1 Therefore you, my child, be strengthened in the grace {chariti: divine favor} that is in Christ Jesus {Christos Iesous, Redeeming Lord}.
2 And the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful {pistos: reliable} men who will also be able to teach {didaxai: give instruction} others.
3 Suffer together {sygkakopatheson: endure hardship jointly} as a good soldier of Christ Jesus {Christos Iesous, Supreme Commander}.
4 No one serving as a soldier {strateuomenos: active service} becomes entangled in the affairs {pragmateiais: civilian business} of life, in order that he may please the one who enlisted him.
5 But even if someone competes {athle: athletic competition}, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully {nomimos: by set rules}.
6 The hard-working farmer {kopionta: persevering labor} must be the first to partake of the fruits {karpon: earned produce}.
7 Understand what I say; for the Lord {Kyrios, Giver of Insight} will give you understanding {synesin: deep spiritual discernment} in all things.
8 Remember Jesus Christ {Iesous Christos, Risen Davidic King}, having been raised from the dead, from the seed of David, according to my gospel {euangelion: saving proclamation}.
9 In which I suffer hardship up to chains, as a criminal {kakourgos: condemned offender}, but the word of God {Theos, Unbound Speaker} has not been bound.
10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus {Christos Iesous, Saving Messiah} with eternal glory {doxa: resplendent honor}.
11 The saying is faithful {pistos: completely reliable}: For if we have died with Him {Christos, Shared Death Bearer}, we will also live with Him.
12 If we endure, then we will also reign together with Him {Christos, Faithful King}. If we deny Him, then He will also deny us {arnesetai: reject our claim}.
13 If we are faithless, He {Theos, Unchangingly Faithful} remains faithful, for He is not able to deny {arnesasthai: act against} Himself.
14 Keep reminding them of these things, solemnly testifying before the Lord {Kyrios, Solemn Witness} not to quarrel about words, which is useful for nothing but is for the ruin {katastrophe: destructive downfall} of those who hear.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God {Theos, Righteous Approver}, a worker unashamed {anepaischynton: free from disgrace}, rightly handling the word of the truth.
16 But avoid profane {bebelos: not sacred or reverent} empty talk, for they will advance to greater ungodliness {asebeia: lack of honor toward God}.
17 And their word {logos: corrupt teaching} will spread {nomen: harmful advance} like gangrene; among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus.
18 These are the ones who, concerning the truth, have missed the mark {estochesan: doctrinal deviation} by saying that the resurrection has already happened, and are overturning the faith {pistin: gospel trust} of some.
19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God {Theos, Sure Foundation} stands, having this seal: “The Lord {Kyrios, All-Knowing Judge} has known those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”
20 In a large house, there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also vessels of wood and of clay—some for honor {timen: high esteem}, and some for dishonor {atimian: public shame}.
21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel {skeuos: dedicated instrument} for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master {despotes, Holy Owner}, prepared for every good work.
22 But flee youthful desires {epithymia: strong inner impulses}, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call upon the Lord {Kyrios, Recipient Of Prayer} from a pure heart.
23 But avoid the foolish {moras: lacking wisdom} and untrained questions, knowing that they produce quarrels {machas: heated disputes}.
24 But the servant of the Lord {Kyrios, Guiding Master} must not quarrel, but must be gentle toward everyone, able to teach {didaktikos: skilled in instruction}, and patiently enduring.
25 In gentleness, instructing those who oppose, so that God {Theos, Sovereign Giver} might perhaps grant them repentance {metanoia: inner turning} leading to the knowledge of the truth.
26 And they might come to their senses out of the snare of the devil {diabolos: slanderous adversary}, having been captured alive by him to do his will {thelema: intention or desire}.