2 Timothy 2:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Consider {G3539} what {G3739} I say {G3004}; and {G1063} the Lord {G2962} give {G1325} thee {G4671} understanding {G4907} in {G1722} all things {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Think about what I am saying, for the Lord will enable you to understand everything.

Berean Standard Bible

Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Timothy 2:7 presents a pivotal instruction from Paul to Timothy, emphasizing the indispensable partnership between diligent human reflection and divine illumination for spiritual comprehension. It serves as a concise summary of the preceding analogies of the soldier, athlete, and farmer, underscoring that while active engagement with truth is required, true and comprehensive understanding ultimately originates as a gracious gift from the Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's second letter to Timothy, a deeply personal and urgent epistle written from Roman imprisonment, likely his final communication. Paul has just employed three vivid metaphors in [2 Timothy 2:3-6](/2_timothy/2-3-6 "Paul's Metaphors for Ministry")—the enduring soldier, the disciplined athlete, and the hardworking farmer—to illustrate the commitment, sacrifice, and perseverance demanded of those engaged in faithful Christian ministry. Following these challenging illustrations, Paul issues the direct command, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." This directive acts as a crucial bridge, linking the practical demands of ministry with the spiritual discernment necessary to fulfill them. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent instructions regarding handling the word of truth and avoiding godless chatter, particularly in [2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Rightly Dividing the Word"). The verse thus highlights that effective ministry is not merely about effort, but about Spirit-empowered understanding of God's truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to Timothy is set against the backdrop of the early church's formative years, facing both internal doctrinal challenges and external persecution from the Roman Empire. Timothy, as a young leader in Ephesus, was tasked with preserving sound doctrine, appointing qualified elders, and confronting false teachers (see [1 Timothy 1:3-4](/1_timothy/1-3-4 "Paul's Charge to Timothy Regarding False Teachers")). The cultural milieu of the Greco-Roman world was rich with philosophical schools and rhetorical traditions, where understanding and persuasion were highly valued. However, Paul consistently grounds true wisdom not in human intellect or eloquence, but in divine revelation and the power of God. The concept of a teacher imparting wisdom to a disciple was common, but Paul elevates this by introducing the necessity of divine enablement, distinguishing Christian understanding from mere human intellectualism or philosophical debate prevalent in cities like Ephesus.

* **Key Themes:** Second Timothy 2:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the epistle and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the theme of **Diligence and Effort in Ministry**, echoing the preceding metaphors that demand active engagement and hard work from Timothy. The command to "consider" implies a personal responsibility to ponder and internalize Paul's teaching. Second, it profoundly emphasizes **Divine Enablement and Grace**, highlighting that human effort alone is insufficient for spiritual understanding. True insight is a gift from the Lord, a theme consistently found in Paul's writings, such as his prayer for the Ephesians to receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation in [Ephesians 1:17](/ephesians/1-17 "Ephesians 1:17 - Prayer for Wisdom and Revelation"). Third, the phrase "in all things" points to the theme of **Comprehensive Spiritual Discernment**, suggesting that this understanding extends beyond mere theological concepts to practical wisdom for all aspects of life, ministry, and navigating the complexities and challenges Timothy would face. This holistic understanding is vital for a leader called to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" as urged in [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Paul's Charge to Preach the Word").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consider (Greek, _noiéō'_):** From G3539, this verb means "to exercise the mind (observe), i.e. (figuratively) to comprehend, heed." It implies an active, intentional mental process of pondering, reflecting, and perceiving. It is not a passive reception of information but a deep engagement with what is being said, requiring intellectual effort and focused thought. Paul is not merely asking Timothy to listen, but to truly process and internalize his words.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication) Master (as a respectful title)." Here, "the Lord" unequivocally refers to God, specifically the resurrected Christ, who possesses ultimate authority and is the sovereign dispenser of spiritual gifts and understanding. This highlights that while Timothy must "consider," the ultimate source of true comprehension is divine, not human.
* **Understanding (Greek, _sýnesis'_):** From G4907, this noun denotes "a mental putting together, i.e. intelligence or (concretely) the intellect." It signifies comprehension, discernment, and practical wisdom—the ability to grasp the meaning of something, connect various truths, and apply them effectively. It's more than mere intellectual assent; it's an insightful grasp that leads to wise action, and in this context, it is presented as a gift from the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Consider what I say;"**: This is a direct imperative from Paul to Timothy, calling for active mental engagement. The preceding analogies of the soldier, athlete, and farmer are not to be merely heard but deeply pondered. Timothy is instructed to reflect on the implications of these metaphors for his own life and ministry, to process the demanding nature of Christian service, and to internalize the principles Paul has laid out. This implies a personal responsibility for diligent study and meditation on apostolic teaching.
* **"and the Lord give thee understanding"**: This clause introduces the divine element, balancing human effort with God's sovereign provision. The conjunction "and" (G1063, _gár_) here implies a reason or a consequence, suggesting that because Timothy is to consider, the Lord will then grant understanding, or perhaps that understanding is needed for proper consideration. The word "give" (G1325, _dídōmi_) emphasizes that understanding is a gift, not something earned solely by human intellectual prowess. It acknowledges that spiritual truths require divine illumination to be truly grasped and applied.
* **"in all things."**: This concluding phrase broadens the scope of the understanding Timothy is to receive. It is not limited to just the preceding metaphors or theological concepts, but encompasses every aspect of his life, ministry, and the challenges he will face. This suggests a comprehensive, holistic discernment that applies to doctrine, conduct, decision-making, and navigating the complexities of his pastoral role and the world around him. It speaks to a wisdom that permeates all areas of existence.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 2 Timothy 2:7 is **Juxtaposition** or **Balanced Imperative and Divine Provision**. Paul presents two complementary truths: the human responsibility to "consider" (an active mental process) and the divine prerogative to "give understanding." This creates a powerful tension and balance, emphasizing that spiritual comprehension is neither solely a product of human intellect nor a purely passive reception. It requires both diligent effort on the part of the believer and the gracious illumination of God. Furthermore, the use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Consider") highlights the urgency and directness of Paul's instruction, underscoring Timothy's personal accountability in engaging with the truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully encapsulates the biblical principle that spiritual understanding is a synergistic process involving both human diligence and divine grace. While we are called to actively engage our minds with God's Word and the teachings of faithful apostles, true spiritual discernment and comprehension ultimately come as a gift from the Lord. This prevents both intellectual arrogance (believing understanding is solely a product of human intellect) and spiritual passivity (waiting for understanding without effort). It underscores God's sovereignty in revealing truth and our responsibility to position ourselves to receive it. This dynamic is crucial for effective ministry and faithful living, ensuring that our efforts are not in vain and that our understanding is genuinely aligned with God's will.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")
* [1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - Spiritual Discernment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Timothy 2:7 serves as a profound guide for approaching God's Word and seeking spiritual growth. It calls us to move beyond superficial reading or passive listening, urging us to "consider" deeply—to meditate, ponder, and wrestle with the truths of Scripture. This requires intentionality, discipline, and a commitment of time to prayerful study. Simultaneously, it reminds us of our absolute dependence on God for true insight. We must humbly acknowledge that intellectual effort alone cannot unlock spiritual mysteries; genuine understanding is a gracious gift from the Lord. Therefore, our study must always be accompanied by fervent prayer, asking God to illuminate His Word by His Spirit, granting us not just knowledge, but a transformative comprehension that impacts "all things" in our lives—our decisions, relationships, work, and witness. This verse encourages a balanced spiritual life where diligent pursuit of truth is intertwined with humble reliance on divine revelation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I actively "consider" God's Word and spiritual teachings in my daily life?**
* **How often do I pray for "understanding in all things," acknowledging my dependence on the Lord for true wisdom?**
* **Where in my life do I need greater spiritual discernment, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to those areas?**
* **How can I cultivate a better balance between diligent study and prayerful reliance on God for understanding?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "consider" what Paul says?**

Answer: To "consider" (Greek: _noiéō_) means to actively engage your mind, to ponder, reflect deeply, and perceive the meaning of Paul's words. It's not just hearing or reading, but thinking through the implications, analyzing the message, and meditating on its truth. In the context of [2 Timothy 2](/2_timothy/2 "2 Timothy 2 - Paul's Charge to Timothy"), Paul has just given Timothy three demanding analogies (soldier, athlete, farmer), and to "consider" them means to internalize their lessons about discipline, endurance, and hard work in ministry. It implies a diligent, thoughtful approach to spiritual instruction, recognizing its weight and importance.

**Why does Paul say "the Lord give thee understanding" if Timothy is supposed to "consider"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the essential biblical principle of divine-human synergy in spiritual comprehension. While Timothy is commanded to exert mental effort ("consider"), Paul immediately acknowledges that true, deep understanding (_sýnesis_) is ultimately a gift from God. Human intellect alone is insufficient to grasp spiritual truths fully. The Lord must illuminate the mind and heart. This prevents intellectual arrogance and encourages humility and dependence on God's grace. It's a recognition that spiritual wisdom is not solely earned by human effort but graciously bestowed by the [Lord, who gives wisdom](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - The Lord Gives Wisdom") to those who seek it diligently.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Second Timothy 2:7, with its call for human consideration and divine understanding, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of wisdom, the Logos through whom all things were created and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" as declared in [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom"). The understanding that the Lord gives is not merely intellectual assent to abstract truths, but a transformative comprehension of God's redemptive plan centered on Christ. It is the Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Teacher")), who illuminates our minds to "consider" the Word and grants us the spiritual discernment necessary to truly know Christ and the power of His resurrection ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ")). Therefore, when we "consider" the Scriptures, we are ultimately seeking to understand Christ more deeply, and when the Lord gives us "understanding in all things," He is conforming our minds to the mind of Christ ([1 Corinthians 2:16](/1_corinthians/2-16 "1 Corinthians 2:16 - The Mind of Christ")), enabling us to live wisely and faithfully as His disciples.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Genesis 41:38

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find [such a one] as this [is], a man in whom the Spirit of God [is]?

Genesis 41:39

And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, [there is] none so discreet and wise as thou [art]:

Luke 24:45

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Proverbs 2:3

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding;

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.