2 Timothy 1 7

2 Timothy 1:7 kjv

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 nkjv

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 niv

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7 esv

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

2 Timothy 1:7 nlt

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1 verses

2 Timothy 1 7 Meaning

This verse reassures and emboldens Timothy, and by extension all believers, by stating that God has not imparted a spirit of cowardice or timidity. Instead, the Spirit given by God empowers believers with inherent ability and spiritual might (power), with divine, selfless affection (love), and with discipline, discernment, and self-control (sound mind), enabling them to fulfill His calling despite challenges or fear.

2 Timothy 1 7 Context

2 Timothy is Paul's last known letter, written while he was imprisoned in Rome and facing imminent execution. It is a deeply personal and encouraging message to his young protégé, Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus. Timothy appears to have been naturally timid, possibly burdened by the weighty responsibility of leadership, facing persecution, and witnessing defections within the church. In chapter 1, Paul immediately seeks to bolster Timothy's resolve by reminding him of his spiritual heritage (1:5), his call to "fan into flame the gift of God" (1:6), and crucially, the inherent nature of the Holy Spirit given to him. Verse 7 serves as the bedrock for rejecting fear and embracing boldness in ministry, directly preceding Paul's call to not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of Paul himself (1:8). The entire chapter emphasizes enduring hardship for the gospel.

2 Timothy 1 7 Word analysis

• For God: Identifies the divine source of what is given. This attributes the gift and empowerment directly to God, underscoring its trustworthiness and divine origin.
• hath not given us: This verb didōmi (δίδωμι) means "to give, to grant, to impart." The perfect tense emphasizes a completed action with lasting results: God has definitively not provided, equipped, or enabled believers with this disposition. "Us" broadens the scope from just Timothy to include all believers, universalizing the truth.
• the spirit of fear: Here, "spirit" (pneuma, πνεῦμα) refers not to the Holy Spirit, but to a disposition, attitude, or inner inclination towards timidity, cowardice (deilia, δειλία). This type of fear is an ungodly dread, characterized by faintheartedness, reluctance, and a shrinking from responsibility or danger, which runs contrary to a faithful walk with God. It contrasts sharply with "the fear of the Lord" which is reverence and wisdom.
• but of power: (dynamis, δύναμις) This refers to inherent ability, strength, and effective might. It is the divine capacity bestowed by the Holy Spirit for overcoming obstacles, performing supernatural feats (as in the early church), bearing witness, and enduring persecution. It implies dynamism and effectiveness in spiritual life and ministry.
• and of love: (agapē, ἀγάπη) This is God's unconditional, self-sacrificing love. It is not an emotion but a principle of action—seeking the highest good of others. This divine love within believers motivates obedience to God, compassionate service to others, and endurance in hardship, eliminating self-centered timidity. It aligns one's will with God's.
• and of a sound mind: (sōphronismos, σωφρονισμός) This complex term implies discipline, self-control, and sober-mindedness. It is the ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, and maintain spiritual balance, preventing rash decisions or being overwhelmed by circumstances. It grants internal composure, rational discernment, and restraint, equipping believers to live thoughtfully and wisely according to God's will.

Words-group by words-group analysis data:

• "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear": This establishes a clear denial. God does not originate or equip His children with an attitude of timidity. It implicitly corrects any misconception that fear or cowardice might be a necessary or God-given part of faith, particularly in the face of adversity. This emphasizes God's empowering nature for His mission.
• "but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind": This tri-fold positive affirmation details the precise nature of the Spirit God has given. These three qualities are inseparable manifestations of the Holy Spirit's work in the believer. They collectively counteract the spirit of fear: 'power' grants capability, 'love' provides motive and casts out fear, and 'sound mind' offers wisdom and stability. This balanced set of characteristics enables robust, effective, and principled Christian living and ministry.

2 Timothy 1 7 Bonus section

The qualities of power, love, and a sound mind can be understood as core components of a fully integrated and Spirit-led Christian character, vital for both personal sanctification and effective public ministry. These are not merely suggestions but defining characteristics of a person empowered by the Holy Spirit. While the "gift of God" in verse 6 might refer specifically to a spiritual gifting for ministry (charisma), the "spirit" in verse 7 encompasses the very nature and outworking of the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling the appropriate use of such gifts. The emphasis on "love" in this triad is significant, as power without love can be destructive, and a sound mind without love can lead to cold legalism. Love ensures that both power and discretion are used constructively and righteously. This verse serves as a fundamental counter-argument against any timidity arising from internal weaknesses or external pressures, redirecting focus to the inherent strength and divine enabling already given by God.

2 Timothy 1 7 Commentary

2 Timothy 1:7 is a bedrock declaration concerning the believer's true spiritual endowment. Paul asserts that fear, in its debilitating sense, is fundamentally alien to God's purpose and provision for His people. God does not impart a spirit of timidity, a weak-willed faintheartedness that shrinks from duty or danger. Instead, the very Spirit of God resident within every believer equips them with a potent triad of spiritual attributes. "Power" (dynamis) denotes not merely physical strength, but spiritual efficacy and divine enablement for witness, service, and endurance. This power ensures that believers are never without the capacity to fulfill their calling. "Love" (agape) is the selfless, divine love of God poured into the heart by the Holy Spirit. This love fundamentally overcomes fear (1 Jn 4:18) as it centers on God and others, rather than self-preservation. It is the primary motivator for sacrificial ministry and outreach. Finally, "a sound mind" (sōphronismos) signifies self-control, discipline, and wise judgment. It brings clarity and balance, preventing irrational decisions and emotional instability often associated with fear. These three elements are indispensable for courageously bearing witness, faithfully ministering, and wisely navigating life's challenges in a way that honors God. The verse therefore is both an encouragement to confront fear head-on, trusting in the Holy Spirit's presence, and a clear statement of the comprehensive nature of His equipping work in believers.

• Example 1: Facing a daunting task in ministry, a believer recalls that God gives "power" to accomplish what seems impossible.
• Example 2: When offended or hurt, instead of retreating in fear or bitterness, the believer acts out of God's "love," seeking reconciliation and exhibiting forgiveness.
• Example 3: In times of spiritual or moral confusion, one relies on the "sound mind" gifted by God to make disciplined, Spirit-led choices rather than being swayed by impulsive emotions or worldly philosophies.