2-timothy 1:7

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

American King James Version (AKJV)

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

American Standard Version (ASV)

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of self-control.

Webster's Revision

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

World English Bible

For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

English Revised Version (ERV)

For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

Clarke's 2-timothy 1:7 Bible Commentary

God hath not given us the spirit of fear - Here is an allusion to the giving of the law on mount Sinai. This was communicated with such terrible majesty as to engender fear in all the Israelites: even Moses, on the occasion, did exceedingly fear and tremble. The Gospel was ushered in, in a much milder manner; every thing was placed on a level with the human intellect; and within reach of every human spirit. Nothing was terrific, nothing forbidding; but all was inviting. The very spirit and genius of it was a spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind.

Instead of δειλιας, fear, some MSS. and versions have δουλειας, servitude or bondage; God hath not given unto us the spirit of Bondage - but of power, δυναμεως, to work miracles, to confound enemies, to support us in trials, and enable us to do that which is lawful and right in his sight. And of love, which enables us to hear, believe, hope, and endure all things; and is the incentive to all obedience. Of a sound mind, σωφρονισμου, of self-possession and government, according to some. But a sound mind implies much more; it means a clear understanding, a sound judgment, a rectified will, holy passions, heavenly tempers; in a word, the whole soul harmonized in all its powers and faculties; and completely regulated and influenced so as to think, speak, and act aright in all things. The apostle says, God hath given the spirit of these things; they are not factitious; they are not assumed for times and circumstances; they are radical powers and tempers; each produced by its proper principle.

Barnes's 2-timothy 1:7 Bible Commentary

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear - A timorous and servile spirit. This is said in order to encourage Timothy, who was not improbably modest and diffident.

But of power - Power to encounter foes and dangers; power to bear up under trials; power to triumph in persecutions. That is, it is the nature of the gospel to inspire the mind with holy courage; compare, however, Luke 24:49.

And of love - Love to God and to the souls of men. The tendency of This, also, is to "cast out fear" 1 John 4:18, and to make the mind bold and constant. Nothing will do more to inspire courage, to make a man fearless of danger, or ready to endure privation and persecution, than "love." The love of country, and wife, and children, and home, makes the most timid bold when they are assailed; and the love of Christ and of a dying world nerves the soul to great enterprises, and sustains it in the deepest sorrows.

And of a sound mind - The Greek word denotes one of sober mind; a man of prudence and discretion. The state referred to here is that in which the mind is well balanced, and under right influences; in which it sees things in their just proportions and relations; in which it is not feverish and excited, but when everything is in its proper place. It was this state of mind which Timothy was exhorted to cultivate; this which Paul regarded as so necessary to the performance of the duties of his office. It is as needful now for the minister of religion as it was then.

Wesley's 2-timothy 1:7 Bible Commentary

1:7 And let nothing discourage thee, for God hath not given us - That is, the spirit which God hath given us Christians, isnot the spirit of fear - Or cowardice. But of power - Banishing fear. And love and sobriety - These animate us in ourduties to God, our brethren, and ourselves. Power and sobriety are two good extremes. Love is between, the tie and temperament of both; preventing the two bad extremes of fearfulness and rashness. More is said concerning power, 1:8 ; concerning love, 2:14 , &c.; concerning sobriety, 3:1 , &c.

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