2 Corinthians 3:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
2 Corinthians 3:5
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Chapter Context
2 Corinthians 3 is a apologetic epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, discipleship, holiness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55-56 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Paul defended his apostleship against challenges in a culture valuing rhetorical prowess.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-18: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 2 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
2 Corinthians 3:5
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
Analysis
Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Paul immediately clarifies verse 4 lest anyone misunderstand his confidence as self-confidence. The Greek hikanoi (ἱκανοί, "sufficient" or "adequate") appears three times in verses 5-6, emphasizing a central theme: all competence for ministry comes from God alone. The phrase of ourselves appears twice for emphasis—aph' heautōn (ἀφ' ἑαυτῶν, "from ourselves") and ex heautōn (ἐξ ἑαυτῶν, "out of ourselves").
To think any thing as of ourselves uses logisasthai ti (λογίσασθαί τι, "to reckon" or "consider"). Paul cannot even think a useful thought on his own—a radical statement of divine dependence. The contrast is absolute: zero sufficiency from self, complete sufficiency from God. This echoes Jesus' words: "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). The term hikanotēs (ἱκανότης, "sufficiency" or "adequacy") in our sufficiency is of God points to God as the sole source of ministerial competence.
Historical Context
Paul's radical dependence on God stood in stark contrast to Greco-Roman philosophies that emphasized human self-sufficiency (autarkeia). Stoic philosophers, for example, taught that the wise man should be completely self-sufficient, unaffected by external circumstances. Even Jewish thought could emphasize human ability to keep the law. Paul's gospel dismantles all human self-reliance, grounding Christian ministry entirely in God's enabling grace. This was not weakness but theological clarity about the source of all spiritual power.
Reflection
- In what areas of your life or ministry are you tempted to rely on your own sufficiency rather than God's?
- How does the truth that you cannot even "think" a spiritually useful thought apart from God humble and liberate you?
- What would change in your daily life if you truly believed that all your adequacy comes from God alone?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 2 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 3:6, 3:10, 15:10, Philippians 2:13
- Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:9, Luke 21:15, John 15:5, Philippians 4:13, James 1:17