2:15a

Make every effort: Make every effort is an English phrase that translates one Greek verb. It means, “to work hard,” “to try hard,” or “to put the most effort that you can into your work.”

to present yourself…to God: The verb to present means “to show” or “to stand before.”

The text does not indicate whether Paul was instructing Timothy concerning “presenting” himself to God in the present time or the future. Some scholars think this verse refers to the future judgment day when people will stand before God. Others think this refers to Timothy daily presenting himself to God. It is best to leave the time vague.

approved to God: The word approved is an adjective in Greek. It means, “accepted after successfully passing a trial or examination.” God is the one who examines how a person represents him and teaches his word. Timothy must live and teach in the ways he knew that God approved. Then he will be an approved workman of God.

As mentioned above regarding the words “present yourself,” we do not know if Paul is speaking of the past, the present or the future. It may be that God had (already) approved of Timothy as his servant or “workman.” On the other hand, the New Century Version uses the future: “give yourself to God as the kind of person he will accept.” If possible, do not be specific about the time. One possibility is to say:

Present yourself to God in such a way that he can approve you.

2:15b

an unashamed workman: This part of the verse describes someone of whom God approves. In some languages, it may be best to follow the example of the New Living Translation (2004 Revision) and start a new sentence here.

Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed

workman: The word in the Greek text that the Berean Standard Bible translates as workman can refer to a person who does general physical work, such as carrying things or digging. But it can also refer to a person whose work requires special skill. Paul here compared Timothy and the way he was working for the Lord to a craftsman who worked well so that he was not ashamed of what he had done.

2:15c

who accurately handles the word of truth: This part of the verse also describes someone of whom God approves. Here Paul again mentioned the second theme of his letter to Timothy: the message about the good news is a special thing that God has entrusted to his people. Those who teach the word of God must never mix erroneous teaching with it.

accurately handles the word of truth: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as accurately handles literally means “to cut straight.” This word further develops the image of a worker in 2:15b. A worker who is not ashamed is one who skillfully uses his tools. Here the “tool” that a Christian worker must correctly handle is the word of truth. Used figuratively, this word refers to “correct teaching.” You have several options for translating this word.

• Keep the figure of speech of a worker and translate it “correctly handles” (New International Version (2011 Revision)) or “accurately handles” (Berean Standard Bible and New American Standard Bible). See also Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English.

• Replace the figure of speech with the direct meaning and translate it “correctly teach” (Good News Translation) or “correctly explain” (New Living Translation (2004 Revision)). See also the New Century Version.

word of truth: This phrase means the same as the “word of God” or the “gospel.”

© 2003 by SIL International®

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.