2 Timothy 2:15

NIV = Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.


KJV = Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


NKJV = Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


NASU = Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.


(ESV) = Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.


(RSV) = 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.


(NLT) = Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

KJV-Study

from Strongs
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>NT:4704 spoudazo (spoo-dad'-zo); from NT:4710; to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest: KJV - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

from Thayer's Greek Lexicon
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>NT:4704 spoudazoo;
a. to hasten, make haste: 2 Tim 4:9,21;
b. to exert oneself, endeavor, give difference: followed by an infinitive, Gal 2:10<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

from Spiros Zodhiates
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>spudazo from spoude (4710), earnestness, diligence (2 Pet 1:5) To be diligent, earnest or eager.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Comparing the different readings of spoudazo in the KJV then the ESV.

Ephesians 4:3 (KJV) = Endeavouring
1 Thessalonians 2:17 (KJV) = endeavoured
2 Timothy 4:9 = (KJV) Do thy diligence
2 Timothy 4:21 = (KJV) Do thy diligence
Titus 3:12 = (KJV) be diligent
Hebrews 4:11 = (KJV) Let us labour
2 Peter 1:15 = (KJV) will endeavour
2 Peter 3:14 = (KJV) be diligent

Ephes. 4:3 (ESV) = eager
1 Thes. 2:17 (ESV) = endeavored the more eagerly
2 Tim. 4:9 (ESV) = Do your best
2 Tim. 4:21 (ESV) = Do your best
Titus 3:12 (ESV) = do your best
Hebrews 4:11 (ESV) = strive to enter that rest,
2 Peter 1:15 (ESV) = make every effort
2 Peter 3:14 (ESV) = be diligent

KJV - Rightly divide

from Strongs
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>NT:3718
orthotomeo (or-thot-om-eh'-o); from a compound of NT:3717 and the base of NT:5114,
to make a straight cut, i.e. (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly (the divine
message): KJV - rightly divide.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

from Thayer's Greek Lexicon
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>3718 orthotomeoo, orthotomoo;
1. to cut straight:
2. dropping the idea of cutting, to make straight and smooth 2 Tim 2:15<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

from Spiros Zodhiates
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Orthotomeo, from orthos (3717) right and temno to cut or divide. To handle correctly, skillfully; to correctly teach the word of truth.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

In comparing this verse I am trying to determine which is the best reading. It seems from the meaning of spoudazo that the MV have it translated correctly. Either be diligent, or do your best. With diligence probably giving a better understanding of taking the time to do it right. The KJV uses Study here and I am not really sure now why. I am trying not to have an emotional attachment to Study. But this is how I have viewed this particular verse since I began studying the Bible. It seems from all evidence, including from the KJV itself, that the MV's have it translated more accurately.

The second part of this verse is concerning Orthotomeo translated Rightly
divide in the KJV and the NKJV. It seems from the evidence in the meanings I have provided that this is more accurate than to simply handle correctly yet this seems to be the desired translation of the MV's. Spiros Zodhiates uses both terms in his definition. The word seems to mean to divide.

Please comment, I would like opinions.
(good ones )

[ February 03, 2002: Message edited by: Chet ]

 

Brother rlvaughn, Thank you for your reply! I had no clue about the English definition of
Study, as you said, I thought of it only as academic.

My next question then regarding rightly divide is why did all the other translators choose to translate this differently than what seems to be the meaning and intent of Paul?

God Bless