2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
2:1 You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus;

2:2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
2:2 and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.

2:3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.
2:3 Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

2:4 No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him.
2:4 No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier's aim is to please the enlisting officer.

2:5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
2:5 And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules.

2:6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.
2:6 It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops.

2:7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything.
2:7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.

2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel,
2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David--that is my gospel,

2:9 the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered.
2:9 for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained.

2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.
2:10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

2:11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;
2:11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

2:12 if we endure, we shall also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us;

2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful -- for he cannot deny himself.
2:13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful--for he cannot deny himself.

2:14 Remind them of this, and charge them before the Lord to avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
2:14 Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.

2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

2:16 Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,
2:16 Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety,

2:17 and their talk will eat its way like gangrene. Among them are Hymenae'us and Phile'tus,
2:17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

2:18 who have swerved from the truth by holding that the resurrection is past already. They are upsetting the faith of some.
2:18 who have swerved from the truth by claiming that the resurrection has already taken place. They are upsetting the faith of some.

2:19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity."
2:19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this inscription: "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness."

2:20 In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for noble use, some for ignoble.
2:20 In a large house there are utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for special use, some for ordinary.

2:21 If any one purifies himself from what is ignoble, then he will be a vessel for noble use, consecrated and useful to the master of the house, ready for any good work.
2:21 All who cleanse themselves of the things I have mentioned will become special utensils, dedicated and useful to the owner of the house, ready for every good work.

2:22 So shun youthful passions and aim at righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call upon the Lord from a pure heart.
2:22 Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

2:23 Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
2:23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing,
2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient,

2:25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth,
2:25 correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth,

2:26 and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
2:26 and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.