ἱκανότης (hikanotēs)
hikanotēs
sufficiency
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hikanotēs refers to a state of being sufficient or having adequate ability for a task. Derived from the adjective meaning "enough" or "sufficient," it describes the competence required to accomplish something specific. In the New Testament, this term is rare, appearing only once in the entire canon.
Its single occurrence in 2 Corinthians 3:5 highlights a crucial theological distinction regarding spiritual ministry. Paul uses the word to clarify that believers do not claim their own inherent sufficiency or natural ability as the source of their power. Instead, he emphasizes that this competency is derived entirely from God, shifting the focus from human capability to divine empowerment.
Translators typically render hikanotēs as "sufficiency" or "ability." The word underscores that true fitness for service comes not from personal merit but from the grace that equips the servant. This usage reinforces the broader context of Paul’s argument about the new covenant, where the Spirit provides the necessary power rather than human effort.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you feel overwhelmed by the demands of ministry or daily life, this word offers a gentle reminder that your worth does not depend on your own stamina. The term sufficiency points to a state of being adequate for a task, but in its single New Testament appearance, Paul clarifies that this adequacy is not self-generated. It is a gift received from God, shifting the focus away from personal merit and toward divine empowerment.
This perspective brings relief to anyone who has ever felt inadequate for the work ahead. Instead of striving to manufacture competence through sheer willpower, you are invited to rely on the grace that equips you. Your service flows from a source far greater than your natural abilities, allowing you to serve with confidence rooted in God's provision rather than your own performance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sufficiency1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱκανότης1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 3:5
not that we are sufficient of ourselves to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God,
Paul uses this term to explicitly deny self-generated competence, attributing all spiritual adequacy directly to God.