2 Timothy Chapter 3 · Verse 14
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
Original Language Analysis
μένε
continue
G3306
μένε
continue
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
3 of 12
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
οἷς
the things which
G3739
οἷς
the things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
5 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰδὼς
knowing
G1492
εἰδὼς
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 12
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
παρὰ
of
G3844
παρὰ
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.2 Timothy 2:2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.2 Timothy 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 1:5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Hebrews 6:11And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.Romans 14:5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.2 Timothy 3:15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.Acts 17:31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Historical Context
In an era without completed New Testament canon widely available, oral apostolic tradition transmitted through faithful teachers was crucial. Timothy's confidence rested on multiple reliable sources—Paul's apostolic authority, his grandmother's and mother's faithful instruction, confirmed by consistent witness of sound teachers. This pattern of reliable transmission (2:2) ensured doctrinal purity. Contemporary application: anchor in historic orthodox Christianity transmitted through faithful teachers across centuries, not novel interpretations from contemporary innovators lacking this pedigree.
Questions for Reflection
- What biblical truths have you learned from faithful teachers and been fully assured of through study and experience?
- When facing cultural pressure to compromise or contemporary challenges to biblical truth, do you remain steadfast or waver toward accommodation?
- How can considering the character and faithfulness of those who taught you biblical truth strengthen your confidence in that truth?
Analysis & Commentary
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. Against the backdrop of worsening evil (v. 13), Paul commands steadfast faithfulness. "But continue thou" (sy de mene, σὺ δὲ μένε) creates sharp contrast—"you, however, remain." The verb menō (μένω) means abide, remain, continue steadfastly. Present imperative demands ongoing action—keep remaining, don't waver. "In the things which thou hast learned" (en hois emathes, ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες)—apostolic teaching Timothy received from Paul and others.
"And hast been assured of" (kai epistōthēs, καὶ ἐπιστώθης). The verb pistoō (πιστόω) means be firmly convinced, fully trust, have settled confidence. Perfect tense indicates completed action with continuing results—Timothy was persuaded and remains persuaded. This isn't blind faith but reasoned conviction based on evidence. The foundation for confidence: "knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (eidōs para tinōn emathes, εἰδὼς παρὰ τίνων ἔμαθες). Plural "whom" references multiple teachers—Paul, Lois, Eunice (1:5), perhaps others.
Truth's reliability depends partly on teachers' character. Timothy learned from proven, godly people whose lives validated their message—unlike false teachers whose hypocrisy exposed their error (vv. 5-9). This doesn't replace Scripture's authority with human authority but recognizes that genuine teachers embody truth they proclaim. Character and doctrine reinforce each other. When error increases and persecution intensifies, believers must anchor in truth received from faithful witnesses.