2 Timothy 3:17

17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:17 in Other Translations

KJV
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
ESV
17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
NLT
17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
MSG
17 Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
CSB
17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:17 Meaning and Commentary

2 Timothy 3:17

That the man of God may be perfect
By the man of God may be meant everyone that in a special relation belongs to God; who is chosen by God the Father, redeemed by the Son, and called by the Spirit; but more especially a minister of the Gospel; for as it was usual to call a prophet under the Old Testament by this name, it seems to be transferred from thence to a minister of the New Testament, see ( 1 Timothy 6:11 ) and the design of the Scriptures and the end of writing them are, that both preachers of the word, and hearers of it, might have a perfect knowledge of the will of God; that the former might be a complete minister of the Gospel, and that nothing might be wanting for the information of the latter:

thoroughly furnished unto all good works,
or "every good work"; particularly to the work of the ministry, which is a good one; and to every part and branch of it, a thorough furniture for which lies in the holy Scriptures; from whence, as scribes well instructed in the kingdom of heaven, do Gospel ministers bring forth things new and old, both for delight and profit: though this may be also applied to all good works in common, which the Scriptures point unto, give directions about, as well as show where strength is to be had to perform them.

2 Timothy 3:17 In-Context

15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Cross References 2

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "that you, a man of God,"
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