2 Timothy 3:10
What does 2 Timothy 3:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 3:10 means
Paul turns from the false teachers to Timothy’s proven faithfulness. Timothy had closely followed Paul’s teaching and lifestyle—his purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and steadfastness. Gospel ministry is not merely taught in lectures; it is caught by example. Timothy’s apprenticeship under Paul grounded him in doctrine and in the character that sustains doctrine under pressure. This commendation is both affirmation and exhortation: keep walking the same path you have already embraced. When surrounded by counterfeits, the sure path is to imitate tested, godly models whose lives align with their message.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
KJV
King James Version · 1611But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But you took as your example my teaching, behaviour, purpose, and faith; my long waiting, my love, my quiet undergoing of trouble;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And thou--thou hast followed after my teaching, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, endurance,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But thou hast been thoroughly acquainted with my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, endurance,
Context
After exposing deceivers (verses 2–9), Paul contrasts Timothy’s path with theirs. Verse 10 begins a section (verses 10–13) recalling Paul’s sufferings and God’s deliverances to encourage steadfastness. By reminding Timothy of his close association with Paul, the apostle roots Timothy’s perseverance in a living tradition he has already embraced. This sets up the concrete examples of persecution in verse 11 and the general rule about suffering for the godly in verse 12.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:22
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child serveth a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the gospel.
- Luke 1:3
it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus;
- 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
- Titus 2:7
in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,
- 2 Timothy 3:16
Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:
- 2 Timothy 2:22
But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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