2 Timothy 3 14

2 Timothy 3:14 kjv

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

2 Timothy 3:14 nkjv

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,

2 Timothy 3:14 niv

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it,

2 Timothy 3:14 esv

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it

2 Timothy 3:14 nlt

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

2 Timothy 3 verses

2 Timothy 3 14 Meaning

The verse emphasizes the foundational role of Scripture in spiritual growth and assurance, contrasting it with self-originating beliefs. It states that sound doctrine is rooted in what has been received and taught from God's Word.

2 Timothy 3 14 Context

Second Timothy chapter 3 details the characteristics of people in the last days, who will be lovers of themselves, greedy, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, without natural affection, treacherous, slanderous, intemperate, brutal, not lovers of good, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. Despite this dire assessment of the spiritual climate, Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in the teachings he has received. This verse serves as a foundation for Timothy's ability to withstand false teachings and continue in sound doctrine, which he learned from Scripture and from Paul himself. The broader context of the letter is Paul's final instructions to Timothy, encouraging him to persevere in ministry and to guard the truth entrusted to him.

2 Timothy 3 14 Word Analysis

• αλλα (alla): "But." A conjunction used to introduce a contrast. Here, it contrasts the believer's reliable foundation with the chaos described earlier.
• συ (su): "you." Refers specifically to Timothy.
• δε (de): "but," "and." Another conjunction, often weaker than alla, continuing the thought and connecting it to the previous statement.
• εμεινας (emeinas): "you have remained," "you continued." Aorist tense, indicating a completed action in the past that has a present result. Timothy's continued adherence.
• επ’ (ep'): "upon." A preposition indicating dependence or basis.
• αυτων (auton): "them," "of them." Refers to the "sound words" previously mentioned.
• διδαχης (didaches): "teaching," "doctrine."
• εν (en): "in," "by," "with." A preposition indicating means or sphere.
• αυτοις (autois): "in them," "with them." Referring to the sound words or the teaching derived from them.
• οις (ois): "which," "whom." A relative pronoun, referring back to "sound words" or "teaching."
• και (kai): "and." A conjunction connecting clauses or words.
• εμαθες (emathes): "you have learned." Aorist tense, completed action. Timothy’s learning from Paul.
• ασφαλως (asphelos): "securely," "surely," "certainly," "faithfully." An adverb denoting firm reliability and truth.
• τοιδε (toide): "and these."
• χοινα (choina): "things," "common things," or, in this context, "ways" or "matters." It refers to what has been taught or understood.
• ος (os): "which," "as." Relative pronoun.
• ακηκοας (akekoas): "you have heard." Perfect tense, indicating a past action with ongoing results. The continuous reception of Paul's teaching.
• παρ’ (par'): "from." Preposition indicating source or origin.
• εμου (emou): "me." Refers to the Apostle Paul.

Word Group Analysis:

• "continue you in" (εμεινας): This phrase highlights the active and ongoing commitment required from Timothy. It's not just about accepting truth once, but persisting in it.
• "sound words" (υγιαίνοντα λόγια - hugiainonta logia): Hugiainonta literally means "health-giving." This implies that the teaching is wholesome and beneficial for spiritual well-being, contrasting with corrupting or harmful doctrines.
• "learned from me" (εμαθες παρ' εμου - emathes par' emou): Emphasizes the apostolic authority and personal transmission of the gospel message and its implications. Paul is directly responsible for Timothy's understanding.
• "faithfully" (ασφαλως - asphelos): This adverb is crucial, indicating that Timothy’s learning and continued adherence must be based on certainty and trustworthiness, not on speculation or doubt.
• "which you have heard from me" (α εμαθες παρ' εμου, οις και ακηκοας παρ' εμου - ha emathes par' emou, hois kai akeoakas par' emou): This repetition emphasizes the importance of hearing and learning directly from an authoritative source, and specifically from Paul’s direct instruction.

2 Timothy 3 14 Bonus Section

The Greek phrase "υγιαίνοντα λόγια" (hygiainonta logia) translated as "sound words" is used elsewhere in the pastoral epistles (e.g., 1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1). The word "hygiaino" means "to be in good health," hence "healthy," "sound," "wholesome." This implies that doctrine is not merely intellectually correct but spiritually beneficial, promoting the health of the soul. The repetition of "heard from me" emphasizes the importance of apostolic succession and the trustworthy transmission of the gospel message from an authoritative witness of Christ. It also suggests that true spiritual understanding is cultivated through relationship and discipleship.

2 Timothy 3 14 Commentary

This verse establishes a critical link between sound doctrine and divine authority. Paul asserts that Timothy's firm grounding comes from consistently abiding by the healthy teaching he received directly from Paul. This teaching is explicitly described as coming from the sound words which are rooted in God’s truth. This means believers are not meant to innovate in theology but to learn, internalize, and adhere to what has been faithfully transmitted. The faithfulness (asphelos) emphasizes that the teaching is dependable and sure. It underscores that the foundation of a believer's spiritual life and understanding rests on revealed truth, personally heard and embraced, not on subjective interpretations or worldly philosophies. The consistency of Timothy's adherence mirrors the consistent nature of God’s Word itself.

• Practical Implication: Believers should actively seek out teaching from reliable sources, often those that faithfully echo apostolic doctrine, and remain steadfast in what they learn. This involves discernment to distinguish sound teaching from error.
• Example: A student who consistently learns and applies principles from a respected master craftsman, rather than trying to reinvent the trade through experimentation alone, builds a stable and effective foundation.