Note 6 at 2 Tim. 2:15: The word "study" in this passage does not mean to pursue knowledge by reading, etc., but rather it is the Greek verb "SPOUDAZO" which means "to make haste, to exert one's self, endeavor, and give diligence" (Thayer). It involves much more than just taking in knowledge.

The Liberty Bible Commentary states, "Study (Gk. SPOUDAZO) is not the normal word you think of as a student but a word used of a workman meaning 'give diligence,' 'endeavor,' or 'exert oneself.'" This is the reason the word "workman" is used later in this same verse.

This Greek word is used ten times in the New Testament and this is the only time it is translated "study." It was translated "forward" (Gal. 2:10); "endeavoring" (Eph. 4:3); "endeavored" (1 Thes. 2:17); "endeavor" (2 Pet. 1:15); "do. . .diligence" (2 Tim. 4:9, 21); "diligent" (Ti. 3:12, 2 Pet 3:14); and "labour" (Heb. 4:11).

Note 7 at 2 Tim. 2:15: The most common way this verse is interpreted is to say that if we study well, God approves of us and what we have done. It is more correctly interpreted that through our study, we prove to ourselves that we have been approved or accepted of God through the Lord Jesus Christ.

The English word "shew" or "show" was translated from the Greek word "PARISTEMI" which means, "to stand beside, i.e. to exhibit, proffer, (specifically) recommend, (figuratively) substantiate..." (Strong). It is through our study that we substantiate or exhibit that we are already accepted in Christ (Eph. 1:6).

Studying doesn't make us more accepted by God, nor does our lack of study make us less accepted by God. By our study we will be made more aware that God has already accepted us and our lack of study will make us less aware of that.

Note 8 at 2 Tim. 2:15: It is very appropriate for Paul to use the word "workman." It relates to the word "study" used in the first part of this verse. Study means more than reading, it implies effort, toil, or work (see note 6 at this v.). Therefore, Paul refers to those who study as workmen.

Note 9 at 2 Tim. 2:15: It is true that anyone who doesn't know the Word of God will come to shame. This verse is speaking about all sense of shame being driven from us by an understanding of our righteous position in Christ (see note 7 at this v.). This is the right use of the Word of God (see note 10 at this v.).

Note 10 at 2 Tim. 2:15: Shame is a terrible thing that God never intended us to feel. When God created Adam and Eve, they knew no shame (Gen. 2:25). Shame came as a result of sin, and since all have sinned (Rom. 3:23), everyone since Adam and Eve has known shame.

The dictionary defines shame as, "A painful emotion caused by a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness, or disgrace" (NAHD). Through the atonement of Christ we have been freed from all shame. Jesus took our shame upon Him and gave us His glory. ". . .whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (Rom. 9:33).

Paul is telling Timothy to study God's Word to discover his freedom from shame. That is always the proper use of God's Word. If an individual's study of God's Word produces condemnation instead of freedom from shame, then the Word of God is not being rightly divided (see note 11 at this v.).

Note 11 at 2 Tim. 2:15: This phrase "rightly dividing" means to correctly dissect the Word of God. The New International Version translates it as, ". . .who correctly handles the word of truth." The Amplified Bible says, ". . .correctly analyzing and accurately dividing-rightly handling and skillfully teaching-the Word of Truth."

There is a right and wrong way to interpret God's Word. You can preach a truth from a certain passage and yet it may not be the truth the verse is proclaiming. This is not handling the Word of God correctly.

The context of this statement is speaking about studying the Word of God for the purpose of proving to ourselves our righteous position in Christ (see note 7 at this v). Once we comprehend and understand our acceptance in Christ, it will lead us to rightly divide all scripture in the light of this truth.

For instance, a person could take Exodus 20:8 which says, "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" and expound an Old Testament truth that would put people under bondage about observing certain days. The New Testament makes it clear that the sabbath day was a picture of a New Testament reality that was fulfilled in Christ (see notes 27-29 at Col. 2:16-17, p. 1202-1203). If a person doesn't reveal the New Testament reality of what the Old Testament sabbath was a shadow of, then they aren't rightly dividing the word of truth.