Brief Overview of ἱκανότης (Strong’s G2426: hikanotēs)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for unlocking the depth and richness of the New Testament. The Greek word ἱκανότης (hikanotēs), which is derived from the adjective ἱκανός (hikanos), means “sufficiency” or “adequacy.” This term plays a crucial role in conveying the concept of being adequate or sufficient for a task, especially in a spiritual sense. Its usage in the New Testament provides insight into how early Christians understood the idea of adequacy, both in terms of personal capability and divine empowerment.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱκανότης, transliterated as hikanotēs [hee-kan-OH-tace].
• Etymology: Derived from the adjective ἱκανός (hikanos), meaning “sufficient,” “worthy,” or “capable.” The root verb is ἱκνέομαι (hikneomai), meaning “to reach” or “to attain.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine).
• Grammatical Details: First declension noun, with variations for singular and plural forms (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Sufficiency: The state of being adequate or enough for a specific purpose.
• Adequacy: Being competent or suitable for a task or role.

Similar Words: ἱκανός (hikanos) [hee-kah-NOS], meaning “sufficient” or “worthy.” While ἱκανότης focuses on the state or quality of sufficiency, ἱκανός is an adjective that describes a person or thing as being sufficient or worthy. ἱκανότης is the noun form, emphasizing the abstract quality of adequacy or capability.

Further Insights: ἱκανότης is a first declension noun. Here is the full declension of ἱκανότης:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ἱκανότης as “sufficiency” or “adequacy,” particularly in relation to spiritual competence or qualification. The lexicon highlights its usage in 2 Corinthians 3:5 to denote the sufficiency that comes from God rather than from human ability.

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Thayers: Defines ἱκανότης as “ability” or “competence,” focusing on the sufficiency needed to fulfill a specific task or role. Thayer notes that this word is often used to express spiritual adequacy granted by divine grace.

Vines: Explores ἱκανότης as it relates to divine empowerment, especially in the context of ministry and spiritual service. Vines emphasizes that ἱκανότης signifies an adequacy that is not self-derived but bestowed by God.

LSJ: Lists ἱκανότης as “sufficiency” or “capacity,” referencing its use in both classical and biblical Greek literature. LSJ provides broader applications, indicating its versatility in conveying adequacy, especially in rhetorical or philosophical contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes ἱκανότης (G2426) as “sufficiency” or “ability,” providing references to its appearance in the New Testament and highlighting its theological significance in discussions of spiritual competence.

Related Scripture References

• 2 Corinthians 3:5: “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency [ἱκανότης] is from God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱκανότης (G2426)

The Greek word ἱκανότης (hikanotēs) captures the concept of “sufficiency” or “adequacy,” particularly in a spiritual context where human ability falls short without divine empowerment. Its usage in the New Testament, especially in 2 Corinthians 3:5, underscores that true sufficiency comes from God rather than human effort. Understanding ἱκανότης enriches our comprehension of biblical teachings on grace, empowerment, and the nature of spiritual competence.

Did You Know?

• The concept of ἱκανότης emphasizes divine sufficiency, highlighting the belief that true capability and adequacy come from God.
• In classical Greek literature, ἱκανότης is often used to describe philosophical or rhetorical adequacy, demonstrating its broad application in ancient texts.
• The word ἱκανότης only appears once in the New Testament, emphasizing its unique theological significance in that context.

By exploring ἱκανότης, students and scholars alike gain a deeper understanding of the biblical concept of adequacy and how it relates to the believer’s life and spiritual journey.