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Selected Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
2Ti 2:15 |
King James |
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Study--Greek, "Be earnest," or "diligent."
to show--Greek, "present," as in Rom 12:1.
thyself--as distinguished from those whom Timothy was to charge (Ti2 2:14).
approved--tested by trial: opposed to "reprobate" (Tit 1:16).
workman--alluding to Mat 20:1, &c.
not to be ashamed--by his work not being "approved" (Phi 1:20). Contrast "deceitful workers" (Co2 11:13).
rightly dividing--"rightly handling" [Vulgate]; "rightly administering" [ALFORD]; literally, cutting "straight" or "right": the metaphor being from a father or a steward (Co1 4:1) cutting and distributing bread among his children [VITRINGA and CALVIN], (Luk 12:42). The Septuagint, Pro 3:6; Pro 11:5, use it of "making one's way": so BENGEL here takes Paul to mean that Timothy may make ready a straight way for "the word of truth," and may himself walk straight forward according to this line, turning neither to the right nor to the left, "teaching no other doctrine" (Ti1 1:3). The same image of a way appears in the Greek for "increase" (see on Ti2 2:16). The opposite to "rightly handling," or "dispensing," is, Co2 2:17, "corrupt the word of God."
truth--Greek, "the truth" (compare Ti2 2:18). |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Study to show thyself approved unto God - Give diligence Pe2 2:10, or make an effort so to discharge the duties of the ministerial office as to meet the divine approbation. The object of the ministry is not to please men. Such doctrines should be preached, and such plans formed, and such a manner of life pursued, as God will approve. To do this demands study or care - for there are many temptations to the opposite course; there are many things the tendency of which is to lead a minister to seek popular favor rather than the divine approval. If any man please God, it will be as the result of deliberate intention and a careful life.
A workman that needeth not to be ashamed - A man faithfully performing his duty, so that when he looks over what he has done, he may not blush.
Rightly dividing the word of truth - The word here rendered "rightly dividing," occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, properly, "to cut straight, to divide right;" and the allusion here may be to a steward who makes a proper distribution to each one under his care of such things as his office and their necessities require; compare the notes at Mat 13:52. Some have supposed that there is an allusion here to the Jewish priest, cutting or dividing the sacrifice into proper parts; others, that the allusion is to the scribes dividing the law into sections; others, to a carver distributing food to the guests at a feast. Robinson (Lexicon) renders it, "rightly proceeding as to the word of truth;" that is, rightfully and skillfully teaching the word of truth. The idea seems to be, that the minister of the gospel is to make a proper distribution of that word, adapting his instructions to the circumstances and wants of his hearers, and giving to each that which will be fitted to nourish the soul for heaven. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Study (σπούδασον)
Originally, make haste. In Paul, Gal 2:10; Eph 4:3 (note); Th1 2:17.
To shew thyself approved (σεαυτὸν δόκιμον παραστῆσαι)
Παραστῆσαι, better, present. In Pastorals only here and Ti2 4:17. Often in Acts and Paul. See on Act 1:3; see on Rom 16:2; see on Eph 5:27. Δόκιμον approved, only here in Pastorals, five times by Paul. See on Jam 1:12. See on δοκιμή approvedness, Rom 5:4; and see on δοκιμάζειν to approve on test, Pe1 1:7.
A workman (ἐργάτης)
In Paul, Co2 11:13; Phi 3:2. In Pastorals, Ti1 5:18.
That needeth not to be ashamed (ἀνεπαίσχυντον)
N.T.o. olxx, oClass. Lit. not made ashamed, as Phi 1:20. A workman whose work does not disgrace him.
Rightly dividing (ὀρθοτομοῦντα)
N.T.o. oClass. In lxx, Pro 3:6; Pro 11:5; both times in the sense of directing the way. From ὀρθός straight and τέμνειν to cut. Hence, to cut straight, as paths; to hold a straight course; generally, to make straight; to handle rightly. Vulg. recte tractare. The thought is that the minister of the gospel is to present the truth rightly, not abridging it, not handling it as a charlatan (see on Co2 2:17), not making it a matter of wordy strife (Ti2 2:14), but treating it honestly and fully, in a straightforward manner. Various homiletic fancies have been founded on the word, as, to divide the word of truth, giving to each hearer what he needs: or, to separate it into its proper parts: or, to separate it from error: or, to cut straight through it, so that its inmost contents may be laid bare. Others, again, have found in it the figure of dividing the bread, which is the office of the household steward; or of dividing the sacrificial victims; or of cutting a straight furrow with the plough. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
A workman that needeth not to be ashamed - Either of unfaithfulness or unskilfulness. Rightly dividing the word of truth - Duly explaining and applying the whole scripture, so as to give each hearer his due portion. But they that give one part of the gospel to all (the promises and comforts to unawakened, hardened, scoffing men) have real need to be ashamed. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Study to show thyself approved unto God - Endeavour so to cultivate and improve thy heart and mind, that thou mayest not be a reproach to him from whom thou professest to receive thy commission.
Rightly dividing the word of truth - It is generally supposed that the apostle alludes here to the care taken to divide the sacrifices under the law; the priests studied, in dividing the victim down the spine, to do it so scrupulously that one half of the spinal marrow should be found on each side the backbone. Probably nothing was much farther from the apostle's thoughts than this view, which is now commonly taken of the subject. Indeed this scrupulously dividing does not appear to have been any original ordinance among the Jews; much stress was laid upon it in later times, but from the beginning it was not so. The word ορθοτομειν signifies,
1. Simply to cut straight, or to rectify.
2. To walk in the right way; it is thus used by Gregory Nazianzen, who, in Orat. Apol. fugae, opposes ορθοτομειν to κακως ὁδευειν, walking in a right way to walking in a bad way. Thus, καινοτομειν signifies to walk in a new way, and κατευθυνειν to walk in a straight way. See Kypke.
Therefore, by rightly dividing the word of truth, we are to understand his continuing in the true doctrine, and teaching that to every person; and, according to our Lord's simile, giving each his portion of meat in due season - milk to babes, strong meat to the full grown, comfort to the disconsolate, reproof to the irregular and careless; in a word, finding out the necessities of his hearers, and preaching so as to meet those necessities. |
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
52 Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.