2 Corinthians 3:5

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

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};

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.

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

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

Context

This powerful verse, 2 Corinthians 3:5, is part of Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry to the Corinthian church. He is contrasting the old covenant of law, which brought condemnation, with the glorious new covenant of the Spirit. Paul has just spoken of the Corinthians themselves as a "letter of Christ" written by the Spirit, not by human effort. This verse reinforces the idea that the effectiveness of his ministry, and indeed any true spiritual work, does not originate from human capability or self-reliance, but entirely from God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sufficiency: The central message is that all true competence, ability, and effectiveness in spiritual matters come from God. Human beings, left to their own devices, are inherently insufficient for divine tasks. This emphasizes God's sovereignty and power.
  • Human Insufficiency: Paul humbly acknowledges that neither he nor his fellow ministers possess any inherent capacity to achieve spiritual results "of ourselves." This theme directly counters any notion of self-exaltation or boasting in human wisdom or strength.
  • Dependence on God: The verse calls believers to a posture of complete dependence on God for every thought, word, and action that aims to serve His purposes. It highlights that our spiritual fruitfulness is a result of God working through us, not our own merit.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "sufficient" is hikanos (ἱκανός), meaning "competent," "adequate," "able," or "fit." Paul's use of this word here strongly conveys the idea of being qualified or capable. By stating that "our sufficiency is of God," he asserts that this qualification or competence is not an inherent human quality but a divine endowment. This term is also used in 2 Corinthians 2:16, where Paul asks, "who is sufficient for these things?" and answers it here.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement and a crucial reminder for all believers:

  • Humility in Service: It calls us to abandon self-reliance and embrace humility in our Christian walk and service. Any good work or spiritual fruit is a testament to God's power working through us, not our own inherent greatness.
  • Confidence in God: When faced with daunting tasks or feelings of inadequacy, this verse assures us that our competence comes from God. We can proceed with confidence, knowing that He equips those He calls. This aligns with the principle in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
  • Motivation for Prayer: Recognizing our insufficiency should drive us to prayer, seeking God's wisdom, strength, and guidance in every endeavor. Our dependence on Him is not a weakness but the source of true power.

In essence, 2 Corinthians 3:5 teaches that while we are weak, God is strong, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness, as Paul later explains in 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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