from ἱκανός; to enable, i.e. qualify:--make able (meet).
Transliteration:hikanóō
Pronunciation:hik-an-o'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb hikanóō (`{{G2427}}`) derives from the adjective hikanós (`{{G2425}}`), meaning "sufficient, adequate, competent, fit." As a verb, hikanóō therefore signifies the act of making someone or something sufficient, competent, or adequate for a particular purpose or task. It implies an enablement, a qualification, or an equipping by an external agent. The core semantic range thus encompasses the ideas of "to make able," "to render competent," "to qualify," or "to empower." It is not merely about possessing inherent ability, but about being divinely fitted or authorized for a specific role or inheritance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb hikanóō (`{{G2427}}`) appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance carries profound theological weight, highlighting divine agency in equipping believers:
1. **[[Colossians 1:12]]**: "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Here, the Father is explicitly identified as the one who "qualified" (hikanóō) believers. This qualification is not based on human merit or effort, but on God's gracious act. The context is one of salvation and redemption, where believers are transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of the Son ([[Colossians 1:13]]). To be "qualified" for the inheritance of the saints means to be made fit, competent, and worthy to participate in the eschatological blessings reserved for God's holy people. This speaks to a divine enablement for future glory and present spiritual reality.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 3:6]]**: "who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." In this passage, God is again the subject, the one who "made us sufficient" (hikanóō) as ministers of the new covenant. Paul emphasizes that their competence for ministry does not come from human wisdom or ability, but from God Himself. The contrast with the "letter" (referring to the old covenant, often associated with the Mosaic Law) highlights that the sufficiency for ministry under the new covenant is Spirit-empowered, leading to life rather than condemnation. This usage underscores that Christian service, particularly apostolic ministry, is a divine appointment and enablement, not a human achievement.
In both contexts, hikanóō points to a divine act of empowering and fitting individuals for a specific purpose, whether it is inheriting eternal life or serving as ministers of the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of hikanóō (`{{G2427}}`) is enriched by its cognates and related theological concepts:
* **hikanós (`{{G2425}}`)**: The root adjective, meaning "sufficient, adequate, competent." This word often describes that which is enough for a purpose, or a person who is fit for a task. For example, John the Baptist declared himself not hikanós to untie Jesus' sandals ([[Matthew 3:11]]).
* **hikanótēs (`{{G2426}}`)**: The noun form, meaning "sufficiency, competence, ability." This word appears in [[2 Corinthians 3:5]], where Paul states, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God." This directly parallels and reinforces the meaning of hikanóō in the following verse.
* **Divine Empowerment/Enablement**: The concept of God equipping His people is central. This relates to the work of the Holy Spirit, who bestows gifts and abilities (e.g., charisma, dynamis).
* **Grace (charis)**: The enablement described by hikanóō is a manifestation of God's unmerited favor. It is by grace that believers are qualified and made sufficient.
* **Calling (klēsis) & Equipping (katartizō)**: hikanóō is closely tied to the divine calling to ministry or salvation, and the subsequent equipping that makes one fit for that calling.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hikanóō (`{{G2427}}`) is profound, revealing key aspects of God's character and His relationship with humanity:
1. **Divine Initiative and Sovereignty**: The consistent theme is that God is the one who qualifies and makes sufficient. This underscores His sovereignty in salvation and service. Human beings are not inherently capable of inheriting the kingdom or ministering the new covenant; rather, God takes the initiative to enable them.
2. **Basis of Christian Confidence**: The believer's confidence for salvation and ministry rests not on personal merit, talent, or effort, but entirely on God's divine act of qualification. This fosters humility and dependence on God, while simultaneously providing assurance.
3. **Grace-Based Ministry**: For ministers, hikanóō highlights that true effectiveness in ministry stems from God's empowerment, not human skill or wisdom. This challenges self-reliance and promotes a Spirit-dependent approach to service, emphasizing that the message of the new covenant is life-giving precisely because it is Spirit-breathed and divinely authorized.
4. **Assurance of Inheritance**: Being "qualified" for the inheritance of the saints speaks to the certainty of the believer's future hope and participation in God's eternal kingdom. This qualification is a finished work of God, guaranteeing access to His presence and blessings.
5. **Transformation by God**: The word implies a transformative work. God doesn't just give a task; He changes the person, making them fit for the task or destiny He has prepared. This is a work of grace that empowers the weak and makes the unqualified capable.
### Summary
The Greek verb hikanóō (`{{G2427}}`) signifies the divine act of making someone sufficient, competent, or qualified. Found only in [[Colossians 1:12]] and [[2 Corinthians 3:6]], it consistently portrays God as the active agent who enables believers: first, to participate in the glorious inheritance of the saints, and second, to serve as effective ministers of the new covenant. This qualification is not earned but graciously bestowed, emphasizing God's sovereignty, the grace-based nature of salvation and ministry, and the divine empowerment that undergirds all true Christian life and service. The word underscores that human ability for spiritual tasks and eternal destiny flows entirely from God's gracious initiative and transforming power.
TRV