1
Σὺ οὖν, τέκνον μου, ἐνδυναμοῦ ἐν τῇ χάριτι τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ,
You then, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
Resumptive chargeοὖνDrawing the inference from chapter 1 (esp. 1:13–14): over against the deserters (1:15), Timothy is to draw strength not from himself but from the grace lodged in Christ.
ΣὺyouNominativeemphatic subject (pronoun, fronted)
οὖνtheninferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore, then'; resuming and applying the appeal of ch. 1.
τέκνονchildVocativevocative of addressτέκνον: 'child'; warm paternal address to Timothy, Paul's convert and delegate (cf. 1:2; 1 Tim 1:2).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship (possessive)
ἐνδυναμοῦbe strengthenedPres Pass Impv 2 Sg · ἐνδυναμόωmain imperative (the chapter's controlling command)→ iterative/durative present (keep being empowered)ἐνδυναμόω: 'empower, make strong within'; passive — the strength is received, not mustered (cf. Phil 4:13; Eph 6:10).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/means)ἐν: marks the grace as the sphere and source of empowerment.
τῇtheDativearticle
χάριτιgraceDativeobject of ἐν (sphere/means)χάρις: 'grace, favor'; in the Pastorals not bare pardon but enabling divine power (cf. 1 Cor 15:10).
τῇthatDativearticle (attributive, 'the [grace] which')
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location/union)ἐν Χριστῷ: the grace is 'in Christ' — located in and mediated through union with him.
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (union)
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition
2
καὶ ἃ ἤκουσας παρ’ ἐμοῦ διὰ πολλῶν μαρτύρων, ταῦτα παράθου πιστοῖς ἀνθρώποις, οἵτινες ἱκανοὶ ἔσονται καὶ ἑτέρους διδάξαι.
and what you heard from me through many witnesses, these things entrust to faithful people, who will be competent to teach others also.
Coordinate chargeκαίThe second command coordinated to 'be strengthened': guard by transmission. A four-link chain — Paul → Timothy → faithful men → others — secures the deposit (1:14) for the next generation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἃwhat thingsAccusativerelative pronoun, object of ἤκουσας (fronted, resumed by ταῦτα)
ἤκουσαςyou heardAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀκούωverb of the relative clause→ constative aorist (the whole instruction received)ἀκούω: 'hear'; the apostolic teaching Timothy received publicly.
παρ’frompreposition + genitive (source)παρά + gen.: 'from (the side of)'; the personal source — Paul himself.
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of παρά (source)
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (attendant circumstance)διά + gen.: here 'in the presence of / attested by'; the teaching given before many corroborating witnesses.
πολλῶνmanyGenitiveattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'many'; the breadth of the witnessing community guards against private innovation.
μαρτύρωνwitnessesGenitiveobject of διάμάρτυς: 'witness'; those who can verify the apostolic teaching (cf. Deut 19:15).
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativeobject of παράθου (resumes ἃ)
παράθουentrustAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · παρατίθημιimperative (the transmission command)→ ingressive/constative aoristπαρατίθημι (mid.): 'deposit, entrust for safekeeping'; commercial image — handing over the παραθήκη (1:14) to trustees.
πιστοῖςfaithfulDativeattributive adjective (dat. indirect object)πιστός: 'faithful, reliable'; trustworthiness is the prime qualification for stewards of the deposit.
ἀνθρώποιςpeopleDativeindirect object of παράθουἄνθρωπος: 'human being, person'; generic — the qualification is fidelity, not status.
οἵτινεςwhoNominativequalitative relative pronoun ('such as')ὅστις: 'whoever, such as'; characterizing — the kind of people they must be.
ἱκανοὶcompetentNominativepredicate adjectiveἱκανός: 'sufficient, qualified, competent' (cf. 2 Cor 3:5–6).
ἔσονταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίfuture copula (predictive)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'to be'; the future eyes the next link in the chain.
καὶalsoadverbial (adjunctive 'also')
ἑτέρουςothersAccusativeobject of διδάξαιἕτερος: 'others (a further group)'; the fourth generation of learners.
διδάξαιto teachAor Act Inf · διδάσκωcomplementary infinitive (after ἱκανοί)→ constative aoristδιδάσκω: 'teach'; the deposit is preserved precisely by being taught on.
3
συγκακοπάθησον ὡς καλὸς στρατιώτης Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ.
Suffer hardship together with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
Image 1: the soldierasyndetonAsyndeton launches the first of three vocational images. The compound 'suffer-together' picks up 1:8 — Timothy is to share Paul's hardship as a soldier shares his commander's campaign.
συγκακοπάθησονsuffer hardship with meAor Act Impv 2 Sg · συγκακοπαθέωmain imperative→ ingressive aorist (take up the hardship)συγκακοπαθέω: 'suffer hardship together with'; rare (only here and 1:8 in the NT) — the συν- prefix binds Timothy to Paul's suffering.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)ὡς: 'as, like'; introducing the soldier comparison.
καλὸςgoodNominativeattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, noble, fine'; not merely competent but honorable in conduct.
στρατιώτηςsoldierNominativepredicate nominative (in comparison)στρατιώτης: 'soldier'; the model of disciplined, single-minded service (cf. Phil 2:25).
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivegenitive of relationship (whose soldier)
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to Χριστοῦ
4
οὐδεὶς στρατευόμενος ἐμπλέκεται ταῖς τοῦ βίου πραγματείαις, ἵνα τῷ στρατολογήσαντι ἀρέσῃ·
No one serving as a soldier entangles himself in the affairs of civilian life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him.
Soldier expoundedasyndetonThe maxim drawn from the image: the soldier's freedom from civilian business is the condition of pleasing his commander — undivided allegiance for the sake of the mission.
οὐδεὶςno oneNominativesubject (negative)οὐδείς: 'no one'; the universal negative makes it a rule of the soldier's life.
στρατευόμενοςserving as a soldierPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · στρατεύωsubstantival/adjectival participle (apposition to οὐδείς)→ customary present (the soldier on duty)στρατεύομαι: 'serve as a soldier, campaign'; the participle marks the man while on active service.
ἐμπλέκεταιentangles himselfPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐμπλέκωmain verb (gnomic statement)→ gnomic present (a general truth)ἐμπλέκω: 'weave in, entangle'; passive/middle — get oneself caught up in (cf. 2 Pet 2:20).
ταῖςin theDativearticle
τοῦofGenitivearticle
βίουcivilian lifeGenitivegenitive (attributive/of source)βίος: 'life' as livelihood/everyday affairs (distinct from ζωή, life as principle); here the soldier's off-duty business.
πραγματείαιςaffairsDativedative complement of ἐμπλέκεταιπραγματεία: 'business, occupation, affairs'; everyday pursuits that would distract from the campaign.
ἵναso thatpurpose conjunction (+ subjunctive)ἵνα: introducing the soldier's governing aim.
τῷthe oneDativearticle substantivizing the participle
στρατολογήσαντιwho enlisted himAor Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · στρατολογέωsubstantival participle (dat. object of ἀρέσῃ)→ constative aorist (the act of enlistment)στρατολογέω: 'enroll as a soldier, recruit'; the commanding officer who levied him — figuring Christ.
ἀρέσῃhe may pleaseAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀρέσκωsubjunctive in purpose clause→ constative aoristἀρέσκω: 'please, satisfy'; the soldier's single goal is his commander's approval (cf. 1 Thess 2:4).
5
ἐὰν δὲ καὶ ἀθλῇ τις, οὐ στεφανοῦται ἐὰν μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ·
And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
Image 2: the athleteδέThe second image. A double condition: reward depends not merely on competing but on competing lawfully — discipline within the rules, not raw effort, wins the crown.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (+ subjunctive, 3rd class)ἐάν: 'if'; the protasis of a general/probable condition.
δὲandtransitional conjunctionδέ: 'and, now'; advancing to the next image.
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ἀθλῇcompetesPres Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀθλέωverb of the protasis→ customary present (the athletic contest)ἀθλέω: 'compete in the games'; root of 'athlete'; the arena of public contest.
τιςanyoneNominativeindefinite subjectτις: 'someone, anyone'; generalizing.
οὐnotnegative (with indicative)
στεφανοῦταιis crownedPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · στεφανόωmain verb (apodosis)→ gnomic present (a rule of the games)στεφανόω: 'crown with a wreath' (στέφανος, the victor's garland); the eschatological crown is in view (cf. 4:8).
ἐὰνunlessconditional conjunction (with μή, 'unless')ἐὰν μή: 'unless, except'; the qualifying condition for the crown.
μὴnotnegative (with subjunctive)
νομίμωςaccording to the rulesadverb of mannerνομίμως: 'lawfully, by the rules'; the athlete's adherence to the contest's regulations (and prior training requirements).
ἀθλήσῃhe competesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀθλέωverb of the inner conditional→ constative aorist (the contest as a whole)ἀθλέω: as above; here viewed as a completed lawful contest.
6
τὸν κοπιῶντα γεωργὸν δεῖ πρῶτον τῶν καρπῶν μεταλαμβάνειν.
The hard-working farmer must be the first to share in the crops.
Image 3: the farmerasyndetonThe third image, asyndetic. The order matters: it is the one who labors who first has a right to the produce — toil precedes and earns the share.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κοπιῶνταhard-workingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · κοπιάωattributive participle (modifying γεωργόν)→ customary present (ongoing toil)κοπιάω: 'labor to weariness, toil'; stresses strenuous, costly work (cf. v.6; 1 Tim 4:10).
γεωργὸνfarmerAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitiveγεωργός: 'farmer, tiller'; the third laborer-figure (cf. John 15:1).
δεῖmustPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb of necessity (+ infinitive)→ gnomic present (a settled principle)δεῖ: 'it is necessary, must'; a fitting moral/logical necessity.
πρῶτονfirstadverb (order/priority)πρῶτον: 'first'; the laborer's priority claim on the harvest.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
καρπῶνcropsGenitivepartitive genitive (object of μεταλαμβάνειν)καρπός: 'fruit, produce'; partitive — to share in (a portion of) the yield.
μεταλαμβάνεινto share inPres Act Inf · μεταλαμβάνωcomplementary infinitive (after δεῖ)→ present infinitive (ongoing participation)μεταλαμβάνω: 'partake of, receive a share in' (+ gen.); the farmer's just enjoyment of the fruit of his toil.
7
νόει ὃ λέγω· δώσει γάρ σοι ὁ κύριος σύνεσιν ἐν πᾶσιν.
Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.
Charge to ponderγάρA hinge closing the three images: think it through — the application is left to Timothy, but the grounding promise is that the Lord himself supplies the insight to see it.
νόειconsiderPres Act Impv 2 Sg · νοέωimperative→ durative present (keep pondering)νοέω: 'perceive with the mind, ponder, grasp'; reflective comprehension, not a glance.
ὃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun, object of νόει
λέγωI am sayingPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωverb of the relative clause→ progressive presentλέγω: 'say'; the present points to the immediately preceding images.
δώσειwill giveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (promise)→ predictive futureδίδωμι: 'give'; the divine gift of understanding answers the human duty to ponder.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction (grounds the command)γάρ: 'for'; the promise that makes the command achievable.
σοιyouDativeindirect object (dat. of recipient)
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; here the risen Christ, the giver of insight (cf. v.8).
σύνεσινunderstandingAccusativedirect object of δώσεισύνεσις: 'understanding, insight, comprehension'; the faculty of putting things together rightly.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (reference/extent)ἐν πᾶσιν: 'in everything'; the scope of the promised insight.
πᾶσινall thingsDativeobject of ἐν (substantival adjective)πᾶς: 'all, every'; here neuter plural, 'all matters.'
8
μνημόνευε Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐγηγερμένον ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυίδ, κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου,
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel,
The gospel's centerasyndetonAsyndeton sets the heart of the matter starkly: the risen, Davidic Christ. A compressed creed (resurrection + Davidic descent) frames the suffering Paul will describe — the gospel for which he is bound.
μνημόνευεrememberPres Act Impv 2 Sg · μνημονεύωimperative (+ accusative object)→ durative present (keep remembering)μνημονεύω: 'remember, keep in mind'; not mere recall but holding before oneself as the governing reality.
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativedirect object of μνημόνευε
ΧριστὸνChristAccusativeapposition to ἸησοῦνΧριστός: 'Anointed, Messiah'; here joined to the Davidic descent below.
ἐγηγερμένονraisedPerf Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἐγείρωpredicate participle (object complement)→ intensive perfect (raised and abidingly alive)ἐγείρω: 'raise'; the perfect stresses the standing result — the once-raised Christ remains the living Lord (cf. 1 Cor 15:4).
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)ἐκ νεκρῶν: 'from the dead'; out from among the corpses — bodily resurrection.
νεκρῶνthe deadGenitiveobject of ἐκ (substantival adjective)νεκρός: 'dead (one)'; plural, the realm of the dead.
ἐκofpreposition + genitive (source/descent)ἐκ σπέρματος: 'from the seed of'; descent-formula.
σπέρματοςseedGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source)σπέρμα: 'seed, offspring'; the Davidic lineage marking Jesus as Messiah (cf. Rom 1:3).
Δαυίδof DavidGenitivegenitive of relationship (indeclinable proper noun)Δαυίδ: 'David'; the royal ancestor of the promised king (2 Sam 7).
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm/standard)κατά + acc.: 'according to'; in conformity with the gospel Paul preaches.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
εὐαγγέλιόνgospelAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)εὐαγγέλιον: 'good news, gospel'; 'my gospel' = the message entrusted to Paul (cf. Rom 2:16; 16:25).
μουmyGenitivepossessive genitive
9
ἐν ᾧ κακοπαθῶ μέχρι δεσμῶν ὡς κακοῦργος· ἀλλὰ ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ οὐ δέδεται.
in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains, like a criminal; but the word of God is not bound.
Paul's chains vs. the free wordasyndetonThe relative clause attaches Paul's suffering to the gospel itself; then the sharp ἀλλά sets a paradox — the apostle is chained, the word is not. The gospel runs free even while its herald is jailed.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)ἐν ᾧ: 'in which' — in the service of which gospel.
ᾧwhichDativerelative pronoun (antecedent: gospel)
κακοπαθῶI suffer hardshipPres Act Indic 1 Sg · κακοπαθέωmain verb→ progressive present (present suffering)κακοπαθέω: 'suffer hardship, endure affliction' (cf. 2:3; 4:5); Paul's ongoing imprisonment.
μέχριto the point ofpreposition + genitive (extent/degree)μέχρι: 'as far as, up to'; marking the extreme degree of the hardship.
δεσμῶνchainsGenitiveobject of μέχριδεσμός: 'bond, fetter'; imprisonment (cf. 1:16; Phil 1:7).
ὡςlikecomparative particleὡς: 'as, like'; introducing the indignity Paul suffers.
κακοῦργοςa criminalNominativepredicate nominative (in comparison)κακοῦργος: 'evildoer, criminal'; used of those crucified with Jesus (Luke 23:32–33) — Paul shares the lot of the condemned.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; the sharp contrast that frees the gospel from Paul's fetters.
ὁtheNominativearticle
λόγοςwordNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, message'; the gospel-word, personified as an unfettered power.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source/possessionθεός: 'God'; the word's divine origin guarantees its liberty.
οὐnotnegative
δέδεταιis boundPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · δέωmain verb (negated)→ intensive perfect (stands unbound)δέω: 'bind, tie'; the perfect stresses the abiding state — the word is not and remains not imprisoned (wordplay with δεσμῶν).
10
διὰ τοῦτο πάντα ὑπομένω διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς, ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ σωτηρίας τύχωσιν τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ μετὰ δόξης αἰωνίου.
For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Purpose of enduranceδιὰ τοῦτοBecause the word runs free, Paul's chains are not in vain: he endures everything for the elect's sake, so that they may reach the salvation and glory the gospel promises.
διὰforpreposition + accusative (cause)διὰ τοῦτο: 'for this reason'; pointing back to the free course of the word (v.9).
τοῦτοthis reasonAccusativeobject of διά (demonstrative)
πάνταall thingsAccusativedirect object of ὑπομένω (substantival adj.)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole range of his sufferings.
ὑπομένωI endurePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ὑπομένωmain verb→ durative present (sustained endurance)ὑπομένω: 'endure, remain under, hold out'; the key Pastoral virtue (cf. v.12).
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (benefit/cause)διά + acc.: here 'for the sake of'; Paul's suffering is intercessory, on behalf of others.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἐκλεκτούςelectAccusativeobject of διά (substantival adjective)ἐκλεκτός: 'chosen, elect'; those God has chosen for salvation, still to be gathered through the word.
ἵναso thatpurpose conjunction (+ subjunctive)ἵνα: introducing the goal of Paul's endurance.
καὶtooadjunctive adverb ('also/too')
αὐτοὶtheyNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
σωτηρίαςsalvationGenitivegenitive object of τύχωσινσωτηρία: 'salvation, deliverance'; the comprehensive rescue accomplished in Christ.
τύχωσινmay obtainAor Act Subj 3 Pl · τυγχάνωsubjunctive in purpose clause (+ genitive)→ constative aoristτυγχάνω: 'obtain, attain, light upon' (+ gen.); reach/secure the salvation.
τῆςthat isGenitivearticle (attributive, 'the [salvation] which')
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/union)ἐν Χριστῷ: the salvation located in union with Christ.
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (union)
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)μετά + gen.: 'with'; the glory that attends the salvation.
δόξηςgloryGenitiveobject of μετάδόξα: 'glory'; the eschatological splendor accompanying final salvation.
αἰωνίουeternalGenitiveattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, everlasting'; the glory belongs to the age to come.
11
πιστὸς ὁ λόγος· εἰ γὰρ συναπεθάνομεν, καὶ συζήσομεν·
The saying is trustworthy: For if we died with him, we will also live with him;
Faithful saying, line 1γάρThe fourth and last of the Pastorals' 'faithful sayings,' a rhythmic hymn of four conditional lines. Line 1: dying with Christ (baptismal/martyr union) issues in shared life — the gospel pattern undergirding the call to endure.
πιστὸςtrustworthyNominativepredicate adjective (fronted, emphatic)πιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; the formula 'the saying is trustworthy' marks fixed, reliable tradition (cf. 1 Tim 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; Titus 3:8).
ὁtheNominativearticle
λόγοςsayingNominativesubject (of verbless clause)λόγος: here 'saying, statement'; the quoted creed-hymn that follows.
εἰifconditional conjunction (1st class, assumed true)εἰ: 'if'; the four lines are first-class conditions — assumed real for the sake of argument.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (introducing the saying)γάρ: 'for'; linking the hymn to the preceding glory (v.10).
συναπεθάνομενwe died with himAor Act Indic 1 Pl · συναποθνῄσκωverb of the protasis→ constative aorist (the once-for-all dying with Christ)συναποθνῄσκω: 'die together with'; the believer's death-with-Christ (cf. Rom 6:8).
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb (correlative 'also')
συζήσομενwe will live with himFut Act Indic 1 Pl · συζάωverb of the apodosis→ predictive futureσυζάω: 'live together with'; shared resurrection life with Christ (cf. Rom 6:8).
12
εἰ ὑπομένομεν, καὶ συμβασιλεύσομεν· εἰ ἀρνησόμεθα, κἀκεῖνος ἀρνήσεται ἡμᾶς·
if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
Faithful saying, lines 2–3asyndetonLines 2 and 3 pivot the hymn from promise to warning. Endurance is crowned with co-reigning; denial, by symmetrical justice, is met by Christ's denial (cf. Matt 10:33). The two lines hold encouragement and threat together.
εἰifconditional conjunction (1st class)
ὑπομένομενwe endurePres Act Indic 1 Pl · ὑπομένωverb of the protasis→ durative present (ongoing endurance)ὑπομένω: 'endure, hold out under'; the present tense fits a continuing condition (contrast the aorists of line 1).
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb (correlative)
συμβασιλεύσομενwe will reign with himFut Act Indic 1 Pl · συμβασιλεύωverb of the apodosis→ predictive futureσυμβασιλεύω: 'reign together with'; co-regency with Christ as the endurer's reward (cf. Rom 8:17; Rev 20:6).
εἰifconditional conjunction (1st class)
ἀρνησόμεθαwe deny himFut Mid Indic 1 Pl · ἀρνέομαιverb of the protasis→ predictive future (a future apostasy supposed)ἀρνέομαι: 'deny, disown, renounce'; the opposite of confession (cf. Matt 10:33; 2 Tim 3:5).
κἀκεῖνοςhe alsoNominativesubject (crasis: καί + ἐκεῖνος)κἀκεῖνος: 'and that one / he also'; the emphatic demonstrative isolates Christ as the agent of the answering denial.
ἀρνήσεταιwill denyFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀρνέομαιverb of the apodosis→ predictive futureἀρνέομαι: as above; the reciprocal judgment matching the human denial.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of ἀρνήσεται
13
εἰ ἀπιστοῦμεν, ἐκεῖνος πιστὸς μένει, ἀρνήσασθαι γὰρ ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται.
if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Faithful saying, line 4asyndetonThe climactic fourth line breaks the symmetry: human faithlessness does not undo Christ's faithfulness, for self-denial is impossible to him. Grace and judgment meet in his unchanging character — a sober comfort, not a license.
εἰifconditional conjunction (1st class)
ἀπιστοῦμενwe are faithlessPres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἀπιστέωverb of the protasis→ durative present (a state of unfaithfulness)ἀπιστέω: 'be unfaithful, disbelieve'; here moral faithlessness (the opposite of πιστός below).
ἐκεῖνοςheNominativesubject (emphatic demonstrative)ἐκεῖνος: 'that one'; Christ, set in pointed contrast to faithless 'we.'
πιστὸςfaithfulNominativepredicate adjectiveπιστός: 'faithful'; Christ's reliability is constitutional, not contingent on ours.
μένειremainsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · μένωmain verb (linking)→ gnomic/stative present (abiding constancy)μένω: 'remain, abide'; his faithfulness is permanent and unconditioned.
ἀρνήσασθαιto denyAor Mid Inf · ἀρνέομαιcomplementary infinitive (after δύναται)→ constative aoristἀρνέομαι: 'deny, disown'; to deny his own faithful character would contradict his being.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (grounds the previous line)γάρ: 'for'; the reason his faithfulness cannot fail.
ἑαυτὸνhimselfAccusativereflexive pronoun, object of ἀρνήσασθαιἑαυτόν: 'himself'; the object of the impossible self-denial.
οὐnotnegative
δύναταιhe canPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb (negated, + infinitive)→ gnomic present (a settled impossibility)δύναμαι: 'be able'; the negation states an absolute incapacity — divine constancy.
14
Ταῦτα ὑπομίμνῃσκε, διαμαρτυρόμενος ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ μὴ λογομαχεῖν, ἐπ’ οὐδὲν χρήσιμον, ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων.
Keep reminding them of these things, charging them before God not to quarrel about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.
Charge against word-battlesasyndetonThe hymn yields to instruction for the congregation. Timothy must press the truths home and, before God, forbid word-fights that profit nothing and only wreck the hearers — the first of the chapter's polemic notes.
Ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object of ὑπομίμνῃσκεταῦτα: 'these things'; the gospel realities just rehearsed (vv.8–13).
ὑπομίμνῃσκεkeep remindingPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ὑπομιμνῄσκωimperative→ durative present (ongoing reminding)ὑπομιμνῄσκω: 'remind, call to mind'; the teacher's task of repetition (cf. Titus 3:1).
διαμαρτυρόμενοςcharging themPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · διαμαρτύρομαιadverbial participle (means/manner)→ present (concurrent with the reminding)διαμαρτύρομαι: 'solemnly charge, adjure, testify earnestly'; a weighty, oath-like injunction (cf. 4:1).
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (place/witness)ἐνώπιον: 'before, in the sight of'; invoking God as witness to the charge.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον
μὴnotnegative (with infinitive)
λογομαχεῖνto quarrel about wordsPres Act Inf · λογομαχέωinfinitive of indirect command (content of the charge)→ durative present (habitual wrangling)λογομαχέω: 'fight about words, dispute over terms'; only here in NT (cf. the noun λογομαχία, 1 Tim 6:4).
ἐπ’forpreposition + accusative (result/tendency)ἐπί + acc.: here marking outcome — 'tending toward nothing useful.'
οὐδὲνnothingAccusativeobject of ἐπί (negative)οὐδείς: 'nothing'; the worthlessness of word-fights.
χρήσιμονusefulAccusativeattributive adjectiveχρήσιμος: 'useful, profitable'; only here in NT — the antithesis of edifying speech.
ἐπὶtopreposition + dative (result)ἐπί + dat.: 'resulting in'; the destructive effect.
καταστροφῇthe ruinDativeobject of ἐπί (result)καταστροφή: 'overturning, ruin, catastrophe'; the wreckage word-fights inflict on hearers (cf. 2 Pet 2:6).
τῶνof those whoGenitivearticle substantivizing the participle
ἀκουόντωνlistenPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ἀκούωsubstantival participle (objective genitive)→ customary present (the listeners)ἀκούω: 'hear, listen'; those who overhear the disputes are the casualties.
15
σπούδασον σεαυτὸν δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ θεῷ, ἐργάτην ἀνεπαίσχυντον, ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας.
Be diligent to present yourself to God as approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
The approved workmanasyndetonOver against the word-fighters, the positive model: an examined, unashamed workman who cuts a straight road through the word of truth. Approval is sought from God, not from disputants.
σπούδασονbe diligentAor Act Impv 2 Sg · σπουδάζωimperative (+ infinitive)→ ingressive aorist (make every effort)σπουδάζω: 'be eager, make every effort, hasten'; earnest exertion (cf. 4:9, 21).
σεαυτὸνyourselfAccusativeaccusative subject/object of παραστῆσαι (reflexive)σεαυτόν: 'yourself'; the object presented for inspection.
δόκιμονapprovedAccusativepredicate accusative (object complement)δόκιμος: 'tested and approved, genuine'; metal proven by assay (cf. v.5 'lawfully'; Rom 16:10).
παραστῆσαιto presentAor Act Inf · παρίστημιcomplementary infinitive (after σπούδασον)→ constative aoristπαρίστημι: 'present, set alongside, offer'; to stand oneself before God for approval (cf. Rom 12:1).
τῷtoDativearticle
θεῷGodDativedative (to whom presented)θεός: 'God'; the sole judge whose approval counts.
ἐργάτηνa workerAccusativeapposition to σεαυτόνἐργάτης: 'workman, laborer'; the minister as a tradesman whose work is inspected (cf. Matt 9:37–38).
ἀνεπαίσχυντονunashamedAccusativeattributive adjective (modifying ἐργάτην)ἀνεπαίσχυντος: 'not needing to be ashamed'; only here in NT — a workman whose craftsmanship bears scrutiny (cf. 1:8, 12, 16).
ὀρθοτομοῦνταrightly handlingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ὀρθοτομέωadjectival/adverbial participle (manner; modifies ἐργάτην)→ customary present (characteristic practice)ὀρθοτομέω: 'cut straight' (ὀρθός + τέμνω); to drive a straight road or cut a furrow straight — handle the word accurately, without deviation (cf. Prov 3:6 LXX).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονwordAccusativedirect object of ὀρθοτομοῦνταλόγος: 'word, message'; here the gospel message itself.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ἀληθείαςtruthGenitivegenitive of content/apposition ('the word, namely the truth')ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the gospel's true content, opposed to the chatter of v.16.
16
τὰς δὲ βεβήλους κενοφωνίας περιΐστασο· ἐπὶ πλεῖον γὰρ προκόψουσιν ἀσεβείας,
But avoid profane, empty chatter, for they will advance to more and more ungodliness,
Shun empty talkδέThe negative counterpart to the straight-cutting workman: steer clear of godless babble, because — far from being harmless — it has a forward momentum toward ever greater impiety.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
δὲbutadversative/transitional conjunctionδέ: 'but'; the contrast to the approved workman.
βεβήλουςprofaneAccusativeattributive adjectiveβέβηλος: 'profane, unhallowed, godless'; what lies outside the sacred threshold (cf. 1 Tim 4:7; 6:20).
κενοφωνίαςempty chatterAccusativedirect object of περιΐστασοκενοφωνία: 'empty sound, vain talk' (κενός + φωνή); babble void of content (cf. 1 Tim 6:20).
περιΐστασοavoidPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · περιΐστημιimperative→ durative present (habitually keep away)περιΐστημι (mid.): 'turn away from, shun, avoid'; literally 'stand around so as to keep clear of' (cf. Titus 3:9).
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (degree/extent)ἐπὶ πλεῖον: 'to a greater degree, further and further.'
πλεῖονmoreAccusativeobject of ἐπί (comparative adjective)πλείων: 'more, greater'; comparative of πολύς.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction (gives the reason to shun it)γάρ: 'for'; the danger that justifies the command.
προκόψουσινthey will advanceFut Act Indic 3 Pl · προκόπτωmain verb→ predictive futureπροκόπτω: 'advance, make progress'; ironic — 'progress' here is toward ungodliness (cf. 3:9, 13).
ἀσεβείαςungodlinessGenitivegenitive of reference/measure (the sphere of advance)ἀσέβεια: 'impiety, ungodliness'; the goal toward which empty talk drives (cf. Titus 2:12).
17
καὶ ὁ λόγος αὐτῶν ὡς γάγγραινα νομὴν ἕξει· ὧν ἐστιν Ὑμέναιος καὶ Φίλητος,
and their word will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
Gangrene image; named offendersκαίA vivid clinical metaphor: such talk is not static but corrosive, eating outward like gangrene. Two real names — Hymenaeus and Philetus — make the danger concrete, not hypothetical.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
λόγοςwordNominativesubjectλόγος: 'word, talk'; their teaching/message.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivepossessive genitive
ὡςlikecomparative particleὡς: 'like, as'; the gangrene simile.
γάγγραιναgangreneNominativepredicate/comparison nominativeγάγγραινα: 'gangrene, a spreading sore'; only here in NT — necrotic decay that consumes outward.
νομὴνspreadAccusativedirect object of ἕξει (idiom: 'have pasture/spread')νομή: 'pasturage, grazing'; with ἔχω, the medical idiom 'to eat its way, spread' — the sore feeding outward.
ἕξειwill spreadFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ predictive futureἔχω: 'have, hold'; here in the idiom νομὴν ἔχειν, 'to spread, gain ground.'
ὧνamong themGenitivepartitive genitive (relative pronoun)ὧν: 'of whom'; partitive — singling members out of the group.
ἐστινarePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (verb agrees with nearer subject)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'to be'; introducing the named examples.
ὙμέναιοςHymenaeusNominativesubject (predicate of identification)Ὑμέναιος: 'Hymenaeus'; already named and 'handed over to Satan' in 1 Tim 1:20.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΦίλητοςPhiletusNominativesubject (coordinate)Φίλητος: 'Philetus'; named only here in the NT.
18
οἵτινες περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν, λέγοντες ἀνάστασιν ἤδη γεγονέναι, καὶ ἀνατρέπουσιν τήν τινων πίστιν.
who have missed the mark concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened, and they are overturning the faith of some.
Their error and its damageasyndetonThe qualitative relative spells out the deviation: they have swerved from the truth by an over-realized eschatology ('the resurrection is past'), and the result is the wrecking of some people's faith — confirming the gangrene image.
οἵτινεςwhoNominativequalitative relative pronoun ('men who')ὅστις: 'such as, who'; characterizing the two named men.
περὶconcerningpreposition + accusative (reference)περί + acc.: 'concerning, with regard to'; the area of their failure.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀλήθειανtruthAccusativeobject of περί (reference)ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the doctrinal target they missed.
ἠστόχησανhave missed the markAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀστοχέωmain verb→ constative aorist (the deviation as accomplished)ἀστοχέω: 'miss the mark, deviate, swerve' (ἀ- + στόχος, target); a wandering from the aim (cf. 1 Tim 1:6; 6:21).
λέγοντεςsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λέγωadverbial participle (means/explanation)→ present (their continued assertion)λέγω: 'say'; introducing the content of their error.
ἀνάστασινresurrectionAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive (indirect discourse)ἀνάστασις: 'resurrection, rising'; spiritualized by them into a past, already-experienced event.
ἤδηalreadyadverb of timeἤδη: 'already, now'; the crux of the over-realized error.
γεγονέναιhas happenedPerf Act Inf · γίνομαιinfinitive of indirect discourse (after λέγοντες)→ intensive perfect (a settled accomplished fact, as they claim)γίνομαι: 'become, happen, come to pass'; the perfect frames the resurrection as already-completed in their teaching.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀνατρέπουσινthey are overturningPres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀνατρέπωmain verb→ progressive present (ongoing damage)ἀνατρέπω: 'overturn, upset, ruin'; capsizing faith as a wave upturns a boat (cf. Titus 1:11).
τήνtheAccusativearticle
τινωνof someGenitivepossessive genitive (indefinite pronoun)τις: 'some, certain ones'; the victims whose faith is upended.
πίστινfaithAccusativedirect object of ἀνατρέπουσινπίστις: 'faith'; both trust and the body of belief, both subverted.
19
ὁ μέντοι στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ ἕστηκεν, ἔχων τὴν σφραγῖδα ταύτην· Ἔγνω κύριος τοὺς ὄντας αὐτοῦ, καί· Ἀποστήτω ἀπὸ ἀδικίας πᾶς ὁ ὀνομάζων τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου.
Nevertheless, God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness."
The firm foundationμέντοιA strong counter-turn against the collapse of v.18: whatever falls, God's foundation stands unmoved. It carries a double seal — divine election ('the Lord knows his own') and human obligation ('depart from iniquity') — the two faces of the church's security.
ὁtheNominativearticle
μέντοιneverthelessadversative particleμέντοι: 'nevertheless, yet, however'; the firm rebuttal to the preceding ruin.
στερεὸςfirmNominativeattributive adjectiveστερεός: 'solid, firm, hard'; immovable stability (cf. 1 Pet 5:9; Heb 5:12).
θεμέλιοςfoundationNominativesubjectθεμέλιος: 'foundation'; here God's secure work/church, set against the shifting heresy (cf. 1 Cor 3:11).
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitiveθεός: 'God'; the foundation is his, hence unshakable.
ἕστηκενstandsPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἵστημιmain verb→ intensive perfect (stands firm, having been set)ἵστημι: 'stand'; the perfect (with present sense) — it has been established and so stands secure.
ἔχωνbearingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔχωadverbial/attributive participle (modifying θεμέλιος)→ present (concurrent state)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; the foundation 'carries' an engraved seal, as a cornerstone bears an inscription.
τὴνthisAccusativearticle (with ταύτην)
σφραγῖδαsealAccusativedirect object of ἔχωνσφραγίς: 'seal, inscription'; a stamp of ownership and authentication (cf. Rev 7:3–4).
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative adjective
ἜγνωknowsAor Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωverb of the first inscription (gnomic)→ gnomic aorist (a timeless truth)γινώσκω: 'know'; covenantal, elective knowing — 'acknowledges as his own' (echo of Num 16:5 LXX).
κύριοςthe LordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the divine name, anchoring election.
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle substantivizing the participle
ὄνταςwho arePres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · εἰμίsubstantival participle (object of Ἔγνω)→ present (ongoing belonging)εἰμί: 'to be'; οἱ ὄντες αὐτοῦ — 'those who are his.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive (predicate)
καίandcoordinating conjunction (joins the second inscription)
Ἀποστήτωlet him departAor Act Impv 3 Sg · ἀφίστημιthird-person imperative (the second inscription)→ ingressive aorist (make the break)ἀφίστημι: 'depart, stand away from, withdraw'; the demand to separate from sin (echo of Num 16:26 / Isa 52:11).
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)ἀπό: 'from, away from'; marking the separation from iniquity.
ἀδικίαςunrighteousnessGenitiveobject of ἀπόἀδικία: 'unrighteousness, wrongdoing'; the iniquity to be renounced.
πᾶςeveryoneNominativesubject (substantival adjective)πᾶς: 'everyone, all'; the universal scope of the obligation.
ὁwhoNominativearticle substantivizing the participle
ὀνομάζωνnamesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ὀνομάζωsubstantival participle (in apposition to πᾶς)→ customary present (those who confess the Name)ὀνομάζω: 'name, call upon, confess'; to invoke/own the Lord's name (cf. calling on the name, Joel 2:32).
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὄνομαnameAccusativedirect object of ὀνομάζωνὄνομα: 'name'; the Lord's name, profession of which entails moral consequence.
κυρίουof the LordGenitivegenitive of possessionκύριος: 'Lord'; whose name is confessed.
20
Ἐν μεγάλῃ δὲ οἰκίᾳ οὐκ ἔστιν μόνον σκεύη χρυσᾶ καὶ ἀργυρᾶ ἀλλὰ καὶ ξύλινα καὶ ὀστράκινα, καὶ ἃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν ἃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν·
Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, and some for honorable use and some for dishonorable.
Image of the great houseδέThe seal's two sides become a household parable: a large estate holds vessels of differing material and purpose. The mixed church contains honorable and dishonorable vessels — preparing the call to self-purification.
Ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)ἐν: 'in'; setting the household scene.
μεγάλῃgreatDativeattributive adjectiveμέγας: 'great, large'; a substantial estate, holding diverse vessels.
δὲnowtransitional conjunctionδέ: 'now, and'; advancing to the illustration.
οἰκίᾳhouseDativeobject of ἐν (location)οἰκία: 'house, household'; figuring the church or God's household (cf. 1 Tim 3:15).
οὐκnotnegative (with ἔστιν)
ἔστινthere arePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ gnomic present (general state of affairs)εἰμί: 'to be, exist'; 'there are' — existential.
μόνονonlyadverb (in 'not only … but also')μόνον: 'only'; first member of the οὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί correlation.
σκεύηvesselsNominativesubject (neuter plural)σκεῦος: 'vessel, container, implement'; household utensils — the metaphor for persons in v.21.
χρυσᾶof goldNominativeattributive adjectiveχρυσοῦς: 'golden'; the costly vessels.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀργυρᾶof silverNominativeattributive adjectiveἀργυροῦς: 'of silver'; with gold, the vessels of honor.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (second member of correlation)ἀλλά: 'but'; 'but also' completing 'not only.'
καὶalsoadjunctive adverb
ξύλιναof woodNominativeattributive adjectiveξύλινος: 'wooden'; the common, cheap vessels.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὀστράκιναof clayNominativeattributive adjectiveὀστράκινος: 'earthen, of baked clay'; fragile, lowly vessels (cf. 2 Cor 4:7).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἃsomeNominativerelative/demonstrative (ἃ μέν … ἃ δέ, 'some … others')ἃ μέν: 'some (which)'; partitive distribution of the vessels by purpose.
μὲνon the one handcorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)μέν: marking the first of the paired clauses.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)εἰς: 'for, unto'; purpose/destination of use.
τιμὴνhonorable useAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)τιμή: 'honor, value'; honorable function (a banquet vessel).
ἃothersNominativerelative/demonstrative (second member)
δὲon the other handcorrelative particle (μέν … δέ)δέ: the second of the paired clauses.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
ἀτιμίανdishonorable useAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)ἀτιμία: 'dishonor, menial use'; the common/ignoble function (a refuse pot).
21
ἐὰν οὖν τις ἐκκαθάρῃ ἑαυτὸν ἀπὸ τούτων, ἔσται σκεῦος εἰς τιμήν, ἡγιασμένον, εὔχρηστον τῷ δεσπότῃ, εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἡτοιμασμένον.
If then anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honorable use, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Application of the parableοὖνThe parable applied: the believer's destiny is not fixed by material but by self-cleansing. Whoever purges himself from 'these' (the false teachers/their ways) becomes an honorable, consecrated, serviceable vessel — four predicates climaxing in readiness for good work.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (+ subjunctive, 3rd class)ἐάν: 'if'; a real, attainable condition.
οὖνtheninferential conjunctionοὖν: 'then, therefore'; drawing the lesson from the parable.
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)τις: 'anyone'; generalizing the application.
ἐκκαθάρῃcleansesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐκκαθαίρωverb of the protasis→ ingressive/constative aorist (a decisive cleansing)ἐκκαθαίρω: 'cleanse out thoroughly, purge'; the intensive ἐκ- stresses complete removal (cf. 1 Cor 5:7).
ἑαυτὸνhimselfAccusativereflexive object of ἐκκαθάρῃἑαυτόν: 'himself'; self-purification is in view.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)ἀπό: 'from'; separation from the defiling influences.
τούτωνthese thingsGenitiveobject of ἀπό (demonstrative)οὗτος: 'these'; the dishonorable vessels/false teachers and their errors (vv.16–18, 20).
ἔσταιhe will beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'to be'; the resulting status.
σκεῦοςa vesselNominativepredicate nominativeσκεῦος: 'vessel'; the person as an instrument in God's house.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)εἰς τιμήν: 'for honor'; honorable use, contrasting v.20.
τιμήνhonorable useAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)τιμή: 'honor'; the noble function.
ἡγιασμένονsanctifiedPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · ἁγιάζωpredicate participle (modifying σκεῦος)→ intensive perfect (set apart and so remaining holy)ἁγιάζω: 'sanctify, set apart, consecrate'; the perfect marks an abiding consecration.
εὔχρηστονusefulNominativepredicate adjectiveεὔχρηστος: 'useful, serviceable' (εὖ + χρηστός); fit for the Master's purposes (cf. 4:11; Phlm 11).
τῷto theDativearticle
δεσπότῃMasterDativedative of advantage (to/for whom useful)δεσπότης: 'master, owner, sovereign'; the householder of v.20 — God/Christ as owner of the vessel.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)εἰς: 'for'; the goal of usefulness.
πᾶνeveryAccusativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'every, all'; the full range of good works.
ἔργονworkAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; good works as the vessel's intended service (cf. 3:17).
ἀγαθὸνgoodAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good'; morally good and beneficial.
ἡτοιμασμένονpreparedPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · ἑτοιμάζωpredicate participle (modifying σκεῦος)→ intensive perfect (made ready and standing ready)ἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare, make ready'; the perfect — fitted out and held in readiness.
22
τὰς δὲ νεωτερικὰς ἐπιθυμίας φεῦγε, δίωκε δὲ δικαιοσύνην, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, εἰρήνην μετὰ τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν κύριον ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας.
Now flee youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Flee and pursueδέTwo paired imperatives — flee, pursue — give the self-cleansing concrete shape. Away from youthful cravings, toward a cluster of virtues, and not in isolation but with the pure-hearted community.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
δὲnowtransitional conjunctionδέ: 'now, and'; turning to personal discipline.
νεωτερικὰςyouthfulAccusativeattributive adjectiveνεωτερικός: 'youthful, characteristic of youth'; only here in NT — the impulses to which a younger leader is prone (cf. 1 Tim 4:12).
ἐπιθυμίαςpassionsAccusativedirect object of φεῦγεἐπιθυμία: 'desire, craving, passion'; here negative — disordered cravings (not only sexual but also pride, contentiousness).
φεῦγεfleePres Act Impv 2 Sg · φεύγωimperative→ durative present (keep fleeing)φεύγω: 'flee, run from'; decisive, ongoing avoidance (cf. 1 Tim 6:11; 1 Cor 6:18).
δίωκεpursuePres Act Impv 2 Sg · διώκωimperative→ durative present (keep pursuing)διώκω: 'pursue, chase after'; the positive counterpart to fleeing (cf. 1 Tim 6:11).
δὲandcoordinating conjunction (flee … and pursue)
δικαιοσύνηνrighteousnessAccusativedirect object of δίωκεδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness, uprightness'; right conduct before God and others.
πίστινfaithAccusativedirect object (coordinate)πίστις: 'faith, faithfulness'; trust and fidelity.
ἀγάπηνloveAccusativedirect object (coordinate)ἀγάπη: 'love'; self-giving devotion.
εἰρήνηνpeaceAccusativedirect object (coordinate)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; harmony, the antithesis of the quarrels of vv.14, 23.
μετὰalong withpreposition + genitive (association)μετά + gen.: 'with'; the pursuit is communal, not solitary.
τῶνthoseGenitivearticle substantivizing the participle
ἐπικαλουμένωνwho call onPres Mid Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ἐπικαλέωsubstantival participle (object of μετά)→ customary present (those who call on the Lord)ἐπικαλέω (mid.): 'call upon, invoke'; the worshiping community (cf. v.19; Acts 9:14; Joel 2:32).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κύριονLordAccusativedirect object of ἐπικαλουμένωνκύριος: 'Lord'; the object of invocation.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)ἐκ: 'from, out of'; the source/quality of the invocation.
καθαρᾶςpureGenitiveattributive adjectiveκαθαρός: 'pure, clean'; the cleansed heart (echoing ἐκκαθάρῃ, v.21; cf. 1 Tim 1:5).
καρδίαςheartGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source)καρδία: 'heart'; the inner person, the seat of will and devotion.
23
τὰς δὲ μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους ζητήσεις παραιτοῦ, εἰδὼς ὅτι γεννῶσιν μάχας·
But refuse foolish and ignorant controversies, knowing that they breed quarrels.
Refuse foolish disputesδέReturning to the polemic of v.14 from the other side: decline senseless debates outright. The grounding participle gives the reason — such questions are not neutral; they generate fights.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
δὲbutadversative/transitional conjunctionδέ: 'but'; contrasting the worthy pursuits of v.22 with worthless debates.
μωρὰςfoolishAccusativeattributive adjectiveμωρός: 'foolish, stupid'; senseless (cf. Titus 3:9).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀπαιδεύτουςignorantAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀπαίδευτος: 'uninstructed, undisciplined, ignorant'; only here in NT — the mark of the untaught speculator.
ζητήσειςcontroversiesAccusativedirect object of παραιτοῦζήτησις: 'investigation, debate, controversy'; speculative disputes (cf. 1 Tim 6:4; Titus 3:9).
παραιτοῦrefusePres Mid Impv 2 Sg · παραιτέομαιimperative→ durative present (habitually decline)παραιτέομαι: 'decline, refuse, have nothing to do with'; turn away from (cf. 1 Tim 4:7; Titus 3:10).
εἰδὼςknowingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · οἶδαadverbial participle (cause)→ perfect with present sense (settled knowledge)οἶδα: 'know'; the perfect-as-present verb of settled awareness; the ground of the refusal.
ὅτιthatconjunction introducing object clauseὅτι: 'that'; the content of what is known.
γεννῶσινthey breedPres Act Indic 3 Pl · γεννάωverb of the ὅτι clause→ gnomic present (a general law)γεννάω: 'beget, give birth to, produce'; the debates 'father' quarrels (cf. v.14 word-fights).
μάχαςquarrelsAccusativedirect object of γεννῶσινμάχη: 'fight, quarrel, strife'; verbal combat in the church (cf. Titus 3:9; Jas 4:1).
24
δοῦλον δὲ κυρίου οὐ δεῖ μάχεσθαι, ἀλλὰ ἤπιον εἶναι πρὸς πάντας, διδακτικόν, ἀνεξίκακον,
And the Lord's slave must not quarrel, but be kind to everyone, able to teach, patient when wronged,
The servant's temperδέThe positive portrait of the minister set against the quarrel-breeding disputes. As the Lord's bondservant, his manner — not merely his doctrine — must be gentle: no fighting, but kindness, teaching skill, and patient endurance of wrong.
δοῦλονslaveAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitiveδοῦλος: 'slave, bondservant'; the minister belongs wholly to the Lord, whose manner he must reflect.
δὲandtransitional conjunctionδέ: 'and, but'; advancing from the disputes to the servant's conduct.
κυρίουof the LordGenitivegenitive of possession (whose slave)κύριος: 'Lord'; the master to whom the servant answers.
οὐnotnegative (with δεῖ)
δεῖmustPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb of necessity (+ infinitive)→ gnomic present (a binding norm)δεῖ: 'it is necessary, must'; moral obligation for the Lord's servant.
μάχεσθαιto quarrelPres Mid Inf · μάχομαιcomplementary infinitive (after δεῖ, negated)→ durative present (be a fighter)μάχομαι: 'fight, quarrel, contend'; cognate with μάχας (v.23) — the servant must not be a brawler.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; the positive contrast to quarreling.
ἤπιονkindAccusativepredicate accusative (with εἶναι)ἤπιος: 'gentle, kind, mild'; like a nurse with children (cf. 1 Thess 2:7).
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίcomplementary infinitive (after δεῖ)→ durative present (be characteristically)εἰμί: 'to be'; governing the string of predicate qualities.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (relationship)πρός + acc.: 'toward, to'; the orientation of the kindness.
πάνταςeveryoneAccusativeobject of πρός (substantival adjective)πᾶς: 'all, everyone'; even toward opponents (v.25).
διδακτικόνable to teachAccusativepredicate accusative (coordinate quality)διδακτικός: 'skilled in teaching, apt to teach'; a required quality of the overseer (cf. 1 Tim 3:2).
ἀνεξίκακονpatient when wrongedAccusativepredicate accusative (coordinate quality)ἀνεξίκακος: 'bearing evil without resentment, forbearing' (ἀνέχομαι + κακόν); only here in NT — patient endurance of injury.
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ἐν πραΰτητι παιδεύοντα τοὺς ἀντιδιατιθεμένους, μήποτε δώῃ αὐτοῖς ὁ θεὸς μετάνοιαν εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας,
correcting opponents with gentleness, in case God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
Gentle correction; God's giftasyndetonThe manner of dealing with opponents: gentle instruction, not combat. The clause holds out the goal cautiously ('in case God may grant') — repentance and saving knowledge are God's gift, beyond the corrector's power to coerce.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)ἐν: 'with, in'; marking the manner of correction.
πραΰτητιgentlenessDativedative of mannerπραΰτης: 'gentleness, meekness'; strength under control, not weakness (cf. Gal 6:1; 1 Cor 4:21).
παιδεύονταcorrectingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · παιδεύωadverbial participle (manner; modifies δοῦλον of v.24)→ customary present (the servant's ongoing practice)παιδεύω: 'instruct, train, discipline, correct'; teaching that aims to reform (cf. Titus 2:12).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle substantivizing the participle
ἀντιδιατιθεμένουςopponentsPres Mid Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · ἀντιδιατίθημιsubstantival participle (object of παιδεύοντα)→ customary present (those who set themselves in opposition)ἀντιδιατίθεμαι: 'oppose oneself, be set in opposition'; only here in NT — those entrenched against the truth.
μήποτεin caseconjunction (purpose/contingency, + subjunctive)μήποτε: 'lest perhaps, in case, whether perhaps'; a tentative hope rather than a confident goal.
δώῃmay grantAor Act Subj 3 Sg · δίδωμιsubjunctive in contingency clause→ constative aorist (a hoped-for gift)δίδωμι: 'give, grant'; repentance itself is God's gift (cf. Acts 5:31; 11:18).
αὐτοῖςthemDativeindirect object (dat. of recipient)
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: 'God'; the true giver of repentance — the servant only corrects.
μετάνοιανrepentanceAccusativedirect object of δώῃμετάνοια: 'repentance, change of mind'; the turn that leads to truth.
εἰςleading topreposition + accusative (purpose/result)εἰς: 'unto, leading to'; the goal of the repentance.
ἐπίγνωσινknowledgeAccusativeobject of εἰς (result)ἐπίγνωσις: 'full/recognitive knowledge'; the saving acknowledgment of the truth (a Pastorals keyword; cf. 1 Tim 2:4; 2 Tim 3:7).
ἀληθείαςof the truthGenitiveobjective genitive (knowledge of the truth)ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the gospel reality, missed by the opponents (v.18).
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καὶ ἀνανήψωσιν ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος, ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα.
and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been captured alive by him to do his will.
Escape from the snareκαίThe further hope coordinated with repentance: that the opponents may sober up and break free from the devil's trap. The closing participle exposes their true plight — they are war-captives of the devil, held to serve his will, unless God grants release.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (joins δώῃ … and ἀνανήψωσιν)
ἀνανήψωσινthey may come to their sensesAor Act Subj 3 Pl · ἀνανήφωsubjunctive (coordinate with δώῃ under μήποτε)→ ingressive aorist (sober up, regain sense)ἀνανήφω: 'become sober again, return to one's senses' (ἀνά + νήφω); only here in NT — like waking from drunken stupor.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)ἐκ: 'out of, from'; escape out of the trap.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
τοῦof theGenitivearticle (with διαβόλου)
διαβόλουdevilGenitivegenitive of possession (whose snare)διάβολος: 'slanderer, the devil'; the adversary who lays the snare (cf. 1 Tim 3:7).
παγίδοςsnareGenitiveobject of ἐκ (separation)παγίς: 'snare, trap'; a fowler's or hunter's trap (cf. 1 Tim 3:7; 6:9).
ἐζωγρημένοιhaving been captured alivePerf Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ζωγρέωadverbial participle (concessive/circumstantial; subject of ἀνανήψωσιν)→ intensive perfect (taken captive and still held)ζωγρέω: 'take alive, capture as prisoner' (ζωός + ἀγρεύω); used of taking war-captives — here held alive by the devil (contrast Luke 5:10).
ὑπ’bypreposition + genitive (agent)ὑπό + gen.: 'by'; the agent of the capture.
αὐτοῦhimGenitivegenitive of agent (the devil)αὐτοῦ: 'him'; referring to the devil as captor.
εἰςto dopreposition + accusative (purpose)εἰς: 'for, unto'; purpose — to carry out his will.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἐκείνουhisGenitivepossessive genitive (emphatic demonstrative)ἐκεῖνος: 'that one'; emphatic — 'that one's will,' i.e. the devil's (some read 'God's,' but the nearer referent is the devil).
θέλημαwillAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)θέλημα: 'will, purpose'; the captor's design that holds them.