The Meaning of 2 Timothy 3:16 Explained

2 Timothy 3:16

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

YLT: every Writing is God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that is in righteousness,

Darby: Every scripture is divinely inspired, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;

ASV: Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

All  scripture  [is] given by inspiration of God,  and  [is] profitable {5624} for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for  correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness: 

What does 2 Timothy 3:16 Mean?

Study Notes

righteousness
.
"Righteousness" here, and in the passages having marginal references to this, means the righteous life which is the result of salvation through Christ. The righteous man under law became righteous by doing righteously; under grace he does righteously because he has been made righteous Romans 3:22 .
(See Scofield " Romans 10:3 ")

Context Summary

2 Timothy 3:10-17 - Hold Fast To Inspired Scripture
The world does not love Christ or Christians any better than of old; and all who are minded to live godly lives will come inevitably to the cross in one form or another. To be without persecution should put us in serious doubt as to whether we are right. The spirit of the gospel is in absolute disagreement with the spirit of the world. But, whatever the losses and trials, let the children of God abide in the things which they have learned, and walk in blameless purity and consistency. The conduct, purpose, and patience of this great and holy Apostle gleam in front of us for our inspiration and guidance; and his experience will be ours-that there is no sorrow out of which we shall not be delivered, when we have learned the lesson it was sent to teach.
In the stern experiences of human life there is no stay that is comparable to the Holy Scriptures. The infinite variety of Scripture adapts itself to different states of the soul. Whatever our need, we can find its solace and remedy here. Thus we may live a complete life, finding in the Bible an equipment for all our emergencies. In this armory is every weapon for offense and defense; in this pharmacopoeia is a medicine and antidote for every wound. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Timothy 3

1  Paul advises Timothy of the difficult times to come;
6  describes the enemies of the truth;
10  explains unto him his own example;
16  and commends the holy Scriptures;

Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 3:16

Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable [πασα γραπη τεοπνευστος και ωπελιμος]
There are two matters of doubt in this clause. One is the absence of the article η — hē before γραπη — graphē whether that makes it mean “every scripture” or “all scripture” as of necessity if present. Unfortunately, there are examples both ways with both πας — pās and γραπη — graphē Twice we find γραπη — graphē in the singular without the article and yet definite (1 Peter 2:6; 2 Peter 1:20). We have πας Ισραηλ — pās Israēl (Romans 11:26) for all Israel (Robertson, Grammar, p. 772). So far as the grammatical usage goes, one can render here either “all scripture” or “every scripture.” There is no copula (εστιν — estin) in the Greek and so one has to insert it either before the και — kai or after it. If before, as is more natural, then the meaning is: “All scripture (or every scripture) is inspired of God and profitable.” In this form there is a definite assertion of inspiration. That can be true also of the second way, making “inspired of God” descriptive of “every scripture,” and putting εστιν — estin (is) after και — kai “All scripture (or every scripture), inspired of God, is also profitable.” [source]
Inspired of God [τεοπνευστος]
“God-breathed.” Late word (Plutarch) here only in N.T. Perhaps in contrast to the commandments of men in Titus 1:14. Profitable (ωπελιμος — ōphelimos). See note on 1 Timothy 4:8. See Romans 15:4. Four examples of προς — pros (facing, with a view to, for): διδασκαλιαν — didaskalian teaching; ελεγμον — elegmon reproof, in lxx and here only in N.T.; επανορτωσιν — epanorthōsin correction, old word, from επανορτοω — epanorthoō to set up straight in addition, here only in N.T., with which compare επιδιορτοω — epidiorthoō in Titus 1:5; παιδειαν — paideian instruction, with which compare Ephesians 6:4. [source]
Profitable [ωπελιμος]
See note on 1 Timothy 4:8. See Romans 15:4. Four examples of προς — pros (facing, with a view to, for): διδασκαλιαν — didaskalian teaching; ελεγμον — elegmon reproof, in lxx and here only in N.T.; επανορτωσιν — epanorthōsin correction, old word, from επανορτοω — epanorthoō to set up straight in addition, here only in N.T., with which compare επιδιορτοω — epidiorthoō in Titus 1:5; παιδειαν — paideian instruction, with which compare Ephesians 6:4. [source]
All Scripture [πᾶσα γραφὴ]
Better, every Scripture, that is, every passage of Scripture. Scripture as a whole is as αἱ γραφαί or αἱ γραφαί ἅγιαι . Ἱερά is never used with γραφὴ. Γραφὴ is the single passage, usually defined by this, or that, or the, or which saith. [source]
Is given by inspiration of God [θεόπνευστος]
N.T.oolxx. From θεὸς God and πνεῖν tobreathe. God -breathed. The word tells us nothing of the peculiar character or limits of inspiration beyond the fact that it proceeds from God. In construction omit is, and rend. as attributive of γραφὴ everydivinely -inspired Scripture. [source]
And is profitable [καὶ ὠφέλιμος]
According to A.V., καὶ and is merely the copula between two predicates of γραφὴ . It is divinely inspired and is profitable. According to the interpretation given above, καὶ has the force of also. Every divinely-inspired Scripture is, besides being so inspired and for that reason, also profitable, etc. Ὡφέλιμος profitablePastoSee on 1 Timothy 4:8. [source]
For doctrine [πρὸς διδασκαλίαν]
Better, teaching. Comp. to make thee wise, 2 Timothy 3:15. [source]
Reproof [ἐλεγμόν]
Better, conviction. N.T.ooClass. Comparatively frequent in lxx, mostly in the sense of rebuke: sometimes curse, punishment. See Ps. of John href="/desk/?q=joh+3:20&sr=1">John 3:20. [source]
Correction [ἐπανόρθωσιν]
N.T.oTwice in lxx. Restoring to an upright state ( ὀρθός erect); setting right. [source]
Instruction [παιδείαν]
Better, chastisement or discipline. See on Ephesians 6:4. In lxx mostly correction or discipline, sometimes admonition. Specially of God's chastisement by means of sorrow and evil. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 3:16

Luke 3:19 Reproved [ελεγχομενος]
Present passive participle of ελεγχω — elegchō an old verb meaning in Homer to treat with contempt, then to convict (Matthew 18:15), to expose (Ephesians 5:11), to reprove as here. The substantive ελεγχος — elegchos means proof (Hebrews 11:1) and ελεγμος — elegmos censure (2 Timothy 3:16). Josephus (Ant. XVIII. V.4) shows how repulsive this marriage was to Jewish feeling. Evil things Incorporated into the relative sentence. The word is from πονοσ πονεω — ponosclass="normal greek">οπταλμος πονηρος — poneō toil, work, and gives the active side of evil, possibly with the notion of work itself as evil or at least an annoyance. The “evil eye” In Matthew 6:23 it is a diseased eye. So Satan is “the evil one” (Matthew 5:37; Matthew 6:13, etc.). It is a very common adjective in the N.T. as in the older Greek. [source]
Romans 15:4 For our learning [εις την ημετεραν διδασκαλιαν]
“For the instruction of us.” Objective sense of possessive pronoun ημετερος — hēmeteros See Matthew 15:9 and note on 2 Timothy 3:16 for διδασκαλιαν — didaskalian (from διδασκω — didaskō to teach). We might have hope (την ελπιδα εχωμεν — tēn elpida echōmen). Present active subjunctive of εχω — echō with ινα — hina in final clause, “that we might keep on having hope.” One of the blessed uses of the Scriptures. [source]
Ephesians 6:4 In the chastening and admonition of the Lord [εν παιδειαι και νουτεσιαι του κυριου]
Εν — En is the sphere in which it all takes place. There are only three examples in the N.T. of παιδεια — paideia old Greek for training a παις — pais (boy or girl) and so for the general education and culture of the child. Both papyri and inscriptions give examples of this original and wider sense (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary). It is possible, as Thayer gives it, that this is the meaning here in Ephesians 6:4. In 2 Timothy 3:16 adults are included also in the use. In Hebrews 12:5, Hebrews 12:7, Hebrews 12:11 the narrower sense of “chastening” appears which some argue for here. At any rate νουτεσια — nouthesia (from νουσ τιτημι — noustithēmi), common from Aristophanes on, does have the idea of correction. In N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 10:11; Titus 3:10. [source]
1 Timothy 5:18 The Scripture [ἡ γραφή]
Comp. 2 Timothy 3:16. To the Jews ἡ γραφή signified the O.T. canon of Scripture; but in most cases ἡ γραφή is used of a particular passage of Scripture which is indicated in the context. See John 7:38, John 7:42; Acts 1:16; Acts 8:32, Acts 8:35; Romans 4:3; Romans 9:17; Romans 10:11; Galatians 3:8. Where the reference is to the sacred writings as a whole, the plural γραφαὶ or αἱ γραφαὶ is used, as Matthew 21:42; Luke 24:32; John 5:39; Romans 15:4. Once γραφαὶ ἅγιαι holyScriptures, Romans 1:2. Ἑτέρα γραφὴ anotheror a different Scripture, John 19:37; ἡ γραφὴ αὕτη this Scripture, Luke 4:21; πᾶσα γραφὴ everyScripture, 2 Timothy 3:16. See on writings, John 2:22. The passage cited here is Deuteronomy 25:4, also by Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:9. [source]
1 Timothy 4:8 Profiteth little [πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶν ὠφέλιμος]
Lit. is profitable for a little. The phrase πρὸς ὀλίγον only here and James 5:14. In the latter passage it means for a little while. Comp. Hebrews 12:10, πρὸς ὀλίγας ἡμέρας for a few days. According to some, this is the meaning here; but against this is the antithesis πρὸς πάντα unto all things. The meaning is rather, the use of the athlete's training extends to only a few things. Ὡφέλιμος usefulor profitable, only in Pastorals. Comp. 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 3:8. olxx. [source]
1 Timothy 1:9 Righteous [δικαίῳ]
Morally upright. Not in the Pauline sense of justified by faith. Comp. 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Timothy 3:16. This appears from the way in which the opposite of righteous is described in the next clause. [source]
1 Timothy 4:8 Profitable [ωπελιμος]
Another old word (from ωπελεω — ōpheleō to help, to profit), in N.T. only here, Titus 3:8; 2 Timothy 3:16. For a little (προς ολιγον — pros oligon). “For little.” Probably extent in contrast to προς παντα — pros panta (for all things), though in James 4:14 it is time “for a little while.” Which now is “The now life.” Of that which is to come (της μελλουσης — tēs mellousēs). “Of the coming (future) life.” [source]
2 Timothy 4:2 Reprove [ἔλεγξον]
Rather, convict of their errors. See on 1 Timothy 5:20and John 3:20. In Paul, 1 Corinthians 14:24; Ephesians 5:11, Ephesians 5:13. Comp. ἐλεγμόν conviction 2 Timothy 3:16. [source]
Titus 1:9 Convince [ἐλέγχειν]
Better, convict. See on John 3:20, and see on ἐλεγμὸν , 2 Timothy 3:16. [source]
Titus 3:8 Profitable [ὠφέλιμα]
Pastoolxx. Comp. 1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16. [source]
Hebrews 13:9 With divers and strange doctrines [διδαχαῖς ποικίλαις καὶ ξέναις]
For “doctrines” rend. “teachings.” These teachings represent various phases of one radical error - the denial of Jesus's messiahship and of his messianic economy as superseding Judaism and all other means of salvation. Among them the writer's mind would naturally turn to the prescriptions concerning clean and unclean meats and sacrificial festivals. See next clause. These teachings were various as contrasted with the one teaching of the gospel; they were strange as they differed from that teaching. Comp. Galatians 1:6-9. For ποικίλαις see on 2 Timothy 3:16. [source]
Hebrews 12:5 Chastening [παιδείας]
Mostly in Hebrews. See on Ephesians 6:4, and see on 2 Timothy 3:16. [source]
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is [εστιν δε πιστις]
He has just said that “we are of faith” (Hebrews 10:39), not of apostasy. Now he proceeds in a chapter of great eloquence and passion to illustrate his point by a recital of the heroes of faith whose example should spur them to like loyalty now. The assurance of things hoped for υπιστημι — Hupostasis is a very common word from Aristotle on and comes from υπο — huphistēmi See the philosophical use of it in Hebrews 1:3, the sense of assurance (une assurance certaine, Menegoz) in Hebrews 3:14, that steadiness of mind which holds one firm (2 Corinthians 9:4). It is common in the papyri in business documents as the basis or guarantee of transactions. “And as this is the essential meaning in Hebrews 11:1 we venture to suggest the translation ‹Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for‘” (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary, etc.). The proving of things not seen The only N.T. example of ελεγμον — elegchos (except Textus Receptus in 2 Timothy 3:16 for ελεγχω — elegmon). Old and common word from elegchō (Matthew 18:15) for “proof” and then for “conviction.” Both uses occur in the papyri and either makes sense here, perhaps “conviction” suiting better though not in the older Greek. [source]
Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried away [μη παραπερεστε]
Prohibition with μη — mē and present passive imperative of παραπερω — parapherō old verb to lead along (Judges 1:12), to carry past (Mark 14:36), to lead astray as here. By divers and strange teachings For ποικιλος — poikilos (many coloured) see Hebrews 2:4. Χενος — Xenos for guest we have had in Hebrews 11:13, but here as adjective meaning unheard of (1 Peter 4:12) as in older Greek also. The new is not always wrong any more than the old is always right (Matthew 13:52). But the air was already full of new and strange teachings that fascinated many by their very novelty. The warning here is always needed. Cf. Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Timothy 3:16. That the heart be established by grace Present passive infinitive of βεβαιοω — bebaioō (from βαινω — bainō) to make stable with the instrumental case χαριτι — chariti (by grace) and the accusative of general reference How true it is that in the atmosphere of so many windy theories only the heart is stable that has an experience of God‘s grace in Christ. That occupied themselves “That walked” in the ritualistic Jewish rules about meats. Were not profited First aorist passive indicative of ωπελεω — ōpheleō to help. Mere Jewish ceremonialism and ritualism failed to build up the spiritual life. It was sheer folly to give up Christ for Pharisaism or for Moses. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 3:16 mean?

Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for instruction conviction correction [and] for training - in righteousness
πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος καὶ ὠφέλιμος πρὸς διδασκαλίαν ἐλεγμόν ἐπανόρθωσιν πρὸς παιδείαν τὴν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ

πᾶσα  Every 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
γραφὴ  Scripture  [is] 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: γραφή  
Sense: a writing, thing written.
θεόπνευστος  God-breathed 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: θεόπνευστος  
Sense: inspired by God.
ὠφέλιμος  profitable 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: ὠφέλιμος  
Sense: profitable.
διδασκαλίαν  instruction 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: διδασκαλία  
Sense: teaching, instruction.
ἐλεγμόν  conviction 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐλεγμός 
Sense: a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested.
ἐπανόρθωσιν  correction 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐπανόρθωσις  
Sense: restoration to an upright or right state.
πρὸς  [and]  for 
Parse: Preposition
Root: πρός  
Sense: to the advantage of.
παιδείαν  training 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: παιδεία  
Sense: the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body.
τὴν  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
δικαιοσύνῃ  righteousness 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: δικαιοσύνη  
Sense: in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God.