Literal Translation of 2 Timothy 1:6 in Greek
Literal Translation of 2 Timothy 1:6 in Greek
The Greek text of 2 Timothy 1:6 reads: "διὰ τοῦτο ἀναμιμνῄσκω σε ἀναζωπυρεῖν τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ ὅ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου" [2]. A literal translation is: "For this cause I remind you to rekindle the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands."
The verb "αναζωπυρεῖν" (anazopyrein), translated as "rekindle," is a key term here. It literally means "to rekindle" or "to stir up" a fire that has died down [4]. In this context, it refers to revitalizing the spiritual gift Timothy received.
The phrase "τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ" (to charisma tou theou), or "the gift of God," is understood by commentators to refer to the spiritual grace or charisma Timothy received for his ministerial office when Paul laid hands on him [4]. This gift is associated with the charismata mentioned in other Pauline epistles, which were believed to be distributed through the laying on of hands.
The laying on of hands ("διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου") is a significant act in the New Testament, symbolizing the transmission of spiritual authority and blessing. In 1 Timothy 4:14, a similar phrase is used, but there it refers to the laying on of hands by the presbytery, suggesting a broader context for Timothy's commissioning [3].
one commentary tradition by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown interprets "the gift of God" as the spiritual grace received for Timothy's ministerial office, emphasizing the need for Timothy to put this gift into active exercise [4]. This understanding is consistent with the Protestant academic perspective, which views the verse as an exhortation to Timothy to be strong and endure suffering, reflecting on the Good News and Paul's example [5].
The historical setting of this verse is significant. 2 Timothy is considered one of the pastoral epistles, written by Paul to Timothy, who was facing challenges in his ministry. The letter is believed to have been written in the late 1st century AD, during Paul's imprisonment in Rome [1].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Timotheus — The Greek form of the name of Timothy (Acts 16:1, etc.; the R.V. always "Timothy").”
- 2 Timothy “For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. -- 2 Timothy 1:6”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “1 Timothy 4:6 cross-references: Psalms 19:7, Proverbs 4:2, Jeremiah 15:16, Matthew 13:52, John 7:16, Acts 20:31, Acts 20:35, Romans 15:15, 1 Corinthians 4:1, 1 Corinthians 4:17, 2 Corinthians 3:6, 2 Corinthians 6:4, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 6:21, Philippians 3:16, Colossians 2:19, Colossians 3:16, Colossians 4:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 1 Timothy 1:10, 1 Timothy 4:16, 1 Timothy 6:3, 2 Timothy 1:6, 2 Timothy 2:14, 2 Timothy 3:10, 2 Timothy 3:14, 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 2:1, Titus 2:7, 1 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 1:12, 2 Peter 3:1, 2 John 1:9, Jude 1:5”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 1:6: Wherefore--Greek, "For which cause," namely, because thou hast inherited, didst once possess, and I trust ("am persuaded") still dost possess, such unfeigned faith [ALFORD]. stir up--literally, "rekindle," "revive the spark of"; the opposite of "quench" or "extinguish" (Th1 5:19). Paul does not doubt the existence of real faith in Timothy, but he desires it to be put into active exercise. Timothy seems to have become somewhat remiss from being so long without Paul (Ti2 2:22). gift of God--the spiritual grace received for his ministerial office, e”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 2:1: 2:1-13 Timothy is again told to be strong and to endure suffering along with Paul (2:1-7; see 1:8). Timothy’s obedience should be motivated by reflecting on the Good News and on Paul’s example (2:8-13). 2:1 Timothy, my dear son (literally Therefore you, my child): In the Greek, therefore links this phrase back to 1:15-18 and the emphatic you is in contrast to those examples.”