2:7a

Consider what I am saying: Paul told Timothy to Consider or “think about” the meaning of the three comparisons in 2:4–6. In some languages it may be more natural to start this command with Timothy’s name. For example, “Timothy, think about what I am saying.”

2:7b

for the Lord will give you insight into all things: By thinking about the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer, the Lord would help Timothy understand Paul’s illustrations. Timothy would also understand how to apply to his own ministry the lessons he learned from these comparisons.

for: The conjunction for connects 2:7a and 2:7b. This is the first word of the clause that contains the reason why Timothy was to think about what Paul was saying.

the Lord: Here the Lord refers to the Lord God.

insight: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as insight also means “understanding.” This is the way most other English versions translate this word.

General Comment on 2:7a–b

Here are some other ways to translate 2:7a–b:

If you reflect on what I am saying, the Lord will help you understand all this.
-or-
Reflect on what I am saying, and the Lord will help you understand all this.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.