Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for deepening our grasp of the New Testament’s messages and themes. The Greek word ἱκανόω (hikanóō) is particularly significant as it conveys the idea of making someone “sufficient” or “qualified.” This word’s relevance lies in its usage in describing spiritual readiness or competence, especially in the context of God preparing believers for specific roles or tasks. Exploring ἱκανόω allows us to appreciate the nuances of divine empowerment and preparation in early Christian thought.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱκανόω, transliterated as hikanóō [hee-kan-OH-oh].
• Etymology: Derived from the adjective ἱκανός (hikanos), meaning “sufficient,” “worthy,” or “capable.” The root relates to the idea of reaching or attaining a state of adequacy or competence.
• Part of Speech: Verb (transitive).
• Grammatical Details: Present active indicative; forms include present, future, aorist, perfect, and other verb forms based on tense and mood.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To make sufficient: To render someone adequate or qualified for a particular role or task.
• To qualify: To equip or enable a person to meet specific requirements or conditions.
• To make competent: To endow with the necessary skills or capabilities to perform a task effectively.

Similar Words: καταρτίζω (katartízō) [ka-tar-TEE-zoh], meaning “to prepare,” “to complete,” or “to make perfect.” While ἱκανόω focuses on making someone sufficient or qualified for a task, καταρτίζω emphasizes the idea of preparing or equipping fully. Both terms can overlap in meaning when referring to spiritual preparation or readiness, but ἱκανόω has a more specific focus on sufficiency or adequacy.

Further Insights: ἱκανόω is a verb that changes form based on tense, voice, and mood. Here is the present active indicative conjugation of ἱκανόω:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἱκανόω is defined as “to make sufficient” or “to qualify,” particularly concerning divine action making someone fit for a role or task. It often appears in theological contexts to describe God’s work in equipping believers for ministry.

Thayers: Emphasizes ἱκανόω as “to make fit” or “to render adequate,” focusing on its use in passages where spiritual competence or readiness is highlighted. It underscores the idea that this adequacy is granted by God, not self-derived.

Vines: Describes ἱκανόω as “to qualify” or “to enable,” especially in terms of divine empowerment. It is noted for its use in the context of preparing someone for spiritual duties or missions, often in contrast to human efforts.

LSJ: Lists ἱκανόω as “to make sufficient” or “to equip,” highlighting its broader classical usage in preparing or qualifying individuals, whether for philosophical discourse or practical tasks.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἱκανόω (G2427) as “to make sufficient” or “to render fit,” providing a clear link to its appearances in the New Testament and underscoring its role in describing God’s equipping of believers.

Related Scripture References

• Colossians 1:12: “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified [ἱκανώσαντι] us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱκανόω (G2427)

The Greek verb ἱκανόω (hikanóō) encompasses the idea of making someone “sufficient,” “qualified,” or “competent” for a particular task or role. In biblical usage, particularly in Colossians 1:12, it emphasizes that this adequacy is granted by God, underscoring divine empowerment. The exploration of ἱκανόω enhances our understanding of spiritual readiness and God’s role in preparing believers for service.

Did You Know?

• ἱκανόω appears in key New Testament passages to describe how God qualifies or makes believers sufficient for their spiritual inheritance and service.
• The word shares a root with ἱκανός (hikanos), which means “sufficient” or “worthy,” but as a verb, it emphasizes the process of being made sufficient rather than the state of sufficiency itself.
• In classical Greek literature, ἱκανόω could be used in political and philosophical contexts to describe the preparation or qualification necessary for leadership or citizenship.

The exploration of ἱκανόω reveals its significance in the New Testament and its broader cultural context, highlighting themes of divine empowerment and spiritual readiness.