[B-Greek] 2 Tim 2.15
Stephen Lord
ebyon at sbcglobal.net
Tue Jul 7 09:49:34 EDT 2009
Observation 1:
If we let Scripture interpret Scripture, and allow
Paul to define his own terms, he does not employ the phrase /ton logon
tes aletheias/ ("the word of truth") to mean all of Scripture, or even
just the Old Testament. Rather, Paul explains what he means by that
very phrase in Eph. 1:13, where he defines it as "the gospel of your
salvation" (cf. Col. 1:5). He is not at all referring to a certain set
of holy writings (the meaning of 'scripture') and how they should be
collated.
Observation 2:
The
key verb is /orthotomounta/ [lexical form /orthotomeo/], translated
"rightly dividing" (KJV), "handling aright" (ASV), "rightly handling"
(ESV), "accurately handling" (NASV), "correctly handles" (NIV),
"teaching accurately" (NET). It seems the KJV "dividing" has
contributed to some of the misunderstanding.
The term itself is
rare, occurring only here in the Greek New Testament, and in Prov. 3:6
and 11:5 in the Septuagint.
This is one of those terms where we can readily fall
into the trap of the etymological fallacy when seeking a definition.
Louw
and Nida suggest it means "to give accurate instruction." BAGD suggest
tentatively, "guide the word of truth along a straight path."
Liddell-Scott, to "teach aright." Kittel (TDNT) favors the meaning of
doing the right thing, right action. Reaching back to more dated
lexicons, Thayer preferred "to teach the truth directly and
correctly." Souter, "define according to the norm of the Gospel."
Robinson, "rightly and skillfully teaching it."
Because the word
is only found in Scripture and not in any secular literature of the
era, it is a challenge. Since Paul did not invent the word, but found
it in the Septuagint version of Proverbs, those two passages should
serve as a baseline for our understanding of the term. In each
instance it carries the idea of having a straight path laid out for a
person by that person acknowledging God and being righteous and
blameless (these latter are about behavior).
What
is Timothy supposed to do with the "word of truth," "the gospel of
[our] salvation"? It is possible, given the use of the term elsewhere
in Scripture, that he is to live by it.
Observation 3:
Note
the surrounding context of the passage. Timothy is to entrust the
message to others who will teach it responsibly (2:2). Timothy is not
to get entangled in worldly pursuits and concerns (2:3-7). Timothy is
reminded of the Gospel--Jesus descended from David and risen from the
dead. Timothy is encouraged to die with Christ, endure, remain
faithful and not deny the Lord (2:8-13). Timothy is to remind others
of these truths and charge them not to quarrel over words (2:14).
Timothy is to avoid "irreverent babble" that leads to ungodliness, as
has happened with those "who have swerved [or missed the mark] from the
truth" (2:16, 18). Whatever /orthotomeo/ is, it is the opposite of
what the word quibblers, irreverent babblers, and truth swervers were
doing.
Summary:
1)
Scripture informs us that the "word of truth" is a phrase that refers
to the "gospel of our salvation" (2 Tim. 2:15; Eph. 1:13), not
Scripture in general or as a whole. (See also Col. 1:5.)
2) The key verb,
/orthotomeo/ is used elsewhere in reference to making a straight path
by acknowledging God and living righteous and blameless. In 2 Tim.
2:15 what Timothy is to do in regard to the gospel of our salvation is
contrasted with those like Hymenaeus who are not living or teaching
that gospel. They aren't telling it straight, they have swerved from
the truth.
3)
Instead of abusing or misusing or living contrary to the gospel of our
salvation, as those who get "entangled in civilian pursuits" and
"quarrel about words," and engage in "irreverent babble" thus swerving
from the truth, Timothy is to do just the opposite, keeping the "gospel
of our salvation" straight in both content and conduct.
Respectfully,
Stephen C. Lord
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