2 Timothy

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Note: The Readers’ Version on the left is a translation into contemporary English aimed at the person on the street who hasn’t necessarily been brought up with exposure to Biblical jargon and/or 500-year old English. It’s designed to be used alongside the Literal Version on the right which gives the English reader a window into what’s actually written in the original languages. (See the introduction for more details—we recommend that you read the introduction first if you’re wanting to fully understand the Literal Version.) By comparing the left and right columns, you should be able to easily get the message of the text, while at the same time keeping an eye on what it was actually translated from.

Note that greyed words in the RV are words that the translators consider were most probably in the mind of the writer, but as none of us can double-check with the original speakers or writers, the reader is free to disagree. They are clearly marked because we’ve tried to be as honest and transparent as possible.

The lighter coloured words in the LV are words which aren’t needed in the grammar of the original languages but are required or implied in English. You can read the Key to learn more about them. The underlines joining words in the LV show when one original language word needs to be translated into two or more English words. (Just hide them with the button if you don’t need that information and find it distracting.) Also, the majority of sentences in the LV don’t have the words put into a sensible English order yet. (This should be completed by the end of 2023.)

The bold words in the OET New Testament are words that the original writers or copyists marked to indicate that they considered them to refer to God. (Sadly, this information is not displayed in most Bible translations, especially since it seems to confirm that the earliest writers/copyists considered both Jesus and the Holy Spirit to be God.)

This is still a very early look into the unfinished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.

It is our prayer that the Open English Translation of the Bible will give you a clear understanding of the accounts and messages written by the God-inspired Biblical writers.

Readers’ Version

Literal Version

Greetings from Paul

Salutation

1 This letter is from Paul, a missionary of Yeshua the messiah according to God’s will and with the promise of life in Yeshua the messiah. 2 It’s written to my dear child, Timothy.[ref] May you experience grace, mercy, and peace from God the father and our master Yeshua the messiah.

1  Paulos, an_ambassador of_chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa), by the_will of_god, according_to promise of_life which in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous, 2 to_Timotheos beloved child: grace, mercy, peace, from god the_father and chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous the master of_us.

1:3 Advice and encouragement

Encouragement to Be Faithful

Thanksgiving and Encouragement

3 I’ve been serving God with a clean conscience since my childhood and I’m thankful to him that night and day I haven’t stopped praying for you—4 remembering your tears and longing to see you again, which will fill me with happiness. 5 I recall your faith without hypocrisy, which I first noticed in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice[ref], and which I’m sure is also in you.

The gospel of Jesus Christ

6 So that’s why I’m reminding you to rekindle God’s gift which you received when I placed my hands on you and prayed for you, 7 because God didn’t give us a fearful spirit, but gave us power, love, and wisdom.

8 So because of that, don’t be ashamed of our master’s testimony, and nor of mine, even though I’m a prisoner for him, but let the two of us suffer together for the sake of the good message with the help of God’s power. 9 It’s God that saved us and called us to live a godly life. His selection of us had nothing to do with anything good we might have done, but rather he has his own purposes and had given us grace via Yeshua the messiah even before time began. 10 That grace has been revealed now that our saviour Yeshua the messiah appeared and obliterated death, while at the same time illuminating life and immortality through the good message 11 that I was appointed[ref] to proclaim, as well as being a missionary and teacher.

12 It’s for that cause that I’m suffering here in prison, but I’m not ashamed, because I know who it is that I trust, and I’m convinced that he’s powerful enough to guard my deposit of hope in him until the end of this age. 13 The style of sound messages that you heard from me, you need to retain in faith in Yeshua the messiah, and with your love for him. 14 Keep that good deposit with the help of the holy spirit who lives in us.

15 You’ve already heard that those in Asia Minor all turned their backs on me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the master show mercy to Onesiforus and his family, because he often cheered me up and he wasn’t ashamed of my chains. 17 When he came to Rome he actively searched for me and found me. 18 May the master help him find mercy from Yahweh on the judgement day, but anyway, you well know how much *Onesiforus helped us in Ephesus.

3 I_am_having thankfulness to_ the _god, unto_whom I_am_serving from ^my_parents with a_pure conscience, as I_am_having the unceasing mentioning for you in the petitions of_me, night and day, 4 longing to_see you, having_remembered of_the tears of_you, in_order_that I_may_be_filled with_joy, 5 having_taken remembrance of_the unhypocritical faith in you, which dwelt first in the grandmother of_you, Lōis, and in_the mother of_you, Eunikaʸ, and I_have_been_persuaded that also in you it_is.

6 For/Because which cause I_am_reminding you to_be_rekindling the gift of_ the _god, which is in you by the laying_on of_the hands of_me.

7 For/Because the god not gave to_us a_spirit of_fear, but of_power, and of_love, and of_sensibility.

8 Therefore may_ not _be_ashamed the testimony of_the master of_us, nor me, the prisoner of_him, but suffer_together for_the good_message, according_to the_power of_god, 9 the one having_saved us, and having_called with_a_calling holy, not according_to the works of_us, but according_to ^his_own purpose and grace, which having_been_given to_us in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) before eternal times, 10 but having_been_revealed now, by the appearing of_the saviour of_us, chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous, having_nullified on_one_hand the death, on_the_other_hand having_illuminated life and indestructibility through the good_message, 11 to which I was_appointed a_proclaimer, and an_ambassador, and a_teacher.

12 For/Because which cause I_am_ also _suffering these things, but I_am_ not _being_ashamed, because/for I_have_known in_whom I_have_believed, and I_have_been_persuaded that he_is powerful to_guard the deposit of_me for that the day.

13 Be_having the_pattern of_being_sound messages, which you_heard from me, in faith and love which in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous.

14 Keep the good deposit, by the_ holy _spirit which dwelling in us.

15 You_have_known this, that all who are in the Asia were_turned_away from_me, of_whom is Fugelos and Hermogenaʸs.

16 The master might_give mercy to_the household of_Onaʸsiforos, because he_ often _refreshed me, and was_ not _ashamed the chain of_me, 17 but having_become in Ɽōmaʸ, he_ earnestly _sought me and found 18 (the master might_give to_him to_find mercy from the_master in that the day), and as_much_as he_served in Efesos, you are_knowing better.

2:1 Yeshua’s followers obey and endure

Charge to Timothy; A Loyal Soldier of Christ Jesus; A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

2 So my ‘son’, may the grace from Yeshua the messiah make you strong 2 along with everything you heard from me through many witnesses. Entrust those things to faithful people who will also be capable of teaching others.

3 Suffer together with me as a good soldier of Yeshua the messiah. 4 Soldiers stay unentangled from the affairs of daily living so that they will be dedicated to pleasing their commanding officer. 5 Similarly the athlete won’t win the competition if they don’t follow the rules. 6 It’s fair for the farmer working in the orchard to be allowed to eat the fruit. 7 You should easily understand what I’m saying, because the master will be giving you insight into everything.

8 Always remember the promised descendant of King David, Yeshua the messiah who came back from the dead, which is what I preach 9 and why I’m here in chains suffering hardship as a criminal. But God’s message hasn’t been chained. 10 So I will endure everything so that the ones that God has chosen will also be able to receive their salvation in Yeshua the messiah and live with him forever. 11 There’s a reliable saying that goes,

If we died along with him,

we will live together with him.

12 [ref]If we endure with him,

we will be able to reign with him.

If we disown him,

he will also disown us.

13 If we refuse to believe him,

he will remain faithful to us,

because he isn’t able to go against his nature.

A Worker Approved by God; A Workman Approved by God; An Approved Worker

14 Keep reminding them of all that. Tell them in front of God not to quibble[fn] about the intricacies of words, as it’s not helpful and can lead the listeners to ruin.

↑ 2  You therefore, child of_me, be_being_strengthened in the grace which in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa).

2 And the things you_heard from me through many witnesses, entrust these to_faithful people who will_be worthy to_teach others also.

3 Suffer_together as a_good soldier of_chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous.

4 No_one soldiering is_being_entangled with_the affairs of_ the _living, in_order_that he_may_bring_pleasure to_the one having_enlisted him.

5 And also if anyone may_be_competing, not is_being_crowned, if he_may_ not _compete lawfully.

6 It_is_fitting the labouring farmer to_be_partaking first of_the fruits.

7 Be_understanding what I_am_saying, because/for the master will_be_giving insight to_you in all things.

8 Be_remembering Yaʸsous chosen_one /messiah, having_been_raised from the_dead, of the_seed of_Dawid/(Dāvid), according_to the good_message of_me, 9 in which I_am_suffering_hardship unto bonds as a_criminal.

But the message of_ the _god has_ not _˓been˒_bound.

10 Because_of this, I_am_enduring all things because_of the chosen ones, in_order_that they also may_obtain of_salvation which in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) with eternal glory.

11 The saying is trustworthy: For/Because if we_died_together with_him, we_˓will˒_ also _be_living_together with_him, 12 if we_are_enduring, we_˓will˒_ also _be_reigning_with him, if we_will_be_disowning him, also_that one will_be_disowning us, 13 if we_are_disbelieving, that one is_remaining faithful, because/for he_is_ not _able to_disown himself.

14 Be_reminding them these things, testifying before the god, to_ not _be_quibbling_about_messages against nothing useful, to the_ruin of_the ones hearing.

2:15 Being God’s honourable slave

15 Work hard so that God will see you as someone he approves of—not ashamed of the good message but straight-talking the truth. 16 Avoid chatter about unimportant or crude topics because it will eventually led to godlessness. 17 Those kinds of talk are like rot that spreads, as happened when Hymenaeus and Philetus 18 deviated from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already happened and have drawn some away from the faith. 19 However God’s solid foundation has stood with this inscription on it: ‘Yahweh knew his own ones,’[ref] and ‘Let everyone who claims to follow Yahweh avoid disobedience.’

20 An expensive home doesn’t just have gold and silver bowls, but there are wooden and pottery bowls as well. Some will contain valuable things, but others contain dishonourable things that we prefer not to display. 21 So those people who rid themselves of dishonourable thoughts and actions will become a container for honourable things, being reserved to do the special work that the master has prepared for them. 22 And run far from youthful lusts—chase instead after obedience, faith, love, and peace like all the others who follow the master with a pure heart. 23 Refuse to enter foolish and uneducated debates, because they’ll just end in an argument. 24 It’s not fitting for one of Yahweh’s slaves to be argumentative, but rather to be polite to everyone and to be teaching the truth, yet be tolerant of other people’s bad behaviour. 25 We should politely point out the wrongs of those opposing us and perhaps God might bring them to repentance and the knowledge of the truth. 26 After being caught in the devil’s trap just as he wanted, maybe they’ll escape and come to their senses.

15 Be_earnest to_present yourself approved to_ the _god, a_worker unashamed, cutting_straight the message of_ the _truth.

16 And be_avoiding the profane empty_babblings, because/for they_will_be_progressing on more of_ungodliness, 17 and the message of_them will_be_having spreading as gangrene, of_whom is Humenaios, and Filaʸtos, 18 who deviated concerning the truth, saying the the_resurrection already to_have_become, and are_overturning the faith of_some.

19 However the solid foundation of_ the _god has_stood, having the this seal: The_master knew the ones being of_him, and, let_ everyone - naming the name of_the_master _Withdraw from unrighteousness.

20 And in a_great house, there_is not only golden and silver vessels, but also wooden and earthen, and some on_one_hand for honour, on_the_other_hand some to dishonour.

21 Therefore if anyone may_clean_out himself from these things, he_will_be a_vessel for honour, having_been_sanctified, useful to_the master, because/for every work good having_been_prepared.

22 And be_fleeing the youthful lusts, but be_pursuing righteousness, faith, love, peace, with the ones calling_on the master out_of a_ pure _heart.

23 And be_refusing the foolish and uneducated debates, having_known that they_are_bearing quarrels.

24 And it_is_ not _fitting the_slave of_the_master to_be_quarrelling, but to_be gentle toward all, teaching, bearing_evil, 25 in gentleness disciplining the ones opposing, perhaps the god might_give to_them repentance to a_knowledge of_the_truth, 26 and they_may_recover_sobriety out_of the snare of_the devil, having_been_caught by him, in_order that the_will of_that one.

3:1 Loss of standards in the end times

The Dangers of the Last Days

Godlessness in the Last Days

The Last Days

3 It’s important to know that dangerous times will be coming in the last days of this era. 2 People will become selfish, greedy for money, braggers, proud, slanderous, refusing to listen to sense from their parents, ungrateful, ungodly, 3 unloving, unwilling to reconcile, diabolical, angry, wild, and without morals. 4 They will be betrayers, reckless and conceited, loving pleasure instead of loving God, 5 appearing to be godly on the surface yet denying that God is real, and turning from the truth. 6 Some of these will quietly enter houses and captivate gullible women. Despite being known for their sins, they’re led by various lusts—7 always ‘learning’ yet never actually confronting the reality of the truth. 8 This is just like how Jannes and Jambres opposed Mosheh,[ref] and similarly these people, having depraved minds and who are unqualified concerning the faith, oppose the truth. 9 But they won’t be advancing in the faith because their foolishness will eventually become evident to everyone, just as happened with Jannes and Jambres.

↑ 3  But be_knowing this, that in the_last days dangerous times will_be_presenting.

2 For/Because the people will_be selfish, money_lovers, braggers, proud, slanderous, unpersuadable to_^their_parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, diabolical, intemperate, untamed, unwholesome, 4 betrayers, reckless, having_been_conceited, lovers_of_pleasure rather than lovers_of_god, 5 having an_appearance of_devoutness, but having_disowned the power of_it, and be_turning_from these.

6 For/Because out_of these, are the ones slipping_in into the houses, and making_ silly_women _captive, having_been_heaped with_sins, being_led by_ various _lusts, 7 always learning, and never being_able to_come to a_knowledge of_the_truth.

8 And by_which manner Yannaʸs and Yambraʸs resisted against_Mōsaʸs/(Mosheh), thus also these are_resisting against_the truth, people having_ the mind _˓been˒_depraved, unqualified concerning the faith.

9 But they_˓will˒_ not _be_progressing to more, because/for the folly of_them will_be evident to_all, as also the folly of_those became.

3:10 Living your faith even at a cost

Paul’s Charge to Timothy

Last Instructions

10 However Timothy, you followed me in your teaching, your conduct, your purpose and your faith, in patience, love, endurance, 11 and even through persecution and suffering like I endured in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra[ref]—yet the master rescued me in each case. 12 Anyway, everyone who wants to seriously follow Yeshua the messiah should expect to be persecuted.

13 Meanwhile evil people and scammers will get worse and worse—deceiving others and then being deceived themselves. 14 Hold on to the things that you learnt and were convinced was true, because you know you can trust those who taught them to you. 15 You’ve known the sacred scriptures since you were a young child, and the wisdom contained in them is able to lead you to salvation through faith in Yeshua the messiah. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for scolding and correction, and for teaching discipline and obedience 17 so that the person following God can be trained in doing every kind of good deed.

42 I am proclaiming these truths before God and before Yeshua the messiah who will judge both the living and the dead. Proclaim his appearance on earth[fn] and his kingdom, stand by the message whether it’s convenient or seems out of place, rebuke and scold those who need it, but also encourage with complete patience and teaching. 3 A time will come when people will no longer be tolerating scriptural teaching, but will prefer their own doctrines so they’ll find teachers to teach what they want to hear, 4 so not only will they avoid hearing the truth, they’ll be following myths instead. 5 However Timothy, you stay sensible about everything, endure hardship, tell people the good message, and do all your duties well.

Paul’s Final Words

6 As for me, I’ve already done all I can and the time of my departure is approaching. 7 I’ve fought the fight for goodness. I’ve finished the race. I’ve kept the faith. 8 I know that a crown has been reserved for me due to my obedience, and the master serving as the impartial judge will award it to me, and not just to me, but will also award them to others who appreciated his coming.[fn]

10 And you followed with_the teaching of_me, the conduct, the purpose, the faith, the patience, the love, the endurance, 11 the persecutions, the sufferings, such_as became to_me in Antioⱪeia, in Ikonion, in Lustra, such_as persecutions I_bore_under, and_yet out_of all things, the master rescued me.

12 And also all the ones wanting to_be_living devoutly in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) will_be_being_persecuted.

13 But evil people and swindlers will_be_progressing to the worse, deceiving and being_strayed.

14 And you be_remaining in what things you_learned and you_were_convinced_of, having_known from whom_all you_learned them, 15 and that from a_baby you_have_known the the_sacred writings, which being_able to_make_ you _wise to salvation through faith which in chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous.

16 Every scripture is god-breathed and beneficial for teaching, because/for rebuke, because/for correction, because/for discipline which in righteousness, 17 in_order_that the person the of_god may_be complete, having_been_finished_out toward every good work.

↑ 4  I_am_testifying before the god and chosen_one /messiah Yaʸsous, the one going to_be_judging the_living and the_dead, both the appearing of_him, and the kingdom of_him: 2 proclaim the message, stand_by conveniently and_unseasonably, rebuke, give_rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching.

3 For/Because there_will_be a_time when they_˓will˒_ not _be_tolerating teaching of_the being_sound, but according_to the own desires, they_will_be_accumulating teachers to_themselves, being_tickled by_the ear, 4 and on_one_hand they_will_be_turning_away from the hearing the truth, on_the_other_hand they_will_be_being_turned_away to the myths.

5 But you be_being_sober in all things, suffer_hardship, do the_work of_a_good_message_preacher, fully_assure the service of_you.

6 For/Because I am_ already _being_poured_out, and the time of_the departure of_me has_approached.

7 I_have_fought The good fight, I_have_finished the course, I_have_kept the faith.

8 Furthermore the crown the of_righteousness is_laid_away for_me, which the master will_be_giving_back to_me in, that the day, the righteous judge, and not only to_me, but also to_all the ones having_loved the appearing of_him.

4:9 Final bits and pieces

Personal Instructions

Final instructions

Personal Words

Personal Remarks

9 Try to come to me as soon as possible 10 because Demas was attracted back to worldly things and so he left me and went to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titos went to Dalmatia.[ref] 11 Only Luke stayed with me. Fetch Mark on your way and bring him to me also because he’s always very helpful.[ref] 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.[ref] 13 When you come, bring the coat that I left with Carpas in Troas,[ref] along with the scrolls and most of the parchments.[fn]

14 Alexander the coppersmith did a lot of harm to me[ref] but Yahweh will ‘reward’ him for what he’s done. 15 You also should watch out for him, because he was very strongly opposed to our teaching.

16 At my first defense in the courts here in Rome, no one stood with me. Everyone deserted me but that shouldn’t be held against them. 17 But the master stood by me and strengthened me to ensure that the good message was proclaimed and all the pagans heard it, and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth so to speak. 18 The master will rescue me from every evil plot and he will bring me into his heavenly kingdom. He should be praised forever. May it be so.

9 Be_earnest to_come to me quickly, 10 For/Because Daʸmas was_abandoning me, having_loved the present age, and was_gone to Thessalonikaʸ, Kraʸskaʸs to Galatia, Titos to Dalmatia.

11 Loukas alone is with me.

Having_Taken_up Markos, be_bringing him with yourself, because/for he_is useful to_me for the_service.

12 But I_sent_ Tuⱪikos _out to Efesos.

13 The cloak that I_left_behind in Trōias with Karpos, be_bringing on_coming, and the scrolls, most_of_all the parchments.

14 Alexandros the coppersmith, displayed much harm to_me, the master will_be_giving_back to_him according_to the works of_him, 15 whom you also be_guarding, because/for he_resisted exceedingly the against_our messages.

16 In the first defense of_me, no_one appeared with_me, but all abandoned me, it_might_ not _have_counted to_them.

17 But the master stood_by by_me, and strengthened me, in_order_that through me the proclamation may_be_fully_assured, and all the pagans may_hear, and I_was_rescued out_of the_mouth of_the_lion.

18 The master will_be_rescuing me from every evil work, and he_will_be_saving into the the heavenly kingdom of_him, to_whom is the glory to the ages of_the ages.

Truly.

4:19 Signing off

Paul’s Final Greetings

Final Greetings

Final Greetings and Benediction

19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila for me, and Onesiforus’ household.[ref] 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus in Miletus because he was sick.[ref] 21 Make sure you come before the winter. Eubulus greets you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the believers.

22 May you always know ≈inside that the master Yeshua is with you, and may all of you there experience God’s grace.

19 Greet Priska and Akulas, and the house of_Onaʸsiforos.

20 Erastos remained in Korinthos, But Trofimos I_left_behind ailing in Milaʸtos.

21 Be_earnest to_come before winter.

Euboulos is_greeting you, and Poudaʸs, and Linos, and Klaudia, and all the brothers.

22 The master Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa) with the spirit of_you be.

The grace be with you_all.

Readers’ Version

Literal Version

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