2 Timothy 2:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐὰν

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

οὖν

G3767

therefore

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τις

G5100

a man

some or any person or object

ἐκκαθάρῃ

G1571

purge

to cleanse thoroughly

ἑαυτὸν

G1438

himself

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἀπὸ

G575

from

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τούτων

G5130

these

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ἔσται

G2071

he shall be

will be

σκεῦος

G4632

a vessel

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

#10

εἰς

G1519

unto

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

#11

τιμήν

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

#12

ἡγιασμένον

G37

sanctified

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#14

εὔχρηστον

G2173

meet

easily used, i.e., useful

#15

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

δεσπότῃ

G1203

for the master's use

an absolute ruler ("despot")

#17

εἰς

G1519

unto

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

#18

πᾶν

G3956

every

all, any, every, the whole

#19

ἔργον

G2041

work

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#20

ἀγαθὸν

G18

good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#21

ἡτοιμασμένον

G2090

and prepared

to prepare

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Timothy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does this verse's literary context within 2 Timothy chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?