2 Timothy 2:20
What does 2 Timothy 2:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:20 means
Paul pictures a large household containing various vessels—some gold and silver for honorable uses, others wood and clay for ordinary or dishonorable purposes. This image acknowledges diversity within the visible church: not all are equally pure or useful. The point is not fatalism but realism. In such a mixed community, Timothy should neither be naïve nor despairing. The existence of dishonorable vessels does not negate the master’s purposes or the possibility of being honorable. This prepares a call to personal cleansing: each person is responsible for becoming a vessel the master can use nobly, regardless of what others are. God’s house contains many items; seek to be one that serves his best work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but others of wood and earth, and some which are honoured and some without honour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honour, and some to dishonour:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
Context
After affirming God’s firm foundation (v.19), Paul turns to the imagery of a great house to describe the mixed character of the Christian community. This provides a framework for personal responsibility within corporate complexity. Verse 21 will apply the image directly, urging individual purification for honorable use. Then Paul will spell out concrete steps—fleeing youthful lusts, pursuing virtues with pure-hearted companions, and handling opposition gently (vv.22–26).
v.19Howbeit 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.
v.20This passage
v.21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master’s use, prepared unto every good work.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves;
- Romans 9:21
Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?
- Lamentations 4:2
The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!
- Hebrews 3:2
who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also was Moses in all his house.
- Ephesians 2:22
in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are God’s fellow-workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building.
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