TRV
Translation
King James Version
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Complete Jewish Bible
Do all you can to present yourself to God as someone worthy of his approval, as a worker with no need to be ashamed, because he deals straightforwardly with the Word of the Truth.
Berean Standard Bible
Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
American Standard Version
Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.
World English Bible Messianic
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Studie to shewe thy selfe approued vnto God, a workeman that needeth not to be ashamed, diuiding the worde of trueth aright.
Young's Literal Translation
be diligent to present thyself approved to God--a workman irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of the truth;
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In the KJVVerse 29,843 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Timothy 2 verses 14–18
14 ¶ Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work.
I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they produce their warrant for what they say. - Study to show thyself approved unto God, Ti2 2:15. Observe, The care of ministers must be to approve themselves unto God, to be accepted of him, and to show that they are so approved unto God. In order thereunto, there must be constant care and industry: Study to show thyself such a one, a workman that needs not be ashamed. Ministers must be workmen; they have work to do, and they must take pains in it. Workmen that are unskilful, or unfaithful, or lazy, have need to be ashamed; but those who mind their business, and keep to their work, are workmen that need not be ashamed. And what is their work? It is rightly to divide the word of truth. Not to invent a new gospel, but rightly to divide the gospel that is committed to their trust. To speak terror to those to whom terror belongs, comfort to whom comfort; to give every one his portion in due season, Mat 24:45. Observe here, 1. The word which ministers preach is the word of truth, for the author of it is the God of truth. 2. It requires great wisdom, study, and care, to divide this word of truth rightly; Timothy must study in order to do this well.
II. He must take heed of that which would be a hindrance to him in his work, Ti2 2:16. He must take heed of error: Shun profane and vain babblings. The heretics, who boasted of their notions and their arguments, thought their performances such as might recommend them; but the apostle calls them profane and vain babblings: when once men become fond of those they will increase unto more ungodliness. The way of error is down-hill; one absurdity being granted or contended for, a thousand follow: Their word will eat as doth a canker, or gangrene; when errors or heresies come into the church, the infecting of one often proves the infecting of many, or the infecting of the same person with one error often proves the infecting of him with many errors. Upon this occasion the apostle mentions some who had lately advanced erroneous doctrines: Hymeneus and Philetus. He names these corrupt teachers, by which he sets a brand upon them, to their perpetual infamy, and warns all people against hearkening to them. They have erred concerning the truth, or concerning one of the fundamental articles of the Christian religion, which is truth. The resurrection of the dead is one of the great doctrines of Christ. Now see the subtlety of the serpent and the serpent's seed. They did not deny the resurrection (for that had been boldly and avowedly to confront the word of Christ), but they put a corrupt interpretation upon that true doctrine, saying that the resurrection was past already, that what Christ spoke concerning the resurrection was to be understood mystically and by way of allegory, that it must be meant of a spiritual resurrection only. It is true, there is a spiritual resurrection, but to infer thence that there will not be a true and real resurrection of the body at the last day is to dash one truth of Christ in pieces against another. By this they overthrew the faith of some, took them off from the belief of the resurrection of the dead; and if there be no resurrection of the dead, nor future state, no recompence of our services and sufferings in another world, we are of men the most miserable, Co1 15:19. Whatever takes away the doctrine of a future state overthrows the faith of Christians. The apostle had largely disproved this error (1 Cor. 15), and therefore does not here enter into the arguments against it. Observe, 1. The babblings Timothy was to shun were profane and vain; they were empty shadows, and led to profaneness: For they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2. Error is very productive, and on that account the more dangerous: it will eat like a gangrene. 3. When men err concerning the truth, they always endeavour to have some plausible pretence for it. Hymeneus and Philetus did not deny a resurrection, but pretended it was already past. 4. Error, especially that which affects the foundation, will overthrow the faith of some.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–18. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
AGAINST CELSUS 5.1
But it is God’s work to dwell invisibly by his spirit and by the Spirit of Christ in those whom he judges it right to dwell. Whereas it is our task, since we try to confirm faith by arguments and treatises, to do all in our power that we may be called “workmen who need not to be ashamed, handling rightly the word of truth.”
Apostolic ConstitutionsAD 380
CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
And presbyters and deacons, pious men, righteous, meek, free from the love of money, lovers of truth, approved, holy, not accepters of persons, who are able to teach the word of piety, and rightly dividing the doctrines of the Lord.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
To teach the word of truth rightly is to speak it to men who wish to hear it and are peaceful in their hearing.
Pseudo-ClementAD 400
Two Epistles on Virginity
Beloved brethren! That a man should build up and establish the brethren on the faith in one God, this also is manifest and well-known. This too, again, is comely, that a man should not be envious of his neighbour. And moreover, again, it is suitable and comely that all those who work the works of the Lord should work the works of the Lord in the fear of God. Thus is it required of them to conduct themselves. That "the harvest is great, but the workmen are few," this also is well-known and manifest. Let us, therefore, "ask of the Lord of the harvest" that He would send forth workmen into the harvest; [Matthew 9:37-38] such workmen as "shall skilfully dispense the word of truth;" workmen "who shall not be ashamed;" faithful workmen; workmen who shall be "the light of the world;" [Matthew 5:14] workmen who "work not for the food that perishes, but for that food which abides unto life eternal;" [John 6:27] workmen who shall be such as the apostles; workmen who imitate the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; who are concerned for the salvation of men; not "hireling" [John 10:12-13] workmen; not workmen to whom the fear of God and righteousness appear to be gain; not workmen who "serve their belly;" not workmen who "with fair speeches and pleasant words mislead the hearts of the innocent;" [Romans 16:18] not workmen who imitate the children of light, while they are not light but darkness — "men whose end is destruction;" [Philippians 3:9] not workmen who practise iniquity and wickedness and fraud; not "crafty workmen;" [2 Corinthians 11:13] not workmen "drunken" and "faithless;" nor workmen who traffic in Christ; not misleaders; not "lovers of money; not malevolent."
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 2 Timothy 5
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Everywhere this "not being ashamed"! And why is he ever so careful to guard him against shame? Because it was natural for many to be ashamed both of Paul himself, as being a tent-maker, and of the preaching, since its teachers perished. For Christ had been crucified, himself was about to be beheaded, Peter was crucified with his head downwards, and these things they suffered from audacious and despicable men. Because such men were in power, he says, "Be not ashamed"; that is, fear not to do anything tending to godliness, though it be necessary to submit to slavery or any other suffering. For how does any one become approved? By being "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." As the workman is not ashamed of any work, so neither should he be ashamed who labors in the Gospel. He should submit to anything. "Rightly dividing the word of truth." This he hath well said. For many distort it, and pervert it in every way, and many additions are made to it. He has not said directing it, but "rightly dividing," that is, cut away what is spurious, with much vehemence assail it, and extirpate it. With the sword of the Spirit cut off from your preaching, as from a thong, whatever is superfluous and foreign to it.
PelagiusAD 418
PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
It is correct living that confirms the word and that interprets it rightly.
Theodore of MopsuestiaAD 428
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
Paul’s intent here is to urge Timothy to teach with a correct purpose, so that the word is not undermined.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
INTERPRETATION OF THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
Good teachers are like farmers who plow straight furrows, thus presenting the rule of Scripture in a correct manner.
OecumeniusAD 990
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
These things he reminds you of, sincerely charging you before the Lord not to quarrel about words to no profit, which leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
These things he reminds you of. So that no one might think these things are unnecessary; concerning these words to Timothy, Paul says, "These things he reminds you of," testifying before the Lord, and it is a fearful thing to speak before God as a witness.
not to quarrel. Since the matter has a certain taste, and the human soul always wishes to dispute and argue, you, Paul says, protesting to them before God, do not engage in argument; instead, he says, command, taking God as a witness, so that they may know that if they despise you, God will judge them.
about words to no profit. For not only does it have no benefit to engage in disputes, arguments, and battles, but it also causes harm to the weaker among those who listen.
present yourself approved. As an example, blameless.
a worker who does not need to be ashamed. Much has been said about this shame. For it is likely that some who are perishing feel shame about the preaching, as the apostles suffer badly, and as Christ is preached with the cross, or at least because the preachers are humble, namely, Paul, a weaver of tents, and Peter, along with several others, were fishermen. The fact that he is not ashamed is because he has done nothing corrupt.
rightly dividing the word of truth. Cut away like a knife the excess and false doctrines, which those perishing have added to the preaching, and lead straight through the Spirit.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
2 Timothy 2:15 stands as a pivotal exhortation from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, urging him to pursue diligent, earnest study of God's Word. This verse outlines the essential qualities of a faithful servant of God: one who strives for divine approval, operates with integrity and without shame, and demonstrates meticulous precision in handling and proclaiming the sacred truths of Scripture. It encapsulates a timeless call for all believers to engage deeply with the Bible, not merely for intellectual gain, but for transformative living and effective ministry that brings honor to God.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
2 Timothy 2:15 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically the portrayal of the believer as a "workman." This metaphor emphasizes the active, laborious, and skilled nature of ministry and discipleship. Just as a craftsman or laborer must apply skill and precision to their task to produce a quality product and avoid shame, so too must the believer apply diligence and accuracy in handling God's Word. The phrase "rightly dividing" itself functions as a vivid Image or Analogy, drawing from practical trades like road-building, plowing, or stone-cutting to illustrate the necessity of precision and directness in interpreting and applying Scripture. Furthermore, the verse contains an Imperative ("Study" or "Be diligent"), highlighting the command-like nature of Paul's instruction, demanding immediate and serious action from Timothy and, by extension, all believers. Finally, there is an implicit Contrast between the "workman that needeth not to be ashamed" and those who handle the word carelessly or promote false teachings, who would indeed have cause for shame before God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Timothy 2:15 is foundational to the Christian understanding of biblical authority, hermeneutics, and discipleship. It underscores that God's Word is not a malleable text to be twisted to suit personal agendas or cultural whims, but a divine revelation that demands reverent and rigorous engagement. The call to be "approved unto God" elevates the standard of Christian living and ministry beyond human accolades, rooting it in divine commendation. This verse also implicitly affirms the perspicuity of Scripture—that it can be understood—while simultaneously highlighting the necessity of diligent effort and spiritual discernment to grasp its truths rightly. It connects the intellectual pursuit of truth with the practical outworking of a blameless life, demonstrating that sound doctrine and holy living are inextricably linked.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While initially directed to Timothy as a young pastor, the principles of 2 Timothy 2:15 are universally applicable to every believer. It challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with Scripture to a deep, prayerful, and diligent study that seeks to understand God's heart and mind. This involves not only reading the Bible but also meditating on it, researching its historical and cultural contexts, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and seeking the Holy Spirit's illumination. Our motivation for this diligent study should be to please God, not to impress others or gain intellectual superiority. When we handle God's "word of truth" with integrity—interpreting it accurately and applying it consistently in our lives—we become "workmen" who stand unashamed before God and humanity, our lives bearing witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. This commitment to truth fosters spiritual maturity, protects against doctrinal error, and equips us to share the Gospel effectively and faithfully.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "study" (KJV) or "be diligent" (ESV/NIV) truly imply in this verse?
Answer: The Greek word is spoudázō (G4704), which means "to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest." It goes beyond casual reading or mere intellectual curiosity. It implies a zealous, urgent, and persistent effort. It's about making a concerted, wholehearted commitment to engage with God's Word, to understand it deeply, and to apply it faithfully. It suggests a proactive, disciplined approach, akin to a student diligently preparing for an important examination or an athlete training rigorously for a competition. This diligence is not just about gaining knowledge but about transforming one's life and ministry to be "approved unto God."
What does "rightly dividing the word of truth" mean, and how do I do it?
Answer: The phrase "rightly dividing" comes from the Greek word orthotoméō (G3718), which literally means "to cut straight." It was used in various practical contexts, such as a stonemason cutting a straight line, a farmer plowing a straight furrow, or a road builder constructing a direct path. In the context of "the word of truth," it means handling Scripture with precision, accuracy, and integrity. It involves interpreting the Bible correctly within its historical, cultural, and literary contexts, discerning its intended meaning, and applying it appropriately without twisting or distorting its message. To do this, one should:
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Timothy 2:15 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of "the word of truth." John 1:1 declares Him to be the eternal Word, and John 1:14 states that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth." Jesus perfectly "rightly divided" the word of truth, not only in His impeccable teaching and interpretation of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17-48), but also in His very life, which was the living demonstration of God's truth. He was the "workman" who always did the will of His Father (John 4:34), needing not to be ashamed, for He perfectly accomplished the mission given to Him. Furthermore, it is through Christ that we are made "approved unto God." Our approval does not come from our own perfect study or performance, but from being "in Christ," whose righteousness is imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). Therefore, our diligent study of the "word of truth" is ultimately a pursuit of deeper knowledge of Christ, through whom we are enabled to live lives that are pleasing and unashamed before God, empowered by the Spirit of truth whom He sent (John 14:26).