2 Timothy 2:24 kjv
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Timothy 2:24 nkjv
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
2 Timothy 2:24 niv
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
2 Timothy 2:24 esv
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
2 Timothy 2:24 nlt
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.
2 Timothy 2 24 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Tim 2:24 | ...gentle to all, able to teach, patient, | NT Theology of Service |
| Gal 6:1 | Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness... | Restoration with Gentleness |
| Eph 4:2 | with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, | Christian Character Traits |
| Col 3:12 | Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, | Virtues of a Believer |
| 1 Peter 3:15 | but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, | Gentle Defense of Faith |
| Titus 1:9 | holding fast the trustworthy word as taught, so that by sound doctrine he may be able both to exhort and to convince those who contradict. | Doctrine and Exhortation |
| Titus 2:15 | Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. | Authoritative Teaching |
| 1 Thess 5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. | Admonition and Encouragement |
| Rom 12:18 | If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. | Peacefulness |
| Matt 5:5 | “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. | Beatitudes - Meekness |
| 2 Tim 3:16 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, | Purpose of Scripture |
| 2 Tim 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. | Preaching the Word |
| Prov 15:1 | A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. | Gentle Words |
| Prov 25:15 | With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and gentle speech may break a bone. | Persuasion through Gentleness |
| Ps 23:2 | He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. | God's Gentle Provision |
| Jer 3:15 | Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. | Shepherds of Knowledge |
| Heb 12:5 | and have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. | Discipline and Endurance |
| 2 Tim 2:23 | Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. | Avoiding Quarrels |
| Eph 4:31 | Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. | Putting away Negativity |
| Eph 4:15 | rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, that is, Christ, | Speaking Truth in Love |
2 Timothy 2 verses
2 Timothy 2 24 Meaning
The servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, and patient. This verse instructs believers on the proper conduct and character expected of those who faithfully serve God. It emphasizes the importance of a non-confrontational, kind, and instructional approach in ministry and discipleship.
2 Timothy 2 24 Context
This verse is found in the second letter from the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy. Paul is in prison and knows his time is near. The letter is filled with encouragement, instruction, and exhortation for Timothy to remain faithful, continue the ministry, and pass on the truth to others. Chapter 2 focuses on perseverance in suffering, the metaphor of the Christian worker, and the importance of sound doctrine. This specific verse arises from the discussion about how a servant of the Lord should conduct himself, particularly in contrast to the "foolish, ignorant controversies" mentioned in the previous verse. The immediate context emphasizes equipping Timothy to effectively teach and disciple others amidst opposition and error.
2 Timothy 2 24 Word analysis
- To (Greek: de) - And; moreover; but. Connects this verse with the preceding one.
- be (Greek: einai) - to be. Infinitive form.
- the (Greek: to) - Definite article.
- servant (Greek: douloun) - Bondservant; slave. Denotes complete dedication and submission to the master. In this context, referring to believers as servants of the Lord.
- of (Greek: tou) - Of. Possessive case.
- Lord (Greek: kuriou) - Lord, Master. Refers to God and Jesus Christ.
- not (Greek: ou) - No; not. Negates the following verb.
- to (Greek: machesthai) - to fight; to contend; to quarrel; to dispute. Suggests an aggressive, contentious, or argumentative spirit.
- quarrel (Greek: machesthai) - to fight; to contend; to quarrel; to dispute. Similar to the previous word but reinforcing the prohibition against strife.
- but (Greek: alla) - but; moreover; rather. Introduces a contrast or an alternative.
- to (Greek: sum().__) - to be. Infinitive.
- all (Greek: panta) - all things; every one. Encompasses all people.
- gentle (Greek: epieikes) - mild; meek; gentle; forbearing; yielding. Implies a considerate, yielding, and gracious disposition, especially under provocation or when dealing with the infirmities of others. It's a disposition of forbearance.
- to (Greek: pros) - towards; to. Preposition indicating direction.
- all (Greek: pantas) - all. Refers to all people.
- able (Greek: didakton) - teachable; capable of being taught; capable of teaching. Double meaning, suggesting one should be teachable themselves and also able to impart knowledge to others.
- to (Greek: einai) - to be. Infinitive.
- teach (Greek: didaskontas) - teaching. Present participle, acting as an adjective to describe the servant. Implies skillful instruction and imparting of knowledge.
- and (Greek: kai) - and. Conjunction.
- patient (Greek: anexikakon) - enduring evils; patient; long-suffering; forbearing. Specifically refers to enduring wrongs or hardships without retaliating or complaining. It is an active endurance and patience towards others.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "servant of the Lord": Emphasizes a relational aspect, belonging to and serving Christ as Master.
- "not to quarrel": A strong prohibition against engagement in pointless disputes, suggesting that ministry should not be characterized by contentious debates.
- "gentle to all": Highlights a universal characteristic of a servant of God, extended to every person, regardless of their background or beliefs.
- "able to teach, patient": These are the positive attributes that should define the servant's interactions: possessing the ability to instruct and demonstrating enduring patience, particularly in difficult circumstances or with difficult people.
2 Timothy 2 24 Bonus section
The Greek term translated as "gentle" (epieikēs) carries a rich meaning of forbearance and equity. It describes a character that is not harsh or severe, but rather fair and understanding, willing to yield rather than insisting on every technical right. This quality is essential for a spiritual leader who must guide diverse individuals with differing needs and temperaments. The parallel term "patient" (anexikakon) specifically addresses the endurance of wrongs, highlighting the capacity to absorb injuries or offenses without becoming bitter or reactive. This combination of gentle forbearance and enduring patience is a powerful counter-approach to the contentious spirit often found in human interactions and in some religious disputes. The exhortation is to actively be these qualities, rather than merely possessing them passively.
2 Timothy 2 24 Commentary
A true servant of the Lord embodies distinct virtues in their conduct. Instead of engaging in unproductive arguments, they are characterized by a mild, forbearing disposition towards everyone they encounter. This gentleness is not weakness, but a strength that allows them to effectively impart sound doctrine. Crucially, this requires patience, a willingness to endure hardship and the imperfections of others without retaliating. These qualities enable the servant to minister effectively, patiently teaching and restoring, rather than creating further division.
- Practical usage example: When facing opposition to the Gospel, instead of getting into heated debates, a believer should respond with kindness, explain their faith clearly, and remain steadfast even if the other person remains unpersuaded or hostile. Another example would be patiently discipling someone who repeatedly makes the same mistakes, offering correction with grace rather than frustration.