2 Timothy 2:20
But 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.
Original Language Analysis
μεγάλῃ
a great
G3173
μεγάλῃ
a great
Strong's:
G3173
Word #:
2 of 25
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
οἰκίᾳ
house
G3614
οἰκίᾳ
house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
4 of 25
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ἔστιν
there are
G2076
ἔστιν
there are
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
6 of 25
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
σκεύη
vessels
G4632
σκεύη
vessels
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
8 of 25
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
12 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀστράκινα
of earth
G3749
ὀστράκινα
of earth
Strong's:
G3749
Word #:
16 of 25
earthen-ware, i.e., clayey; by implication, frail
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἃ
some
G3739
ἃ
some
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
18 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
19 of 25
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τιμὴν
honour
G5092
τιμὴν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
21 of 25
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
ἃ
some
G3739
ἃ
some
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
22 of 25
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
1 Timothy 3:15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 3:9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.Lamentations 4:2The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold, how are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!Ezra 6:5And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.Ephesians 2:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.2 Corinthians 4:7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.Ezra 1:6And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.Daniel 5:2Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.Exodus 27:3And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.
Historical Context
Wealthy Roman households contained hundreds of items: gold plates for banquets, silver cups for wine, wooden buckets for water, clay chamberpots for waste. Material determined use—no one served dinner guests using chamberpots or stored sewage in gold vessels. The metaphor was immediately clear: function follows form. Similarly, in God's household (the church), different members serve different purposes. Some bring honor; others (like Hymenaeus and Philetus) bring dishonor. The metaphor doesn't teach fatalism but illustrates mixed reality in visible church before final judgment separates wheat from tares (Matthew 13:24-30).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you recognize that the visible church contains both genuine believers and false professors, and does this reality affect your discernment?
- What kind of 'vessel' are you in God's household—one used for honorable purposes that glorify Him or one that brings dishonor?
- How can you pursue purification and sanctification to become increasingly useful for the Master's honorable purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But 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. Paul introduces household metaphor to explain the mixed nature of visible church. "In a great house" (en megalē oikia, ἐν μεγάλῃ οἰκίᾳ) refers to wealthy estate with many servants, tools, containers. "Vessels" (skeuē, σκεύη) means implements, containers, tools—anything used in household operations. These vary in material and purpose.
Some vessels are "of gold and of silver" (chrysa kai argyra, χρυσᾶ καὶ ἀργυρᾶ)—precious metals used for honored purposes: serving meals to important guests, religious ceremonies, display. Others are "of wood and of earth" (xylina kai ostrakina, ξύλινα καὶ ὀστράκινα)—common materials used for menial tasks: garbage, sewage, everyday chores. The distinction isn't inherent worth but designated use: "some to honour, and some to dishonour" (kai ha men eis timēn ha de eis atimian, καὶ ἃ μὲν εἰς τιμήν ἃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν).
Applied ecclesially, the visible church contains both true believers (gold/silver vessels) and false professors (wooden/clay vessels). Not everyone professing Christianity is genuinely saved. Some serve honorable purposes in God's plan; others serve as negative examples or warnings. The passage anticipates v. 21's application: believers should pursue purification to be vessels unto honor.