2 Corinthians 3:5

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
οὐχ
G3756
Not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#2
ὅτι
G3754
that
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#3
ἱκανοί
G2425
sufficient
competent (as if coming in season), i.e., ample (in amount) or fit (in character)
#4
ἐσμεν
G2070
we are
we are
#5
ἀφ'
G575
of
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#6
ἑαυτῶν
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#7
λογίσασθαί
G3049
to think
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
#8
τι
G5100
any thing
some or any person or object
#9
ὡς
G5613
as
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#10
ἐκ
G1537
is of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
ἑαυτῶν
G1438
ourselves
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#12
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#13
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#14
ἱκανότης
G2426
sufficiency
ability
#15
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#16
ἐκ
G1537
is of
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
θεοῦ
G2316
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection