2 Timothy 1 6

2 Timothy 1:6 kjv

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6 nkjv

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6 niv

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2 Timothy 1:6 esv

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands,

2 Timothy 1:6 nlt

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

2 Timothy 1 verses

2 Timothy 1 6 Meaning

2 Timothy 1:6 calls Timothy to actively revive, cultivate, and intensify the spiritual enablement or charisma given to him by God for ministry. Paul reminds him that this divine capacity is not only present within him but was specifically acknowledged and transmitted, in part, through the ceremonial act of the laying on of Paul's hands (and likely the presbytery, as indicated in 1 Tim 4:14). The verse serves as a crucial exhortation to combat spiritual apathy or timidity, urging fervent engagement with the Lord's calling and equipping.

2 Timothy 1 6 Context

The Second Letter to Timothy is Paul's last written letter, penned from Roman imprisonment, likely just before his execution. It serves as a personal charge to Timothy, a young pastor leading the Ephesian church. The overall tone is one of urgency, exhortation to faithfulness, and endurance in suffering for the gospel. In chapter 1, Paul begins by expressing his deep affection for Timothy (v. 3-5), recalling Timothy's sincere faith, inherited from his mother and grandmother. This verse (v. 6) naturally flows from Paul's love and his recognition of Timothy's spiritual heritage and gifting. It addresses Timothy's perceived timidity or potential spiritual flagging in the face of immense pressure, false teaching, and persecution in Ephesus. Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul's imprisonment but to stand firm, reminding him of the divine power that resides within him, imparted through the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 1 6 Word analysis

• For this reason: Greek: δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν (di hēn aitian). This phrase connects directly to Paul's preceding verses (v. 3-5), referencing his prayers, deep longing for Timothy, and his genuine faith traced through Lois and Eunice. It implies that because Timothy possesses such a genuine faith and divine heritage, he has every cause to exercise the spiritual gift.
• I remind you: Greek: ἀναμιμνῄσκω (anamimnēskō). It means "to recall to mind," "to make someone remember." This isn't a reprimand for total neglect but an affectionate yet firm encouragement. Paul is stirring Timothy's memory of the gift's reality and calling him to activate it, implying the gift may have become dormant rather than completely absent.
• to fan into flame: Greek: ἀναζωπυρεῖν (anazōpyrein). This is a strong, vivid verb, meaning "to kindle up," "to rekindle a fire," "to keep alive a flame by blowing it." The imagery is of embers (the gift) that are present but may have cooled down and need active stirring and fresh oxygen (spiritual vitality) to blaze up again. It indicates an active, conscious effort to cultivate and intensify the spiritual gift already possessed. It suggests a lack of zeal, rather than absence of the gift itself.
• the gift of God: Greek: τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ (to charisma tou Theou).
  • χάρισμα (charisma): Derived from charis (grace), indicating something freely given by divine grace, not earned. It refers to a spiritual endowment or ability given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of Christian service and the building up of the church.
  • τοῦ Θεοῦ (tou Theou): "Of God." Emphasizes the divine origin and nature of the gift. While it might encompass Timothy's natural aptitudes consecrated to God, it primarily refers to a distinct spiritual empowerment. In Timothy's case, it likely refers to his particular enablement for pastoral leadership, teaching, and evangelism (cf. 2 Tim 4:5, 1 Tim 4:6, 11).
• which is in you: Greek: ὄν ἐν σοί (on en soi). This confirms the gift is resident within Timothy, not external or needing to be acquired anew. It underscores the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence and active work within believers, empowering them for service.
• through the laying on of my hands: Greek: διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου (dia tēs epitheseōs tōn cheirōn mou).
  • ἐπιθέσεως (epitheseōs): "A placing on," "imposition." Refers to the physical act of laying on hands.
  • τῶν χειρῶν μου (tōn cheirōn mou): "My hands." This points to Paul's personal involvement in Timothy's commissioning or ordination. As per 1 Timothy 4:14, the presbytery (a council of elders) also participated, indicating a recognized, corporate spiritual impartation and commissioning for ministry, validated by the apostles' presence. This act symbolized identifying with the person, conferring blessing, designating for office, or imparting spiritual endowment. It was not a magical transference, but an outward sign and channel through which God confirmed and activated His gifts.

2 Timothy 1 6 Bonus section

The emphasis on ἀναζωπυρεῖν (anazōpyrein) - "to fan into flame" - suggests that Christian spiritual life is not a static state but a dynamic process. It necessitates active participation on the part of the believer to steward the grace God has already given. The parallel instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:19, "Do not quench the Spirit," further illuminates this point; while believers must avoid stifling the Spirit's work, 2 Timothy 1:6 calls for proactive spiritual discipline to cultivate it. This responsibility extends not only to individual gifts but also to the church corporately, to encourage and create environments where gifts can flourish. The verse underscores that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (from which all charismata flow) implies a divine capacity for boldness, power, and love, directly counteracting human fear or inadequacy.

2 Timothy 1 6 Commentary

This pivotal verse serves as a robust encouragement from an imprisoned apostle to his young and potentially timorous protégé. The metaphor of "fanning into flame" is particularly insightful, implying that spiritual gifts are dynamic, not static. Like a fire that needs tending to maintain its heat and light, a spiritual gift can dim due to neglect, fear, distraction, or the pressures of ministry. Paul does not suggest Timothy lacks the gift but rather needs to actively "stir up" or "rekindle" what is already divinely placed within him. This "gift of God" (charisma) speaks to Timothy's unique divine empowerment for his ministerial calling. It was confirmed and visibly acknowledged through the solemn act of the "laying on of hands," a practice that symbolized divine anointing, commissioning, and often, the impartation of spiritual grace or authority, linking his spiritual equipment directly to apostolic approval and heavenly source. This implies an ongoing responsibility for the believer to nurture their spiritual endowment through prayer, diligent study of God's Word, active ministry, and a robust reliance on the Holy Spirit. This call to cultivate God's gift directly opposes any passive acceptance or the debilitating "spirit of timidity" mentioned in the following verse.

• Examples: A preacher who feels spiritually dry should return to earnest prayer, fresh study of the Word, and renewed dedication to his calling, rather than simply going through motions. A worship leader feeling uninspired might need to spend focused time in personal worship, seeking the Lord's refreshing. Any believer feeling their gifts lying dormant needs to consciously activate them, perhaps by volunteering in a ministry, seeking opportunities to serve, and intentionally praying for God to reignite their spiritual passion and effectiveness.