New King James Version | New International Version |
1You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. | 1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. |
2And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. | 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. |
3You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. | 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. |
4No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. | 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. |
5And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. | 5Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor's crown except by competing according to the rules. |
6The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. | 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. |
7Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. | 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. |
8Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, | 8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, |
9for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. | 9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained. |
10Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. | 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. |
11This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. | 11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; |
12If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. | 12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; |
13If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. | 13if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. |
14Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. | 14Keep reminding God's people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. |
15Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. | 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. |
16But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. | 16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. |
17And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, | 17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, |
18who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. | 18who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. |
19Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” | 19Nevertheless, God's solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness." |
20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. | 20In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. |
21Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. | 21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. |
22Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. | 22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. |
23But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. | 23Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. |
24And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, | 24And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. |
25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, | 25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, |
26and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. | 26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. |
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
|