A Closer Look At 2 Timothy 2:15
by Joel Hendon(755)
The reliable King James Version of the Bible renders the above verse as follows: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" There are slight mis-translations in all of the versions of the Bible, including the King James, but the
very reliable versions errors are virtually harmless and will not guide one astray. The King James version, on our subject passage, is good yet, due to the manner of speech in the day of it's writing, it is not as clearly stated as some of the newer versions, even though they may have more and worse mistakes elsewhere within.
Following are the renderings of the King James as well as the New King James, New American Standard and the New Revised Standard versions. My preference from them all is that of the New King James, yet all four are understandable...or should be. The word "study" in the King James version is a little shy of the true meaning of the Greek word "spoudason" which is here used in the aorist tense and it is because there is no English word for that tense. Our usage of the word study, would be included in the acts of carrying out this request. Various scholars have given their own choice of words to describe it as
seen by the three different uses in the four scriptures below:
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ( NKJV)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. (NASV)
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth. (NRSV)
The noted scholar of the 18th century, Adam Clarke, uses the word "endeavor" which may or may not, be adequate although it seems that it probably is a good description. The New Revised Standard version above does not attempt to place a word as the translation but rather explains the intent of it with the three words, "Do your best. Although this writer is not a fan of the NRSV (for several reasons), I have to concede that this explanation of the Greek word may be the best and most accurate of four, especially of one will assume there is emphasis on that term.
The passage is itself a strong admonition for one to do his very best to read, meditate and discuss with others, the words of our Almighty God via the inspiration through the Holy Spirit. When he studies the word in such an avid manner, he will be able to explain it to others, reprove those who teach error, and be able to give reason for the faith which is in him. This is what the Christian life is all about. To simply profess the name of Christ is of no value if one is unwilling to diligently strive to do his best to live an humble and obedient life for Jesus Christ and to teach others also. (1 Corinthians 14:19) (2 Timothy 2:2)
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Article submitted Saturday, June 27, 2009 & read 25 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by robert melaccio (255 days 22 hours ago.)
Joel, very good artilce, but what disturbs me is perspective. Example, multiple times this week I heard two differnt ministers chastising and reproving other ministers. They were both of different faith denominations. Now one was using the Jehovah Witness Bible. Yet in boith instances they thought they were correct. I find it better that they leave the interpretation to God and not add as to what God spoke. Best wishes.Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon (255 days 21 hours ago.)
Thanks Robert, you are right, there is every contradiction one could want to see in the interpreting of God's word. We need to pray for understanding. Joel
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» left by Denny Smith (254 days 22 hours ago.)
A good article well worth reading. Thanks for posting it.Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon (254 days 22 hours ago.)
Thank you Denny for reading and commenting.
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