Topical Encyclopedia
The term "suffice" in biblical context often relates to the idea of adequacy, contentment, and the sufficiency of God's provision. It is a concept that underscores the belief that God's grace and provision are enough for the needs of His people, both spiritually and materially.
Biblical Usage and Context1.
Divine Sufficiency: The notion of sufficiency is prominently featured in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In
2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's response to his plea for relief from a "thorn in the flesh": "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'" This passage highlights the sufficiency of God's grace, emphasizing that His power is made perfect in human weakness. It reassures believers that God's grace is adequate to meet all challenges and trials.
2.
Contentment and Provision: The concept of sufficiency is closely linked to contentment. In
Philippians 4:11-13 , Paul writes, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Here, Paul expresses that true contentment comes from reliance on Christ, who provides the strength and sufficiency needed in every situation.
3.
Material Sufficiency: The Bible also addresses the sufficiency of material needs. In
Matthew 6:31-33 , Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about their physical needs: "Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage assures believers that God is aware of their needs and will provide sufficiently as they prioritize His kingdom.
4.
Sufficiency in Ministry: The sufficiency of God is also evident in the context of ministry and service. In
2 Corinthians 3:5-6 , Paul states, "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God. And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." This underscores that the ability to minister effectively is not based on human competence but on the sufficiency provided by God through the Holy Spirit.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of sufficiency in the Bible is deeply theological, reflecting the belief that God is the ultimate provider and sustainer. It challenges believers to trust in God's provision and to find contentment in His grace, rather than in worldly possessions or personal abilities. This trust in divine sufficiency is foundational to the Christian life, encouraging a reliance on God's strength and provision in all circumstances.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To be enough, or sufficient; to meet the need (of anything); to be equal to the end proposed; to be adequate.
2. (v. t.) To satisfy; to content; to be equal to the wants or demands of.
3. (v. t.) To furnish; to supply adequately.
Greek
714. arkeo -- to assist,suffice... to assist,
suffice. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: arkeo Phonetic Spelling:
(ar-keh'-o) Short Definition: I am sufficient, I
suffice, am content
...713. arketos -- sufficient
... enough, sufficient. From arkeo; satisfactory -- enough,suffice (-ient). see GREEK
arkeo. (arketon) -- 2 Occurrences. (arketos) -- 1 Occurrence. 712, 713....
841. autarkeia -- self-satisfaction, ie self-sufficiency
... 841 (from 846 , "self" and 714 , "tosuffice, be sufficient") -- properly, ;
used of the Spirit-filled Christian -- having through the ....
1884. eparkeo -- accursed
... 1884 (from 1909 , ", fitting" intensifying 714 , "suffice, satisfy") -- properly,
"make sufficient" by supplying help, ie sharing aid that is ("apt, meet")....
Strong's Hebrew
8230b. saphaq -- tosuffice... saphaq. 8231 . to
suffice. Transliteration: saphaq Short Definition:
suffice.
Word Origin a prim. root Definition to
suffice NASB Word Usage
suffice (1).
...5606. saphaq -- to slap, clap
... clap, smite, strike,suffice, wallow. Or saphaq (1 Kings 20:10; Job
27:23; Isaiah 2:6) {saw-fak'}; a primitive root; to clap the...
7227. rab -- much, many, great
... a time), ((ship-))master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer,
often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time),suffice(-lent...
7646. saba -- to be sated, satisfied or surfeited
... literally or figuratively) -- have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the)
full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with),suffice, be weary of....
4672. matsa -- to attain to, find
... out), get (hold upon), X have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-)on, meet
(with), X occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed,suffice, take hold on....
Library
How this MaySuffice for Correcting the Manich??ans.
... Concerning the Nature of Good, Against the Manich??ans. Chapter 2. "How
This MaySuffice for Correcting the Manich??ans. But for...
But How Shall ISuffice with the Tongue of My Pen to Utter all Thy...
... Book XI Chapter II But how shall Isuffice with the tongue of my pen to
utter all Thy? But how shall Isuffice with the tongue...
Whether Two Precepts of CharitySuffice?
... OF THE PRECEPTS OF CHARITY (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether two precepts of charitysuffice?
Objection 1: It would seem that two precepts of charity do notsuffice....
Thus Much WillSuffice to have Treated on Behalf of True...
... Section 26. Thus much willsuffice to have treated on behalf of TRUE
Continence against the? 26. Thus much willsuffice to have...
The Preceding Remarks MightSuffice as an Answer to the Charges of...
... Chapter LIII. The preceding remarks mightsuffice as an answer to the
charges of Celsus? The preceding remarks mightsuffice as...
Therefore, Brethren, Let itSuffice us that they Should be...
... Book I. Chapter 14. " 15. Therefore, brethren, let itsuffice us that
they should be admonished and corrected? "15. Therefore...
Let These ThingsSuffice You, My Beloved Christian Brethren of the...
... Book III. Chapter 10. " 11. Let these thingssuffice you, my beloved
Christian brethren of the Catholic Church? "11. Let these...
The Enlargement of Kingdoms is Unsuitably Ascribed to Jove; for If...
... Chapter 14."The Enlargement of Kingdoms is Unsuitably Ascribed to Jove; For If,
as They Will Have It, Victoria is a Goddess, She Alone WouldSuffice for This...
Praise be to Him who Sent Him!
... gates are sore athirst,"and forsaken of festivals."Blessed thy gates that are open
yet not filled,"and thy halls that are enlarged yetsuffice not!"In...
On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men...
... said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us;" [2877] he understood
indeed that if the Father were shown him, it might wellsuffice him; but how...
Thesaurus
Suffice (22 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Suffice (22 Occurrences). Matthew 25:9 But the prudent
answered saying, We cannot, lest it might not
suffice for us and for you.
...Turtle-doves (10 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:7 And if his meanssuffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his
trespass-offering for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtle-doves, or two...
Pigeon (3 Occurrences)
... the dove is mentioned first. Where one or the other willsuffice, the dove
seems to have been given preference. This may have been...
Sin-offering (115 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:7 And if his meanssuffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his
trespass-offering for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtle-doves, or two...
Dove (27 Occurrences)
... 12:6 the law for a sacrifice for a mother is given, and 12:8 of same chapter provides
that if she be too poor to offer a lamb, doves or pigeons willsuffice....
Suffers (17 Occurrences)
Slain (235 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Numbers 11:22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them,
tosuffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered...
Wherein (208 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:7 And if his meanssuffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his
trespass-offering for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtle-doves, or two...
Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 5:7 And if his meanssuffice not for a lamb, then he shall bring his
trespass-offering for that wherein he hath sinned, two turtle-doves, or two...
Judaeus
... religion. An otiose reference to "God's choice," as distinct from His nature,
could notsuffice a mind trained in Hellenic methods....
Resources
What does the Bible say about talking too much / being talkative? | GotQuestions.orgIs a house dedication a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.orgIf God hates human sacrifice, how could Jesus' sacrifice be the payment for our sins? | GotQuestions.orgSuffice: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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