2 Timothy 2:7
What does 2 Timothy 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:7 means
Paul urges Timothy to think over his words, with the assurance that the Lord will give understanding in everything. Reflection and dependence go together. Timothy is not to react impulsively but to ponder the images and instructions, trusting God to illuminate their implications for his life and ministry. This affirms both human responsibility to meditate and divine generosity to grant insight. The promise is not a license for laziness; it invites prayerful, careful thought under Christ’s lordship. In confusing times, Timothy is to slow down, consider, and ask. The same Lord who called him will supply wisdom to apply these truths wisely amid opposition, suffering, and the need to entrust truth to others.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Consider what I say; for the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give thought to what I say; for the Lord will give you wisdom in all things.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862be considering what things I say, for the Lord give to thee understanding in all things.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Understand what I say: for the Lord will give thee in all things understanding.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Think of what I say, for the Lord will give thee understanding in all things.
Context
After laying out vivid metaphors (vv.3–6), Paul pauses to call Timothy to deliberate reflection, confident that God gives understanding. This transitional verse connects the images to the next anchor: remembering Jesus Christ (v.8). It signals that the metaphors are not mere illustrations but guidance to be internalized. From here, Paul moves to the heart of the gospel he serves (v.8) and to his own example of suffering and endurance (vv.9–10), before presenting the “faithful saying” about union with Christ and perseverance (vv.11–13).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 3:1
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, evenJesus;
- James 1:5
But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
- Hebrews 7:4
Now consider how great this man was, unto whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth out of the chief spoils.
- Hebrews 12:3
For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.
- John 14:26
But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you.
- Isaiah 28:26
For his God doth instruct him aright, and doth teach him.
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