All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Read it in contextExhortation to Steadfastness and the Sufficiency of Scripture
Start reading at 2 Timothy 3:1 (2 Timothy 3:1 to 2 Timothy 3:17).
This passage begins a new section in the chapter, addressing the challenges of the 'last days' and emphasizing the divine authority and practical utility of the Holy Scriptures as the antidote to error and a guide for godly living.
3:1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
3:2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
3:4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
3:6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
3:7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
3:8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
3:9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
3:10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
3:13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
3:14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
3:15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
3:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, traditionally understood as writing to Timothy late in his ministry. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:6. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Timothy 1:1–4:22): Paul addresses Timothy personally, urging faithful teaching and endurance and asking him to come; coworkers and opponents are named in the circumstances he describes. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, called Paul's dearly beloved son, with instructions he is to entrust to other faithful teachers. Biblical references: 2 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:2. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the divine inspiration and profitability of all Scripture for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, equipping the man of God for good works.
What is God revealing? God is revealing that all Scripture originates from Him by inspiration and is entirely sufficient and beneficial for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, leading to the perfection and complete furnishing of the man of God for every good work.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, specifically a pastoral epistle, written as a personal letter of instruction and encouragement from Paul to Timothy.
When
When was it written? This epistle was written around A.D. 66 to 67. book background
When does the event take place? The letter was written shortly before Paul's death. The passage itself refers to 'the last days' (2 Timothy 3:1) as a future time of peril, and recounts Paul's past persecutions (2 Timothy 3:11). The truth about Scripture's inspiration is timeless.
Where
Where did it happen? The persecutions endured by Paul, which he references, occurred in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. The divine inspiration of Scripture is a universal truth, not tied to a specific geographical event within the passage. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, where he was imprisoned, when he wrote this letter. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Exhortation to Steadfastness and the Sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:1 to 2 Timothy 3:17).
Start reading at 2 Timothy 3:1. This passage begins a new section in the chapter, addressing the challenges of the 'last days' and emphasizing the divine authority and practical utility of the Holy Scriptures as the antidote to error and a guide for godly living.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse provides the foundational reason for Timothy to 'continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of' (2 Timothy 3:14). In contrast to the 'evil men and seducers' who 'shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived' (2 Timothy 3:13), the divinely inspired Scripture offers a steadfast and profitable guide for truth and righteousness. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by stating that the 'holy scriptures... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus' (2 Timothy 3:15). Thus, the ultimate purpose and profitability of Scripture, being 'given by inspiration of God,' is to lead individuals to saving faith in Jesus Christ. stated in the text
How do I apply it today? Today, believers should recognize and accept all Scripture as the divinely inspired Word of God, fully authoritative and sufficient. We are to diligently study and apply it for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, allowing it to thoroughly equip us for every good work and to guide us in living a godly life amidst a fallen world. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Timothy 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
Connection to the wholeThe catalogue of conduct and descriptions of deceivers call for discernment about people who retain an appearance of religion while resisting the truth.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts such deception with Timothy's knowledge of his life and the Scriptures, which equip the man of God for good works.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy from a setting of suffering and approaching death, urging him to preserve and teach the received message. The personal charge repeatedly joins sound doctrine with endurance and conduct.
Connection to the wholePaul warns about corrupt conduct and deception, then directs Timothy to continue in what he has learned through the holy Scriptures.