New International Version NIV
New Century Version NCV
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
1
You then, Timothy, my child, be strong in the grace we have in Christ Jesus.
2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.
2
You should teach people whom you can trust the things you and many others have heard me say. Then they will be able to teach others.
3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
3
Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
4
A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in the army wastes time with everyday matters.
5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
5
Also an athlete who takes part in a contest must obey all the rules in order to win.
6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
6
The farmer who works hard should be the first person to get some of the food that was grown.
7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
7
Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you the ability to understand everything.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,
8
Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, who is from the family of David. This is the Good News I preach,
9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
9
and I am suffering because of it to the point of being bound with chains like a criminal. But God's teaching is not in chains.
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
10
So I patiently accept all these troubles so that those whom God has chosen can have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. With that salvation comes glory that never ends.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;
11
This teaching is true: If we died with him, we will also live with him.
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
12
If we accept suffering, we will also rule with him. If we refuse to accept him, he will refuse to accept us.
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
13
If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful, because he cannot be false to himself.
14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
14
Continue teaching these things, warning people in God's presence not to argue about words. It does not help anyone, and it ruins those who listen.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
15
Make every effort to give yourself to God as the kind of person he will accept. Be a worker who is not ashamed and who uses the true teaching in the right way.
16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
16
Stay away from foolish, useless talk, because that will lead people further away from God.
17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
17
Their evil teaching will spread like a sickness inside the body. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like that.
18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.
18
They have left the true teaching, saying that the rising from the dead has already taken place, and so they are destroying the faith of some people.
19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
19
But God's strong foundation continues to stand. These words are written on the seal: "The Lord knows those who belong to him," and "Everyone who wants to belong to the Lord must stop doing wrong."
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use.
20
In a large house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also things made of wood and clay. Some things are used for special purposes, and others are made for ordinary jobs.
21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
21
All who make themselves clean from evil will be used for special purposes. They will be made holy, useful to the Master, ready to do any good work.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
22
But run away from the evil young people like to do. Try hard to live right and to have faith, love, and peace, together with those who trust in the Lord from pure hearts.
23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
23
Stay away from foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they grow into quarrels.
24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
24
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, a good teacher, and patient.
25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,
25
The Lord's servant must gently teach those who disagree. Then maybe God will let them change their minds so they can accept the truth.
26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
26
And they may wake up and escape from the trap of the devil, who catches them to do what he wants.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.