2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

And {G2532} that {G3754} from {G575} a child {G1025} thou hast known {G1492} the holy {G2413} scriptures {G1121}, which {G3588} are able {G1410} to make {G4679} thee {G4571} wise {G4679} unto {G1519} salvation {G4991} through {G1223} faith {G4102} which {G3588} is in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}.

and recalling too how from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can give you the wisdom that leads to deliverance through trusting in Yeshua the Messiah.

From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Context of 2 Timothy 3:15

This verse is part of Paul's second epistle to Timothy, his spiritual son and a young leader in the early church. Written during Paul's final imprisonment, likely just before his death, the letter serves as an urgent charge and encouragement to Timothy to remain faithful to sound doctrine amidst increasing apostasy and moral decay. In the preceding verses (2 Timothy 3:1-9), Paul warns about the perilous times and the character of wicked people who will oppose the truth. Verse 15 then serves as a crucial contrast, highlighting the antidote to such spiritual decline: the enduring power and truth of the "holy scriptures" which Timothy had known from his childhood.

Paul here reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage, which was rooted in the faith of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (as mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5). This early exposure to the Old Testament scriptures provided a firm foundation against the deceptive influences Paul describes.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Value of Early Spiritual Nurturing: Timothy's upbringing is presented as an example of the profound benefit of teaching children the Word of God from a young age. This early foundation proved invaluable in shaping his faith and character.
  • The Power and Purpose of Scripture: The "holy scriptures" are not merely ancient texts; they possess a divine power to impart wisdom. This wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge, but a transformative understanding that leads to salvation.
  • Wisdom Unto Salvation: The ultimate goal of scriptural knowledge is not worldly success or mere intellectualism, but salvation. The Bible reveals God's plan for humanity's redemption and points the way to eternal life.
  • Salvation Through Faith in Christ Jesus: While the Old Testament scriptures (which Timothy knew from childhood) were crucial in preparing the way, Paul explicitly states that salvation is attained "through faith which is in Christ Jesus." The scriptures reveal Christ, and it is through belief in Him that their saving power is fully realized. This highlights that knowledge of the Law alone is insufficient without the enabling power of faith in the Messiah.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "holy scriptures" translates the Greek hiera grammata (ἱερὰ γράμματα), which literally means "sacred writings." This term specifically refers to the Old Testament, the Jewish scriptures that Timothy would have learned from his mother and grandmother. The adjective "holy" emphasizes their divine origin and sacred character, setting them apart from all other writings.

The phrase "wise unto salvation" (σοφίσαι εἰς σωτηρίαν - sophisai eis sōtērian) indicates a specific, profound wisdom that leads to deliverance and eternal life. It's not just about gaining information, but about acquiring the spiritual understanding necessary to apprehend God's redemptive plan and embrace it through faith.

Practical Application

This verse holds timeless relevance for believers today:

  • Prioritize Biblical Education for Children: It underscores the immense importance of parents and guardians diligently teaching their children the Bible from a young age, laying a spiritual groundwork that can last a lifetime.
  • Engage with Scripture for Wisdom: It reminds us that the Bible is our primary source of divine wisdom, equipping us to navigate life's challenges and understand God's will. Consistent engagement with God's Word is essential for spiritual growth.
  • Understand the Relationship Between Scripture and Christ: The scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, ultimately point to Jesus Christ. Our knowledge of the Bible should lead us to a deeper faith in Him, as salvation is found not in the knowledge itself, but in the person of Christ Jesus. As Jesus Himself said, the scriptures "are they which testify of me" (John 5:39).
  • Faith is the Key: While the scriptures provide the foundation and knowledge, it is "faith which is in Christ Jesus" that actualizes salvation. This highlights the synergistic relationship between God's Word and a personal, trusting relationship with the Savior. This faith often comes "by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).

Ultimately, 2 Timothy 3:15 serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of God's Word to guide individuals to saving faith in Jesus Christ, a truth further emphasized in the following verse about the divine inspiration of all scripture.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Psalms 119:98

    ¶ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they [are] ever with me.
  • Psalms 119:99

    I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies [are] my meditation.
  • Luke 24:45

    Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
  • Proverbs 22:6

    ¶ Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
  • 2 Peter 1:20

    Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
  • 2 Peter 1:21

    For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
  • Matthew 22:29

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

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