2 Timothy 2:26 Meaning and Explanation
“And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The hope is that opponents may come to their senses and escape the devil's trap that has held them captive.
What Does 2 Timothy 2:26 Mean?
Paul names the deeper hope behind gentle correction: that those who oppose the truth may come to their senses and escape the devil's snare, freed from a captivity that has held them at his will.
Here is a sobering and compassionate view of those caught in error. They are not merely wrong but ensnared, taken captive, in need of rescue. This explains the gentleness urged earlier; one does not rage at a captive but seeks their freedom. The goal is recovery, a coming to one's senses and a breaking free into the truth of Christ. For the reader, this verse stirs compassion rather than contempt for those in bondage to falsehood. It reminds us that real freedom is found only in the truth, and it calls us to long and labor for the deliverance of those still held captive.
2 Timothy 2:26 in the Original Language
pagis (παγίς), 'snare' -- a hidden trap or net set to catch prey unawares.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Timothy 2:26
What does 2 Timothy 2:26 mean?
The hope is that opponents may come to their senses and escape the devil's trap that has held them captive.