2 Timothy 2:7
Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Original Language Analysis
νόει
Consider
G3539
νόει
Consider
Strong's:
G3539
Word #:
1 of 11
to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed
α
what
G3739
α
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγω·
I say
G3004
λέγω·
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
δῴη
give
G1325
δῴη
give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
4 of 11
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
γάρ
and
G1063
γάρ
and
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the Lord
G2962
κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 11
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
1 John 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Luke 24:45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,John 14:26But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.Colossians 1:9For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;John 16:13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.1 Timothy 4:15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Hebrews 13:7Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Historical Context
Ancient education emphasized memorization and recitation, but true education required reflection and application. Greek paideia (education) aimed at forming character, not merely transmitting information. Jewish rabbis expected disciples to meditate (hagah) on Torah day and night (Psalm 1:2), internalizing truth until it shaped behavior. Similarly, Paul expects Timothy to meditate on apostolic teaching until its principles transform ministry practice.
Questions for Reflection
- How much time do you spend meditating on Scripture versus merely reading it quickly or hearing sermons passively?
- When reading the Bible, do you consciously ask the Holy Spirit for understanding, or do you rely solely on your natural intellect?
- What practical applications from the soldier/athlete/farmer metaphors should you implement in your Christian life and ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. After presenting three metaphors (soldier, athlete, farmer), Paul calls for reflection. "Consider" (noei, νόει) is imperative from noeō (νοέω), meaning "think carefully about, ponder, meditate on." This isn't casual reading but intensive reflection seeking to grasp implications. Paul doesn't merely dispense information but expects Timothy to wrestle with applications.
"What I say" (ha legō, ἃ λέγω) refers to the preceding metaphors and their implications. Each metaphor emphasizes different aspects of faithful ministry: soldiers endure hardship and obey orders; athletes compete according to rules; farmers labor patiently for delayed reward. Together they present comprehensive vision of ministry requiring sacrifice, integrity, and perseverance.
Yet human insight alone is insufficient: "the Lord give thee understanding in all things" (dōsei gar soi ho kyrios synesin en pasin, δώσει γάρ σοι ὁ κύριος σύνεσιν ἐν πᾶσιν). The noun synesis (σύνεσις) denotes spiritual insight, discernment, wisdom to apply truth rightly. Paul prays for divine illumination—the same Lord who inspired Scripture must open minds to understand it (Luke 24:45, 1 Corinthians 2:14).