Understanding the Word of God hinges on a single, foundational requirement: the truth of the Word must be rightly divided. Without adhering to this principle, the full depth of Scripture’s truth remains obscured. The degree to which one rightly divides the Word directly influences the clarity and accuracy of understanding.
This principle is articulated in 2 Timothy 2:15**:
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
The directive in this verse serves as both a challenge and an essential guide for all who seek to handle the Scriptures.
*What Does “Rightly Dividing” Mean?*
The phrase “rightly dividing” originates from the Greek word **ὀρθοτομου̃ντα (orthotomounta), a term unique to 2 Timothy 2:15. Although absent elsewhere in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, its meaning can be unpacked through its etymology and biblical usage.
At its core, the root word τέμνω (temnō) means “to cut.” The act of cutting naturally involves division. However, the specific nuance of orthotomounta emphasizes cutting or dividing with precision—doing so correctly or accurately.
The Greek word is found only in 2 Timothy 2:15 in the New Testament. However, in the Septuagint, this term translates the Hebrew word יָשַׁר (yāshar), which conveys the idea of making something right or straight. Two examples demonstrate this:
Proverbs 3:6: Here, the word implies God making one’s path straight and correct. It involves dividing the wrong paths from the right paths.
Proverbs 11:5**: Again, the sense is to establish a correct, straight course by dividing the wrong ways from the right ways.
The idea of “rightly dividing” aligns with these concepts of making a way straight, ensuring accuracy in direction.
The imagery evoked by “cutting” underscores the importance of exactness. A craftsman carefully cuts to achieve the proper fit; similarly, handling the Word of God demands precision. This involves distinguishing between teachings, dispensations, or paths, ensuring clarity rather than confusion. Failure to divide rightly risks leading oneself and others into error.
*The Content of 2 Timothy 2:15*
This verse encapsulates several key principles for handling Scripture:
**Pursuing God’s Approval The ultimate aim of Bible study is to be approved by God, not by man.
Diligence in Study The word “study” implies a commitment to diligent and earnest effort.
Shame-Free Workmanship The goal is to handle the Word so skillfully that there is no cause for shame.
Accurate Division “Rightly dividing” is the cornerstone of this charge, ensuring proper understanding and application.
Truth as the Foundation** The verse emphasizes the Word as “the Word of truth,” underscoring the necessity of accurate division to access its truth.
*Neglecting the Great Requirement*
It is evident that many Bible students disregard this command to rightly divide the Word of truth. Such neglect raises significant questions:
**Why treat this command as though it were optional?
Why should this precept be less binding than any other command in Scripture?
What justification exists for diminishing its importance?
Ironically, those who dismiss the necessity of rightly dividing the Word often rely on human-made divisions such as chapters, verses, red letters, and punctuation. They even accept added chapter-headings and running page-headings to organize the subject matter—divisions based on man’s reasoning rather than divine guidance.
The critical question is not whether the Word is divided but whether it is divided rightly or wrongly.** Correct division aligns with God’s truth, while incorrect division leads to misinterpretation and doctrinal error. Dividing rightly is not an abstract exercise; it is essential for understanding and applying Scripture accurately.
The Four Spheres of Rightly Dividing the Word
To meet the requirement of rightly dividing the Word of truth, there are four key areas in which diligence must be applied. Each of these areas outlines a path for ensuring that the Word is approached and understood as God intends:
*As to Its Literary Form*
The Word of God comes to us in various forms of literature—narratives, poetry, prophecy, wisdom, and epistles. Each of these requires its own method of interpretation, sensitive to the style and intent of the writing. Failing to distinguish between these forms can lead to misinterpretation.
*As to Its Subject-Matter*
The subject-matter of Scripture is diverse, ranging from historical events to doctrinal teachings, moral instructions, and prophetic revelations. Rightly dividing requires recognizing and respecting these distinctions, avoiding the conflation of unrelated subjects.
*As to Its Times and Dispensations*
The Bible records God’s dealings with humanity across different times and dispensations. What was true or required under the Law may differ in the current dispensation of grace. Disregarding these differences can result in doctrinal confusion and misapplication of Scripture.
*As to Its Dispensational Truth and Teaching*
Beyond recognizing dispensations, it is crucial to understand the specific truths and teachings unique to each. The truths revealed to Israel under the Law are not identical to those revealed to the Church through the Apostle Paul. Each must be studied within its proper context and framework.