2 Timothy 3:16
What does 2 Timothy 3:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 3:16 means
Paul declares that every Scripture, being inspired by God—God-breathed—is therefore profitable. Because Scripture comes from God’s mouth, it carries His authority and life. Its usefulness spans the full task of discipleship: it teaches what is true, rebukes what is false or sinful, corrects what is crooked, and trains believers to live rightly. The Bible is not a relic but an instrument God uses to form minds and hearts. Timothy’s ministry must rely on this divine sufficiency, not on novelty or personality. When Scripture is received as God’s own Word, it becomes the standard and supply for all faithful teaching and living.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:
KJV
King James Version · 1611All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Every holy Writing which comes from God is of profit for teaching, for training, for guiding, for education in righteousness:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862every Writing <FI>is<Fi> God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that <FI>is<Fi> in righteousness,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Every scripture [is] divinely inspired, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;
Context
This verse provides the theological foundation for the exhortations of verses 14–15: Scripture’s saving power rests on its divine origin. It leads directly to verse 17, which states the purpose—equipping the man of God. Together, verses 16–17 anchor Timothy’s confidence in ministry, especially amid the deceptions described earlier (verses 2–13). The argument culminates here: in perilous times, God’s breathed-out Word remains the church’s sure guide and tool.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 18:25
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John:
- Ephesians 5:11
and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them;
- Mark 12:36
David himself said in the Holy Spirit, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet.
- Matthew 22:43
He saith unto them, How then doth David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,
- Matthew 26:54
How then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
- 2 Timothy 4:2
preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
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