Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. New Living Translation It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. English Standard Version Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, Berean Standard Bible Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. Berean Literal Bible Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, King James Bible Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; New King James Version Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, New American Standard Bible Not that we are adequate in ourselves so as to consider anything as having come from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, NASB 1995 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, NASB 1977 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, Legacy Standard Bible Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, Amplified Bible Not that we are sufficiently qualified in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency and qualifications come from God. Christian Standard Bible It is not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. Holman Christian Standard Bible It is not that we are competent in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our competence is from God. American Standard Version not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; Contemporary English Version We don't have the right to claim that we have done anything on our own. God gives us what it takes to do all we do. English Revised Version not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; GOD'S WORD® Translation By ourselves we are not qualified in any way to claim that we can do anything. Rather, God makes us qualified. Good News Translation There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God; International Standard Version By ourselves we are not qualified to claim that anything comes from us. Rather, our credentials come from God, Majority Standard Bible Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. NET Bible Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as if it were coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, New Heart English Bible not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; Webster's Bible Translation Not that we are sufficient by ourselves to think any thing as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; Weymouth New Testament not that of ourselves we are competent to decide anything by our own reasonings, but our competency comes from God. World English Bible not that we are sufficient of ourselves to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionnot that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as of ourselves, but our sufficiency [is] of God, Berean Literal Bible Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, Young's Literal Translation not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God, Smith's Literal Translation Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency of God; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNot that we are sufficient to think any thing of ourselves, as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is from God. Catholic Public Domain Version It is not that we are adequate to think anything of ourselves, as if anything was from us. But our adequacy is from God. New American Bible Not that of ourselves we are qualified to take credit for anything as coming from us; rather, our qualification comes from God, New Revised Standard Version Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from God, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNot that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our strength comes from God, Aramaic Bible in Plain English Not that we are sufficient to think anything as from ourselves, but our power is from God, NT Translations Anderson New Testamentnot that we are able, of ourselves, to devise any thing, as from ourselves; but our ability is from God, Godbey New Testament not that we are able of ourselves to think anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Haweis New Testament not that we are sufficient of ourselves to account any thing of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God. Mace New Testament not that I am sufficient of myself to effect any thing by the strength of my own reason: but my sufficiency is from God. Weymouth New Testament not that of ourselves we are competent to decide anything by our own reasonings, but our competency comes from God. Worrell New Testament not that we are sufficient of ourselves to reckon anything as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God; Worsley New Testament not that we can of ourselves reckon upon any thing as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ministers of a New Covenant…4Such confidence before God is ours through Christ. 5Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. 6And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.… Cross References Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. John 15:5 I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Ephesians 3:7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. Romans 15:18 I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. / So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. Colossians 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me. 1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 2:8 For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. Exodus 4:10-12 “Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” / And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? / Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.” Jeremiah 1:6-9 “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. ... Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Psalm 121:1-2 A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? / My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 127:1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. Treasury of Scripture Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; that. 2 Corinthians 2:16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Exodus 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. but. 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. Exodus 4:11-16 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? … Jeremiah 1:6-10 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child… Jump to Previous Able Account Adequate Claim Competent Consider Credit Decide Ourselves Power Reasonings Sufficiency Sufficient ThinkJump to Next Able Account Adequate Claim Competent Consider Credit Decide Ourselves Power Reasonings Sufficiency Sufficient Think2 Corinthians 3 1. Lest their false teachers should charge him with vain glory, 2. he shows the faith of the Corinthians to be a sufficient commendation of his ministry. 6. Whereupon entering a comparison between the ministers of the law and of the gospel, 12. he proves that his ministry is so far the more excellent, 17. as the gospel of life and liberty is more glorious than the law of condemnation. Not that we are competent in ourselves This phrase emphasizes human insufficiency and humility. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, which had been influenced by false apostles who boasted of their own abilities. Paul contrasts this by acknowledging that human ability is limited and insufficient for spiritual tasks. This echoes the biblical theme of human weakness and reliance on God, as seen in passages like John 15:5, where Jesus says, "Apart from me you can do nothing." to claim that anything comes from us but our competence comes from God Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing the source of his and his companions' competence in ministry. 2. Corinth A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and significant cultural influence. The church in Corinth faced various challenges, including issues of division and questions of authority. 3. The Corinthian Church The recipients of Paul's letter, they were a community of believers grappling with understanding the nature of true spiritual authority and competence. 4. God The ultimate source of competence and sufficiency for believers, as emphasized by Paul in this passage. 5. The New Covenant The context of Paul's discussion in 2 Corinthians 3, contrasting the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of the Spirit. Teaching Points Divine Source of CompetenceOur abilities and effectiveness in ministry and life are not self-derived but are gifts from God. Recognizing this truth fosters humility and reliance on Him. Humility in Service Understanding that our competence comes from God should lead us to serve with humility, acknowledging that any success is due to His empowerment. Dependence on God In every aspect of life, believers are called to depend on God for strength and ability, trusting that He equips us for the tasks He sets before us. Empowerment through the Spirit The Holy Spirit is the source of our competence under the new covenant, enabling us to fulfill God's purposes effectively. Confidence in God's Provision While we may feel inadequate, we can have confidence that God will provide the necessary competence for His work through us.(5) Not that we are sufficient . . .--He had not used the word "sufficient" of himself, but it was clearly the implied answer to the question, "Who is sufficient for these things?" In the Greek there are two different prepositions for the one "of" in English. "Not as though we are sufficient of ourselves to form any estimate as originating with ourselves," would be a fair paraphrase. The habit of mind which led St. Paul to emphasise the shades of meaning in Greek prepositions to an extent hardly to be expressed in English, and not commonly recognised, it may be, in colloquial Greek, is seen again in Romans 11:36. Is of God.--The preposition is the same as in the second of the two previous clauses. The sufficiency flows from God as its source: originates with him. Verse 5. - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves. He here reverts to the question asked in 2 Corinthians 2:16. He cannot bear the implication that any "confidence" on his part rests on anything short of the overwhelming sense that he is but an agent, or rather nothing but an instrument, in the hands of God. To think anything as of ourselves. He has, indeed, the capacity to form adequate judgments about his work, but it does not come from his own resources (ἀφ ἑαυτῶν) or his own independent origination (ἐξ ἑαυτῶν); comp. 1 Corinthians 15:10. But our sufficiency. Namely, to form any true or right judgment, and therefore to express the confidence which I have expressed. Is of God. We are but fellow workers with him (1 Corinthians 3:19).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Notοὐχ (ouch) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. we are ἐσμεν (esmen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. competent ἱκανοί (hikanoi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2425: From hiko; competent, i.e. Ample or fit. in ἀφ’ (aph’) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. ourselves ἑαυτῶν (heautōn) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself. to claim that λογίσασθαί (logisasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle Strong's 3049: To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. anything τι (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. [comes] ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. us, ἑαυτῶν (heautōn) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. competence ἱκανότης (hikanotēs) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2426: Sufficiency, ability, power, fitness. From hikanos; ability. [comes] from ἐκ (ek) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. Links 2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT 2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV 2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB 2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV 2 Corinthians 3:5 BibleApps.com 2 Corinthians 3:5 Biblia Paralela 2 Corinthians 3:5 Chinese Bible 2 Corinthians 3:5 French Bible 2 Corinthians 3:5 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) |
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