2 Corinthians 3:5

Translations

Modern

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.

Traditional

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

Literal

Not that we are sufficient from ourselves to reckon anything as of ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God,

Latin

…non quod sufficientes simus cogitare aliquid a nobis, quasi ex nobis: sed sufficientia nostra ex Deo est:

Original

Greek

English

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.

Notes

2 Corinthians 3:4–6

The old written covenant refers to the law of Moses as interpreted by Jewish rabbis. It results in death for those who see it as a path to salvation. The law is good (Romans 7:12–14), but those who try to earn merit through it fail. Earning merit through the law leads to either wrongdoing or pride. In both cases, the law brings condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:9).

2 Corinthians 3:4–18

Paul compares his ministry to others by contrasting the old covenant of written laws (Exodus 31:18) with the new covenant written on human hearts (Jeremiah 31:33).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) God’s New Covenant The Dangers of Sin

Related verses

2 Corinthians 12:9
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
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.
Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
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.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
Matthew 10:19–20
But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say.
1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
Exodus 4:10–16
“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.”
Jeremiah 1:6–10
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!”
2 Corinthians 4:7
Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Boast New Covenant Second Letter to the Corinthians Spirit of Jesus Christ

Topics

Blessing: Spiritual, from God Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Humility: Exemplified Ministers: Qualified by God Self Sufficiency

2 Corinthians 3:5

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