King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 1:5 Mean?

2 Timothy 1:5 in the King James Version says “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mothe...” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

2 Timothy 1:5 · King James Version

Faith

Context

3

I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

4

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; Greatly: or, remembering thy tears, I greatly desire to see thee that

5

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

6

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Read 2 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Paul commends Timothy's "unfeigned faith" (anypokritos pistis, ἀνυπόκριτος πίστις)—genuine, authentic faith without pretense or hypocrisy. The Greek anypokritos literally means "without wearing a mask," contrasting true heart faith with religious performance. This genuine faith shows itself in consistent godly living, perseverance through trials, and sacrificial service.

The generational progression—Lois to Eunice to Timothy—illustrates the biblical pattern of faith transmitted through families, particularly through godly mothers and grandmothers. The verb "dwelt" (enoikēsen, ἐνοίκησεν) suggests faith took up residence in these women like an indwelling presence. While faith cannot be inherited genetically, faithful parents create environments where children encounter gospel truth and observe authentic Christian living.

Paul's settled conviction uses perfect passive participle (pepeismai, πέπεισμαι)—"I have been persuaded and remain persuaded." This isn't wishful thinking but confidence grounded in observed evidence: Timothy's proven character, sacrificial service, and perseverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Timothy's family situation was unusual. His mother Eunice was Jewish, his father Greek (Acts 16:1). In Jewish law, children of Jewish mothers were considered Jewish, but Timothy remained uncircumcised until Paul circumcised him for missionary expediency (Acts 16:3), suggesting accommodation to his Greek father or incomplete Jewish upbringing. Lois and Eunice's faith likely began through Diaspora synagogue exposure to Old Testament Scriptures. They apparently converted during Paul's first missionary journey, requiring courage since it likely led to synagogue exclusion and family tension.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is your authentic faith being transmitted to the next generation through consistent godly living and intentional discipleship?
  2. In what areas might your faith be more cultural tradition than genuine heart transformation?
  3. How can you honor and learn from the spiritual heritage of parents, grandparents, or mentors who modeled authentic Christianity?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ὑπόμνησιν1 of 26

“to remembrance”

G5280

a reminding or (reflexively) recollection

λαμβάνων2 of 26

“When I call”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τῆς3 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν4 of 26

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοί5 of 26

“thee”

G4671

to thee

ἀνυποκρίτου6 of 26

“the unfeigned”

G505

undissembled, i.e., sincere

πίστεως7 of 26

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἥτις8 of 26

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐνῴκησεν9 of 26

“dwelt”

G1774

to inhabit (figuratively)

πρῶτον10 of 26

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

ἐν11 of 26

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ12 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μάμμῃ13 of 26

“grandmother”

G3125

a grandmother

σου14 of 26

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

Λωΐδι15 of 26

“Lois”

G3090

lois, a christian woman

καὶ16 of 26

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῇ17 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μητρί18 of 26

“mother”

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

σου19 of 26

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

Ἐυνείκῃ20 of 26

“Eunice”

G2131

victorious; eunice, a jewess

πέπεισμαι21 of 26

“I am persuaded”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

δὲ22 of 26

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὅτι23 of 26

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ24 of 26

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν25 of 26

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοί26 of 26

“thee”

G4671

to thee

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Timothy 1:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Timothy 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 1:5Acts 16:12 Timothy 3:151 Timothy 4:62 Timothy 1:122 Corinthians 6:6

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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