2 Timothy 2:15

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Timothy 2:15

Study to show thyself approved unto God - Give diligence 2 Peter 2:10, or make an effort so to discharge the duties of the ministerial office as to meet the divine approbation. The object of the ministry is not to please men. Such doctrines should be preached, and such plans formed, and such a manner of life pursued, as God will approve. To do this demands study or care - for there are many temptations to the opposite course; there are many things the tendency of which is to lead a minister to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 2:15. Study to show thyself approved, &c. Greek, σπουδασον σεαυτον δοκιμον παραστησαι τω Θεω , literally, be zealous, make haste, or diligently endeavour, to present thyself approved to God, what ever men may judge of thee and thy services; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed Either on account of unfaithfulness, unskilfulness, lukewarmness, negligence, or sloth; rightly dividing the word of truth Greek, ορθοτομουντα , literally, rightly cutting up the word In... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:14-26

2:14-4:5 AN APPROVED WORKER AND FALSE TEACHERSTeach essentials; avoid quarrels (2:14-26)Paul repeats the advice of his previous letter that Timothy should not waste time discussing fanciful theories (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3-11; 1 Timothy 4:6-10). Christian teachers build up their hearers by presenting the truth of God clearly and honestly, not by allowing the imagination to control their preaching (14-16).Foolish speculation and self-invented theories were what caused Hymenaeus and Philetus to depart... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Timothy 2:15

Study = Be diligent. Greek spoudazo. See Galatians 1:2 , Galatians 1:10 . shew = present, as Colossians 1:22 , Colossians 1:28 . approved . Greek. dokimos . See Romans 14:18 . unto = to Dative case. workman . Greek. engrates. This word is translated "labourer ten times; "worker", or "workman", six times. that, &c. = without cause for shame. Greek. anepaischuntos . Only here. rightly dividing . Greek. orthofomeo. Only here. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Timothy 2:15

Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.Practically all of the exegesis one encounters on this verse regards the Greek words here rendered "handling aright," and in the KJV, "rightly dividing" the word of truth. The words have the following basic meaning:The compound verb (rightly dividing) means to "cut straight." Vincent defines the word, "to hold a straight course" (as plowing a straight furrow); and the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Timothy 2:15

2 Timothy 2:15. Rightly dividing the word of truth.— The Vulgate, no doubt, has given in general the true sense of this expression, by rendering it, Recte tractantem verbum veritatis, "rightly handling the word of truth:" but it is not so easy to determine, whence in particular the metaphorical word 'Ορθοτομουντα, cutting aright, or straight, is taken. Some suppose it alludes to the cutting up and dividing the sacrifices by the Levitical priests; others, to the dividing and dispensing food at a... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Timothy 2:15

15. Study—Greek, "Be earnest," or "diligent." to show—Greek, "present," as in Romans 12:1. thyself—as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (Romans 12:1- :). approved—tested by trial: opposed to "reprobate" (Romans 12:1- :). workman—alluding to Romans 12:1- :, c. not to be ashamed—by his work not being "approved" (Romans 12:1- :). Contrast "deceitful workers" (Romans 12:1- :). rightly dividing—"rightly handling" [Vulgate] "rightly administering" [ALFORD]; literally, cutting... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Timothy 2:14-18

1. Faithfulness in public ministry 2:14-18 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Timothy 2:14-26

B. Charge to remain faithful 2:14-26Paul turned from his emphasis on the importance of enduring hardship in the preceding verses (2 Timothy 2:1-13) to continue to emphasize Timothy’s need to remain faithful to the Lord. He did this to motivate him further to persevere."In this section, there is a shift in the didactic strategy from an emphasis on models to instruction with maxims and specific commands." [Note: Towner, The Letters . . ., p. 516.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Timothy 2:15

Positively, in contrast, Timothy should be "diligent" (lit. zealous) to make sure that when he stood before God he would receive the Lord’s approval and not be ashamed (cf. 1 John 2:28). [Note: Cf. White, 4:165.] Most important in gaining this goal was the way he would proclaim God’s truth. He must teach it consistent with God’s intended meaning and purpose. "Handling accurately" (lit. cutting straight) is a figure that paints a picture of a workman who is careful and accurate in his work. The... read more

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