1 T hou, therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that in Christ Jesus,

So you, my son, be strong in the loving-favor of Christ Jesus.

2 a nd the things that thou didst hear from me through many witnesses, these things be committing to stedfast men, who shall be sufficient also others to teach;

What you have heard me say in front of many people, you must teach to faithful men. Then they will be able to teach others also.

3 t hou, therefore, suffer evil as a good soldier of Jesus Christ;

Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

4 n o one serving as a soldier did entangle himself with the affairs of life, that him who did enlist him he may please;

No soldier fighting in a war can take time to make a living. He must please the one who made him a soldier.

5 a nd if also any one may strive, he is not crowned, except he may strive lawfully;

Anyone who runs in a race must follow the rules to get the crown.

6 t he labouring husbandman it behoveth first of the fruits to partake;

A hard-working farmer should receive first some of what he gathers from the field.

7 b e considering what things I say, for the Lord give to thee understanding in all things.

Think about these things and the Lord will help you understand them.

8 R emember Jesus Christ, raised out of the dead, of the seed of David, according to my good news,

Remember this! Jesus Christ, Who was born from the early family of David, was raised from the dead! This is the Good News I preach.

9 i n which I suffer evil -- unto bonds, as an evil-doer, but the word of God hath not been bound;

I suffer much and am in prison as one who has done something very bad. I am in chains, but the Word of God is not chained.

10 b ecause of this all things do I endure, because of the choice ones, that they also salvation may obtain that in Christ Jesus, with glory age-during.

I suffer all things so the people that God has chosen can be saved from the punishment of their sin through Jesus Christ. Then they will have God’s shining-greatness that lasts forever.

11 S tedfast the word: For if we died together -- we also shall live together;

These things are true. If we die with Him, we will live with Him also.

12 i f we do endure together -- we shall also reign together; if we deny, he also shall deny us;

If we suffer and stay true to Him, then we will be a leader with Him. If we say we do not know Him, He will say He does not know us.

13 i f we are not stedfast, he remaineth stedfast; to deny himself he is not able.

If we have no faith, He will still be faithful for He cannot go against what He is. Foolish Talk

14 T hese things remind of, testifying fully before the Lord -- not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;

Tell your people about these things again. In the name of the Lord, tell them not to argue over words that are not important. It helps no one and it hurts the faith of those who are listening.

15 b e diligent to present thyself approved to God -- a workman irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of the truth;

Do your best to know that God is pleased with you. Be as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Teach the words of truth in the right way.

16 a nd the profane vain talkings stand aloof from, for to more impiety they will advance,

Do not listen to foolish talk about things that mean nothing. It only leads people farther away from God.

17 a nd their word as a gangrene will have pasture, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus,

Such talk will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are like this.

18 w ho concerning the truth did swerve, saying the rising again to have already been, and do overthrow the faith of some;

They have turned from the truth. They say the dead have already been raised. The faith of some people has been made weak because of such foolish talk.

19 s ure, nevertheless, hath the foundation of God stood, having this seal, `The Lord hath known those who are His,' and `Let him depart from unrighteousness -- every one who is naming the name of Christ.'

But the truth of God cannot be changed. It says, “The Lord knows those who are His.” And, “Everyone who says he is a Christian must turn away from sin!”

20 A nd in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some to honour, and some to dishonour:

In a big house there are not only things made of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are of more use than others. Some are used every day.

21 i f, then, any one may cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel to honour, sanctified and profitable to the master -- to every good work having been prepared,

If a man lives a clean life, he will be like a dish made of gold. He will be respected and set apart for good use by the owner of the house.

22 a nd the youthful lusts flee thou, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those calling upon the Lord out of a pure heart;

Turn away from the sinful things young people want to do. Go after what is right. Have a desire for faith and love and peace. Do this with those who pray to God from a clean heart.

23 a nd the foolish and uninstructed questions be avoiding, having known that they beget strife,

Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble.

24 a nd a servant of the Lord it behoveth not to strive, but to be gentle unto all, apt to teach, patient under evil,

A servant owned by God must not make trouble. He must be kind to everyone. He must be able to teach. He must be willing to suffer when hurt for doing good.

25 i n meekness instructing those opposing -- if perhaps God may give to them repentance to an acknowledging of the truth,

Be gentle when you try to teach those who are against what you say. God may change their hearts so they will turn to the truth.

26 a nd they may awake out of the devil's snare, having been caught by him at his will.

Then they will know they had been held in a trap by the devil to do what he wanted them to do. But now they are able to get out of it.