2 Timothy 2:25 kjv
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2 Timothy 2:25 nkjv
in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
2 Timothy 2:25 niv
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
2 Timothy 2:25 esv
correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
2 Timothy 2:25 nlt
Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth.
2 Timothy 2 25 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Repentance as God's Gift | ||
| Acts 11:18 | When they heard these things... “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” | God's granting of repentance. |
| Rom 2:4 | Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? | God's kindness leads to repentance. |
| 2 Pet 3:9 | The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. | God's patience seeks repentance for all. |
| Eph 2:8 | For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. | Salvation, including repentance, is God's gift. |
| Gentle Correction and Patience | ||
| 2 Tim 2:24 | And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil... | Prerequisite: servant must be patient. |
| Gal 6:1 | Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. | Restore others gently. |
| Tit 3:2 | To speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, to show perfect courtesy toward all people. | Commands gentleness to all. |
| 1 Pet 3:15 | 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. | Give account with gentleness. |
| Phil 4:5 | Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand. | Christian character of gentleness. |
| 1 Thess 5:14 | And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. | Be patient with all believers. |
| Knowledge of the Truth | ||
| 1 Tim 2:4 | Who desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. | God desires all to know truth. |
| Jn 8:32 | And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. | Truth brings freedom. |
| Eph 4:21 | Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus. | Truth found in Jesus. |
| Col 1:5-6 | because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing... | The gospel is the word of truth. |
| 2 Thess 2:10 | and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. | Rejecting truth leads to perishing. |
| Dealing with Opponents and Error | ||
| Matt 18:15 | If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. | Correcting those in error. |
| Acts 2:37-38 | Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized...” | People confronted and called to repentance. |
| 2 Tim 3:7 | always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. | Describes those never reaching full truth. |
| Jas 5:19-20 | My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death... | Bringing back those who wander from truth. |
| Jude 1:22-23 | And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire... | Have mercy and rescue from danger. |
| Divine Sovereignty | ||
| Jn 6:44 | No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. | Divine drawing precedes coming to Christ. |
| Acts 16:14 | One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. | Lord opens hearts to understand. |
| 1 Cor 2:10-14 | These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit... The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God... because they are spiritually discerned. | Spiritual truth needs divine revelation. |
2 Timothy 2 verses
2 Timothy 2 25 Meaning
Second Timothy 2:25 instructs Christian leaders and believers to correct those who oppose the truth with humility and patience, trusting that it is God who grants repentance, which then leads to a full and accurate understanding of His truth. This verse highlights both the compassionate disposition required for confrontation and the sovereign role of God in transforming hearts and minds away from error.
2 Timothy 2 25 Context
This verse is part of Paul's practical instructions to Timothy regarding how to handle the challenges of false teaching and spiritual opposition within the church. Chapter 2 emphasizes the endurance required for a true servant of the Lord (2:1-7), the commitment to the unchangeable Word (2:8-13), and the proper handling of truth (2:14-19). Specifically, 2 Timothy 2:25 builds upon the preceding verse (2:24), which dictates that "the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil." Thus, correction, while necessary, must always be delivered with a Spirit-controlled demeanor, acknowledging that ultimately, conversion and true understanding are sovereign acts of God, not simply the result of human persuasive ability. The historical context includes the rise of gnostic-like heresies that denied core Christian truths and caused division, demanding both firm theological conviction and gentle personal interaction.
2 Timothy 2 25 Word analysis
- in humility: The Greek word is praütēs (πραΰτης), often translated as meekness or gentleness. It does not imply weakness but rather power under control. It is the opposite of arrogance or self-assertion. It is a disposition of mind by which one’s passions are kept under control and are not allowed to rush forth indiscriminately. In correction, this means approaching an opponent not with pride or anger, but with a humble recognition of one's own dependence on God and an attitude of seeking their restoration.
- correcting: The Greek word is paideuō (παιδεύω). It means to train, educate, instruct, or discipline. It implies a nurturing and developmental process rather than merely finding fault or rebuking. The aim is improvement and learning, not simply condemnation. This term highlights that correction should be an act of spiritual pedagogy, helping someone grow out of their error.
- those who are in opposition: The Greek word is antitassomenous (ἀντιτασσομένους), which literally means "those who array themselves against," or "those who are set in opposition." This refers to people actively resisting the truth or promulgating false teachings. It is not about ignorant people but those who, whether deliberately or by ingrained stubbornness, stand against sound doctrine.
- if perhaps God may grant them: This phrase, mē pote theos didōē autois (μή ποτε Θεὸς δῴη αὐτοῖς), underscores the divine initiative in repentance and spiritual enlightenment. Human effort in teaching and correcting is crucial, but ultimately, it is God who must act on the heart to produce the desired change. This also implies an element of hope and uncertainty on the part of the human agent – we can administer the truth, but we cannot force or guarantee the spiritual outcome.
- repentance: The Greek word is metanoia (μετάνοια), meaning a change of mind, a turning around, or a fundamental shift in one's way of thinking and direction of life. In this context, it means turning from false understanding and sinful practices (often associated with error) to alignment with God's truth.
- leading to: The Greek term implies "resulting in" or "unto." The purpose of this repentance is not merely an emotional sorrow but a concrete intellectual and spiritual outcome.
- a knowledge of the truth: The Greek word for "knowledge" here is epignōsin (ἐπίγνωσιν), which implies a full, accurate, and experiential knowledge, as opposed to mere theoretical understanding (gnosis). It is an understanding that goes beyond superficial learning to grasp the essence and reality of God's revealed truth. This refers specifically to the revealed truth of the gospel and sound doctrine.
2 Timothy 2 25 Bonus section
The phrase "if perhaps God may grant them" serves as a reminder against spiritual arrogance or despair. It warns against assuming we can force someone to repent, as repentance is a divine gift. At the same time, it prevents discouragement, as even if human efforts seem to fail, God retains the power to work a profound change. This balance emphasizes dependence on God for spiritual outcomes while maintaining human responsibility in fulfilling the command to teach with gentleness. This approach is polemical against any notion that human argumentation or logical persuasion alone can convert a soul, aligning instead with a theology where grace precedes genuine understanding and spiritual regeneration. It underscores that confronting error is fundamentally a pastoral, restorative act, driven by a desire for the spiritual welfare of the erring, rather than an intellectual battle to be won at any cost.
2 Timothy 2 25 Commentary
Second Timothy 2:25 stands as a profound instruction for anyone seeking to engage with those who oppose the Christian faith or harbor false beliefs. The core message is that effective spiritual confrontation is rooted not in human cleverness or forceful argument, but in a divine-human partnership. The human responsibility lies in the how: using humility and patient instruction, not antagonism or quarrelsome behavior. This approach cultivates an environment conducive to transformation, mirroring God's own patience and kindness. The recognition that "God may grant them repentance" highlights God's sovereign hand in spiritual renewal. This acknowledges that genuine change of heart and mind is a miracle, not a psychological achievement. Our role is to be faithful vessels of truth and love, understanding that the spiritual fruit ultimately belongs to God. The aim is not simply to win an argument, but to lead the opponent to a full knowledge of the truth, a comprehensive and experiential understanding of God's Word that brings freedom and life.