| 1 So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | 1 And as for you, my son, be strengthened by the grace which is in Christ Jesus, |
| 2 And what you heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will have the ability to teach others as well. | 2 and by the things which you have heard from me through many witnesses. These things encourage faithful men, who shall then be suitable to teach others also. |
| 3 Bear your share of hardship along with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | 3 Labor like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
| 4 To satisfy the one who recruited him, a soldier does not become entangled in the business affairs of life. | 4 No man, acting as a soldier for God, entangles himself in worldly matters, so that he may be pleasing to him for whom he has proven himself. |
| 5 Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner's crown except by competing according to the rules. | 5 Then, too, whoever strives in a competition is not crowned, unless he has competed lawfully. |
| 6 The hardworking farmer ought to have the first share of the crop. | 6 The farmer who labors ought to be the first to share in the produce. |
| 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. | 7 Understand what I am saying. For the Lord will give you understanding in all things. |
| 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, | 8 Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the offspring of David, has risen again from the dead, according to my Gospel. |
| 9 for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. | 9 I labor in this Gospel, even while chained like an evildoer. But the Word of God is not bound. |
| 10 Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. | 10 I endure all things for this reason: for the sake of the elect, so that they, too, may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory. |
| 11 This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; | 11 It is a faithful saying: that if we have died with him, we will also live with him. |
| 12 if we persevere we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him he will deny us. | 12 If we suffer, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. |
| 13 If we are unfaithful he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself. | 13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful: he is not able to deny himself. |
| 14 Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen. | 14 Insist on these things, testifying before the Lord. Do not be contentious about words, for this is useful for nothing but the subversion of listeners. |
| 15 Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation. | 15 Be solicitous in the task of presenting yourself before God as a proven and unashamed worker who has handled the Word of Truth correctly. |
| 16 Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless, | 16 But avoid profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety. |
| 17 and their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, | 17 And their word spreads like a cancer: among these are Hymenaeus and Philetus, |
| 18 who have deviated from the truth by saying that (the) resurrection has already taken place and are upsetting the faith of some. | 18 who have fallen away from the truth by saying that the resurrection is already complete. And so they have subverted the faith of certain persons. |
| 19 Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, "The Lord knows those who are his"; and, "Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil." | 19 But the firm foundation of God remains standing, having this seal: the Lord knows those who are his own, and all who know the name of the Lord depart from iniquity. |
| 20 In a large household there are vessels not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for lofty and others for humble use. | 20 But, in a large house, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also those of wood and of clay; and certainly some are held in honor, but others in dishonor. |
| 21 If anyone cleanses himself of these things, he will be a vessel for lofty use, dedicated, beneficial to the master of the house, ready for every good work. | 21 If anyone, then, will have cleansed himself from these things, he shall be a vessel held in honor, sanctified and useful to the Lord, prepared for every good work. |
| 22 So turn from youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith,love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with purity of heart. | 22 So then, flee from the desires of your youth, yet truly, pursue justice, faith, hope, charity, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart. |
| 23 Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels. | 23 But avoid foolish and undisciplined questions, for you know that these produce strife. |
| 24 A slave of the Lord should not quarrel, but should be gentle with everyone, able to teach, tolerant, | 24 For the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but instead he must be meek toward everyone, teachable, patient, |
| 25 correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth, | 25 correcting with self-restraint those who resist the truth. For at any time God may give them repentance, so as to recognize the truth, |
| 26 and that they may return to their senses out of the devil's snare, where they are entrapped by him, for his will. | 26 and then they may recover from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will. |