2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
If
G1437
ἐὰν
If
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 21
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 21
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 21
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 21
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
σκεῦος
a vessel
G4632
σκεῦος
a vessel
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
9 of 21
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τιμήν
honour
G5092
τιμήν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
11 of 21
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἡγιασμένον
sanctified
G37
ἡγιασμένον
sanctified
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
12 of 21
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
2 Timothy 3:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Psalms 119:9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:1 John 3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.Isaiah 52:11Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.2 Timothy 2:20But 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.Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Jeremiah 15:19Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.
Historical Context
Ancient households required vessels ready for immediate use. Gold plates had to be polished, silver cups cleaned, containers maintained in good condition. A vessel that was dirty, cracked, or contaminated with filth couldn't serve honored guests—it would be relegated to dishonorable uses or discarded. Similarly, believers must maintain spiritual cleanliness through ongoing repentance, separation from sin, and pursuit of holiness. The imagery resonated in cultures where ceremonial purity was important—defiled vessels couldn't be used in temple service until ritually cleansed.
Questions for Reflection
- From what specific sins, false teachings, or unholy associations do you need to purge yourself to become a vessel unto honor?
- How are you actively pursuing sanctification—being set apart for God's purposes rather than conformed to worldly patterns?
- In what ways does your life demonstrate readiness and usefulness for whatever good work the Master assigns?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Paul applies the household metaphor. "If a man therefore purge himself from these" (ean oun tis ekkathārē heauton apo toutōn, ἐὰν οὖν τις ἐκκαθάρῃ ἑαυτὸν ἀπὸ τούτων). The verb ekkathairō (ἐκκαθαίρω) means cleanse thoroughly, purge completely—from ek (out) and kathairō (clean). "From these" likely refers to false teachers (Hymenaeus, Philetus) and their errors, or possibly to dishonorable uses.
The promise involves three descriptions. First: "he shall be a vessel unto honour" (estai skeuos eis timēn, ἔσται σκεῦος εἰς τιμήν)—designated for honored use, not menial tasks. Second: "sanctified" (hēgiasmenon, ἡγιασμένον)—set apart, made holy, consecrated to sacred purposes. Perfect passive participle indicates completed action with ongoing state—God has sanctified and continues maintaining that status. Third: "meet for the master's use" (euchrēston tō despotē, εὔχρηστον τῷ δεσπότῃ)—useful, serviceable, fit for purpose. Despotēs (δεσπότης) means master, owner, lord—emphasizing Christ's absolute authority over His servants.
Finally: "prepared unto every good work" (eis pan ergon agathon hētoimasmenon, εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἡτοιμασμένον). Perfect passive participle again—God has prepared and continues maintaining readiness. Purified believers are always ready for whatever service the Master assigns. This describes Christian maturity: holy, useful, prepared.