The Meaning of 2 Timothy 1:6 Explained

2 Timothy 1:6

KJV: Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

YLT: For which cause I remind thee to stir up the gift of God that is in thee through the putting on of my hands,

Darby: For which cause I put thee in mind to rekindle the gift of God which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

ASV: For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Wherefore  I put  thee  in remembrance  that thou stir up  the gift  of God,  which  is  in  thee  by  the putting on  of my  hands. 

What does 2 Timothy 1:6 Mean?

Verse Meaning

In view of the quality of his faith Paul urged his younger friend not to neglect the use of his God-given abilities for the service of Christ. Any person can become less effective in the exercise of his abilities if he or she does not use them regularly. This was Paul"s concern. He wanted Timothy to keep active. He was not implying that Timothy"s gift had left him.
"General Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, once sent this message to those under him: "The tendency of fire is to go out; watch the fire on the altar of your heart." Anyone who has tended a fireplace fire knows that it needs to be stirred up occasionally." [1]
Timothy may have received special abilities from the Lord through Paul at his ordination (cf. 1 Timothy 4:14). The bestowal of these may have been a unique apostolic ministry that ceased with that office ( Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 2:3-4).
"Every Christian minister needs at times to return to the inspiration of his ordination, to be reminded not only of the greatness of his calling, but also of the adequacy of the divine grace which enables him to perform it. Indeed, every Christian worker engaged in however small a task requires assurance that God never commissions anyone to a task without imparting a special gift appropriate for it." [2]
It seems more likely, however, that what Timothy received was divine enablement to do the work into which God was leading him. We could understand the gift, then, as a special endowment or enablement by the Holy Spirit (cf. 2 Timothy 1:7). [3] Paul may have been referring to Timothy"s conversion at which time Paul laid hands on him and he received the Holy Spirit. [4]
"The laying on of hands was not the cause of Timothy"s receipt of a spiritual gift but was a visible representation and symbol of it." [5]

Context Summary

2 Timothy 1:1-11 - "stir Up The Gift Which Is In Thee"
Lonely and facing death the Apostle fell back on the bedrock of the will of God. If it were the divine plan that he should finish his life-work in that miserable plight, he was content that it should be so. But he longs to see his beloved son in the faith once more. He desires to stir up the dead coal of his ardor, in which there was fire and heat, but not enough flame.
Apparently the young evangelist was becoming daunted by the gathering difficulties of the time and so Paul sets himself to encourage him. With this purpose in view he adduces his own example, 2 Timothy 1:3, his fervent affection, 2 Timothy 1:4, the memory of the sainted dead, 2 Timothy 1:5, the solemn vows by which Timothy had bound himself at his ordination, 2 Timothy 1:6, the divine donation of grace and power and love, 2 Timothy 1:8, the eternal purpose which had received its fruition in the advent of Jesus, 2 Timothy 1:9, the clear light which His resurrection had thrown on death and the hereafter, 2 Timothy 1:10. Surely such a chain of arguments must have proved irresistible! God's soldiers must be brave and unflinching in meeting the opposition of the world. When once we realize that the stores which reside in God are at the disposal of our faith, we, too, shall be invulnerable and irresistible. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Timothy 1

1  Paul's love to Timothy, and unfeigned confidence in Timothy himself, his mother, and grandmother
6  He is exhorted to stir up the gift of God which was in him;
8  to be steadfast and patient in persecution;
13  and to persist in the form and truth of that doctrine which he had learned of him
15  Phygellus and Hermogenes, and such like, are noted, and Onesiphorus is highly commended

Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 1:6

For the which cause [δι ην αιτιαν]
“For which cause,” stronger than διο — dio So in 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 1:13. Only example of αιτια — aitia by Paul save in Acts 28:20. [source]
I put thee in remembrance [αναμιμνησκω]
Old compound to remind (1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 7:15). That thou stir up (σε αναζωπυρειν — se anazōpurein). Present active infinitive of αναζωπυρεω — anazōpureō old double compound (ανα — ana and ζωπυρον — zōpuron live coal, ζωος — zōos and πυρ — pur then the bellows for kindling), to rekindle, to stir into flame, to keep blazing (continuous action, present time), only here in N.T. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:19 for the figure of fire concerning the Holy Spirit. See αναπτω — anaptō in Luke 12:49. The gift of God See note on 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul says μου — mou (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29 for the gift of God. [source]
That thou stir up [σε αναζωπυρειν]
Present active infinitive of αναζωπυρεω — anazōpureō old double compound (ανα — ana and ζωπυρον — zōpuron live coal, ζωος — zōos and πυρ — pur then the bellows for kindling), to rekindle, to stir into flame, to keep blazing (continuous action, present time), only here in N.T. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:19 for the figure of fire concerning the Holy Spirit. See αναπτω — anaptō in Luke 12:49. [source]
The gift of God [το χαρισμα του τεου]
See note on 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul says μου — mou (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29 for the gift of God. [source]
Wherefore [δἰ ἣν αἰτίαν]
Lit. for which cause. Ἁιτία not in Paul. The phrase in 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 1:13; also in Luke, Acts, and Hebrews. Paul's expression is διό or διὰ τοῦτο . [source]
Stir up [ἀναζωπυρεῖν]
N.T.olxx, (Genesis 45:27; Luke href="/desk/?q=lu+12:49&sr=1">Luke 12:49; James 3:5. It is not necessary to assume that Timothy's zeal had become cold. [source]
The gift of God [τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ]
See on 1 Timothy 4:14. [source]
The laying on of my hands []
See on 1 Timothy 4:14. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 1:6

Romans 1:11 Some spiritual gift [τι χάρισμα]
Note the modesty in some. Χάρισμα is a gift of grace ( χάρις ) a favor received without merit on the recipient's part. Paul uses it both in this ordinary sense (Romans 5:15, Romans 5:16; Romans 6:23), and in a special, technical sense, denoting extraordinary powers bestowed upon individuals by the Holy Spirit, such as gifts of healing, speaking with tongues, prophecy, etc. See Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Peter 4:10. In 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6, it is used of the sum of the powers requisite for the discharge of the office of an evangelist. [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 The gift that is in thee [τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος]
Comp. 2 Timothy 1:6. Χάρισμα gift is a distinctively Pauline word, being found only three times outside of Paul's Epistles, and olxx, oClass. See on Romans 1:11. That is in thee, comp. τῆς ἐν σοὶ πίστεως thefaith that is in thee, 2 Timothy 1:5. The meaning is the special inward endowment which qualified Timothy for exhortation and teaching, and which was directly imparted by the Holy Spirit. [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 With the laying on of the hands [μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν]
Μετὰ implies that the prophetic intimations were in some way repeated or emphasized in connection with the ceremony of ordination. We note the association of prophecy with ordination in the setting apart of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:9, Acts 13:3); so that the case of Timothy has an analogue in that of Paul himself. Ἑπίθεσις layingon, imposition, also Acts 8:18; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2, in each case with of hands. “The custom,” says Lange, “is as old as the race.” The Biblical custom rests on the conception of the hand as the organ of mediation and transference. The priest laid his hand on the head of the bullock or goat (Leviticus 1:4) to show that the guilt of the people was transferred. The hand was laid on the head of a son, to indicate the transmission of the hereditary blessing (Genesis 48:14); upon one appointed to a position of authority, as Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23); upon the sick or dead in token of miraculous power to heal or to restore to life (2 Kings 4:34). So Christ (Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40). In the primitive Christian church the laying on of hands signified the imparting of the Holy Spirit to the newly-baptized (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; comp. Hebrews 6:2). Hands were laid upon the seven (Acts 6:6). But the form of consecration in ordination varied. No one mode has been universal in the church, and no authoritative written formula exists. In the Alexandrian and Abyssinian churches it was by breathing: in the Eastern church generally, by lifting up the hands in benediction: in the Armenian church, by touching the dead hand of the predecessor: in the early Celtic church, by the transmission of relics or pastoral staff: in the Latin church, by touching the head. [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 Of the presbytery [τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου]
The word is found in Luke 22:66, where it denotes the body of representative elders of the people in the Sanhedrim, as distinguished from the two other constituents of that body - the chief priests and scribes. Similarly Acts 22:5. Here of the college or fraternity of Christian elders in the place where Timothy was ordained. The word is frequent in the Epistles of Ignatius. According to this, Timothy was not ordained by a Bishop. Bishop and Presbyter are not identical. In 2 Timothy 1:6we read, “by the laying on of my hands.” The inconsistency is usually explained by saying that Paul was associated with the Presbyters in the laying on of hands. [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 The gift that is in thee [του εν σοι χαρισματος]
Late word of result from χαριζομαι — charizomai in papyri (Preisigke), a regular Pauline word in N.T. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Romans 1:11; etc.). Here it is God‘s gift to Timothy as in 2 Timothy 1:6. By prophecy (δια προπητειας — dia prophēteias). Accompanied by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18), not bestowed by prophecy. With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery [μετα επιτεσεως των χειρων του πρεσβυτεριου]
In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
2 Timothy 1:7 A spirit of fearfulness [πνευμα δειλιας]
Here πνευμα — pneuma is the χαρισμα — charisma of 2 Timothy 1:6, the human spirit as endowed by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:15). Δειλια — Deilia is an old word (δειλοσ δειδω — deilosδυναμεως — deidō) and always in a bad sense of cowardice, only here in N.T. [source]
Hebrews 6:2  []
The other four items are qualitative genitives withδιδαχην — didachēn(βαπτισμων επιτεσεως χειρων αναστασεως νεκρων κριματος αιωνιου — baptismōnclass="normal greek">βαπτισμων—epitheseōs cheirōn class="translit"> anastaseōs nekrōn class="translit"> krimatos aiōniou ). The plural baptismōn “by itself does not mean specifically Christian baptism either in this epistle ( Hebrews 9:10 ) or elsewhere ( Mark 7:4 ), but ablutions or immersions such as the mystery religions and the Jewish cultus required for initiates, proselytes, and worshippers in general” (Moffatt). The disciples of the Baptist had disputes with the Jews over purification ( John 3:25 ). See also Acts 19:2 . “The laying on of hands” seems to us out of place in a list of elementary principles, but it was common as a sign of blessing ( Matthew 19:13 ), of healing ( Mark 7:32 ), in the choice of the Seven ( Acts 6:6 ), in the bestowal of the Holy Spirit ( Acts 8:17 .; Acts 19:6 ), in separation for a special task ( Acts 13:3 ), in ordination ( 1 Timothy 4:14 ; 1 Timothy 5:22 ; 2 Timothy 1:6 ). Prayer accompanied this laying on of the hands as a symbol. The resurrection of the dead (both just and unjust, John 5:29 ; Acts 24:15 ) is easily seen to be basal (cf. 1Cor 15) as well as eternal judgment (timeless and endless). [source]
1 Peter 4:10 A gift [χάρισμα]
Originally, something freely given: a gift of grace ( χάρις )Used in New Testament (a) of a blessing of God graciously bestowed, as upon sinners (Romans 5:15, Romans 5:16; Romans 11:29); (b) of a gracious divine endowment: an extraordinary gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling and working in a special manner in the individual (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 12:6, Romans 12:8). So here. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 1:6 mean?

For this reason I remind you to kindle anew the gift - of God which is in you by the laying on of the hands of me
Δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν ἀναμιμνῄσκω σε ἀναζωπυρεῖν τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου

ἣν  this 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
αἰτίαν  reason 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: αἰτία  
Sense: cause, reason.
ἀναμιμνῄσκω  I  remind 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἀναμιμνῄσκω  
Sense: to call to remembrance, to remind, to admonish.
ἀναζωπυρεῖν  to  kindle  anew 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ἀναζωπυρέω  
Sense: to kindle up, inflame one’s mind, strength, zeal.
χάρισμα  gift 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: χάρισμα  
Sense: a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  of  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἐπιθέσεως  laying  on 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἐπίθεσις  
Sense: a laying on, imposition.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
χειρῶν  hands 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: χείρ  
Sense: by the help or agency of any one, by means of any one.
μου  of  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.