The Meaning of 2 Timothy 2:20 Explained

2 Timothy 2:20

KJV: But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

YLT: And in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honour, and some to dishonour:

Darby: But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

ASV: Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

But  in  a great  house  there are  not  only  vessels  of gold  and  of silver,  but  also  of wood  and  of earth;  and  some  to  honour,  and  some  to  dishonour. 

What does 2 Timothy 2:20 Mean?

Context Summary

2 Timothy 2:19-26 - "a Vessel Unto Honor"
Two men had been named whose teachings had overthrown the faith of some; but in contradistinction to this lamentable defection, Paul turns with thankfulness to the firm foundations of faith on which the Church is built. They stand firm, because they rest on incontestable facts, and are authenticated by the Christian experience of centuries. Medallion inscriptions were often placed on foundation stones. Here are two affixed to those of the Church-one between God and the believer, the other between the believer and the world. What a privilege to be known by God! What a responsibility to work worthily of Him before men!
From the house the Apostle proceeds to the vessels within. Each of us stands on one of those four shelves. But those to be honored and which are most often in the Master's hands are not necessarily the gold vessels, but the clean ones, of whatever material. Cleanliness counts more with God than cleverness. Do not be anxious about your service; be ready for the Master to use you. Lie like a silver cup in the trough of the fountain, 2 Timothy 2:25. Repentance is God's gift, but there is a peradventure in it. Men are drunk with the world's drugs; they need to be recovered. Notice that we may rescue for God men whom the devil has entrapped. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Timothy 2

1  Timothy is exhorted again to constancy and perseverance
17  Of Hymenaeus and Philetus
19  The foundation of the Lord is sure
22  He is taught whereof to beware, and what to follow after

Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 2:20

In a great house [εν μεγαληι οικιαι]
Metaphor of a palace. He doubtless has the Kingdom of God in mind, but he works out the metaphor of a great house of the rich and mighty. [source]
Vessels [σκευη]
Old word σκευος — skeuos See note on Romans 9:21 for the same double use as here. Of gold (χρυσα — chrusā). Old contracted adjective χρυσεος — chruseos only here by Paul. Of silver Old contracted adjective αργυρεος — argureos in N.T. here, Acts 19:24; Revelation 9:20. Of wood (χυλινα — xulina). Old adjective, in N.T. only here and Revelation 9:20. Of earth Late adjective, from οστρακον — ostrakon baked clay, in lxx, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 4:7. [source]
Of gold [χρυσα]
Old contracted adjective χρυσεος — chruseos only here by Paul. [source]
Of silver [αργυρα]
Old contracted adjective αργυρεος — argureos in N.T. here, Acts 19:24; Revelation 9:20. Of wood (χυλινα — xulina). Old adjective, in N.T. only here and Revelation 9:20. Of earth Late adjective, from οστρακον — ostrakon baked clay, in lxx, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 4:7. [source]
Of wood [χυλινα]
Old adjective, in N.T. only here and Revelation 9:20. [source]
Of earth [οστρακινα]
Late adjective, from οστρακον — ostrakon baked clay, in lxx, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 4:7. [source]
[]
d But the church embraces a variety of characters. Unrighteous men steal into it. So, in a great household establishment there are vessels fit only for base uses. [source]
House [οἰκίᾳ]
As θεμέλιος foundation indicates the inward, essential character of the church, οἰκία exhibits its visible, outward aspect. The mixed character of the church points to its greatness ( μεγάλῃ ). [source]
Vessels [σκεύη]
See on Matthew 12:29; see on Mark 3:27; see on Acts 9:15; see on Acts 27:17; see on 1 Peter 3:7. [source]
Of wood and of earth [ξύλινα καὶ ὀστράκινα]
Ξύλινος woodenonly here and Revelation 9:20. Ὁστράκινος ofbaked clay, only here and 2 Corinthians 4:7(note). Comp. the different metaphor, 1 Corinthians 3:12. [source]
Some to honor and some to dishonor []
After Romans 9:21. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 2:20

Mark 3:27 His goods [τὰ σκεύη]
Lit., his vessels. So Wyc. Compare Mark 11:16; Acts 9:15; Acts 10:11; 2 Timothy 2:20. The special object of the robber may be precious vessels of gold or silver; but the word is probably used in its general sense of household gear. [source]
2 Corinthians 6:8 By glory and dishonour [δια δοχης και ατιμιας]
Here δια — dia is no longer instrument, but state or condition. Δοχα — Doxa here is glory. See note on Romans 9:21; note on 2 Timothy 2:20 for contrast between honour and dishonour (τιμη ατιμια — timēδια δυσπημιας και ευπημιας — atimia). [source]
2 Corinthians 4:7 In earthen vessels [εν οστρακινοις σκευεσιν]
This adjective is common in the lxx with σκευοσ αγγος — skeuosαγγειον — aggos and σκευη — aggeion It occurs again in 2 Timothy 2:20 with σκευος — skeuē It is found also in the papyri with οστρακον — skeuos as here. It is from οστεον — ostrakon baked clay (same root as η υπερβολη — osteon bone), so many fragments of which are found in Egypt with writing on them. We are but earthen jars used of God for his purposes (Romans 9:20.) and so fragile. The exceeding greatness (hē huperbolē). See note on 1 Corinthians 12:31 for this word, “the preeminence of the power.” This is God‘s purpose (hinȧ̇ēi). God, not man, is the dynamo (ιναηι — dunamis). It comes from God (δυναμις — tou theou ablative) and does not originate with us (του τεου — mē ex hēmōn). [source]
2 Timothy 2:19 The foundation of God standeth sure [ὁ στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ θεοῦ ἕστηκεν]
Wrong. Στερεὸς sureis attributive, not predicative. Rend. the firm foundation of God standeth. The phrase foundation of God, N.T.o Θεμέλιος foundationis an adjective, and λίθος stoneis to be supplied. It is not to be taken by metonymy for οἰκία house(2 Timothy 2:20), but must be interpreted consistently with it, and, in a loose way, represents or foreshadows it. So we speak of an endowed institution as a foundation. By “the sure foundation of God” is meant the church, which is “the pillar and stay of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15), by means of which the truth of God is to withstand the assaults of error. The church has its being in the contents of “the sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10), which is “according to godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3), and which is deposited in it. “The mystery of godliness “ is intrusted to it (1 Timothy 3:16). Its servants possess “the mystery of the faith” (1 Timothy 3:9). In 1 Corinthians 3:11, Christ is represented as “ the chief corner-stone.” In Ephesians 2:20, the church is built “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” with Christ as the corner-stone, and grows into a “holy temple ( ναὸν ) in the Lord.” Here, the church itself is the foundation, and the building is conceived as a great dwelling-house. While the conception of the church here does not contradict that of Paul, the difference is apparent between it and the conception in Ephesians, where the church is the seat of the indwelling and energy of the Holy Spirit. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17. Στερεός firmonly here, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14, and 1 Peter 5:9(note). Ἕστηκεν standethin contrast with overthrow (2 Timothy 2:18). [source]
2 Timothy 2:21 From these [απο τουτων]
From the vessels for dishonour of 2 Timothy 2:20. Sanctified (ηγιασμενον — hēgiasmenon). Perfect passive participle of αγιαζω — hagiazō for which verb see note on 1 Corinthians 6:11. Meet for the master‘s use Dative case δεσποτηι — despotēi (for which word see note on 1 Timothy 6:1) with ευχρηστον — euchrēston neuter singular like ηγιασμενον — hēgiasmenon agreeing with σκευος — skeuos Old verbal adjective Perfect passive participle of ετοιμαζω — hetoimazō in a state of readiness, old and common word, elsewhere by Paul only 1 Corinthians 2:9 (lxx). [source]
1 Peter 3:7 Vessel [σκεύει]
Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:4. The primary idea of vessel, which is formed from the Latin vasellum, the diminutive of vas, a vase, is that of the receptacle which covers and contains; the case or protecting cover. Hence it is allied, etymologically, with vest, vestment, and wear. It is used in the New Testament (1) in the sense of a cup or dish (Luke 8:16; John 19:29; 2 Timothy 2:20; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 18:12). (2) Of the man, as containing the divine energy, or as a subject of divine mercy or wrath, and hence becoming a divine instrument. Thus Paul is a chosen vessel to bear God's name (Acts 9:15). Vessels of wrath (Romans 9:22); of mercy (Romans 9:23). So of the woman, as God's instrument, along with man, for his service in the family and in society. (3) Collectively, in the plural, of all the implements of any particular economy, as a house, or a ship. Matthew 12:29, goods; Acts 27:17, the tackling orgear of a ship. [source]
1 Peter 3:7 Dwell with [συνοικουντες]
Present active participle of συνοικεω — sunoikeō old verb for domestic association, here only in N.T. Used as imperative here like the participle in 1 Peter 2:18; 1 Peter 3:1.According to knowledge (κατα γνωσιν — kata gnōsin). “With an intelligent recognition of the nature of the marriage relation” (Vincent).Giving honour unto the woman as unto the weaker vessel Present active participle of απονεμω — aponemō old verb, to assign, to portion out (or off), here only in N.T. Σκευος — Skeuos is an old and common word for vessel, furniture, utensil (Matthew 12:29; 2 Timothy 2:20). Here both husband and wife are termed vessels or “parts of the furniture of God‘s house” (Bigg). See Paul‘s use of σκευος — skeuos for ministers (2 Corinthians 4:7). Γυναικειωι — Gunaikeiōi here is an adjective (female, feminine) from γυνη — gunē (woman, wife). She is termed “the weaker” Late double compound found in an Ephesian inscription and the papyri, in N.T. only here, Romans 8:17; Ephesians 3:6; Hebrews 11:9. God‘s gift of life eternal belongs to woman as well as to man. In the eyes of God the wife may be superior to the husband, not merely equal.To the end that your prayers be not hindered Purpose clause with εις το — eis to and the present passive infinitive (with negative μη — mē) of εγκοπτω — egkoptō to cut in, to interrupt, late verb (Polybius), as in Romans 15:22, etc. Very vivid to us now with our telephones and radios when people cut in on us. Προσευχας — Proseuchas (prayers) is the accusative of general reference. Husbands surely have here cause to consider why their prayers are not answered. [source]
1 Peter 3:7 Giving honour unto the woman as unto the weaker vessel [ως αστενεστερωι σκευει τωι γυναικειωι απονεμοντες τιμην]
Present active participle of απονεμω — aponemō old verb, to assign, to portion out (or off), here only in N.T. Σκευος — Skeuos is an old and common word for vessel, furniture, utensil (Matthew 12:29; 2 Timothy 2:20). Here both husband and wife are termed vessels or “parts of the furniture of God‘s house” (Bigg). See Paul‘s use of σκευος — skeuos for ministers (2 Corinthians 4:7). Γυναικειωι — Gunaikeiōi here is an adjective (female, feminine) from γυνη — gunē (woman, wife). She is termed “the weaker” Late double compound found in an Ephesian inscription and the papyri, in N.T. only here, Romans 8:17; Ephesians 3:6; Hebrews 11:9. God‘s gift of life eternal belongs to woman as well as to man. In the eyes of God the wife may be superior to the husband, not merely equal.To the end that your prayers be not hindered Purpose clause with εις το — eis to and the present passive infinitive (with negative μη — mē) of εγκοπτω — egkoptō to cut in, to interrupt, late verb (Polybius), as in Romans 15:22, etc. Very vivid to us now with our telephones and radios when people cut in on us. Προσευχας — Proseuchas (prayers) is the accusative of general reference. Husbands surely have here cause to consider why their prayers are not answered. [source]
Revelation 1:12 Candlesticks [λυχνίας]
See on Matthew 5:15. We are at once reminded of the seven-branched candlestick of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31; Hebrews 9:2; compare Zechariah 4:2). Here there is not one candlestick with seven branches, but seven candlesticks, representing the Christian Church. The Jewish Church was one, as being the Church of a single people. The Christian Church, though essentially one, is a Church composed of many peoples. It is no longer outwardly one or in one place. According to the literal meaning of the word, lampstand, the several lampstands are bearers of the light (Matthew 5:14, Matthew 5:16), “holding forth the word of life” (Philemon 2:15, Philemon 2:16). The epithet golden, so common in Revelation, indicates the preciousness of all that pertains to the Church of God. Trench observes that throughout the ancient East there was a sense of sacredness attached to this metal, which still, to a great extent, survives. Thus, golden in the Zend Avesta is throughout synonymous with heavenly or divine. Even so late as the time of David gold was not used as a standard of value, but merely as a very precious article of commerce, and was weighed. In the Scriptures it is the symbol of great value, duration, incorruptibility, strength (Isaiah 13:12; Lamentations 4:2; 2 Timothy 2:20; Job 36:19). It is used metaphorically of Christian character (Revelation 3:18). In the Earthly Paradise, Dante describes trees like gold.“A little farther on, seven trees of goldIn semblance the long space still intervening Between ourselves and them did counterfeit.”“Purgatorio,” xxix., 43-45 [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 2:20 mean?

In a great now house not there are only vessels golden and silver but also wooden earthen some indeed unto honor however dishonor
Ἐν μεγάλῃ δὲ οἰκίᾳ οὐκ ἔστιν μόνον σκεύη χρυσᾶ καὶ ἀργυρᾶ ἀλλὰ καὶ ξύλινα ὀστράκινα μὲν εἰς τιμὴν δὲ ἀτιμίαν

μεγάλῃ  a  great 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: μέγας  
Sense: great.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
οἰκίᾳ  house 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: οἰκία  
Sense: a house.
ἔστιν  there  are 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
μόνον  only 
Parse: Adverb
Root: μόνον  
Sense: only, alone, but.
σκεύη  vessels 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: σκεῦος  
Sense: a vessel.
χρυσᾶ  golden 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: χρύσεος 
Sense: golden.
ἀργυρᾶ  silver 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: ἀργύρεος 
Sense: of silver, silvery.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
ξύλινα  wooden 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: ξύλινος  
Sense: wooden, made of wood.
ὀστράκινα  earthen 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: ὀστράκινος  
Sense: earthen, clay.
  some 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
μὲν  indeed 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: μέν  
Sense: truly, certainly, surely, indeed.
εἰς  unto 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
τιμὴν  honor 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: τιμή  
Sense: a valuing by which the price is fixed.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἀτιμίαν  dishonor 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀτιμία  
Sense: dishonour, ignominy, disgrace.