• 2 Timothy 2:15
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 15 σπούδασον Speed you up σεαυτὸν yourself δόκιμον approved παραστῆσαι to put alongside τῷ to the θεῷ, God, ἐργάτην workman ἀνεπαίσχυντον, unashamed, ὀρθοτομοῦντα straightly cutting τὸν the λόγον word τῆς of the ἀληθείας. truth.

  • 2 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 2
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 2:15

      Do your utmost: Paul uses this expression to urge Timothy to “be zealous/eager, take pains, make every effort, be conscientious,” as the Greek word (spou·daʹzo) is defined in one lexicon. Then, having God’s approval, Timothy would be a good workman. He would have no cause for shame, even if others failed to appreciate his efforts or opposed him.

      handling the word of the truth aright: Paul here uses a Greek verb that literally means “to cut straight.” Various suggestions have been made about what Paul was alluding to. For example, as a tentmaker, he might have had in mind cutting a precise, straight line through cloth. Or he may have been alluding to how the term is used at Pr 3:6 and 11:5 in the Septuagint, where the verb describes making one’s figurative path, or road, straight. The verb could also be used in other ways, such as to describe a farmer’s plowing a straight furrow in the soil. In any case, Paul was basically telling Timothy to hold to a straight course when teaching from God’s Word​—to handle it properly, explain it accurately, and avoid turning aside by engaging in debates about personal viewpoints, words, or other trivial matters.​—2Ti 2:14, 16.