Bible Commentaries

Be strengthened (ενδυναμου — endunamou). Present passive imperative of ενδυναμοω — endunamoō See already 1 Timothy 1:12; Romans 4:20; Philemon 4:13; Ephesians 6:10. “Keep on being empowered,” “keep in touch with the power.”

In the grace that is in Christ Jesus (εν τηι χαριτι τηι εν Χριστωι Ιησου — en tēi chariti tēi en Christōi Iēsou). Where the power is located. Christ is the dynamo for power only when and while we keep in touch with him.

From me (παρ εμου — par' emou). As in 2 Timothy 1:13. Paul was Timothy‘s chief teacher of Christ.

Among many witnesses (δια πολλων μαρτυρων — dia pollōn marturōn). Plutarch has δια — dia in this sense and Field (Ot. Norv.) suggests that it is a legal phrase “supported by many witnesses.” Not mere spectators, but testifiers. See Paul‘s use of δια — dia 1 Thessalonians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 2:4; Romans 2:27; Romans 14:20. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 gives many witnesses of the resurrection of Christ.

Commit thou (παρατου — parathou). Second aorist middle imperative of παρατιτημι — paratithēmi (1 Timothy 1:18) to deposit, same metaphor as παρατηκη — parathēkē in 2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:14. “Deposit thou.”

Faithful (πιστοις — pistois). “Trustworthy,” “reliable,” as in 1 Timothy 1:12 of Paul himself.

Able (ικανοι — hikanoi). Capable, qualified, as in 1 Corinthians 15:9; 2 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 3:5.

Others also (και ετερους — kai heterous). Not necessarily “different,” but “others in addition.” This is the way to pass on the torch of the light of the knowledge of God in Christ. Paul taught Timothy who will teach others who will teach still others, an endless chain of teacher-training and gospel propaganda.

Suffer hardship with me (συνκακοπατησον — sunkakopathēson). See note on 2 Timothy 1:8 for this verb. The old preacher challenges the young one to share hardship with him for Christ.

As a good soldier (ος καλος στρατιωτης — hos kalos stratiōtēs). Paul does not hesitate to use this military metaphor (this word only here for a servant of Christ) with which he is so familiar. He had already used the metaphor in 1 Corinthians 9:7; 2 Corinthians 10:3.; 1 Timothy 1:18. In Philemon 2:25 he called Epaphroditus “my fellow-soldier” (συνστρατιωτην μου — sunstratiōtēn mou) as he did Archippus in Philemon 1:2.

No soldier on service (ουδεις στρατευομενος — oudeis strateuomenos). “No one serving as a soldier.” See note on 1 Corinthians 9:7 for this old verb and 2 Corinthians 10:3; 1 Timothy 1:18 for the metaphorical use.

Entangleth himself (εμπλεκεται — empleketai). Old compound, to inweave (see Matthew 27:29 for πλεκω — plekō), in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 2:20. Present middle (direct) indicative.

In the affairs (ταις πραγματειαις — tais pragmateiais). Old word (from πραγματευομαι — pragmateuomai Luke 19:13), business, occupation, only here in N.T.

Of this life (του βιου — tou biou). No “this” in the Greek, “of life” (course of life as in 1 Timothy 2:2, not existence ζωη — zōē).

Him who enrolled him as a soldier (τωι στρατολογησαντι — tōi stratologēsanti). Dative case after αρεσηι — aresēi (first aorist active subjunctive of αρεσκω — areskō to please, 1 Thessalonians 2:4, purpose clause with ινα — hina) of the articular first aorist active participle of στρατολογεω — stratologeō literary Koiné{[28928]}š word (στρατολογος — stratologos from στρατος — stratos and λεγω — legō), only here in N.T.

If also a man contend in the games (εαν δε και ατληι τις — ean de kai athlēi tis). Condition of third class with present (linear) active subjunctive of ατλεω — athleō old and common verb (from ατλος — athlos a contest), only this verse in N.T., but συνατλεω — sunathleō in Philemon 1:27. Note sharp distinction between ατληι — athlēi (present subjunctive, engage in a contest in general) and ατλησηι — athlēsēi (first aorist active subjunctive, engage in a particular contest). Not “except he have contended,” but simply “unless he contend” (in any given case) “lawfully” (νομιμως — nomimōs). Old adverb, agreeably to the law, in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 1:8.

Is not crowned (ου στεπανουται — ou stephanoutai). Present passive indicative of στεπανοω — stephanoō old verb (from στεπανος — stephanos crown), in N.T. only here and Hebrews 2:7, Hebrews 2:9. One apodosis for two protases. The victor in the athletic contests was crowned with a garland.

The husbandman that laboureth (τον κοπιωντα γεωργον — ton kopiōnta geōrgon). “The toiling tiller of the soil” (γεωργον — geōrgon from γη — gē and εργω — ergō worker of the earth). See γεωργιον — geōrgion (field) in 1 Corinthians 3:9 and also 1 Corinthians 9:7.

First (πρωτον — prōton). As is natural and right.

To partake (μεταλαμβανειν — metalambanein). Old word as in Acts 2:46 to share in. Paul elsewhere uses μετεχω — metechō as in 1 Corinthians 9:12.

Consider (νοει — noei). Present active imperative of νοεω — noeō old verb, to put your mind (νους — nous) on. See Ephesians 3:4 and like command in 1 Corinthians 10:15.

Understanding (συνεσιν — sunesin). “Comprehension” (from συνιημι — suniēmi to send together, to grasp). See note on Colossians 1:9; note on Colossians 2:2. This is a blessed promise that calls for application.

Risen from the dead (εγηγερμενον εκ νεκρων — egēgermenon ek nekrōn). Perfect passive participle of εγειρω — egeirō still risen as the perfect tense shows in 1 Corinthians 15:4, 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. Predicate accusative. “Remember Jesus Christ as risen from the dead.” This is the cardinal fact about Christ that proves his claim to be the Messiah, the Son of God. Christ is central for Paul here as in Philemon 2:5-11.

Of the seed of David (εκ σπερματος Δαυειδ — ek spermatos Daueid). The humanity of Christ as in Romans 1:3; Philemon 2:7.

According to my gospel (κατα το ευαγγελιον μου — kata to euaggelion mou). Paul‘s very phrase in Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25. Not a written gospel, but my message. See also 1 Corinthians 15:1; 2 Corinthians 11:7; Galatians 1:11; Galatians 2:2; 1 Timothy 1:11.

Wherein (εν ωι — en hōi). In my gospel.

I suffer hardship (κακοπατω — kakopathō). “I suffer evil.” Old compound (κακον πασχω — kakonμεχρι δεσμων — paschō), elsewhere in N.T., 2 Timothy 4:5; James 5:13.

Unto bonds (ως κακουργος — mechri desmōn). “Up to bonds.” A common experience with Paul (2 Corinthians 11:23; Philemon 1:7, Philemon 1:13, Philemon 1:14; Colossians 4:18).

As a malefactor (κακον εργω — hōs kakourgos), old compound (ου δεδεται — kakonδεω — ergō doer of evil), in N.T. only here and Luke 23:32. (of the robbers). One of the charges made against Paul.

Is not bound (ou dedetai). Perfect passive indicative of deō to bind. Old verb. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:27, 1 Corinthians 7:39; Romans 7:2. I am bound with a chain, but no fetters are on the word of God (Pauline phrase; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Corinthians 14:36; 2 Corinthians 2:17; Philemon 1:14; Titus 2:5).

For the elect‘s sake (δια τους εκλεκτους — dia tous eklektous). “Because of the elect.” God‘s elect (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1) for whom Paul suffered so much (2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 12:15; Philemon 2:17; Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 3:13).

That they also may obtain (ινα και αυτοι τυχωσιν — hina kai autoi tuchōsin). Purpose clause with second aorist (effective) active subjunctive of τυγχανω — tugchanō with genitive. “They as well as I,” Paul means.

The salvation (της σωτηριας — tēs sōtērias). The final salvation “with eternal glory” (μετα δοχης αιωνιου — meta doxēs aiōniou). This phrase only here and 1 Peter 5:10, but in 2 Corinthians 4:17 we have “eternal weight of glory.”

Faithful is the saying (πιστος ο λογος — pistos ho logos). The saying which follows here though it can refer to the preceding as in 1 Timothy 4:9. See note on 1 Timothy 1:15. It is possible that from here to the end of 2 Timothy 2:13 we have the fragment of an early hymn. There are four conditions in these verses (2 Timothy 2:11), all of the first class, assumed to be true. Parallels to the ideas here expressed are found in 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 1 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 7:3; Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 3:1-4. Note the compounds with συν — sun (συναπετανομεν — sunapethanomen we died with, from συναποτνεσκο — sunapothnesko as in 2 Corinthians 7:3; συνζησομεν — sunzēsomen we shall live with, from συνζαω — sunzaō as in 2 Corinthians 7:3; συμβασιλευσομεν — sumbasileusomen we shall reign with, from συμβασιλευω — sumbasileuō as in 1 Corinthians 4:8). For υπομενομεν — hupomenomen (we endure) see note on 1 Corinthians 13:7 and for απιστουμεν — apistoumen (we are faithless) see note on Romans 3:3. The verb αρνεομαι — arneomai to deny (αρνησομετα — arnēsometha we shall deny, αρνησεται — arnēsetai he will deny, αρνησασται — arnēsasthai deny, first aorist middle infinitive) is an old word, common in the Gospels in the sayings of Jesus (Matthew 10:33; Luke 12:9), used of Peter (Mark 14:70), and is common in the Pastorals (1 Timothy 5:8; Titus 2:12; 2 Timothy 3:5). Here in 2 Timothy 2:13 it has the notion of proving false to oneself, a thing that Christ “cannot” (ου δυναται — ou dunatai) do.

That they strive not about words (μη λογομαχειν — mē logomachein). Word apparently coined by Paul from λογομαχια — logomachia (1 Timothy 6:4 which see), a back formation in that case. A mere war of words displeases Paul. (Titus 3:9).

Useful (χρησιμον — chrēsimon). Late and rare word from χραομαι — chraomai here only in N.T.

To the subverting (επι καταστροπηι — epi katastrophēi). Old word (from καταστρεπω — katastrephō to turn down or over), here only in N.T. (except 2 Peter 2:6 in some MSS., not in Westcott and Hort).” Because of the overthrow” (result επι — epi not aim), useless for this reason. Such war of words merely upsets the hearers.

Give diligence (σπουδασον — spoudason). First aorist active imperative of σπουδαζω — spoudazō old word, as in 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Galatians 2:10.

To present (παραστησαι — parastēsai). First aorist active infinitive of παριστημι — paristēmi as in Colossians 1:22, Colossians 1:28.

Approved unto God (δοκιμον τωι τεωι — dokimon tōi theōi). Dative case τεωι — theōi with δοκιμον — dokimon predicate accusative, old adjective (from δεχομαι — dechomai), for which see note on 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Corinthians 10:18.

A workman (εργατην — ergatēn). See 2 Corinthians 11:3; Philemon 3:2.

That needeth not to be ashamed (ανεπαισχυντον — anepaischunton). Late double compound verbal adjective (α — a privative, επαισχυνω — epaischunō), in Josephus and here alone.

Handling aright (ορτοτομουντα — orthotomounta). Present active participle of ορτοτομεω — orthotomeō late and rare compound (ορτοτομος — orthotomos), cutting straight, ορτος — orthos and τεμνω — temnō), here only in N.T. It occurs in Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 11:5 for making straight paths (οδους — hodous) with which compare Hebrews 12:13 and “the Way” in Acts 9:2. Theodoret explains it to mean ploughing a straight furrow. Parry argues that the metaphor is the stone mason cutting the stones straight since τεμνω — temnō and ορτος — orthos are so used. Since Paul was a tent-maker and knew how to cut straight the rough camel-hair cloth, why not let that be the metaphor? Certainly plenty of exegesis is crooked enough (crazy-quilt patterns) to call for careful cutting to set it straight.

Shun (περιιστασο — periistaso). See note on Titus 3:9.

Babblings (κενοπωνιας — kenophōnias). See note on 1 Timothy 6:20.

Will proceed (προκοπσουσιν — prokopsousin). Future active of προκοπτω — prokoptō “will cut forward.” See note on Galatians 1:14; Romans 13:12.

Further in ungodliness (επι πλειον ασεβειας — epi pleion asebeias). “To more of ungodliness.” See note on Romans 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:2.

Will eat (νομην εχει — nomēn hexei). “Will have (future active of εχω — echō) pasturage or increase” (νομη — nomē old word from νεμω — nemō to pasture, in N.T. only here and John 10:9).

As doth gangrene (ως γαγγραινα — hōs gaggraina). Late word (medical writers and Plutarch), only here in N.T. From γραω — graō or γραινω — grainō to gnaw, to eat, an eating, spreading disease. Hymenaeus is probably the one mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:20. Nothing is known of Philetus.

Men who (οιτινες — hoitines). “The very ones who.”

Have erred (ηστοχησαν — ēstochēsan). “Missed the mark.” First aorist active indicative of αστοχεω — astocheō for which see note on 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 6:21.

That the resurrection is past already (αναστασιν ηδη γεγονεναι — anastasin ēdē gegonenai). Second perfect active infinitive of γινομαι — ginomai in indirect assertion after λεγοντες — legontes (saying) with the accusative of general reference (αναστασιν — anastasin).

Overthrow (ανατρεπουσιν — anatrepousin). See note on Titus 1:11.

Howbeit (μεντοι — mentoi). Strong adversative, “however.”

Firm (στερεος — stereos). Old adjective, solid, compact, in N.T. only here, 1 Peter 5:9; Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14. See στερεωμα — stereōma in Colossians 2:5. For τεμελιος — themelios see note on 1 Corinthians 3:11; Romans 15:20; 1 Timothy 6:19. Cf. εδραιωμα — hedraiōma in 1 Timothy 3:15.

Seal (σπραγις — sphragis). See 1 Corinthians 9:2; Romans 4:11.

Knoweth (εγνω — egnō). Timeless aorist active indicative of γινωσκω — ginōskō Quotation from Numbers 16:5.

Let every one depart (αποστητω πας — apostētō pās). Paraphrase of Numbers 16:27; Isaiah 26:13; Isaiah 52:11; Jeremiah 20:9. Second aorist active imperative of απιστημι — aphistēmi (intransitive use), “Let every one stand off from.” Probably another echo of the rebellion of Korah.

In a great house (εν μεγαληι οικιαι — en megalēi oikiāi). Metaphor of a palace. He doubtless has the Kingdom of God in mind, but he works out the metaphor of a great house of the rich and mighty.

Vessels (σκευη — skeuē). Old word σκευος — skeuos See note on Romans 9:21 for the same double use as here.

Of gold (χρυσα — chrusā). Old contracted adjective χρυσεος — chruseos only here by Paul.

Of silver (αργυρα — argurā). Old contracted adjective αργυρεος — argureos in N.T. here, Acts 19:24; Revelation 9:20.

Of wood (χυλινα — xulina). Old adjective, in N.T. only here and Revelation 9:20.

Of earth (οστρακινα — ostrakina). Late adjective, from οστρακον — ostrakon baked clay, in lxx, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 4:7.

If a man purge himself (εαν τις εκκαταρηι — ean tis ekkatharēi). Paul drops the metaphor of the house and takes up the individual as one of the “vessels.” Condition of third class with first aorist active subjunctive of εκκαταιρω — ekkathairō old verb, to cleanse out, in lxx, in N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 5:7.

From these (απο τουτων — apo toutōn). From the vessels for dishonour of 2 Timothy 2:20.

Sanctified (ηγιασμενον — hēgiasmenon). Perfect passive participle of αγιαζω — hagiazō for which verb see note on 1 Corinthians 6:11.

Meet for the master‘s use (ευχρηστον τωι δεσποτωι — euchrēston tōi despotōi). Dative case δεσποτηι — despotēi (for which word see note on 1 Timothy 6:1) with ευχρηστον — euchrēston neuter singular like ηγιασμενον — hēgiasmenon agreeing with σκευος — skeuos Old verbal adjective (ευ — eu and χραομαι — chraomai to use well), useful or usable for the master. In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 4:11. See αχρηστον — achrēston in Philemon 1:11.

Prepared (ητοιμασμενον — hētoimasmenon). Perfect passive participle of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō in a state of readiness, old and common word, elsewhere by Paul only 1 Corinthians 2:9 (lxx).

Youthful (νεωτερικας — neōterikas). Literary Koiné{[28928]}š word (Polybius, Josephus), only here in N.T. There are lusts peculiar to flaming youth.

Flee (πευγε — pheuge). Present active imperative of πευγω — pheugō old and common verb. In this sense see note on 1 Corinthians 6:18.

Follow after (διωκε — diōke). Present active imperative of διωκω — diōkō as if in a chase for which sense see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:15. Steady pursuit of these virtues like those in Galatians 5:22.

Call on the Lord (επικαλουμενον τον κυριον — epikaloumenon ton kurion). See note on 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 10:12-14.

Ignorant (απαιδευτους — apaideutous). Old verbal, here only in N.T. (α — a privative and παιδευω — paideuō). Untrained, uneducated, “speculations of a half-educated mind” (Parry).

Refuse (παραιτου — paraitou). See note on 1 Timothy 4:7.

They gender strifes (γεννωσιν μαχας — gennōsin machas). Present active indicative of old and common verb γενναω — gennaō (Romans 9:11). “They beget battles.” See note on 2 Timothy 2:14.

Must not strive (ου δει μαχεσται — ou dei machesthai). Rather, “it is not necessary for him to fight” (in such verbal quibbles). The negative ου — ou goes with δει — dei not with the infinitive μαχεσται — machesthai

Gentle (ηπιον — ēpion). Old word (from επος — epos speech), affable, mild, in N.T. only here (and 1 Thessalonians 2:7 in some MSS.; W. H. have νηπιος — nēpios).

Teachable (διδακτικον — didaktikon). See note on 1 Timothy 3:2.

Forbearing (ανεχικακον — anexikakon). Late compound (from future of ανεχω — anechō ανεχω — anexō and κακον — kakon putting up with evil). Here only in N.T.

Correcting (παιδευοντα — paideuonta). See Titus 2:12. “Schooling” (Parry).

Oppose themselves (αντιδιατιτεμενους — antidiatithemenous). Present middle (direct) participle of αντιδιατιτημι — antidiatithēmi late double compound (Diodorus, Philo) to place oneself in opposition, here only in N.T.

If peradventure God may give (μη ποτε δωιη ο τεος — mē pote dōiē ho theos). Here Westcott and Hort read the late form of the second aorist active optative of διδωμι — didōmi for the usual δοιη — doiē as they do in 2 Timothy 1:18. But there it is a wish for the future and so regular, while here the optative with μη ποτε — mē pote in a sort of indirect question is used with a primary tense δει — dei (present) and parallel with an undoubted subjunctive ανανηπσωσιν — ananēpsōsin while in Luke 3:15 μη ποτε ειε — mē pote eie is with a secondary tense. Examples of such an optative do occur in the papyri (Robertson, Grammar, p. 989) so that we cannot go as far as Moulton does and say that we “must” read the subjunctive δωηι — dōēi here (Prolegomena, pp. 55, 193).

Repentance (μετανοιαν — metanoian). “Change of mind” (2 Corinthians 7:10; Romans 2:4).

Unto the knowledge of the truth (εις επιγνωσιν αλητειας — eis epignōsin alētheias). Paul‘s word “full knowledge” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

They may recover themselves (ανανηπσωσιν — ananēpsōsin). First aorist active subjunctive of ανανηπω — ananēphō late and rare word, to be sober again, only here in N.T., though νηπω — nēphō is in 1 Thessalonians 5:6.

Out of the snare of the devil (εκ της του διαβολου παγιδος — ek tēs tou diabolou pagidos). They have been caught while mentally intoxicated in the devil‘s snare (1 Timothy 3:7). See note on Romans 11:9 for παγις — pagis

Taken captive (εζωγρημενοι — ezōgrēmenoi). Perfect passive participle of ζωγρεω — zōgreō old verb, to take alive (ζωοσ αγρεω — zōosυπ αυτου εις το εκεινου τελημα — agreō), in N.T. only here and Luke 5:10 (of Peter). “Taken captive alive.”

By him unto his will (αυτου — hup' autou eis to ekeinou thelēma). This difficult phrase is understood variously. One way is to take both εκεινου — autou and αυτου — ekeinou to refer to the devil. Another way is to take both of them to refer to God. Another way is to take εκεινου — autou of the devil and ekeinou of God. This is probably best, “taken captive by the devil” “that they may come back to soberness to do the will of God.” There are difficulties in either view.