2 Timothy 3 17

2 Timothy 3:17 kjv

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:17 nkjv

that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:17 niv

so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:17 esv

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:17 nlt

God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3 verses

2 Timothy 3 17 Meaning

2 Timothy 3:17 declares the ultimate purpose of God-breathed Scripture: to enable believers, specifically identified as the "man of God," to be fully adequate, proficient, and prepared for every righteous action that aligns with God's will. It asserts that through the perfect guidance and training of the inspired Word, a follower of Christ is made complete in character and capability, leaving no deficiency in their readiness for kingdom service and living.

2 Timothy 3 17 Context

The immediate context of 2 Timothy 3:17 is verses 16-17. Verse 16 establishes the nature of Scripture as "God-breathed" (Greek: theopneustos) and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Verse 17 then logically follows, stating the purpose for which Scripture provides these benefits. Paul is writing his final letter to his beloved mentee, Timothy, from prison, urging him to remain steadfast in faith and sound doctrine amidst rising apostasy and moral decay in the last days (described in 2 Tim 3:1-9). Paul emphasizes the reliability of the written Word as a sufficient resource against spiritual deception and for faithful endurance in ministry (2 Tim 3:14-15). Historically, Timothy would have been familiar with the Jewish Scriptures, which formed the primary "Scripture" for early Christians, alongside the growing body of apostolic writings now recognized as the New Testament. The affirmation here of the Scripture's perfection serves as a strong counter-polemic against any need for extra-biblical revelation or human traditions as authoritative for Christian living.

2 Timothy 3 17 Word analysis

• That: Greek hina. This word introduces a purpose clause. It signifies the direct intent or goal. The prior verse (v.16) explains what Scripture is and does, and v.17 explains why it does so – what the ultimate end result is.
• the man of God: Greek ho tou theou anthrōpos. This specific phrase often denotes a consecrated servant of God, an individual dedicated to God's will and service, typically implying a spiritual leader or prophet (e.g., Moses, Elijah, David were called "men of God" in the OT). In the New Testament, while often used of apostles and teachers (like Timothy here, and explicitly for himself in 1 Tim 6:11), it can also be understood more broadly as any devoted believer who wholly commits to living for God. It speaks to identity and calling.
• may be complete: Greek artios (ἄρτιος). This word implies being perfectly fitted, proficient, adequate, or fully qualified. It describes a state of readiness where nothing is lacking. It conveys an idea of proper alignment, functioning optimally for its intended purpose. In a mechanical sense, it means being in perfect working order, without any missing parts or defects. The Scripture's comprehensive nature makes the believer complete, not in self-sufficiency, but in their God-given role.
• thoroughly equipped: Greek exērtismenos (ἐξηρτισμένος). This is a perfect passive participle, deriving from exartizō. While artios means complete in quality or character, exērtismenos suggests completion for action, or being perfectly furnished and prepared for a task. It emphasizes enablement and readiness. It indicates being outfitted with all the necessary tools and supplies for a journey or mission. This highlights the practical and active purpose of Scripture. The perfect tense signifies a state of being fully prepared that results from a completed past action (i.e., through the work of Scripture).
• for every good work: Greek pros pan ergon agathon. This specifies the comprehensive scope of the believer's readiness. "Every good work" means any action that aligns with God's will, serves His kingdom, blesses others, and brings glory to Him. This is not limited to formal ministry but extends to all aspects of life where believers are called to represent Christ. "Good" (agathon) implies that which is intrinsically good and beneficial, pleasing to God. The phrase underscores that the purpose of being complete and equipped is practical manifestation of faith through righteous living and service.

2 Timothy 3 17 Bonus section

The two Greek words artios and exērtismenos are not mere synonyms; they offer complementary nuances about the perfection Scripture produces. Artios speaks to an internal state of being perfectly formed and adequate in character, like a finished product that is well-assembled and functional. Exērtismenos, on the other hand, points to being externally furnished and prepared for specific action or a mission. It emphasizes the active, external equipping—being fully "kitted out" for what lies ahead. Thus, Scripture ensures both an internal completeness (soundness, wholeness) and an external readiness (preparation, resourcefulness) for service. This implies that the Bible provides not only the theological framework for understanding God's will but also the practical wisdom and empowerment for executing it in daily life. This dual aspect underscores the practical utility and comprehensive scope of divine inspiration for the believer's journey.

2 Timothy 3 17 Commentary

2 Timothy 3:17 powerfully states the sufficiency and efficacy of Scripture for the believer's life and service. Building on the foundation of the previous verse, which affirms that "all Scripture is God-breathed" and therefore authoritative and beneficial for spiritual growth, verse 17 unveils the ultimate outcome. The purpose of God giving us His Word is not merely for intellectual understanding, but for practical formation and effective action.

The "man of God"—a representative title for any mature and devoted follower of Christ, but especially applicable to those in spiritual leadership like Timothy—is brought to a state of completion (artios) by Scripture. This completeness is holistic: it refers to being sound in doctrine, right in character, and mature in faith. More than just being complete in essence, Scripture also thoroughly equips (exērtismenos) this individual. This stronger term denotes being fully furnished, supplied with everything needed, and perfectly fitted out for specific tasks. It moves from character formation to active preparedness.

The destination for this divine equipping is "every good work." This encompasses the entire spectrum of Christian obedience and service, whether teaching, pastoring, ministering to the needy, living ethically in society, or engaging in personal acts of worship and obedience. The implication is that for any task or challenge a believer faces in God's service, Scripture provides the necessary foundation, instruction, correction, and training. It renders the believer lacking nothing essential to fulfill their God-given purpose and responsibilities. This verse emphasizes that the Bible is not just for knowing, but for doing, and that it contains all we need for a life fully pleasing to God.