2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Original Language Analysis
σπούδασον
Study
G4704
σπούδασον
Study
Strong's:
G4704
Word #:
1 of 13
to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest
δόκιμον
approved
G1384
δόκιμον
approved
Strong's:
G1384
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved
παραστῆσαι
to shew
G3936
παραστῆσαι
to shew
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
4 of 13
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
unto God
G2316
θεῷ
unto God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀνεπαίσχυντον
that needeth not to be ashamed
G422
ἀνεπαίσχυντον
that needeth not to be ashamed
Strong's:
G422
Word #:
8 of 13
not ashamed, i.e., irreprehensible
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
11 of 13
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.2 Peter 1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:2 Corinthians 5:9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.2 Corinthians 10:18For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.Galatians 1:10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.2 Peter 1:15Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Historical Context
First-century teachers faced temptation to distort Scripture for personal gain, popularity, or to avoid persecution. False teachers twisted Paul's writings (2 Peter 3:16). Judaizers misused Old Testament to impose law on Gentiles. Gnostics allegorized Scripture beyond recognition. Against this, Paul demands accurate, honest handling of God's word. The metaphor of cutting straight resonated with original readers familiar with road-building, carpentry, stone-cutting—crafts requiring precision. Crooked roads, warped beams, uneven stones were useless. Similarly, twisted Scripture destroys rather than edifies.
Questions for Reflection
- How diligently are you studying Scripture to understand and teach it accurately, or do you rely on second-hand summaries and popular opinions?
- Do you primarily seek God's approval in your teaching and ministry, or are you more concerned with human popularity and avoiding controversy?
- In what ways might you be 'crookedly cutting' Scripture—twisting it to fit your preferences, traditions, or cultural assumptions rather than submitting to its clear meaning?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. This verse contrasts with v. 14's word-wranglers. "Study" (spoudason, σπούδασον) means be diligent, make every effort, give earnest attention. The verb implies urgent, concentrated effort. "To shew thyself approved unto God" (seauton dokimon parastēsai tō theō, σεαυτὸν δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ θεῷ) presents the goal: divine approval, not human applause. Dokimos (δόκιμος) means tested and approved, genuine—like metal passing fire-testing. Ministers must seek God's approval, not popularity.
Timothy must be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed" (ergatēn anepais chynton, ἐργάτην ἀνεπαίσχυντον). Ergatēs (ἐργάτης) denotes laborer, worker—one who toils. Ministry is work requiring diligence. "Needeth not to be ashamed" (anep aischynton, ἀνεπαίσχυντον) means never needing to feel shame, having no cause for disgrace. At Christ's return, faithful workers will receive commendation; unfaithful workers will face shame (1 John 2:28).
The method: "rightly dividing the word of truth" (orthotomountatonton logon tēs alētheias, ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας). The verb orthotoméō (ὀρθοτομέω) means cut straight, handle accurately—from orthos (straight) and temnō (cut). The image may be cutting a straight road, plowing a straight furrow, or cutting stone accurately. Applied to Scripture, it means interpreting accurately, teaching correctly, applying rightly. God's word is "truth"—ministers must handle it with precision and integrity.