2 Timothy 3:15

Modern

From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Traditional

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Literal

…and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Latin

…et quia ab infantia sacras litteras nosti, quæ te possunt instruere ad salutem, per fidem quæ est in Christo Jesu.

Greek

English

From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

From childhood, Timothy's Jewish grandmother and mother, Lois and Eunice, taught him the Old Testament Scriptures (see Acts 16:1–3; see 2 Timothy 1:5). Their lives reinforced their teachings.
the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise … in Christ Jesus: The Old Testament Scriptures give people the wisdom to receive Christ. At the same time, understanding Jesus Christ is necessary to fully understand the Old Testament Scriptures.

Timothy must remain focused during the difficult times ahead.

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 119:98–99
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me.
Luke 24:45
Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
2 Peter 1:20–21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation.
Matthew 22:29
Jesus answered, “You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
Luke 24:27
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.
2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.
John 5:39–40
You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,
Luke 2:40
And the Child grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him.
Psalm 19:7
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
Proverbs 8:17
I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world