King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 1:6 Mean?

2 Timothy 1:6 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Timothy 1:6 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

Read 2 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The conjunction "wherefore" connects this exhortation to Timothy's genuine faith—authentic faith must be actively exercised, not passively assumed. The command "stir up" (anazōpyrein, ἀναζωπυρεῖν) literally means "rekindle" or "fan into flame," reviving smoldering embers into blazing fire. This vivid metaphor suggests Timothy's spiritual gift had grown dormant due to opposition, fear, or discouragement. Spiritual gifts require intentional cultivation through use, prayer, and dependence on the Holy Spirit—neglect causes atrophy.

"The gift of God" (charisma tou theou, χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ) refers to Timothy's specific ministry gifting, likely pastoral teaching and leadership. This charisma is gracious endowment from God, not natural talent. Every believer receives spiritual gifts for serving the body (1 Corinthians 12:7, Romans 12:6-8). These gifts come from the Holy Spirit but are often imparted through laying on of hands by church leaders.

"By the putting on of my hands" refers to Paul's apostolic recognition and commissioning of Timothy's ministry (Acts 16:1-3, 1 Timothy 4:14). This act symbolized identification, blessing, authorization—not magical transmission but public recognition of God's calling.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Laying on of hands had Old Testament precedent: Moses commissioned Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23), sacrificial animals received sins this way (Leviticus 16:21), and patriarchs blessed descendants (Genesis 48:14). Early Christians continued this practice for blessing, healing, receiving the Holy Spirit, and ordaining leaders. Timothy's ordination occurred at Lystra with elders' participation. This public commissioning gave Timothy apostolic authorization crucial for authority in Ephesus where opponents questioned his youth. The need to "rekindle" suggests significant discouragement from persecution, opposition, and Paul's imprisonment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual gifts has God given you, and are you fanning them into flame through use and prayer, or have they grown dormant?
  2. What fears or discouragements cause you to shrink back from fully using your gifts for Christ's glory?
  3. Who are the spiritual authorities who have recognized and commissioned your gifts, and are you faithfully fulfilling that calling?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
διὰ1 of 20

“Wherefore”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ὅ2 of 20

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

αἰτίαν3 of 20
G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

ἀναμιμνῄσκω4 of 20

“I put”

G363

to remind; (reflexively) to recollect

σε5 of 20

“thee”

G4571

thee

ἀναζωπυρεῖν6 of 20

“that thou stir up”

G329

to re-enkindle

τὸ7 of 20
G3588

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

χάρισμα8 of 20

“the gift”

G5486

a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o

τοῦ9 of 20
G3588

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

θεοῦ10 of 20

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὅ11 of 20

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν12 of 20

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν13 of 20

“in”

G1722

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

σοὶ14 of 20

“thee”

G4671

to thee

διὰ15 of 20

“Wherefore”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς16 of 20
G3588

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

ἐπιθέσεως17 of 20

“the putting on”

G1936

an imposition (of hands officially)

τῶν18 of 20
G3588

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

χειρῶν19 of 20

“hands”

G5495

the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)

μου20 of 20

“of my”

G3450

of me

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 4:141 Peter 4:10-11Romans 12:6-81 Thessalonians 5:192 Peter 3:12 Timothy 4:2

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 1 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes