“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 that the man of God be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV.
The many definitions of this scripture are: “16 All scripture is given by inspiration (divinely breathed in) of God, and is profitable (helpful or serviceable, i.e., advantageous) for doctrine (the function or the information: learning, teaching), for reproof (proof, conviction: evidence), for correction (decree, law, commandment, commission, manner), for instruction (chastening, chastisement, nurture) in righteousness (equity of character or act: justification): 17 that the man (a human being: certain) of God be perfect (lion of God, i.e., heroic: lion-like men) throughly furnished (accomplish) unto all good works (deed, doing, labour).” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
At all times one has to delve into the meanings of just what scripture from The Holy Bible is saying. Dictionaries provide 1 or 2 definitions, and secular definitions at that of what a word means. But for The Holy Bible a good concordance gives more than 1 or 2 , but many meanings of one word. All of the above definitions come from The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D., Thomas Nelson Publishers. I counted for the word “perfect” 12 definitions in the Old Testament, and 10 definitions in the New Testament found in the Strong’s concordance.
Whenever I am led by God to hear a word from Him, and I hear him saying I am perfect, I know He is not using a dictionary definition (“perfect” meaning having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be — Google definition). However, one definition I can find in Strong’s for “perfect” is that of the definition above in 2 Timothy 4:17 KJV (“perfect” meaning “lion of God, i.e., heroic: lion-like men”). Another definition for the word “perfect” in Strong’s is “complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental or mental character)” found in Ephesians 4:13 KJV. The concordance definitions are for me to ponder even after much soul searching of my character and persona to see if I fit the definition or think of ways I can improve my character to come close to that definition. I am not “perfect” according to a dictionary definition. Also reading 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV in context (context meaning the parts of something written or spoken that immediately precede and follow a word or passage and clarify its meaning. — Google definition) has to take in all of what I read before and after these particular verses in scripture.
That’s why a good reading, using a concordance, a good commentary, a Bible dictionary, of scripture from The Holy Bible gives you direction for your thinking and application of just what The Holy Bible or the breath of God is telling you.
God Bless You All!
Brenda A. McGee has attended New York Theological Seminary in New York, NY, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA as a Master of Divinity student.
4 Responses to “Instruction In Righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV