All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
What does 2 Timothy 3:16 mean?
Those who would learn the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the Holy Scriptures, for they are the Divine revelation.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: All Scripture - This properly refers to the Old Testament, and should not be applied to any part of the New Testament, unless it can be shown that that part was then written, and was included under the general name of "the Scriptures;" compare 2 Peter 3:15-16 . But it includes the whole of the Old Testament, and is the solemn testimony of Paul that it was all inspired. If now it can be proved that Paul himself was an inspired man, this settles the question as to the inspiration of the Old Testament.
Key words
- reproof
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The Scripture is profitable for ministers to fetch doctrine from, and establish it by; and for hearers to try and prove it by: for reproof; of errors and heresies; this is the sword of the Spirit, which cuts all down.
Context in 2 Timothy 3
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2 Timothy 3 belongs to the late movement of the book, especially the section often described as dangerous times and Scripture. Second Timothy is a final appeal to courage, endurance, sound teaching, and fidelity to Scripture under suffering. Read this chapter with the wider themes of endurance, scripture, and courage in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.
Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.