2 Timothy 2:15 “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed wo…”

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

Other translations

King James Version

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

World English Bible

Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

American Standard Version

Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

Geneva Bible 1599

Studie to shewe thy selfe approued vnto God, a workeman that needeth not to be ashamed, diuiding the worde of trueth aright.

Darby Translation

Strive diligently to present thyself approved to God, a workman that has not to be ashamed, cutting in a straight line the word of truth.

Young's Literal Translation

be diligent to present thyself approved to God — a workman irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of the truth;

Bible in Basic English

Let it be your care to get the approval of God, as a workman who has no cause for shame, giving the true word in the right way.

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Cross references

“Study”

2 Peter 1:10 2 Peter 3:14 2 Peter 1:15 Hebrews 4:11

2 Peter 1:10 · BSB

Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,

2 Peter 3:14 · BSB

Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight.

2 Peter 1:15 · BSB

And I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times.

Hebrews 4:11 · BSB

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.

“approved”

1 Thessalonians 2:4 2 Corinthians 10:18 2 Corinthians 5:9 Galatians 1:10 Romans 14:18 Acts 2:22

1 Thessalonians 2:4 · BSB

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 Corinthians 10:18 · BSB

For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 5:9 · BSB

So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it.

Galatians 1:10 · BSB

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.

Romans 14:18 · BSB

For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

Acts 2:22 · BSB

Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know.

“a workman”

1 Timothy 4:6 1 Timothy 4:12–16 2 Corinthians 3:6 Matthew 13:52 2 Corinthians 6:3 2 Corinthians 6:4

1 Timothy 4:6 · BSB

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.

1 Timothy 4:12–16 · BSB

Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

2 Corinthians 3:6 · BSB

And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Matthew 13:52 · BSB

Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

2 Corinthians 6:3 · BSB

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.

2 Corinthians 6:4 · BSB

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;

“rightly”

2 Corinthians 4:2 Hebrews 5:11–14 1 Thessalonians 5:14 1 Corinthians 2:6 Luke 12:42 Acts 20:27

2 Corinthians 4:2 · BSB

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…

Hebrews 5:11–14 · BSB

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 · BSB

And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

1 Corinthians 2:6 · BSB

Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

Luke 12:42 · BSB

And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?

Acts 20:27 · BSB

For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God.

Also

Ephesians 1:13 James 1:18

Ephesians 1:13 · BSB

And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

James 1:18 · BSB

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

16But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,

Read 2 Timothy 2