2 Timothy 3:17 Meaning and Explanation
“That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God-breathed Scripture has a purpose: to make us whole and fully equipped for every good work.
The Context of 2 Timothy 3:17
This verse finishes the thought begun in verse 16, where Paul told Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. Here he names the goal of all that teaching and correcting.
What Does 2 Timothy 3:17 Mean?
Paul has just said Scripture teaches, corrects, and trains us. Now he tells us what it is all for. The word 'perfect' here points to being complete rather than flawless, finished and fit for purpose, like a tool with nothing missing. 'Throughly furnished' is one rich Greek word picturing someone fully outfitted, equipped down to the last item for the task ahead. The aim of God's word working in us is a whole person, ready and supplied 'unto all good works.'
The picture is hopeful. God does not leave His people half-formed or under-supplied. Through His word He completes us and hands us everything we need for the good He has prepared for us to do. And the 'good works' flow from a life He has shaped, the kind of fruit that grows naturally on a branch joined to Christ the vine (John 15:5). The God who breathed the Scriptures means to make us whole and useful in His hands.
2 Timothy 3:17 in the Original Language
exartizo (ἐξαρτίζω), 'throughly furnished' -- fully equipped, completely outfitted, supplied for every need.
How to Apply 2 Timothy 3:17 Today
We can come to Scripture to learn and also to be made whole and fully equipped for the good God has for us to do. He supplies what we lack, so the good works ahead grow out of a life He is completing, joined to Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Timothy 3:17
What does 2 Timothy 3:17 mean?
God-breathed Scripture has a purpose: to make us whole and fully equipped for every good work.
What is the context of 2 Timothy 3:17?
This verse finishes the thought begun in verse 16, where Paul told Timothy that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. Here he names the goal of all that teaching and correcting.
How can I apply 2 Timothy 3:17 today?
We can come to Scripture to learn and also to be made whole and fully equipped for the good God has for us to do. He supplies what we lack, so the good works ahead grow out of a life He is completing, joined to Christ.