2 Timothy 2:25 Meaning and Explanation
“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →With gentleness the Lord's servant corrects opponents, hoping God may grant them repentance and knowledge of the truth.
What Does 2 Timothy 2:25 Mean?
Continuing the portrait, Paul says the Lord's servant corrects opponents with meekness, in the hope that God might grant them repentance leading to a true knowledge of the truth.
Even those who set themselves against the truth are to be approached gently, not crushed. The aim is not to defeat them but to win them, trusting that God may grant them a change of heart. Repentance itself is named as God's gift to give. This keeps the servant humble and hopeful, dependent on God to do the deep work no argument can accomplish. For the reader, this reshapes how we treat those who disagree or oppose. We instruct gently and leave the results to God, longing for their restoration rather than their defeat, knowing that only He can turn a heart toward the truth.
2 Timothy 2:25 in the Original Language
metanoia (μετάνοια), 'repentance' -- a change of mind and heart that turns a person around toward God.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Timothy 2:25
What does 2 Timothy 2:25 mean?
With gentleness the Lord's servant corrects opponents, hoping God may grant them repentance and knowledge of the truth.