2 Timothy 1:5
What does 2 Timothy 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:5 means
Paul recalls Timothy’s “unfeigned” or sincere faith. It first lived in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, and Paul is confident it lives in Timothy too. Faith here is not mere heritage but a genuine trust in Christ that took root across generations. This honors the role of godly family influence while making clear that Timothy’s faith is his own. In a time of pressure, Paul reminds Timothy of his spiritual lineage as a source of encouragement: God has been at work in his family story. This memory is meant to steady Timothy’s heart and embolden him to live consistently with the faith he already possesses and has seen exemplified by those closest to him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Having in mind your true faith, which first was in your mother's mother Lois, and in your mother Eunice, and, I am certain, is now in you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862taking remembrance of the unfeigned faith that is in thee, that dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that also in thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890calling to mind the unfeigned faith which [has been] in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Context
Verse 5 completes Paul’s thanksgiving by tying Timothy’s present calling to a remembered past of sincere belief. It bridges to verse 6, where Paul urges Timothy to “stir up” the gift of God. The mention of Lois and Eunice provides concrete encouragement before the more demanding exhortations ahead. This pattern—affirmation preceding command—sets the relational and spiritual context for Paul’s instructions about courage, suffering, and holding to sound doctrine (verses 6–14). Timothy’s heritage is not a substitute for faithfulness, but a foundation on which he must build through active obedience.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 3:15
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.
- Psalms 22:10
I was cast upon thee from the womb; Thou art my God since my mother bare me.
- Acts 16:1
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess that believed; but his father was a Greek.
- Romans 15:14
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
- Hebrews 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
- Acts 26:26
For the king knoweth of these things, unto whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him; for this hath not been done in a corner.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Timothy 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Timothy 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible often speaks of courage, urging believers to be strong and brave in the face of fear and adversity
Topic
Bible Verses About Election
The Bible teaches that God, according to His sovereign will and grace, chooses individuals for salvation and service.
What the Bible says about…