2 Timothy 3:15

Authorized King James Version

And 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

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

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπὸ

G575

from

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

βρέφους

G1025

a child

an infant (properly, unborn) literally or figuratively

τῆς

G3588

which

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

ἱερὰ

G2413

the holy

sacred

γράμματα

G1121

scriptures

a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning

οἶδας

G1492

thou hast known

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τῆς

G3588

which

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

#10

δυνάμενά

G1410

are able

to be able or possible

#11

σε

G4571

thee

#12

σοφίσαι

G4679

to make

to render wise; in a sinister acceptation, to form "sophisms", i.e., continue plausible error

#13

εἰς

G1519

unto

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

#14

σωτηρίαν

G4991

salvation

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

#15

διὰ

G1223

through

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#16

πίστεως

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#17

τῆς

G3588

which

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

#18

ἐν

G1722

is in

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

#19

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#20

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ John 5:39 John 5:39
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
— Search the scriptures
² Romans 15:4 Romans 15:4
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
— Written for our learning

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 2 Timothy. The concept of faith 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 pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?