2 Timothy 2:21
What does 2 Timothy 2:21 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:21 means
In light of the mixed house, anyone who cleanses himself from what is dishonorable will become a vessel for honor—set apart, useful to the master, prepared for every good work. Separation is both doctrinal and moral: distance from false teachers and from sin in one’s own life. Holiness is not mere avoidance but readiness—fit and available for the Lord’s purposes. The master’s approval, not public status, defines honor. This verse invites deliberate self-examination and decisive action. By God’s grace, believers can change their usefulness by purging corrupt influences and cultivating purity. The promise is motivating: sanctification leads to practical service in the hands of the Lord.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000If 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901If 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949If a man makes himself clean from these, he will be a vessel for honour, made holy, ready for the master's use, ready for every good work.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862if, then, any one may cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified and profitable to the master--to every good work having been prepared,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890If therefore one shall have purified himself from these, [in separating himself from them], he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified, serviceable to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Context
Building on the great house imagery (v.20), Paul now gives the application: personal cleansing leads to honorable usefulness. This sets up specific pursuits and avoidances (v.22) and reinforces the theme of preparation for good works that pervades the letter. The following verses will describe what such cleansing looks like—fleeing passions, pursuing virtues in community, rejecting foolish controversies (v.23), and adopting a gentle, instructive posture as the Lord’s servant (vv.24–26).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 119:9
Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
- Titus 3:8
Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men:
- Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
- Jeremiah 15:19
Therefore thus saith Jehovah, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, that thou mayest stand before me; and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: they shall return unto thee, but thou shalt not return unto them.
- Isaiah 52:11
Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; cleanse yourselves, ye that bear the vessels of Jehovah.
- 2 Timothy 3:17
that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
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