mutually exclusive sources of sufficiency, driving home the point that human capability is bankrupt without divine enablement. The repetition of "of ourselves" (Greek: _aph' heautōn_) in the first clause functions as **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute nature of human insufficiency. Furthermore, the entire statement is an example of **Apostolic Humility**, as Paul, a supremely gifted apostle, intentionally disavows any personal claim to competence, thereby modeling the posture of dependence he desires for all believers. The concept of "sufficiency" itself can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the abstract quality of competence stands in for the actual ability to minister effectively, implying that the very power and fruitfulness of ministry are derived from God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of biblical theology regarding human agency and divine sovereignty in ministry. It asserts that true spiritual competence is not an innate human quality but a divine gift, flowing from God's character and power. This truth liberates believers from the burden of self-reliance and the pressure to perform in their own strength, redirecting their focus to God as the ultimate enabler. It underscores that God's work is accomplished through human vessels, but the power and effectiveness belong solely to Him, ensuring that all glory redounds to His name. This principle is vital for understanding the nature of grace, where God's unmerited favor not only saves but also equips and empowers for service.

* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient in Weakness")
* [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me, Bear Much Fruit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Second Corinthians 3:5 offers profound liberation and a sobering call to humility for every believer. In a world that often champions self-made success and personal achievement, this verse reminds us that in the spiritual realm, our greatest strength lies in acknowledging our weakness and complete dependence on God. It frees us from the exhausting pursuit of self-sufficiency, which often leads to burnout, pride, or despair. Instead, it invites us to lean fully into God's boundless resources, knowing that He delights in empowering His people for His purposes. This truth should cultivate a spirit of profound humility, recognizing that any good accomplished through us is a testament to His grace, not our own merit. It also fosters courage, for when we feel inadequate for a task, we are reminded that our sufficiency is not in ourselves but in the all-sufficient God. This understanding should drive us to prayer, to seek His wisdom, and to walk in dependence, allowing His power to flow through our yielded lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you tend to rely on your own strength or wisdom, rather than God's sufficiency?**
* **How does the truth that "our sufficiency is of God" change your perspective on perceived failures or successes in your spiritual walk?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God in your daily life and service?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean we shouldn't strive for excellence or develop our skills?**

Answer: Not at all. This verse does not negate the importance of diligent effort, skill development, or wise planning. Rather, it reorients the source of ultimate effectiveness. Paul himself was highly skilled, educated, and hardworking. The point is that even our best efforts, talents, and plans are insufficient to produce spiritual results unless they are empowered by God. We are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts and opportunities God gives us, but always with the humble recognition that the power and fruitfulness come from Him. Our striving should be an act of obedience and worship, not an attempt to generate spiritual outcomes in our own strength. It's about recognizing that while we plant and water, God gives the increase ([1 Corinthians 3:6-7](/1_corinthians/3-6-7 "1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - God Gives the Increase")).

**How does this verse relate to personal responsibility and decision-making?**

Answer: This verse highlights that even our capacity "to think any thing as of ourselves" is limited in the spiritual realm. It means that truly God-honoring thoughts, plans, and decisions for ministry and life must ultimately be inspired and enabled by God. This doesn't remove our responsibility to make choices, but it frames our decision-making within a posture of dependence. We are responsible to seek God's will, pray for wisdom ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Ask for Wisdom")), and act in faith, trusting that He will guide and empower our steps. Our responsibility is to be available and obedient vessels through whom God's sufficiency can flow, rather than attempting to generate "sufficiency" from within ourselves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Corinthians 3:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment and clearest demonstration in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of divine sufficiency, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Supremacy")). While fully human, Jesus's ministry was entirely empowered by the Spirit, demonstrating that even the Son of God operated in perfect dependence on the Father, saying, "I can do nothing on my own" ([John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Our sufficiency, therefore, is "of God" because it is "in Christ." It is through our union with Him that we receive the divine life and power necessary for spiritual fruitfulness, as He declares, "apart from me you can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")). Christ is not merely an example of sufficiency but the very conduit through whom God's power flows to us, enabling us to do "all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength Through Christ")). He is our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")), making Him the complete and perfect source of all our spiritual competence and ability.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Matthew 10:19

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.