2 Timothy 3:16

KJV

All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

KJV (with Strong's)

All {G3956} scripture {G1124} is given by inspiration of God {G2315}, and {G2532} is profitable for {G4314} doctrine {G1319}, for {G4314} reproof {G1650}, for {G4314} correction {G1882}, for {G4314} instruction {G3809} in {G1722} righteousness {G1343}:

Complete Jewish Bible

All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living;

Berean Standard Bible

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

American Standard Version

Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Timothy 3:16 stands as a foundational declaration regarding the nature and purpose of Holy Scripture. It asserts that all Scripture originates from the very breath of God, imbuing it with divine authority and inherent profitability. This divinely inspired word serves as the indispensable guide for every aspect of the Christian life, equipping believers for sound theological understanding, conviction of error, restoration to truth, and comprehensive training in righteous living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful statement on Scripture's nature is strategically placed near the conclusion of Paul's final letter to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy. Paul is writing from Roman imprisonment, anticipating his imminent martyrdom, and his words carry the weight of a dying charge. The immediate preceding verses (2 Timothy 3:14-15) remind Timothy of his upbringing in the faith and his early familiarity with the "holy scriptures," which were able to make him "wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." Verse 16 then elaborates on *why* these Scriptures are so potent and trustworthy, providing the theological bedrock for Timothy's continued faithfulness in ministry amidst increasing apostasy and moral decay, as described in [2 Timothy 3:1-9](/2_timothy/3-1-9 "2 Timothy 3:1-9 - The Last Days and False Teachers"). Paul’s emphasis is on the enduring, authoritative source of truth in a world prone to deception.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to Timothy reflects the challenges faced by the early Christian church. The nascent faith was grappling with internal heresies and external pressures, including persecution from the Roman Empire. In this environment, the authoritative source of truth was paramount. While the Old Testament was the established "Scripture" for early believers, the apostolic teachings and nascent New Testament writings were also gaining recognition as divinely authoritative. The concept of "inspiration" was understood in various ways in the ancient world, but Paul’s use of "God-breathed" for Scripture set it apart as uniquely originating from the divine mind, distinct from human wisdom or mere religious texts. This divine origin provided an unshakeable foundation for Christian doctrine and practice in a world of competing philosophies and religions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes woven throughout Paul's letters and the New Testament. Foremost is the **authority and divine origin of Scripture**, establishing it as God's very word to humanity. This leads directly to the theme of **sufficiency**, as Scripture is declared "profitable" for all necessary aspects of faith and life, negating the need for extra-biblical revelation for spiritual growth. The verse also underscores the theme of **spiritual formation and discipleship**, outlining the practical ways Scripture shapes believers: through **doctrine** (teaching truth), **reproof** (correcting error), **correction** (restoring to the right path), and **instruction in righteousness** (training for godly living). This holistic view of Scripture's function is vital for understanding Paul's pastoral charge to Timothy to "preach the word" and "be instant in season, out of season" as found in [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Paul's Charge to Timothy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scripture (Greek, _graphḗ_):** This term (G1124) refers to a document, specifically holy Writ or its contents. In this context, it primarily denotes the Old Testament, which Timothy had known from childhood (2 Timothy 3:15). However, by principle, it extends to all divinely inspired writings, including the burgeoning New Testament canon, as the early church recognized the apostolic writings as authoritative and on par with the Old Testament. The universality of "all" (G3956, _pâs_) emphasizes that every part of the sacred text carries this divine authority and utility.
* **Given by inspiration of God (Greek, _theópneustos_):** This single, powerful Greek word (G2315) literally means "God-breathed." It is a compound of _theos_ (God) and _pneo_ (to breathe or blow). This term conveys the profound truth that Scripture is not merely a human product, even if written by human authors, but directly proceeds from the very breath, mind, and will of God. It signifies a divine outflow, ensuring the truthfulness, authority, and life-giving power of the written word. It implies a supernatural superintendence over the human authors, guaranteeing that what they wrote was precisely what God intended.
* **Righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē_):** This term (G1343) signifies equity of character or act, and in a Christian context, justification. Here, in "instruction in righteousness," it refers to the practical outworking of a life aligned with God's moral standards. It encompasses ethical living, conformity to God's will, and the pursuit of holiness. The ultimate goal of Scripture's utility is not merely intellectual assent to doctrine, but the transformation of character and conduct into Christlikeness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God":** This initial clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the Bible. The phrase "given by inspiration of God" translates the single Greek word _theópneustos_, meaning "God-breathed." This signifies that Scripture is not merely human wisdom or religious insight, but God's very own utterance, breathed out by Him. This divine origin is the basis for its absolute truthfulness and authority over human life and thought.
* **"and [is] profitable":** Following the declaration of its divine source, Paul immediately states the practical consequence: Scripture is inherently beneficial and useful. Because it comes from God, it is perfectly suited for the spiritual needs of humanity. This term underscores the sufficiency of the Bible for equipping believers for every good work, implying that nothing essential for salvation or sanctification is lacking in its pages.
* **"for doctrine":** The first of four specific areas of profitability, "doctrine" (G1319, _didaskalía_) refers to teaching or instruction. Scripture is profitable for revealing foundational truths about God, humanity, sin, salvation, and the world. It provides the essential theological framework that shapes our understanding and beliefs, guarding against error and establishing sound faith.
* **"for reproof":** "Reproof" (G1650, _élenchos_) means conviction or evidence. Scripture is profitable for exposing sin, error, and false teaching. It serves as a spiritual mirror, reflecting our true condition and convicting us of our shortcomings, misbeliefs, and unrighteous actions. This function is crucial for humility and repentance.
* **"for correction":** "Correction" (G1882, _epanórthōsis_) implies a straightening up again, rectification, or reformation. Once reproof has identified error, correction guides us back to the right path. It is the process by which God's Word sets things straight, restoring us to a right relationship with Him and aligning our lives with His will. This is a restorative and rehabilitative function.
* **"for instruction in righteousness":** "Instruction" (G3809, _paideía_) refers to tutorage, education, training, and even disciplinary correction. When paired with "in righteousness" (G1343, _dikaiosýnē_), it speaks to the ongoing, positive training and discipline that leads to a life characterized by godly conduct and moral uprightness. This is the culmination of Scripture's work: not just correcting what is wrong, but actively shaping and equipping believers to live lives that honor God.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to emphasize the profound nature and comprehensive utility of Scripture. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a fourfold enumeration, as he lists the four distinct yet interconnected purposes of Scripture: "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." This rhythmic structure enhances memorability and highlights the holistic scope of Scripture's profitability. The phrase "given by inspiration of God" is a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying Scripture as the very "breath" of God, an anthropomorphic expression that vividly conveys its divine origin and life-giving essence. The use of "All" at the beginning of the verse serves as a device of **Emphasis**, underscoring the universal applicability and authority of every portion of the sacred text. Finally, there is a subtle **Climax** in the progression of the four purposes: from establishing truth (doctrine) to identifying error (reproof), then rectifying it (correction), and finally, proactively training for a life of godliness (instruction in righteousness), moving from foundational understanding to practical, ongoing spiritual formation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in 2 Timothy 3:16 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming the **inspiration, authority, and sufficiency of Scripture**. It teaches that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings about God, but God's very own word, supernaturally given and entirely trustworthy. This divine origin ensures its infallibility in matters of faith and practice, making it the ultimate standard for truth, morality, and spiritual life. Consequently, Scripture is sufficient for equipping believers for every good work, meaning that all necessary truth for salvation and sanctification is contained within its pages, requiring no additional revelation. This verse undergirds the Protestant principle of *Sola Scriptura*, asserting Scripture's supreme authority over tradition, human reason, or personal experience.

* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Not of Private Interpretation")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" should profoundly impact how we approach and engage with the Bible. It calls us to treat God's Word with reverence, humility, and unwavering trust, recognizing it as the authoritative voice of our Creator and Redeemer. This truth compels us to diligently study Scripture, not merely as an academic exercise, but as a vital means of grace for spiritual growth. We are to allow its doctrine to shape our beliefs, its reproof to expose our sins, its correction to guide us back to the path of righteousness, and its instruction to train us for a life pleasing to God. In a world awash with conflicting ideologies and moral relativism, the inspired Word of God provides the unchanging anchor for our souls, equipping us to discern truth from error and to live out our faith with integrity and purpose. It is the essential tool for personal transformation and for equipping us to serve God effectively in His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does believing that Scripture is "God-breathed" change your approach to reading and studying the Bible?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need Scripture's "reproof" or "correction" right now?**
* **How are you actively allowing Scripture to provide "instruction in righteousness" for your daily conduct and character?**
* **Considering the four purposes of Scripture outlined in this verse, how might you more intentionally integrate the Bible into your personal spiritual disciplines and your participation in your faith community?**

### FAQ
**What is the practical difference between "reproof" and "correction" as functions of Scripture?**

Answer: While closely related, "reproof" and "correction" serve distinct but complementary functions. "Reproof" (Greek: _élenchos_) primarily refers to the act of exposing, convicting, or demonstrating error or sin. It's the diagnostic phase, where Scripture shines a light on what is wrong in our beliefs or behavior, bringing conviction. For example, [John 16:8](/john/16-8 "John 16:8 - The Holy Spirit Convicts") speaks of the Holy Spirit convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, often through the Word. "Correction" (Greek: _epanórthōsis_), on the other hand, is the restorative phase. Once an error is exposed, correction provides the remedy, setting things right, guiding us back to the proper path, and reforming our lives. It's the process of straightening out what was crooked. So, reproof identifies the problem, and correction provides the solution and the means of restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Timothy 3:16 speaks broadly of "all scripture," its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament Scriptures, which Timothy knew from childhood, were not ends in themselves but were divinely inspired to bear witness to Christ. As Jesus Himself declared, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" ([John 5:39](/john/5-39 "John 5:39 - Scriptures Testify of Jesus")). He is the central theme and ultimate revelation of God, the very embodiment of the "doctrine" that Scripture teaches. He is the standard by which all "reproof" is given, exposing the sinfulness of humanity in light of His perfect righteousness. He is the means of "correction," for it is through His atoning work and the power of His Spirit that we are restored to a right relationship with God and set on the path of holiness. Furthermore, Christ is the perfect example and enabler of "instruction in righteousness," as He is our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Righteousness")) and the one who empowers us to live righteously through His indwelling Spirit. Thus, all Scripture, breathed out by God, finds its ultimate purpose and coherence in revealing, exalting, and leading us to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the living Word of God.

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

Romans 15:4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

2 Peter 1:19

¶ We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

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.

Mark 12:24

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

Psalms 19:11

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.