3:16

All Scripture: This expression, which is broad in meaning, certainly includes the entirety of the Hebrew Scriptures. (Lu 24:44 and study note) Timothy knew those “holy writings” well. (2Ti 3:15 and study note) Further, it seems that the first-century Christians viewed the part of the Christian Greek Scriptures that had been written up to that time as belonging to the inspired Scriptures. For example, when Peter wrote his second letter, about 64 C.E. (probably not long before Paul wrote this letter to Timothy), he mentioned some of Paul’s writings as part of “the Scriptures.” (2Pe 3:16; see also study notes on 1Co 12:10; 1Ti 5:18.) By saying that “all Scripture is inspired of God,” Paul reminds Timothy as well as all Christians to trust the wisdom of God’s inspired Word and to rely on it in all that they do.

inspired of God: This expression translates the compound Greek word the·oʹpneu·stos. It is composed of the words the·osʹ (god) and pneʹo (breathe; blow), thus literally meaning “God-breathed” or “breathed by God.” The Greek verb pneʹo is related to the word often rendered “spirit,” pneuʹma. (See Glossary, “Spirit.”) God caused his spirit, or active force, to operate on faithful men whom he used to record his written Word. Jesus confirmed this role of holy spirit when he quoted from the Psalms and said that David had written it “under inspiration [lit., “in spirit”].” (Mt 22:43, 44; Ps 110:1) The parallel passage at Mr 12:36 reads “by the holy spirit.” Similarly, Peter referred to men who “spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit.” (2Pe 1:21) In the Hebrew Scriptures, King David conveyed the same idea when he said: “The spirit of Jehovah spoke through me.” (2Sa 23:2) It is worth noting that a 19th-century translation into Hebrew (referred to as J¹⁷ in App. C4) renders the first part of 2Ti 3:16: “All Scripture is written by means of God’s spirit.”​—See Glossary, “Canon (Bible canon).”

beneficial: Paul explains that the inspired Word of God is beneficial (or “helpful,” “useful”) in a number of areas. As an elder, Timothy had the responsibility of making skillful use of God’s Word for the benefit of others both inside and outside the congregation. (2Ti 2:15) In addition, all Christians needed to use God’s Word to adjust their own attitude and actions, bringing them into harmony with God’s will.

for teaching: That is, for giving instruction on true beliefs and right conduct.​—Tit 1:9.

for reproving: Christian overseers have the responsibility of reproving “those who practice sin.” (1Ti 5:20 and study note; Tit 1:13) They patiently use the Scriptures to convince such ones that they have strayed from godly principles and to readjust them accordingly. (Ga 6:1; 2Ti 4:2) Christians can also use the Scriptures for self-correction.

for setting things straight: Or “for correcting.” The Greek word involves restoring what is correct or improving what is faulty.

for disciplining in righteousness: God’s Word provides discipline, or training, that is in harmony with God’s standard of right and wrong.​—Heb 12:11; see Glossary, “Righteousness.”