King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 3:15 Mean?

2 Timothy 3:15 in the King James Version says “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith...” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 3:15 · KJV

SalvationFaith

Context

13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse , deceiving, and being deceived.

14

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. throughly: or, perfected

Read 2 Timothy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Paul identifies the foundation of Timothy's faith: Scripture. "From a child" (apo breephous, ἀπὸ βρέφους)—brephos (βρέφος) means infant, baby, very young child. Timothy's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois taught him Scripture from earliest childhood (1:5). This models the crucial importance of early biblical instruction, shaping young minds before competing worldviews take root.

"The holy scriptures" (ta hiera grammata, τὰ ἱερὰ γράμματα). Hieros (ἱερός) means sacred, holy—set apart for God. Grammata (γράμματα) means writings, letters, documents. Paul refers to the Old Testament Scriptures Timothy learned as a Jewish child. These Scriptures are "able to make thee wise unto salvation" (ta dynamenasé sophisai eis sōtērian, τὰ δυνάμενά σε σοφίσαι εἰς σωτηρίαν). The verb sophizō (σοφίζω) means make wise, instruct, give insight. Eis sōtērian (εἰς σωτηρίαν) means unto salvation—not merely intellectual knowledge but saving wisdom.

Critically, salvation comes "through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (dia pisteōs tēs en Christō Iēsou, διὰ πίστεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). Scripture alone doesn't save—it makes wise unto salvation by pointing to Christ, whom we embrace through faith. The Old Testament testified to Christ (Luke 24:27, 44; John 5:39), and Timothy's childhood Scripture knowledge prepared him to recognize Jesus as Messiah. This refutes both salvation by Scripture knowledge alone (intellectualism) and salvation apart from Scripture (mysticism). Scripture reveals Christ; faith unites to Christ; union with Christ saves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Devout Jewish families taught Torah to children from earliest age. Mothers bore primary responsibility for young children's religious education. Timothy, having Jewish mother but Greek father, received Torah instruction from his mother and grandmother despite his father's likely disinterest. This early foundation prepared Timothy to recognize Jesus as Torah's fulfillment when Paul preached the gospel. The principle remains valid: early biblical instruction creates framework for later gospel response. Children raised on Scripture have enormous advantage over those encountering it only as adults.

Reflection Questions

  1. If you have children or influence over children, how intentionally are you teaching them Scripture from earliest age?
  2. How has Scripture made you wise unto salvation by pointing you to Christ for faith and union with Him?
  3. In what ways can you deepen your understanding of how Old Testament Scripture testifies to Christ and prepares hearts for gospel reception?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

“And”

G2532

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

ὅτι2 of 20

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἀπὸ3 of 20

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

βρέφους4 of 20

“a child”

G1025

an infant (properly, unborn) literally or figuratively

τῆς5 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ἱερὰ6 of 20

“the holy”

G2413

sacred

γράμματα7 of 20

“scriptures”

G1121

a writing, i.e., a letter, note, epistle, book, etc.; plural learning

οἶδας8 of 20

“thou hast known”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τῆς9 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

δυνάμενά10 of 20

“are able”

G1410

to be able or possible

σε11 of 20

“thee”

G4571

thee

σοφίσαι12 of 20

“to make”

G4679

to render wise; in a sinister acceptation, to form "sophisms", i.e., continue plausible error

εἰς13 of 20

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σωτηρίαν14 of 20

“salvation”

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

διὰ15 of 20

“through”

G1223

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

πίστεως16 of 20

“faith”

G4102

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

τῆς17 of 20

“which”

G3588

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

ἐν18 of 20

“is in”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ19 of 20

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ20 of 20

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 3:15 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 3:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:98-99Luke 24:45Proverbs 22:61 Corinthians 15:3-42 Peter 1:20-21Matthew 22:29

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes