OET interlinear 2 TIM 2:26

2:26a

Then: The word Then introduces the second reason why Paul said that a servant of the Lord must “gently reprove” (2:25a).

He must gently reprove those who oppose him in the hope that

Reason 1: God may grant them repentance… (2:25b)

and in the hope that

Reason 2: they will come to their senses… (2:26a)

You should try to show how 2:26a is connected to 2:25b. Some English versions use the word "and” (NIV, RSV, NASB, NCV). Other versions make the connection more explicit with the word “Then” (BSB, NLT, GW). The GNT uses both words: “And then….”

It may be necessary to repeat the verb “will gently reprove” from 2:25a.

they will come to their senses and escape: This clause uses figurative language. It describes the next step a person who has believed wrong doctrine takes as he is restored to true faith.

The Greek text that the BSB translates as they will come to their senses and escape is a single verb in Greek. The verb literally means “to come to one’s senses,” or “to start thinking correctly again (after being deceived).” Scholars do not agree about whether to express this using two verbs or one:

1. Most English versions use two verbs and believe that the verb “escape” is implicit: People who oppose the true teachings of Christ are like people who have been deceived and can no longer think clearly, and they are like people who are caught in a trap. For example, GNT says,

   And then they will come to their senses and escape…. See also BSB, NIV, NJB, NLT, GW, NET, REB, NASB.

2. Other English versions use a single verb. People who oppose the true teachings of Christ are like people who are caught in a trap. For example, the RSV says,

   and they may escape…. See also CEV and KJV.

It is recommended that you follow option (1) and the majority of versions and use two verbs.

This is the only place in the New Testament where this verb occurs. To “come to one’s senses” is an idiom in English, so avoid translating it literally unless you have the same idiom in your language. If not, use a word or phrase that describes someone who recovers from being unable to think clearly.

escape the snare of the devil: The word escape is not in the Greek text, but it is clearly implied in the phrase. Paul was thinking about the way an animal gets caught in a trap and cannot get free. In a similar way, the devil has tricked the person into rejecting the truth and believing what is false. It is as though that person is an animal in a trap, but the trap is one that the devil has set. However, when a person “repents” (by accepting the truth of God’s word), he becomes free from the devil’s power. He is like an animal that has escaped from a trap and he can think clearly again and be able to recognize what is true and what is false.

If your language does not have a similar figure of speech, you can say something like:

…escape from the power/control of the devil.

devil: The devil is the chief of all evil spirits. The name of the devil is Satan. See devil in the Glossary.

2:26b

taken them captive to his will: Satan’s purpose for capturing men and women is to make them do what he wants. Satan influences people to reject God’s true message and believe his false message.