2 Timothy 2:7
“Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul asks Timothy to ponder these images, trusting the Lord to grant him understanding in everything.
What Does 2 Timothy 2:7 Mean?
Paul pauses to ask Timothy to think carefully about the three pictures he has given. Yet he does not rely on his own teaching alone; he prays that the Lord will grant Timothy understanding in all things.
This verse beautifully joins human effort and divine gift. Timothy must consider, reflect, and turn the truth over in his mind, and the Lord must give the understanding. Neither replaces the other. We are called to think hard about God's word, and we are dependent on God to illuminate it. For the reader, this is how Scripture is meant to be received: with diligent reflection and humble prayer for insight. We do our part by pondering, and we trust God to do what only He can, opening the mind to grasp His truth.
In the Original Language
noeo (νοέω), 'consider' -- to set the mind on, to think through and grasp with understanding.