2 Timothy 2 7

2 Timothy 2:7 kjv

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

2 Timothy 2:7 nkjv

Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

2 Timothy 2:7 niv

Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

2 Timothy 2:7 esv

Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

2 Timothy 2:7 nlt

Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.

2 Timothy 2 verses

2 Timothy 2 7 Meaning

2 Timothy 2:7 presents a profound spiritual principle: the call for active human engagement with God's Word coupled with the assured divine provision of understanding. Paul instructs Timothy (and, by extension, all believers) to diligently ponder and reflect on the teachings presented, especially the preceding analogies of the faithful soldier, disciplined athlete, and hardworking farmer. This deliberate intellectual and spiritual effort is not left to human capacity alone; rather, it is anchored in the promise that the Lord Himself will grant deep, insightful comprehension across all aspects of these truths and the challenges of faithful living.

2 Timothy 2 7 Context

2 Timothy chapter 2 serves as Paul's final, fervent instruction to his young protégé, Timothy, urging steadfastness in ministry despite growing apostasy and personal suffering. Paul, likely anticipating his imminent martyrdom, charges Timothy to pass on the gospel to faithful men (2 Tim 2:2) and to endure hardship as a good soldier, a disciplined athlete, and a diligent farmer (2 Tim 2:3-6). These three analogies underscore the commitment, obedience, labor, and patient expectation required in Christian service. Verse 7, "Consider what I say; for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things," acts as a crucial hinge connecting these practical illustrations with a promise of divine enablement. It transitions from Paul's instruction and Timothy's duty to the source of wisdom for fulfilling that duty, assuring Timothy that while his effort is required, his comprehension ultimately comes from the Lord.

2 Timothy 2 7 Word analysis

• Word-by-word analysis:

  • "Consider" (Greek: Noei - imperatival present active of noeō): This is a command, not a suggestion. It signifies an active mental process: to think, ponder, understand, reflect, perceive with the mind, pay attention. It implies internalizing, not just hearing. This links back to the preceding analogies; Timothy is to actively work through the meaning and implications of Paul's teachings.
  • "what I say" (Greek: ha legō): This refers specifically to Paul's immediately preceding counsel and analogies (2 Tim 2:1-6), but can extend to his entire instruction within the letter and perhaps the apostolic teaching generally. It emphasizes the importance of apostolic doctrine.
  • "for" (Greek: gar): A conjunction introducing the reason or explanation for the command to "consider." It signifies that the following statement is the basis or assurance for the instruction given. It’s an encouraging "because."
  • "the Lord" (Greek: ho Kyrios): Refers to Jesus Christ, the sovereign head of the church and the source of spiritual wisdom and revelation. It emphasizes the divine, authoritative source of the understanding.
  • "will give" (Greek: dōsei - future active indicative of didōmi): A definite promise, indicating a future action by God. It assures divine enablement. The understanding is a gift, not solely achieved through human intellectual prowess.
  • "thee" (Greek: soi): Timothy is the direct recipient, yet the principle extends to all who earnestly seek to grasp spiritual truths and apply them in service.
  • "understanding" (Greek: synesis): Denotes a deep, comprehensive insight, a practical grasp of concepts, the ability to put facts together, and to apply discernment. It's not mere intellectual data accumulation but spiritual insight leading to wise action. It implies a discerning faculty, especially concerning moral and spiritual truth.
  • "in all things" (Greek: en pasin): This signifies the broad and comprehensive scope of the promised understanding. It extends to all Paul's teachings, all aspects of faithful ministry, personal conduct, discerning truth from error, and navigating life's complexities in light of Christ's kingdom.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Consider what I say": This phrase lays out the human responsibility in learning and discipleship. It calls for diligent, active engagement with the presented truth. Spiritual growth is not passive absorption but requires intentional reflection and processing of divine instruction. It highlights the importance of attentiveness to God's inspired Word and apostolic teaching.
  • "for the Lord will give thee understanding": This crucial phrase balances human effort with divine enablement. The "for" indicates that Timothy's act of "considering" is not in vain or dependent on his own intellect alone. It's grounded in the promise of God's supernatural aid. The Lord actively intervenes to grant spiritual discernment, without which true comprehension of spiritual truths is impossible (1 Cor 2:14). It underscores a profound theological synergy between human discipline and divine grace.
  • "understanding in all things": This highlights the pervasive and practical nature of the spiritual understanding God provides. It suggests a holistic understanding that is applicable across every facet of ministry, doctrine, life challenges, and ethical decisions. It means discerning spiritual realities within everyday circumstances, enabling Timothy to effectively navigate complex issues and remain faithful in all his endeavors.

2 Timothy 2 7 Bonus section

The word synesis (understanding) in the New Testament often goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge (gnosis) to imply practical discernment and insightful application. It refers to the ability to "put things together," to connect various pieces of divine revelation into a coherent, meaningful whole, which then guides wise action. This divine gift prevents a fragmented or merely academic understanding of truth, ensuring that believers can competently apply God's Word to all aspects of life and ministry, from doctrinal disputes to daily decisions. Furthermore, this verse underscores the necessity of humility and dependence on God, reminding us that without the Lord's enlightenment, even diligent study can fall short of true spiritual comprehension (e.g., as seen in the blind spots of intellectual unbelief or self-reliance).

2 Timothy 2 7 Commentary

2 Timothy 2:7 powerfully combines human diligence with divine empowerment, creating a critical model for apprehending spiritual truth. Paul’s instruction to "consider what I say" places an essential responsibility on Timothy (and all believers) to actively engage with God’s Word – not just passively listen, but to ponder, analyze, and internalize. This active meditation is crucial, enabling the Spirit to work. However, this human effort is not self-sufficient; the assurance "for the Lord will give thee understanding" guarantees that genuine spiritual insight and practical discernment are ultimately a gift from Christ Himself. This dynamic interplay ensures that while we are called to diligent study and reflection, the depth of our comprehension of divine matters and their application "in all things" springs from supernatural revelation, enabling us to truly grasp God's will for our lives and ministry. It provides confidence to labor faithfully, knowing divine illumination accompanies our sincere pursuit of truth.