Follow the Manual
3:16 All scripture The Greek phrase used here, pasa graphē, may refer to the totality of Scripture or to every passage of Scripture.
Scripture is God Breathed
inspired by God Paul uses the Greek term theopneustos here (meaning “God-breathed”) to assure Timothy that Scripture is, in fact, from God. Although God used people to produce the Scriptures (2 Pet 1:20–21), their ultimate origin is God. By contrast, the false teaching that Timothy opposed comes from evil forces who spread their doctrine through errant teachers (1 Tim 1:3–7; 4:1).
The word theopneustos only occurs in the NT in 2 Tim 3:16; its precise nuance is uncertain. It may be a compound word: theo (“God”) and pneustos (“breath” or “Spirit”), meaning “God-breathed.” Based on other compound words in the NT, such as theodidaktos, which may be rendered “taught by God” (1 Thess 4:9), the word may be translated as “inspired by God”—meaning that the breath or Spirit of God is the source of Scripture. Paul was likely referring to the OT, but he may have also been referencing books and letters, circulating among churches, which would eventually become canonical NT books.
Scripture is Useful for Ministry and Life
profitable Scripture is valuable because it corrects false teaching while building up believers to live godly lives.
profitable Scripture is valuable because it corrects false teaching while building up believers to live godly lives.
teaching Timothy’s primary task in Ephesus (1 Tim 4:6, 13).
reproof To rebuke false teachers and admonish those who believe their teaching (e.g., 1 Tim 6:3–10).
correction To help believers grow in godly behavior.
teaching Timothy’s primary task in Ephesus (1 Tim 4:6, 13).
training in righteousness Describes training in doing what is right or what is in accordance with godliness.
reproof To rebuke false teachers and admonish those who believe their teaching (e.g., 1 Tim 6:3–10).
correction To help believers grow in godly behavior.
training in righteousness Describes training in doing what is right or what is in accordance with godliness.
Scripture Equips Us
3:17 equipped for every good work Scripture is profitable because of this purpose (2 Tim 3:16). Paul reminds Timothy that Scripture helps believers fulfill the work of the ministry (4:1–5). It is therefore a gift to His people. God has not left Timothy or the believers in Ephesus to do good works on their own; He has provided them with Scripture and each other, all for doing good works in Christ Jesus (Eph 2:10; 2 Tim 2:21; Titus 3:1).