English · KJV
G2427

ἱκανόω

hikanóō /hik-an-o'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἱκανός
Meaningto enable, i.e. qualify
KJV usagemake able (meet).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of hikanóō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word hikanóō, represented by G2427, means to enable, i.e. qualify. It is a concise term, appearing only 4 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. The word's core meaning revolves around the act of being made sufficient, fit, or competent for a specific purpose, not by one's own power, but through an external enabling force.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G2427 describes a divine action of qualification. In 2 Corinthians, believers are described as having been made able ministers of a new testament, a qualification that comes not from the letter but from the spirit that "giveth life" 2 Corinthians 3:6. Similarly, in Colossians, believers give thanks to the Father who "hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light" Colossians 1:12. In both instances, the word signifies that God is the one who renders individuals sufficient for their holy calling and destiny.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context in which one is made able or meet:

  • G1249 diákonos: This word for minister or servant describes the role for which God enables believers. It is used to define them as "able ministers of the new testament" 2 Corinthians 3:6.
  • G2819 klēros: Meaning heritage or inheritance, this is the divine portion believers are qualified to receive. God has made them meet to share in the "inheritance of the saints in light" Colossians 1:12.
  • G4151 pneûma: This word for spirit is central to the qualification. The ministry believers are enabled for is of the spirit that gives life, not the letter that kills 2 Corinthians 3:6.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G2427 is rooted in the concept of divine grace and empowerment.

  • Divine Qualification: The word emphasizes that sufficiency for spiritual life and service is not a human achievement but a gift from God. It is God who "hath made" believers both able and meet for His purposes (2 Corinthians 3:6, Colossians 1:12).
  • Enablement for Ministry: Believers are qualified by God to be effective ministers G1249 of the new covenant G1242. This ministry is empowered by the spirit G4151, which brings life 2 Corinthians 3:6.
  • Fitness for Inheritance: The act of being made "meet" qualifies believers for their spiritual inheritance G2819. This means being made fit to be partakers G3310 in the sacred destiny of the saints G40 who dwell in light G5457 Colossians 1:12.

Summary

In summary, G2427 is a crucial term for understanding the source of a believer's adequacy. While rare in its usage, hikanóō powerfully communicates that it is God alone who qualifies individuals for both their present service as ministers of the new covenant and their future participation in the inheritance of the saints. It fundamentally defines the Christian's sufficiency as originating in a divine act, not in personal ability.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
Dative
The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Singular
One.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G1249 διάκονος probably from an obsolete (to run on errands; compare διώκω); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or G2819 κλῆρος probably from κλάω (through the idea of using bits of wood, etc., for the purpose; a die (for drawing chances); by impli G4151 πνεῦμα from πνέω; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rat G1242 διαθήκη from διατίθεμαι; properly, a disposition, i.e. (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will):--covenant, testament G3310 μερίς feminine of μέρος; a portion, i.e. province, share or (abstractly) participation:--part (X -akers). G40 ἅγιος from (an awful thing) (compare ἁγνός, θάλπω); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, c

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 2 Corinthians and Colossians (1 verse each); never once in the other 25.

1
2 Corinthians
1
Colossians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.