| Holman Christian Standard Bible | NET Bible |
| 1You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | 1So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
| 2And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. | 2And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well. |
| 3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | 3Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
| 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life; he seeks to please the recruiter. | 4No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please the one who recruited him. |
| 5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. | 5Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he will not be crowned as the winner unless he competes according to the rules. |
| 6The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to get a share of the crops. | 6The farmer who works hard ought to have the first share of the crops. |
| 7Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. | 7Think about what I am saying and the Lord will give you understanding of all this. |
| 8Keep your attention on Jesus Christ as risen from the dead and descended from David. This is according to my gospel. | 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, |
| 9I suffer for it to the point of being bound like a criminal, but God's message is not bound. | 9for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned! |
| 10This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. | 10So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory. |
| 11This saying is trustworthy: For if we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; | 11This saying is trustworthy: If we died with him, we will also live with him. |
| 12if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He will also deny us; | 12If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us. |
| 13if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. | 13If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself. |
| 14Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers. | 14Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen. |
| 15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth. | 15Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately. |
| 16But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness. | 16But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, |
| 17And their word will spread like gangrene; Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them. | 17and their message will spread its infection like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. |
| 18They have deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and are overturning the faith of some. | 18They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people's faith. |
| 19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and Everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness. | 19However, God's solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil." |
| 20Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. | 20Now in a wealthy home there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also ones made of wood and of clay, and some are for honorable use, but others for ignoble use. |
| 21So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. | 21So if someone cleanses himself of such behavior, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart, useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. |
| 22Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. | 22But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others who call on the Lord from a pure heart. |
| 23But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. | 23But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting. |
| 24The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, | 24And the Lord's slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, |
| 25instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. | 25correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth |
| 26Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil's trap, having been captured by him to do his will. | 26and they will come to their senses and escape the devil's trap where they are held captive to do his will. |
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