2 Timothy 2:25
What does 2 Timothy 2:25 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:25 means
Correction must be carried out in meekness, with the hope that God may grant opponents repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth. Meekness is strength under control—truthful, firm, and humble. The teacher is not the changer of hearts; God is. Recognizing this keeps the servant from pride or despair. Repentance is God’s gift, yet it ordinarily comes through patient teaching that brings people to acknowledge reality. This approach treats opponents not as enemies to crush but as potential brothers to win. The goal is not to score points but to see minds renewed and lives turned. Such hope fuels endurance in difficult conversations and keeps methods aligned with the gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
KJV
King James Version · 1611In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Gently guiding those who go against the teaching; if by chance God may give them a change of heart and true knowledge,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in meekness instructing those opposing--if perhaps God may give to them repentance to an acknowledging of the truth,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth;
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in meekness setting right those who oppose, ifGod perhaps may sometime give them repentance to acknowledgment of [the] truth,
Context
Continuing from the profile of the Lord’s servant (v.24), this verse supplies the method—meek correction—and the theology of change: repentance is given by God and results in true knowledge. This perspective prepares for verse 26, which explains why opponents need rescue—they are ensnared by the devil. The flow equips Timothy for redemptive engagement: avoid quarrels, embody gentleness, instruct clearly, and pray for God’s granting of repentance and deliverance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:21
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Acts 22:1
Brethren and fathers, hear ye the defence which I now make unto you.
- 1 Timothy 2:4
who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.
- Mark 1:3
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight;
- John 5:34
But the witness which I receive is not from man: howbeit I say these things, that ye may be saved.
- Ezekiel 36:31
Then shall ye remember your evil ways, and your doings that were not good; and ye shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.
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