2 Timothy 2:15

The context

Second Timothy is presented as Paul's last letter, written to a coworker facing opposition and the prospect of Paul's death. Chapter 2 uses three images in succession — soldier, athlete, farmer — then warns against quarreling about words. Verse 15 is a charge set among those warnings, and verse 16 turns to avoid profane chatter.

What it establishes

The charge is to diligence and to a manner of handling the message that needs no shame. The worker is approved by God rather than by a community's verdict, and the handling of the word is the test named.

What it does not establish

The key word is rare and its metaphor uncertain. It suggests cutting straight, or driving a straight road, and translations vary between "rightly handling" and "correctly teaching." The verse does not prescribe a method of interpretation, and it does not say who certifies the approval.

Short note, first pass, October 2026. Corrections welcome.

Cited in these answers

• How can anyone legitimately say that their interpretation is more accurate than others?

Part of Scripture, Opened — the exegetical layer behind every citation on this site. Scripture quotations are from the ESV.