2 Timothy Verse by Verse

2 Timothy 2:14-16 | Things to Remember

• Verse 14 --

  • A major interpretive consideration must be given based on the words of these things.

    • The question is, are these things* things already said or things about to be said*?

      • This is an important interpretive decision because if the things concern verses prior, then the comments in verses 14-16 would follow the same rules of application.

      • However, if the things concern verses following, then Paul is beginning a new topic. I contend that he has done just that (as in 1 Timothy 3:14).

        
        

    • The translation can confuse the issue in two ways.

      • First, the phrase Of these things makes it appear to refer to the things previously spoken. The Greek simply says these things.

      • Second, the insertion of them* *(twice) and the use of they strive seems to refer to the elect (v. 10).

      • The Greek contains nothing in the third person plural, nor does it contain any third person plural pronouns. See the Darby Translation for an example of a literal translation with no pronouns.

        
        

  • The first of these things is that Timothy is to put...in remembrance by charging...before the Lord to strive not about words to no profit. Rather than profit, such striving leads to the subverting of the hearers.

    • There is a single Greek word (double with the negator) translated strive not about words: λογομαχέω [logomacheo].

      • This is a compound word using logo (word) and machomai*, from which we get macho* and machismo“fighting" word.

      • “don't be macho with your words, subverting hearers rather than profiting them."

        
        

    • The word subverting καταστροφή [katastrophe], from which we get catastrophe.

      
      

• Verse 15 --

  • The second thing to put into remembrance (v. 14) is foundational instruction of right division.

    • The heart of the matter is to study to shew thyself approved unto God.

    • The word studyσπουδάζω [spoudazo], which has the idea of speed (the English comes from the same route) and can be translated be diligent (as in Titus 3:12).

      • Since its root is speed, the English interpretation depends on context.

      • Since it is the word of truth that is in question, study is the means of being diligent.

        
        

    • Paul uses the word workman, showing that labor is involved in this endeavor.

    • Evangelicalism emphasizes a mystical approach to understanding God's Word and rejects a diligent study“preaching" and “teaching." Evangelicals will sooner spend their time in mystical waiting and contemplation rather than study.

      
      

  • The one who is the unashamed workman is rightly dividing the word of truth.

    • The single Greek word ὀρθοτομέω [orthotomeo] is translated rightly dividing. It is a compound word of ortho (straight) and tomeo (a cut or division).

    • The modern translations almost always refuse to use a division word in the translation of this undeniably division word.

      • The root is used 68 times and always refers to cutting of some kind (except a few occasions when it is used to describe that which has been cut, as in Rom. 9:28).

      • All translations always translate this word in some sense of cutting“translation malpractice."

      • Why is it done? Likely because liberal editors and translators (ALL modern versions are built on liberalism, at their core) believe that dispensationalism is anathema.

      • Paraphrases (not translations at all) such as accurately handling (NASB), rightly handling (ESV) correctly handles (NIV) are simply unacceptable to anyone who cares about accuracy of translation.

      • The“translations" that refuse to use a cut/division word in 2 Timothy 3:15 are not translations at all, but propaganda pieces.

        
        

• Verse 16 --

  • Each of the charges in vv. 14-16 has to do with words. The final charge is to shun profane and vain babblings.

    • The word translated shunπεριΐστημι [peristami], a compound of peri (around) and histami (to stand). To shun“stand around" but not within“zone." That is, stay away.

      
      

  • That which is to be shunned is profane and vain babblings.

    • Concerning profane, the word should not be associated with profanity (as used today), but rather, "cheap, of no value."

      • The word is used to describe Esau when he sold his birthright for a meal in Heb 12:16.

        
        

    • Vain babblings is κενοφωνία [kenophonia] from kenos (empty) and phonos (a sound).

    • Though they are profane and vain babblings, they are dangerous, for they will increase unto more ungodliness.