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2 Timothy 3:17

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Timothy 3:17 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
2 Timothy 3:17 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Timothy 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.
15And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16Every scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness.
17That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
← 2 Timothy 3:162 Timothy 4:1 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the man of God may be perfect, etc.] By the man of God may be meant everyone that in a special relation belongs to God; who is chosen by God the Father, redeemed by the Son, and called by the Spirit; but more especially a minister of the Gospel; for as it was usual to call a prophet under the Old Testament by this name, it seems to be transferred from thence to a minister of the New Testament, (see <540611>1 Timothy 6:11) and the design of the Scriptures and the end of writing them are, that both preachers of the word, and hearers of it, might have a perfect knowledge of the will of God; that the former might be a complete minister of the Gospel, and that nothing might be wanting for…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“man of God--(See on Ti1 6:11). perfect, throughly furnished--Greek, "thoroughly perfected," and so "perfect." The man of God is perfectly accoutred out of Scripture for his work, whether he be a minister (compare Ti2 4:2 with Ti2 3:16) or a spiritual layman. No oral tradition is needed to be added. Next: 2 Timothy Chapter 4”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“That the man of God may be perfect - The object is not merely to convince and to convert him; it is to furnish all the instruction needful for his entire perfection. The idea here is, not that any one is absolutely perfect, but that the Scriptures have laid down the way which leads to perfection, and that, if any one were perfect, he would find in the Scriptures all the instruction which he needed in those circumstances. There is no deficiency in the Bible for man, in any of the situations in which he may be placed in life; and the whole tendency of the book is to make him who will put himself fairly under its instructions, absolutely perfect. Thoroughly furnished unto all good works -…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That the man of God - He that is united to and approved of God. May be perfect - Blameless himself, and throughly furnished - By the scripture, either to teach, reprove, correct, or train up others. Next: 2 Timothy Chapter 4”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:17 Paul makes it clear that salvation (3:15) results in godliness (see Gal 1:4; 5:16-26; Eph 2:8-10).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the man: Psa 119:98-100; Ti1 6:11 thoroughly furnished: or, perfected, Ti2 2:21; Neh 2:18; Act 9:36; Co2 9:8; Eph 2:10; Tit 2:14, Tit 3:1; Heb 10:24 Next: 2 Timothy Chapter 4”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification