1 ¶ Thou, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 A nd the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

3 T hou, therefore, work hard as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 N o man that wars entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.

No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

5 A nd also if anyone contends in public contest, he is not crowned, except he contends legitimately.

Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

6 T he husbandman, in order to receive the fruits, must first work hard.

The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.

7 U nderstand what I say, that the Lord shall give thee understanding in all things.

Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

8 ¶ Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead, according to my gospel,

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the offspring of David, according to my Good News,

9 i n which I suffer trouble, like unto an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.

10 T herefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they may also obtain the saving health which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 T his is a faithful word: That if we are dead with him, we shall also live with him;

This saying is trustworthy: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him.

12 i f we suffer, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;

If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.

13 i f we are unfaithful, yet he remains faithful; he cannot deny himself.

If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

14 ¶ Counsel these things, charging them before the Lord. Strive not in words that profit nothing, but rather subvert the hearers.

Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.

15 S tudy to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that has nothing to be ashamed of, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

16 B ut avoid profane and vain wordiness, for it will develop into ungodliness.

But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,

17 A nd that word will eat away as gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 w ho have erred from the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past and have overthrown the faith of some.

men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 ¶ Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, The Lord knows those that are his. And, Let every one that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

20 B ut in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay, and likewise some to honour, and some to dishonour.

Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.

21 I f a man, therefore, purges himself from these things, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and profitable for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.

22 ¶ Flee also youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with those that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 B ut foolish and unwise questions refuse, knowing that they do beget contentions.

But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

24 T hat the slave of the Lord should not be contentious, but be meek unto everyone, apt to teach, patient,

The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,

25 t hat with meekness they might teach those that resist, if God peradventure will grant unto them that they might repent and know the truth,

in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,

26 a nd that they may become converted out of the snare of the devil, in which they are captive to do his will.

and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.