2 Timothy 1:9

Authorized King James Version

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τὴν
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
σώσαντος
G4982
hath saved
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
#3
ἡμᾶς
G2248
us
us
#4
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
καλέσαντος
G2564
called
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
#6
κλήσει
G2821
calling
an invitation (figuratively)
#7
ἁγίᾳ
G40
us with an holy
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
#8
οὐ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#9
κατ'
G2596
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#10
τὴν
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἔργα
G2041
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#12
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#13
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#14
κατ'
G2596
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#15
ἰδίαν
G2398
his own
pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate
#16
πρόθεσιν
G4286
purpose
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
χάριν
G5485
grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#19
τὴν
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
δοθεῖσαν
G1325
was given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#21
ἡμῖν
G2254
us
to (or for, with, by) us
#22
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#23
Χριστῷ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#24
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#25
πρὸ
G4253
before
"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to
#26
χρόνων
G5550
the world began
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
#27
αἰωνίων
G166
perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection