Bible Strands
2 Timothy 2:15
Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, sandwiching this command between warnings against word-quarreling (v. 14) and irreverent chatter (v. 16). The charge is practical: handle the text correctly, not performatively.
The words — σποὺδασον (spoudason) opens the verse as a jussive imperative, "do hasten," marking urgency rather than suggestion. δόκιμον (dokimon) means "approved," a term used of tested metal or grain that passes inspection.
The thread — 1 Thessalonians 2:4 speaks of being "approved by God" to be entrusted with the gospel; 1 Timothy 4:6 calls the one who points out these things a "good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith."
Why it lands — The standard is not eloquence, popularity, or doctrinal novelty but accuracy before God. A reader is asked to treat Scripture as a material to be handled with skill, not a script to be performed.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Cross-references
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
- 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,
- 1 Timothy 4:6 By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.
- 2 Corinthians 10:18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
- 2 Corinthians 5:9 So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.
- 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
- Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
- 2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
- 2 Peter 1:15 And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.