2 Timothy 2:20

Authorized King James Version

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μεγάλῃ

G3173

a great

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

οἰκίᾳ

G3614

house

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν

G2076

there are

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

σκεύη

G4632

vessels

a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))

χρυσᾶ

G5552

of gold

made of gold

#10

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ἀργυρᾶ

G693

of silver

made of silver

#12

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#13

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ξύλινα

G3585

of wood

wooden

#15

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

ὀστράκινα

G3749

of earth

earthen-ware, i.e., clayey; by implication, frail

#17

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἃ

G3739

some

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#19

μὲν

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

#20

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#21

τιμὴν

G5092

honour

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

#22

ἃ

G3739

some

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#23

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#24

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#25

ἀτιμίαν·

G819

dishonour

infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?