2 Timothy 2 15

2 Timothy 2:15 kjv

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 nkjv

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 niv

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 esv

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 nlt

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2 verses

2 Timothy 2 15 Meaning

This verse is an imperative to believers, especially those in leadership or teaching roles like Timothy, to diligently present themselves to God as approved. This approval comes through their identity as a blameless workman who accurately handles and expounds the Word of God, avoiding any distortion or misapplication of its truth. It underscores the dual necessity of personal integrity and doctrinal precision in ministry.

2 Timothy 2 15 Context

The second chapter of 2 Timothy centers on Paul's charge to Timothy concerning faithful ministry amidst coming hardship and apostasy. Paul uses several metaphors for a devoted worker for Christ: a soldier enduring hardship (2 Tim 2:3-4), an athlete competing according to the rules (2 Tim 2:5), and a diligent farmer expecting a harvest (2 Tim 2:6). These analogies underscore the need for discipline, single-mindedness, and perseverance. Verse 15 follows immediately after a discussion of remembering Jesus Christ and Paul's own endurance for the sake of the elect.

The surrounding verses (2 Tim 2:14-19) highlight the contrast between a faithful minister and false teachers, specifically mentioning Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Tim 2:17-18) who erred concerning the truth of the resurrection. Therefore, 2 Timothy 2:15 provides a clear instruction on how Timothy (and by extension, any believer) is to conduct himself in truth, explicitly countering the deceitful and unprofitable speech of false teachers (2 Tim 2:14, 2 Tim 2:16) and preserving sound doctrine. The historical context reflects a nascent church grappling with internal dissent and external pressures, where sound doctrine and ethical living were paramount for its purity and survival.

2 Timothy 2 15 Word analysis

• Study (σπουδάζω, spoudazō): This verb means to "be diligent," "make haste," "exert oneself," "be eager," or "strive." It implies a concerted and serious effort, not a casual engagement. It goes beyond mere intellectual learning; it denotes passionate commitment and energetic application towards a goal. In this context, it speaks to an active and intentional pursuit of understanding God's Word and demonstrating one's character.

• to shew thyself (σεαυτὸν παραστῆσαι, seauton parastēsai): Literally "to present yourself" or "to place yourself beside." It means to offer or put forward for approval or examination. The action is self-directed; Timothy is responsible for his own presentation before God.

• approved (δόκιμον, dokimon): An adjective meaning "tested," "tried," "found genuine," "sterling," or "acceptable." It often referred to metals that had passed through fire and were proven pure and authentic, or to a person who had proven worthy through trials. It suggests that this "approval" is not based on self-assessment or human praise but on God's objective evaluation of one's faithfulness and integrity.

• unto God: The ultimate audience and arbiter of approval. The work and life are directed towards pleasing and being found acceptable by God, not by men (cf. 1 Thes 2:4). This is the highest standard.

• a workman (ἐργάτην, ergatēn): Literally "a worker," "one who performs work," "laborer." This identifies the approved person not as an idle intellectual but as someone actively engaged in God's service, implying effort, skill, and productivity. It ties back to Paul's earlier metaphors of the soldier, athlete, and farmer (2 Tim 2:3-6).

• that needeth not to be ashamed (ἀνεπαίσχυντον, anepaischynton): An adjective meaning "blameless," "having no cause for shame," "unreprovable." It describes the positive outcome of being a diligent, approved workman. Because they handle God's truth accurately and live consistently, there will be no grounds for legitimate reproach, embarrassment, or disgrace.

• rightly dividing (ὀρθοτομοῦντα, orthotomounta): This is a crucial and unique word in the New Testament (only here). It literally means "cutting straight," "cutting a straight road," "plowing a straight furrow," or "cutting timbers or stone in a straight line." Metaphorically, it means "to handle accurately," "to expound correctly," "to direct aright," or "to dispense accurately." It emphasizes precision, skill, and avoiding distortions, errors, or crookedness when handling the divine revelation. It speaks directly to sound hermeneutics and faithful exposition, in stark contrast to the way false teachers might twist scripture.

• the word of truth (τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας, ton logon tēs alētheias): This refers to God's revealed message, the Gospel (Eph 1:13), sacred Scripture (2 Tim 3:16-17), and all sound doctrine that stems from it. It is inherently true and infallible; the task is for the minister to handle it with integrity and precision, reflecting its inherent truth.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Study to shew thyself approved unto God": This opening phrase sets the primary objective: personal and professional diligence driven by a desire for divine commendation. It’s a proactive and purposeful effort to be found acceptable by the ultimate authority.
  • "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed": This specifies the character and result of such diligent self-presentation. The approved individual is a dedicated worker whose integrity in both character and communication leaves no room for disgrace or blame, reflecting an uncompromised witness.
  • "rightly dividing the word of truth": This is the core method and proof of the workman's approval and blamelessness. The ability to handle God's revelation accurately, discerning its true meaning and application without distortion or misrepresentation, is the defining skill. It distinguishes faithful ministry from heretical teachings prevalent in Timothy's context.

2 Timothy 2 15 Bonus section

The metaphor of "rightly dividing" (orthotomeo) can be seen in light of Roman road-building or an agricultural term related to plowing. In Roman contexts, roads were cut "straight" to efficiently and clearly reach their destination. In agriculture, a farmer would plow a "straight furrow" to prepare the field correctly for planting, ensuring productivity. This vividly portrays the minister's task: to cut a clear, straight path through God's truth, avoiding tangents, misdirections, or muddled explanations. This precision ensures that God's message is delivered in a way that truly benefits the hearer, guiding them aright rather than leading them astray with twisted doctrines. The implied opposite is handling the word crookedly or dishonestly, which leads to spiritual ruin and shame. It also implies the discernment needed to apply specific truths to specific situations without generalizing or spiritualizing inappropriately. The command thus unites diligent effort, blameless character, and precise hermeneutical skill as the marks of an approved servant of God.

2 Timothy 2 15 Commentary

2 Timothy 2:15 is a foundational mandate for Christian ministry and indeed, for every believer engaging with Scripture. Paul's command, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God," is not merely about intellectual acquisition but diligent application and presentation. The "study" (σπουδάζω, spoudazō) implies earnest effort and commitment, reflecting the intensity of a soldier, athlete, or farmer. The ultimate goal is divine approval (dokimon), signifying a tested genuineness not for human commendation but for God's. This approval is earned through diligent, faithful service as a "workman."

The negative, "that needeth not to be ashamed," stresses the consequence of a blameless life and faithful exposition; there will be no legitimate grounds for shame, either before God or others, concerning one's ministry or character. This stands in sharp contrast to the shame brought upon the false teachers (2 Tim 2:14-18) who twisted the truth.

The heart of the verse lies in "rightly dividing the word of truth" (orthotomounta ton logon tēs alētheias). This singular term emphasizes precision, accuracy, and linearity in handling God's revealed message. It is about understanding the proper interpretation, application, and boundaries of biblical truth, ensuring that it is proclaimed in its true, undiluted form. This means understanding biblical context, genres, covenants, and dispensations correctly, avoiding misinterpretation, sensationalism, or catering to personal biases. It is a polemic against those who twist or misrepresent God's word, whether through negligence or deliberate deception. The "word of truth" itself is reliable, but its handler must be skillful and pure.

In essence, 2 Timothy 2:15 calls for disciplined effort in knowing and communicating God's Word, with integrity of character, all with an eye toward divine approbation.Examples of practical application:

• A Bible study leader carefully researching cultural context to explain a passage, ensuring not to impose modern ideas onto ancient texts.
• A preacher consistently consulting various parts of Scripture to ensure consistency in interpreting a doctrine.
• A lay Christian investing time daily in serious prayer and study of the Bible, seeking God's mind, rather than just superficial reading or cherry-picking verses out of context.