2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, confronting false teachers who claim the resurrection has already occurred and are destabilizing believers. He issues this statement to anchor Timothy when confronted with their deviating doctrine.

The words — The Greek phrase στερεὸς θεμέλιος (stereos themelios) literally means “firm foundation.” The text states this foundation bears a seal containing two declarations, one divine and one ethical.

The thread — The declaration “The Lord knows those who are His” aligns with the pattern in John 10:14 and 1 Corinthians 8:3 where God’s knowledge marks ownership, without implying reciprocal human knowledge. The command for everyone calling on the Lord to turn from iniquity functions as a separate moral boundary not echoed in those passages.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to measure their response to false teaching by active separation from iniquity. It directs confidence toward God’s sovereign recognition of His people rather than human doctrinal certainty.

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

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Cross-references

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
1 Corinthians 8:3 But the one who loves God is known by God.
Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.
1 John 3:7 Little children, let no one deceive you: The one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous.
Numbers 16:5 Then he said to Korah and all his followers, “Tomorrow morning the LORD will reveal who belongs to Him and who is holy, and He will bring that person near to Himself. The one He chooses He will bring near to Himself.
John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
Luke 13:27 And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’
Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and worthless principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
Revelation 3:8 I know your deeds. Behold, I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have only a little strength, yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.