2 Timothy 3:14
What does 2 Timothy 3:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 3:14 means
In contrast to the deceivers, Timothy must “abide” in what he has learned and been assured of. Stability is not stubbornness; it is confidence in truth received from trustworthy witnesses—Paul and others whose lives authenticate their teaching. Christian maturity rests on both content and credible transmission. Remembering “of whom” he learned anchors Timothy amid swirling error. The call is to continue, to keep hold of sound doctrine and the convictions formed by it. Perseverance in truth is not passive; it is a deliberate choice to plant one’s life in the apostolic message that has proven faithful.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
KJV
King James Version · 1611But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But see that you keep to the teaching you have been given and the things of which you are certain, conscious of who has been your teacher;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And thou--be remaining in the things which thou didst learn and wast entrusted with, having known from whom thou didst learn,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned and which have been committed to thee. Knowing of whom thou hast learned them:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But thou, abide in those things which thou hast learned, and [of which] thou hast been fully persuaded, knowing of whom thou hast learned [them];
Context
This verse begins Paul’s positive directive following the diagnosis of decline (verse 13). It looks back to Timothy’s formation under Paul (verses 10–11) and forward to his earlier exposure to Scripture (verse 15). The flow emphasizes continuity: the antidote to growing deception is not novelty but steadfast adherence to the trusted gospel deposit. This prepares the way for Paul’s affirmation of Scripture’s saving wisdom and divine origin in the next two verses.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 14:5
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5
how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13
And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe.
- Acts 17:31
inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
- 2 Timothy 2:2
And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
- 2 Timothy 1:13
Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
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