2 Timothy 2:1

Authorized King James Version

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Σὺ
Thou
thou
#2
οὖν
therefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
τέκνον
son
a child (as produced)
#4
μου
my
of me
#5
ἐνδυναμοῦ
be strong
to empower
#6
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#7
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
χάριτι
the grace
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
#9
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#11
Χριστῷ
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#12
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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