2 Timothy study section

2 Timothy word studies

A handful of Greek words carry the theology of 2 Timothy. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.

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Key words

θεόπνευστος (theopneustos): “Breathed Out by God, God-Breathed”

Usage: 2 Timothy 3:16

Meaning: God-breathed, inspired by God. A compound of theos (God) and pneō (to breathe). “All Scripture is theopneustos.”

Theological Significance: Scripture originates in the very breath of God, making it fully authoritative and profitable to equip God’s servant “for every good work.” This is the Bible’s foundational claim about itself (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21).

γραφή (graphē): “Scripture, Writing”

Usage: 2 Timothy 3:15-16

Meaning: A writing; used especially of the sacred Scriptures.

Theological Significance: The graphē is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” God’s written word leads to Christ and equips His people; it is the sure ground amid deception and the servant’s constant resource (2 Timothy 3:15; John 5:39; Romans 15:4).

κηρύσσω (kēryssō): “To Preach, Proclaim”

Usage: 2 Timothy 4:2

Meaning: To proclaim as a herald, to preach publicly and authoritatively. “Preach the word.”

Theological Significance: The central charge of the letter is to kēryssō the word, the authoritative proclamation of God’s message, “in season and out of season.” Faithful preaching is the heart of gospel ministry in every age (2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:14-15).

ὑπομονή (hypomonē): “Endurance, Steadfastness”

Usage: 2 Timothy 2:10, 12; 3:10

Meaning: Endurance, steadfastness, patient perseverance under trial.

Theological Significance: Hypomonē marks the faithful servant, who endures hardship “for the sake of the elect” and reigns with Christ who endures. Perseverance amid suffering is the path to the crown, sustained by grace (2 Timothy 2:10-12; Romans 5:3-4; James 1:12).

στέφανος (stephanos): “Crown”

Usage: 2 Timothy 4:8

Meaning: A crown or wreath, especially the victor’s garland awarded to the winner of a contest.

Theological Significance: The stephanos of righteousness awaits those who finish faithfully and “have loved his appearing.” Christ the righteous Judge rewards His faithful people with the crown of life and glory that never fades (2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4).

My notes