King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 2:15 Mean?

2 Timothy 2:15 in the King James Version says “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15 · KJV

Truth

Context

13

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

14

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17

And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; canker: or, gangrene

Read 2 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. This verse contrasts with v. 14's word-wranglers. "Study" (spoudason, σπούδασον) means be diligent, make every effort, give earnest attention. The verb implies urgent, concentrated effort. "To shew thyself approved unto God" (seauton dokimon parastēsai tō theō, σεαυτὸν δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ θεῷ) presents the goal: divine approval, not human applause. Dokimos (δόκιμος) means tested and approved, genuine—like metal passing fire-testing. Ministers must seek God's approval, not popularity.

Timothy must be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed" (ergatēn anepais chynton, ἐργάτην ἀνεπαίσχυντον). Ergatēs (ἐργάτης) denotes laborer, worker—one who toils. Ministry is work requiring diligence. "Needeth not to be ashamed" (anep aischynton, ἀνεπαίσχυντον) means never needing to feel shame, having no cause for disgrace. At Christ's return, faithful workers will receive commendation; unfaithful workers will face shame (1 John 2:28).

The method: "rightly dividing the word of truth" (orthotomountatonton logon tēs alētheias, ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας). The verb orthotoméō (ὀρθοτομέω) means cut straight, handle accurately—from orthos (straight) and temnō (cut). The image may be cutting a straight road, plowing a straight furrow, or cutting stone accurately. Applied to Scripture, it means interpreting accurately, teaching correctly, applying rightly. God's word is "truth"—ministers must handle it with precision and integrity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century teachers faced temptation to distort Scripture for personal gain, popularity, or to avoid persecution. False teachers twisted Paul's writings (2 Peter 3:16). Judaizers misused Old Testament to impose law on Gentiles. Gnostics allegorized Scripture beyond recognition. Against this, Paul demands accurate, honest handling of God's word. The metaphor of cutting straight resonated with original readers familiar with road-building, carpentry, stone-cutting—crafts requiring precision. Crooked roads, warped beams, uneven stones were useless. Similarly, twisted Scripture destroys rather than edifies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How diligently are you studying Scripture to understand and teach it accurately, or do you rely on second-hand summaries and popular opinions?
  2. Do you primarily seek God's approval in your teaching and ministry, or are you more concerned with human popularity and avoiding controversy?
  3. In what ways might you be 'crookedly cutting' Scripture—twisting it to fit your preferences, traditions, or cultural assumptions rather than submitting to its clear meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
σπούδασον1 of 13

“Study”

G4704

to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest

σεαυτὸν2 of 13

“thyself”

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

δόκιμον3 of 13

“approved”

G1384

properly, acceptable (current after assayal), i.e., approved

παραστῆσαι4 of 13

“to shew”

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

τῷ5 of 13
G3588

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

θεῷ6 of 13

“unto God”

G2316

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

ἐργάτην7 of 13

“a workman”

G2040

a toiler; figuratively, a teacher

ἀνεπαίσχυντον8 of 13

“that needeth not to be ashamed”

G422

not ashamed, i.e., irreprehensible

ὀρθοτομοῦντα9 of 13

“rightly dividing”

G3718

to cut straight

τὸν10 of 13
G3588

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

λόγον11 of 13

“the word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τῆς12 of 13
G3588

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

ἀληθείας13 of 13

“of truth”

G225

truth

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 2:15 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 2:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 2:42 Peter 1:101 Timothy 4:62 Corinthians 10:182 Corinthians 5:91 Timothy 4:12-16

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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