2 Timothy 2:19
What does 2 Timothy 2:19 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:19 means
Despite the turmoil, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the Lord’s name depart from unrighteousness.” God’s church is secure, grounded in his sovereign knowledge and marked by moral separation. The first inscription assures believers of divine recognition and care; the second demands practical holiness from all who profess allegiance to the Lord. Assurance and exhortation belong together: God keeps his people, and his people must turn from sin. This double seal steadies hearts unsettled by false teachers and provides a clear path forward—trust the Lord’s keeping and pursue a life that matches his holy name.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But God's strong base is unchanging, having this sign, The Lord has knowledge of those who are his: and, Let everyone by whom the name of the Lord is named be turned away from evil.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862sure, nevertheless, hath the foundation of God stood, having this seal, `The Lord hath known those who are His,' and `Let him depart from unrighteousness--every one who is naming the name of Christ.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Yet the firm foundation ofGod stands, having this seal, [The] Lord knows those that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of [the] Lord withdraw from iniquity.
Context
In response to the faith-toppling error about the resurrection (v.18), Paul stabilizes Timothy with the truth of God’s unshakable foundation and its twofold seal (v.19). This moves the focus from the false teachers’ noise to God’s certainty and the believer’s responsibility. Next, Paul introduces a household image (vv.20–21) to explain the mixed nature of the visible church and to call individuals to purify themselves to be useful, anticipating further practical counsel on holiness and conflict management (vv.22–26).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:4
whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.
- Ephesians 5:1
Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children;
- Revelation 17:8
The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, they whose name hath not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall come.
- Proverbs 10:25
When the whirlwind passeth, the wicked is no more; But the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
- Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil:
- Psalms 1:6
For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish.
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