2 Timothy 2:19
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεμέλιος
the foundation
G2310
θεμέλιος
the foundation
Strong's:
G2310
Word #:
4 of 26
something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 26
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἕστηκεν
standeth
G2476
ἕστηκεν
standeth
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
7 of 26
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
ἔχων
having
G2192
ἔχων
having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 26
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σφραγῖδα
seal
G4973
σφραγῖδα
seal
Strong's:
G4973
Word #:
10 of 26
a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or
ταύτην·
G3778
ταύτην·
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Ἔγνω
knoweth
G1097
Ἔγνω
knoweth
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
12 of 26
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
κύριος
The Lord
G2962
κύριος
The Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καί
And
G2532
καί
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἀποστήτω
Let
G868
Ἀποστήτω
Let
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
18 of 26
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
19 of 26
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἀδικίας
iniquity
G93
ἀδικίας
iniquity
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
20 of 26
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνομάζων
that nameth
G3687
ὀνομάζων
that nameth
Strong's:
G3687
Word #:
23 of 26
to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 10:14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.1 Corinthians 8:3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.Nahum 1:7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Numbers 16:5And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.Luke 13:27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Revelation 3:8I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.Revelation 22:4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.Ephesians 4:30And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Historical Context
Seals were ubiquitous in ancient world—signet rings, wax seals, clay bullae marked ownership and authenticity. Royal seals authenticated documents; temple seals verified sacrifices; personal seals secured letters. Breaking another's seal was serious offense. Paul's metaphor assures believers: God has sealed His people; they cannot be stolen or lost. The first seal inscription echoes Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16), when God demonstrated He knew His chosen servants by destroying rebels. The second seal emphasizes that profession must accompany godly living—genuine faith produces obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that God knows His own—that you cannot be lost if truly His—provide assurance when facing doubt or difficulty?
- In what specific areas of life do you need to 'depart from iniquity' to authenticate your profession of Christ's name?
- How can you balance confidence in God's sovereign preservation of His elect with urgent pursuit of personal holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Despite Hymenaeus and Philetus's destructive error, Paul affirms: "the foundation of God standeth sure" (ho mentoi stereos themelios tou theou hestēken, ὁ μέντοι στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ ἕστηκεν). Themelios (θεμέλιος) means foundation—the solid base on which a building rests. God's elect people are His firm foundation that cannot be shaken by heresy. Perfect tense hestēken (ἕστηκεν) indicates standing firm with continuing results.
This foundation has "this seal" (echōn tēn sphragida tautēn, ἔχων τὴν σφραγῖδα ταύτην). Sphragis (σφραγίς) means seal—mark of ownership, authenticity, security. Ancient seals protected documents and goods from tampering, identified owners, authenticated contents. Two inscriptions identify God's people. First: "The Lord knoweth them that are his" (egnō kyrios tous ontas autou, ἔγνω κύριος τοὺς ὄντας αὐτοῦ)—alludes to Numbers 16:5. God knows His elect intimately; they cannot be lost despite false teaching.
Second: "Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity" (apostētō apo adikias pas ho onomazōn to onoma kyriou, ἀποστήτω ἀπὸ ἀδικίας πᾶς ὁ ὀνομάζων τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου). Claiming Christ's name requires moral separation from sin. These two seals balance divine sovereignty (God knows His own) with human responsibility (depart from evil). True believers persevere in holiness.