οὐχ ὅτι ἱκανοί ἐσμεν ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν λογίσασθαί τι ὡς ἐξ ἑαυτῶν, ἀλλ’ ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ, (2 Corinthians 3:5)
Where Does Competence Come From?
In this reflective and theologically rich verse, Paul addresses the very heart of ministry: the source of one’s adequacy. Using reflexive pronouns, a powerful aorist infinitive, and a bold contrast marked by ἀλλά, Paul distances himself and his coworkers from self-sufficiency and attributes all sufficiency to God.
Let us unpack this verse grammatically and spiritually to see how Paul builds his case not just with logic, but with syntax that humbles the minister and glorifies God.
1. Denial of Self-Sufficiency: οὐχ ὅτι ἱκανοί ἐσμεν
The structure begins with a Greek idiom:
- οὐχ ὅτι – “Not that…” A negated clause that softens what might otherwise be misinterpreted
- ἱκανοί ἐσμεν – “we are sufficient”
Paul is preempting a false assumption: “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves…” This is a rhetorical device that anticipates an objection and counters it with clarification.
2. Reflexive Emphasis: ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν … ἐξ ἑαυτῶν
Paul uses the reflexive pronoun twice for rhetorical force:
| Phrase | Meaning | Function |
|---|---|---|
| ἀφ’ ἑαυτῶν | from ourselves | Denotes origin — not from human initiative |
| ἐξ ἑαυτῶν | out of ourselves | Emphasizes source of ability or authority |
This dual reflexive repetition creates a rhetorical mirror — highlighting self-dependence as the precise attitude Paul rejects.
3. Aorist Infinitive: λογίσασθαί τι
At the core of Paul’s denial is this infinitive phrase:
- λογίσασθαί – Aorist Middle Infinitive of λογίζομαι, “to consider, reckon, evaluate”
- τι – Indefinite pronoun, “something”
The middle voice shows personal involvement: not just passive thinking, but self-involved consideration.
The aorist tense indicates a complete, decisive act, even though in English it translates as “to consider.”
Thus, the phrase means:
“to consider something [as from ourselves]” — a clear rejection of personal credit for spiritual insight or decision-making.
4. Divine Source: ἀλλ’ ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ
Now comes the contrast:
- ἀλλά – “but,” introducing the antithesis
- ἡ ἱκανότης ἡμῶν – “our sufficiency” or “our adequacy”
- ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ – “is from God”
The word ἱκανότης is a rare noun, derived from ἱκανός (“competent, fit, capable”), used here to refer not to status or position, but to capability.
The prepositional phrase ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ reverses everything above: what we do have — comes not from within, but from above.
Theology in Syntax
Paul’s grammar serves his theology of ministry:
- Negation (οὐχ ὅτι) guards against boasting
- Reflexives (ἑαυτῶν) pinpoint the danger of self-reliance
- Aorist infinitive (λογίσασθαι) defines the very act being denied
- Contrast (ἀλλά) shifts the glory from self to God
This grammar isn’t just good style — it is spiritual formation through syntax.
Sufficiency That Glorifies
In 2 Corinthians 3:5, Paul dissects the anatomy of Christian competence — and finds no trace of self. Through the layers of grammar, the message shines:
We are not the source of anything. But God is the source of everything.
It’s a truth that humbles the preacher, strengthens the weak, and places all glory where it belongs — in the hands of the One who makes us sufficient.
