TRV
Translation
King James Version
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
KJV (with Strong's)
Complete Jewish Bible
In a large house there are dishes and pots not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. That is, some are meant for honorable use and some for dishonorable.
Berean Standard Bible
A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.
American Standard Version
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor.
World English Bible Messianic
Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Notwithstanding in a great house are not onely vessels of gold and of siluer, but also of wood and of earth, and some for honour, and some vnto dishonour.
Young's Literal Translation
And in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honour, and some to dishonour:
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 29,848 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2 verses 19–21
19 ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Here we see what we may comfort ourselves with, in reference to this, and the little errors and heresies that both infect and infest the church, and do mischief.
I. It may be a great comfort to us that the unbelief of men cannot make the promise of God of no effect. Though the faith of some particular persons be overthrown, yet the foundation of God standeth sure (Ti2 2:19); it is not possible that they should deceive the elect. Or it may be meant of the truth itself, which they impugn. All the attacks which the powers of darkness have made upon the doctrine of Christ cannot shake it; it stands firm, and weathers all the storms which have been raised against it. The prophets and apostles, that is, the doctrines of the Old and New Testament, are still firm; and they have a seal with two mottoes upon it, one on the one side, and the other on the other, as is usual in a broad seal. 1. One expresses our comfort - that the Lord knows those that are his, and those that are not; knows them, that is, he owns them, so knows them that he will never lose them. Though the faith of some be overthrown, yet the Lord is said to know the ways of the righteous, Psa 1:6. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. 2. Another declares our duty - that every one who names the name of Christ must depart from iniquity. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege must make conscience of the duty. If the name of Christ be called upon us, we must depart from iniquity, else he will not own us; he will say in the great day (Mat 7:23), Depart from me, I never knew you, you workers of iniquity. Observe, (1.) Whatever errors are introduced into the church, the foundation of God standeth sure, his purpose can never be defeated. (2.) God hath some in the church who are his and whom he knows to be his. (3.) Professing Christians name the name of Christ, are called by his name, and therefore are bound to depart from iniquity; for Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14.
II. Another thing that may comfort us is that though there are some whose faith is overthrown, yet there are others who keep their integrity, and hold it fast (Ti2 2:20): In a great house there are not only vessels of gold, etc. The church of Christ is a great house, a well-furnished house: now some of the furniture of this house is of great value, as the plate in a house; some of small value, and put to mean uses, as the vessels of wood and earth; so it is in the church of God. There are some professors of religion that are like the vessels of wood and earth, they are vessels of dishonour. But at the same time all are not vessels of dishonour; there are vessels of gold and silver, vessels of honour, that are sanctified and meet for the Master's use. When we are discouraged by the badness of some, we must encourage ourselves by the consideration of the goodness of others. Now we should see to it that we be vessels of honour: we must purge ourselves from these corrupt opinions, that we may be sanctified for our Master's use. Observe, 1. In the church there are some vessels of honour and some of dishonour; there are some vessels of mercy and other vessels of wrath, Rom 9:22, Rom 9:23. Some dishonour the church by their corrupt opinions and wicked lives; and others honour and credit it by their exemplary conversation. 2. A man must purge himself from these before he can be a vessel of honour, or meet for his Master's use. 3. Every vessel must be fit for its Master's use; every one in the church whom God approves must be devoted to his Master's service and meet for his use. 4. Sanctification in the heart is our preparation for every good work. The tree must be made good, and then the fruit will be good.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 19–21. Public domain.
Copy as
Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
ON FIRST PRINCIPLES 2.9.6
God who from the beginning felt it just to arrange his creation according to merit gathered the diversities of minds into the harmony of a single world, so as to furnish, as it were, out of these diverse vessels or souls or minds one house. In this house there must be “not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some unto honor and some unto dishonor.”
CyprianAD 258
Epistle LI
Then, moreover, what a swelling of arrogance it is, what oblivion of humility and gentleness, what a boasting of his own arrogance, that any one should either dare, or think that he is able, to do what the Lord did not even grant to the apostles; that he should think that he can discern the tares from the wheat, or, as if it were granted to him to bear the fan and to purge the threshing-floor, should endeavour to separate the chaff from the wheat; and since the apostle says, "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth," should think to choose the vessels of gold and of silver, to despise, to cast away, and to condemn the vessels of wood and of clay; while the vessels of wood are not burnt up except in the day of the Lord by the flame of the divine burning, and the vessels of clay are only broken by Him to whom is given the rod of iron.
CyprianAD 258
Epistle L.3
For although there seem to be tares in the Church, yet neither our faith nor our charity ought to be hindered, so that because we see that there are tares in the Church we ourselves should withdraw from the Church: we ought only to labour that we may be wheat, that when the wheat shall begin to be gathered into the Lord's barns, we may receive fruit for our labour and work. The apostle in his epistle says, "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honour and some to dishonour." Let us strive, dearest brethren, and labour as much as we possibly can, that we may be vessels of gold or silver. But to the Lord alone it is granted to break the vessels of earth, to whom also is given the rod of iron. The servant cannot be greater than his lord, nor may any one claim to himself what the Father has given to the Son alone, so as to think that he can take the fan for winnowing and purging the threshing-floor, or can separate by human judgment all the tares from the wheat. That is a proud obstinacy and a sacrilegious presumption which a depraved madness assumes to itself. And while some are always assuming to themselves more dominion than meek justice demands, they perish from the Church; and while they insolently extol themselves, blinded by their own swelling, they lose the light of truth. For which reason we also, keeping moderation, and considering the Lord's balances, and thinking of the love and mercy of God the Father, have long and carefully pondered with ourselves, and have weighed what was to be done with due moderation.
Basil of CaesareaAD 379
HOMILY ON THE WORDS: “GIVE HEED TO THYSELF.”
Every one of us, indeed, who is instructed in the holy Scripture is the administrator of some one of those gifts which, according to the gospel, have been apportioned to us. In this great household of the church not only are there vessels of every kind—gold, silver, wooden and earthen—but also a great variety of pursuits.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
Homilies on 2 Timothy 6
Paul indicates that the church has diverse members, who are at differing levels of maturity. The heretic Novatian believes that this passage applies to the world, since he defends the general truth and holiness of his church. But this is wrong. COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY.Chrysostom: As in a great house it is likely there should be a great difference of vessels, so here also, in the whole world. He speaks here not of the church only but of the world at large. For do not think, I pray, that he means it of the church. For there he would not have any vessels of wood or of earth but all of gold or silver, which is the body of Christ, which is that “pure virgin, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 2 Timothy 6
Many men are still even now perplexed to account for the fact, that the wicked are suffered to remain, and are not yet destroyed. Now doubtless various reasons may be assigned for this, as, that they may be converted, or that by their punishment they may be made an example to the multitude. But Paul here mentions a similar case. For he says, "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth." Showing by this, that as in a great house it is likely there should be a great difference of vessels, so here also, in the whole world, for he speaks not of the Church only, but of the world at large. For think not, I pray, that he means it of the Church; for there he would not have any vessels of wood or of earth, but all of gold or silver where is the body of Christ, where is that "pure virgin, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." (Eph. v. 27) And this is what he means to say: Let it not disturb thee that there are corrupt and wicked men. For in a great house there are such vessels. But what then? they do not receive the same honor. But some are to honor and some to dishonor. "Nay," says one, "in a house they may be of some use, but not at all in the world." Though God employs them not for such honorable service, he makes use of them for other purposes. "If therefore a man purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified." Seest thou that it is not of nature, nor of the necessity of matter, to be a vessel of gold or of earth, but of our own choice? For otherwise the earthen could not become gold, nor could the golden descend to the vileness of the other. But in this case there is much change, and alteration of state. Paul was an earthen vessel, and became a golden one. Judas was a golden vessel, and became an earthen one. The earthen vessels, therefore, are such from uncleanness. The fornicator and the covetous man become earthen vessels. "If a man," he says, "purge himself from these," not merely "cleanse," but "cleanse out," that is, cleanse himself perfectly, "he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use." The others therefore are useless for any good purpose, though some use is made of them. "And prepared unto every good work." Even though he do it not, he is fit for it, and has a capacity for it. We ought therefore to be prepared for everything, even for death, for martyrdom, for a life of virginity, or for all these.
PelagiusAD 418
PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
The house described by Paul cannot be the church, which is pure, but must be the world with its mixture of wheat and tares.
JeromeAD 420
Dialogue Against the Luciferians 22
Noah’s ark was a type of the church.… As in the ark there were all kinds of animals, so also in the church there are men of all races and characters. As in the one there was the leopard with the kids, the wolf with the lambs, so in the other there are found the righteous and sinners, that is, vessels of gold and silver with those of wood and earth.
Theodore of MopsuestiaAD 428
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
Here the house is the church, where different persons are not at all equal, yet each serves his or her use.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
SERMONS 15.2
But in the Christian community, as far as sharing and communion in the sacraments goes, they have been multiplied beyond number. So number is one thing; beyond number is something else. Number is those of whom the apostle says, The Lord knows who are his. There are some beyond number, though, because in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also ones of wood and earthenware; some for noble, others for ignoble use. Number, then, applies to vessels for noble use; beyond number are vessels for ignoble use.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
LETTERS 108.3.11
That law of charity was pronounced by the lips of the Lord Christ, for those parables are his about the cockle scattered through the world in the unity of the field until the time of the harvest and about the bad fishes which are to be left in the same net until the time for landing on the shore.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
ON BAPTISM, AGAINST THE DONATISTS 4.12.19
Cyprian argued against those who, under the pretext of avoiding the society of wicked men, had severed themselves from the unity of the church. By the great house of which the apostle spoke—in which there were not only vessels of gold and of silver but also of wood and of earth—Paul understood nothing else but the church. In the church there should be good and bad, till at the last day it should be cleansed as a threshing floor by the winnowing fan.
Abba PoemenAD 450
SAYINGS OF THE FATHERS 100
A brother asked Abba Poemen saying, “Why do the demons persuade my soul to look up to him who is superior to me and make me despise him who is my inferior?” The old man replied, “About that, the apostle has this to say: ‘In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware; and if anyone purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work.’ ”
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
INTERPRETATION OF THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
Paul applies the image of the great house to the world, where the golden vessels are persons of faith and virtue, the silver those who embrace civil life virtuously and righteously and the wooden those who live irreverent and disgraceful lives.
OecumeniusAD 990
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
In a large house, there are not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and pottery, some of which are for honor, and others for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Even now there are some who marvel at why the wicked are not destroyed. And we say that just as in a large house there are various vessels, so too in the world there are different kinds of people, not made so by God. For how could the wicked have the power to cleanse themselves? For this, going forward, commands those who lead themselves to this.
and others for dishonor, such as wooden and pottery items.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself. If the pottery vessel is something dishonorable and unclean, for Paul said, "If anyone purifies himself," how then does he speak concerning the apostles, "Having therefore this treasure in earthen vessels"? (2 Cor. 4:7) And we say that there it discusses the nature of the body, not as something impure, but as something made of clay and earth. For from these the shell, the hard shell, is received there, as in relation to the comparison of the treasure contained within it. However, here it discusses virtue and wickedness, calling the wicked ones "pottery" and the virtuous ones "golden." Such persons are able, by their own choice, to be changed, both toward the good and toward the bad.
a vessel for honor. As for vessels made of gold and pottery in a house, the vessels always remain the same. But for such-shaped people, it is serious that the pottery becomes gold, and the gold through negligence becomes pottery. Therefore, if someone cleanses himself from these wooden and pottery-like people, as having nothing of their kind, he becomes useful to the Master, since those others are clearly useless.
prepared for every good work. Even if now is not the time or opportunity to do this, one must nevertheless be ready and prepared to endure persecutions, sufferings, and martyrdom.
On divine teaching and a life pure and peaceful even toward adversaries.
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.
Copy as
Continue studying 2 Timothy 2:20 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 2:20, the Apostle Paul employs a powerful metaphor of a "great house" to illustrate the diverse nature of individuals found within the visible Christian community, often understood as the church or God's household. He explains that just as a large dwelling contains various types of vessels—some made of precious materials like gold and silver, and others of common materials like wood and earth—so too are there different kinds of people within God's spiritual house, some destined for honorable use and others for dishonorable purposes. This imagery sets the stage for Paul's subsequent call for believers to purify themselves for the Master's service.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul's use of Metaphor is central to this verse. The entire verse functions as an extended metaphor where the "great house" represents the church, and the various "vessels" (gold, silver, wood, earth) represent different types of people within that church. This vivid imagery allows for a clear and relatable illustration of a complex theological reality. Furthermore, Contrast is a prominent literary device, highlighted by the stark difference between the materials (gold/silver vs. wood/earth) and their respective purposes (honor vs. dishonor). This antithetical parallelism emphasizes the critical distinction between genuine, sanctified believers and those who, though outwardly part of the community, are spiritually impure or detrimental. The verse's structure also employs a form of Merism, where the mention of extremes (gold/silver and wood/earth) implies the entire spectrum of possibilities in between, encompassing all types of individuals within the church.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of the nature of the church and individual responsibility. Theologically, it affirms that the visible church is a mixed body, not exclusively composed of true, regenerated believers. This reality does not negate the church's divine origin or purpose but calls for discernment and personal holiness. It underscores God's sovereignty in allowing such diversity, yet it simultaneously places the onus on individuals to strive for purity and usefulness. The presence of "vessels to dishonour" within the "great house" serves as a sober warning against complacency and a powerful incentive for believers to examine their own lives and doctrine, ensuring they are truly fit for the Master's service. The ultimate goal is not merely presence within the house but usefulness for the Master's noble purposes.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's metaphor of the "great house" and its varied vessels serves as a profound call to introspection and a practical guide for Christian living. It challenges every believer to consider their own spiritual "material" and purpose. Am I striving to be a "vessel of gold or silver," dedicated to noble purposes, purified by truth, and useful for the Master's highest calling? Or am I content to be a "vessel of wood or earth," perhaps useful for common tasks, or worse, bringing dishonor through impure doctrine or unholy living? This verse is not an invitation to judge others' spiritual worth, but rather a stern reminder of personal responsibility for holiness and fidelity to Christ. It compels us to actively pursue sanctification, to cleanse ourselves from anything that would render us unfit for God's use, and to align our lives with His truth, ensuring that we are always ready and available for His divine purposes.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does this verse imply that some people are inherently "bad" or predestined for dishonor?
Answer: This verse does not necessarily imply inherent badness or an absolute, irreversible predestination to dishonor from birth. Rather, it describes the state and usefulness of individuals within the visible Christian community. The "vessels of wood and earth" refer to those who, by their choices, character, or adherence to false teachings, make themselves unfit for noble use. The subsequent verse, 2 Timothy 2:21, clarifies that individuals can cleanse themselves to become "vessels for honor," indicating that one's status as a vessel of honor or dishonor is not fixed but is contingent upon personal choices and sanctification. While God is sovereign, human responsibility for pursuing holiness is clearly emphasized.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Timothy 2:20 describes the reality of diverse vessels within the church, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how believers are transformed by Christ and for Christ's purposes. Jesus Himself is the Master of the great house, the one who purifies and sanctifies His vessels. He is the ultimate standard of purity and the source of all true honor. Through His atoning sacrifice, we are cleansed from sin, making us fit for God's use. As the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Jesus provides the means by which a "vessel of wood and earth" can be transformed into a "vessel of gold and silver." The Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends, empowers believers to "flee youthful lusts" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace" (2 Timothy 2:22), thereby cleansing themselves to be "sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21). Thus, the call to be a "vessel of honor" is a call to live in conformity with Christ, reflecting His character and serving His kingdom, ultimately bringing glory to Him who purchased us with His own blood (Acts 20:28).