ἱκανόω (hikanoō)
hikanoō
to qualify
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hikanōō means to make someone sufficient or fit for a task. It comes from the adjective hikanos, which describes something that is enough or adequate. In Scripture, this word shifts the focus from human ability to divine empowerment. It does not suggest that people are naturally qualified, but rather that God makes them so.
This action appears in two key New Testament passages. In 2 Corinthians 3:6, Paul states that God has made him sufficient to be a minister of the new covenant. Here, the competence comes entirely from God’s Spirit, not from human skill. Similarly, Colossians 1:11 speaks of God strengthening believers with power so they may have endurance and patience. In both cases, the word emphasizes that adequacy is a gift granted by God for specific duties.
Translators often render hikanōō as "qualified" or "made competent." This captures the idea of being equipped for service. The term highlights that spiritual effectiveness relies on God’s provision rather than personal merit. It reminds readers that their capacity to serve stems from divine enablement, ensuring they can fulfill their roles with confidence and strength.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
It is easy to feel inadequate when facing the demands of daily life or spiritual service. We often look at our limited skills and resources, wondering if we are enough. This word reminds us that adequacy is not something we generate on our own. Instead, it is a gift from God who qualifies us for the tasks He sets before us.
In 2 Corinthians 3:6, Paul explains that his ability to serve comes entirely from the Spirit, not from his own natural talent. This shifts the burden from your shoulders to God’s hands. You do not need to manufacture competence; you simply need to trust in the One who provides it.
When you feel overwhelmed, remember that God makes you fit for His purposes. His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Rest in the assurance that He equips those He calls, giving you what you need for every step of the journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having qualified1×
- has made competent1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱκάνωσεν1×
- ἱκανώσαντι1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 3:6
who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Paul uses this word to clarify that his ministry competence comes from God's Spirit rather than human ability.
-
Colossians 1:12
giving thanks to the Father, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light,
This occurrence shows God qualifying believers to share in the inheritance reserved for His people.