Meaning, commentary and cross references
2 Timothy 2:15
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
NIV · New International Version
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
WEB · World English Bible
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
What does 2 Timothy 2:15 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on 2 Timothy 2:15
Study to show thyself approved unto God,.... The Alexandrian copy reads, "to Christ"; see Romans 16:10. Not unto men, as pleasing them; for such who study to please men, are not the servants of Christ; and sometimes those that are approved to and by men, are disapproved of by God and Christ: but unto God, showing all fidelity and uprightness; speaking out the Gospel openly, and freely, with all sincerity, as in the sight of God; commending themselves to him, and to every man's conscience, by manifestation of the truth; and such will hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant" another day. A workman that needeth not to be ashamed; the ministry of the word is a work, and it is a good work…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on 2 Timothy 2:14–18
Workmen that are unskilful, or unfaithful, or lazy, have need to be ashamed; but those who mind their business, and keep to their work, are workmen that need not be ashamed. And what is their work? It is rightly to divide the word of truth. Not to invent a new gospel, but rightly to divide the gospel that is committed to their trust.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on 2 Timothy 2:14–18
15. Stude to ipsum probatum exhibere Deo, operarioum non erubescentem, recte secanem sermonem vertitatis. 16. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 16. Caeterum profanas clamorum inanitates omitte; ad majorem enim proficiunt impietatem. 17.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: 2 Timothy 2:12–18 (WEB)
12If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. 13If we are faithless, he remains faithful; for he can’t deny himself.” 14Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. 15Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 16But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, 17and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus: 18men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
Cross references
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4
But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak—not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.
- 2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.
- 1 Timothy 4:6
If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed.
- 2 Corinthians 10:18
For it isn’t he who commends himself who is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
- 2 Corinthians 5:9
Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him.
- 1 Timothy 4:12–16
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
- Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? For if I were still pleasing men, I wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
- 2 Peter 3:14
Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.