The Meaning of 2 Timothy 3:10 Explained

2 Timothy 3:10

KJV: But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

YLT: And thou -- thou hast followed after my teaching, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, endurance,

Darby: But thou hast been thoroughly acquainted with my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, endurance,

ASV: But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

But  thou  hast fully known  my  doctrine,  manner of life,  purpose,  faith,  longsuffering,  charity,  patience, 

What does 2 Timothy 3:10 Mean?

Context Summary

2 Timothy 3:10-17 - Hold Fast To Inspired Scripture
The world does not love Christ or Christians any better than of old; and all who are minded to live godly lives will come inevitably to the cross in one form or another. To be without persecution should put us in serious doubt as to whether we are right. The spirit of the gospel is in absolute disagreement with the spirit of the world. But, whatever the losses and trials, let the children of God abide in the things which they have learned, and walk in blameless purity and consistency. The conduct, purpose, and patience of this great and holy Apostle gleam in front of us for our inspiration and guidance; and his experience will be ours-that there is no sorrow out of which we shall not be delivered, when we have learned the lesson it was sent to teach.
In the stern experiences of human life there is no stay that is comparable to the Holy Scriptures. The infinite variety of Scripture adapts itself to different states of the soul. Whatever our need, we can find its solace and remedy here. Thus we may live a complete life, finding in the Bible an equipment for all our emergencies. In this armory is every weapon for offense and defense; in this pharmacopoeia is a medicine and antidote for every wound. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Timothy 3

1  Paul advises Timothy of the difficult times to come;
6  describes the enemies of the truth;
10  explains unto him his own example;
16  and commends the holy Scriptures;

Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 3:10

Didst follow [παρηκολουτησας]
First aorist active indicative of παρακολουτεω — parakoloutheō for which see note on 1 Timothy 4:6. Some MSS. have perfect active παρηκολουτηκας — parēkolouthēkas (thou hast followed). Nine associative-instrumental cases here after the verb (teaching, διδασκαλιαι — didaskaliāi Romans 12:7; conduct, αγωγηι — agōgēi old word here only in N.T.; purpose, προτεσει — prothesei Romans 8:28; faith, πιστει — pistei 1 Thessalonians 3:6; longsuffering, μακροτυμιαι — makrothumiāi Colossians 1:11; persecutions, διωγμοις — diōgmois 2 Thessalonians 1:4; sufferings, πατημασιν — pathēmasin 2 Corinthians 1:6.). The two last items belong to 2 Timothy 3:11. [source]
Hast fully known [παρηκολούθησας]
Better, thou didst follow. See on 1 Timothy 4:6. oP. [source]
Manner of life [ἀγωγῇ]
Or conduct. N.T.olxx, mostly 2nd and 3rd Macc. Often in Class., but mostly in a transitive sense, leading, conducting. [source]
Purpose [προθέσει]
See on Acts 11:23; see on Romans 9:11. In Paul, only of the divine purpose. [source]
Long-suffering, charity, patience []
For long -suffering, see on James 5:7. For charity rend. love, and see on Galatians 5:22. For patience, see on 2 Peter 1:6; see on James 5:7. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 3:10

Luke 1:3 Having had perfect understanding [παρηκολουθηκότι]
Incorrect. The verb means to follow closely, and hence to trace accurately. See 2 Timothy 3:10, where Rev. reads thou didst follow for thou hast fully known. Rev. renders here having traced the course. The word occurs frequently in medical writings, and sometimes, as here, with ἀκριβῶς ,accurately. Tynd., having searched out diligently. [source]
Colossians 1:11 According to the might of his glory [κατα το κρατος της δοχης αυτου]
Κρατος — Kratos is old word for perfect strength (cf. κρατεω κρατιλος — krateōεις πασαν υπομονην και μακροτυμιαν — kratilos). In N.T. it is applied only to God. Here his might is accompanied by glory (Shekinah). Unto all patience and longsuffering (υπομονη — eis pāsan hupomonēn kai makrothumian). See both together also in James 5:10.; 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 6:6; 2 Timothy 3:10. υπομενω — Hupomonē is remaining under (μακροτυμια — hupomenō) difficulties without succumbing, while makrothumia is the long endurance that does not retaliate (Trench). [source]
Colossians 1:11 Unto all patience and longsuffering [υπομονη]
See both together also in James 5:10.; 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 6:6; 2 Timothy 3:10. υπομενω — Hupomonē is remaining under (μακροτυμια — hupomenō) difficulties without succumbing, while makrothumia is the long endurance that does not retaliate (Trench). [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:1 Timothy []
Appears in all the Pauline Epistles except Galatians and Ephesians. He was associated with Paul longer than any one of whom we have notice. First mentioned Acts 16:1, Acts 16:2; comp. 2 Timothy 3:10, 2 Timothy 3:11. He accompanied Paul on his second missionary tour (Acts 16:3), and was one of the founders of the churches in Thessalonica and Philippi. He is often styled by Paul “the brother” (2 Corinthians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; Philemon 1:1); with Paul himself “a bondservant of Jesus Christ” (Philemon 1:1); comp. 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 1:2. Paul's confidence in him appears in Philemon 2:19-22, and is implied in his sending him from Athens to the Thessalonian church to establish and comfort its members (1 Thessalonians 3:2). Paul sent him again to Macedonia in company with Erastus (Acts 19:22), and also to Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17). To the Corinthians he writes of Timothy as “his beloved and faithful child in the Lord” who shall remind them of his ways in Christ (1 Corinthians 4:17), and as one who worketh the work of the Lord as he himself (1 Corinthians 16:10). He joined Paul at Rome, and his name is associated with Paul's in the addresses of the letters to the Colossians and Philemon. In every case where he is mentioned by name with Silvanus, the name of Silvanus precedes. [source]
1 Timothy 4:6 Whereunto thou hast attained [ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας]
Wrong. Rend., which thou hast closely followed. Comp. 2 Timothy 3:10. The verb means, primarily, to follow beside, to attend closely. In this literal sense not in N.T. To attend to or follow up, as a disease. So Plato, Rep. 406 B, παρακολουθῶν τῷ νοσήματι θανασίμῳ perpetuallytending a mortal disease. To follow up a history or a succession of incidents, as Luke 1:3. oP. The writer means that Timothy, as a disciple, has closely attended to his course of Christian instruction. [source]
1 Timothy 3:9 In a pure conscience [ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει]
Comp. 2 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:5, 19. Const. with holding. The emphasis of the passage is on these words. They express conscientious purity and sincerity in contrast with those who are described as branded in their own conscience, and thus causing their followers to fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1, 1 Timothy 4:2). The passage illustrates the peculiar treatment of “faith” in these Epistles, in emphasizing its ethical aspect and its ethical environment. This is not contrary to Paul's teaching, nor does it go to the extent of substituting morals for faith as the condition of salvation and eternal life. See 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:1; Titus 3:5. Nonetheless, there is a strong and habitual emphasis on good works (see 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:17; Titus 1:16; Titus 2:7, Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14), and faith is placed in a series of practical duties (see 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Timothy 3:10). “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” is a significant association of faith with ethics. As Weiss puts it: “It is as if the pure conscience were the vessel in which the mystery of the faith is preserved.” The idea is sound and valuable. A merely intellectual attitude toward the mystery which, in every age, attaches to the faith, will result in doubt, questioning, and wordy strife (see 1 Timothy 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9), sometimes in moral laxity, sometimes in despair. Loyalty and duty to God are compatible with more or less ignorance concerning the mystery. An intellect, however powerful and active, joined with an impure conscience, cannot solve but only aggravates the mystery; whereas a pure and loyal conscience, and a frank acceptance of imposed duty along with mystery, puts one in the best attitude for attaining whatever solution is possible. See John 7:17. [source]
1 Timothy 4:6 Thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus [καλος εσηι διακονος Χριστου Ιησου]
This beautiful phrase covers one‘s whole service for Christ (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Nourished in (εντρεπομενος — entrephomenos). Present passive participle of εντρεπω — entrephō old verb, to nourish in, used by Plato of “nourished in the laws,” here only in the N.T. The words of the faith Locative case. The right diet for babes in Christ. The Bolshevists in Russia are feeding the children on atheism to get rid of God. Which thou hast followed (ηι παρηκολουτηκας — hēi parēkolouthēkas). Perfect active indicative of παρακολουτεω — parakoloutheō old verb, to follow beside, of persons (often in old Greek) or of ideas and things (Luke 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:10). With associative instrumental case ηι — hēi (which). [source]
1 Timothy 4:6 The words of the faith [τοις λογοις της πιστεως]
Locative case. The right diet for babes in Christ. The Bolshevists in Russia are feeding the children on atheism to get rid of God. Which thou hast followed (ηι παρηκολουτηκας — hēi parēkolouthēkas). Perfect active indicative of παρακολουτεω — parakoloutheō old verb, to follow beside, of persons (often in old Greek) or of ideas and things (Luke 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:10). With associative instrumental case ηι — hēi (which). [source]
1 Timothy 4:6 Which thou hast followed [ηι παρηκολουτηκας]
Perfect active indicative of παρακολουτεω — parakoloutheō old verb, to follow beside, of persons (often in old Greek) or of ideas and things (Luke 1:3; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 3:10). With associative instrumental case ηι — hēi (which). [source]
1 Timothy 1:10 The sound doctrine [τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ]
A phrase peculiar to the Pastorals. Ὑγιαίνειν tobe in good health, Luke 5:31; Luke 7:10; 3 John 1:2. oP. Quite frequent in lxx, and invariably in the literal sense. Often in salutations or dismissals. See 9:19; 2Samuel href="/desk/?q=2sa+14:8&sr=1">2 Samuel 14:8; Exodus 4:18. In the Pastorals, the verb, which occurs eight times, is six times associated with διδασκαλία teachingor λόγοι wordsand twice with ἐν τῇ πίστει or τῇ πίστει inthe faith. The sound teaching (comp. διδαχή teaching 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9) which is thus commended is Paul's, who teaches in Christ's name and by his authority (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:8). In all the three letters it is called ἀλη.θεια or ἡ ἀλήθεια thetruth, the knowledge ( ἐπίγνωσις ) of which is bound up with salvation. See 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; 2 Timothy 3:7; Titus 1:1. As truth it is sound or healthful. It is the object of faith. To be sound in the faith is, practically, to follow ( παρακολουθεῖν ) sound teaching or the truth. The subjective characteristic of Christians is εὐσέβεια or θεοσέβεια godlinessor piety (1 Timothy 2:2, 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:6, 1 Timothy 6:11); and the teaching and knowledge of the truth are represented as κατ ' εὐσέβειαν accordingto godliness (1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:1). Comp. εὐσεβεῖν toshow piety, 1 Timothy 5:4. εὐσεβῶς ζῇν to live godly, 2 Timothy 3:12; Titus 2:12; and βίον διάγειν ἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ tolead a life in all godliness, 1 Timothy 2:2. The contents of this sound teaching which is according to godliness are not theoretical or dogmatic truth, but Christian ethics, with faith and love. See 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 2:2. Ἁλήθεια truthis used of moral things, rather than in the high religious sense of Paul. Comp., for instance, Romans 3:7; Romans 9:1; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 11:10; Galatians 2:5; Ephesians 4:21, Ephesians 4:24; and 2 Timothy 2:25, 2 Timothy 2:26; 2 Timothy 3:7(comp. 2 Timothy 3:1-9); 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:12(comp. Titus 1:11, Titus 1:15); Titus 2:4(comp. Titus 2:1, Titus 2:3); Titus 3:1. Whoever grasps the truth has faith (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:3f.). That the ethical character of faith is emphasized, appears from the numerous expressions regarding the false teachers, as 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 5:12; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21. There is a tendency to objectify faith, regarding it as something believed rather than as the act of believing. See 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21; Titus 1:4. In comparing the ideal of righteousness (1 Timothy 1:9) with that of Paul, note that it is not denied that Christ is the source of true righteousness; but according to Paul, the man who is not under the law is the man who lives by faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes this. It is faith in Christ which sets one free from the law. Here, the man for whom the law is not made (1 Timothy 1:9) is the man who is ethically conformed to the norm of sound teaching. The two conceptions do not exclude each other: the sound teaching is according to the gospel (1 Timothy 1:11), but the point of emphasis is shifted.| [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 3:10 mean?

You however have closely followed my - teaching conduct purpose faith patience love endurance
Σὺ δὲ παρηκολούθησάς μου τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀγωγῇ προθέσει πίστει μακροθυμίᾳ ἀγάπῃ ὑπομονῇ

δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
παρηκολούθησάς  have  closely  followed 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: παρακολουθέω  
Sense: to follow after.
μου  my 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
τῇ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
διδασκαλίᾳ  teaching 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: διδασκαλία  
Sense: teaching, instruction.
ἀγωγῇ  conduct 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀγωγή  
Sense: a leading.
προθέσει  purpose 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: πρόθεσις 
Sense: a setting forth of a thing, placing of it in view, the shewbread.
πίστει  faith 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: πίστις  
Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.
μακροθυμίᾳ  patience 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: μακροθυμία  
Sense: patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance.
ἀγάπῃ  love 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀγάπη  
Sense: brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence.
ὑπομονῇ  endurance 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ὑπομονή  
Sense: steadfastness, constancy, endurance.