Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:7
Verse 7. Consider what I say] Apply my metaphors and similitudes in a proper manner. And the Lord give thee understanding] But instead of dwh, may he give, ACDEFG, several others, besides versions and fathers, have dwsei he will give. Consider thou properly, and God will give thee a proper understanding of all things that concern thy own peace, and the peace and prosperity of his Church. Think as well as read.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 7. Consider what I say , etc.] The advice given by the apostle to Timothy, to be strong in the grace of Christ; to commit the doctrines of the Gospel to faithful and able men; and to endure hardness for the sake of it: as also the characters which he bore as a soldier, a runner in a race, or a wrestler, and an husbandman; and therefore must not expect ease and rest, but war, difficulties, toil, and labour; and likewise under what titles Christ was to be regarded; as his General, and Captain of salvation, that commanded him; as the righteous Judge, that held the prize and crown for which he was running; and the chief Shepherd, who would reward all his labours; and moreover, the glorious reward of grace itself, he might expect, as eternal life, when he had fought the good fight the crown of righteousness, when he had finished his course, or run his race; and a crown of glory that fades not away, when the chief Shepherd should appear: and by putting him upon the consideration of these things, he suggests, that they were matters of moment and importance, and would be of great use to him in assisting and encouraging his faith, amidst all trials and exercises; and whereas they were expressed in figurative terms, taken from the soldier, the runner in a race, and the husbandman, they might not at first view be so easy to be understood; and therefore he would have him think of them, and meditate upon them, and weigh them in his mind; as well as he would not have him take things upon trust from him, but examine them whether they were right or not; though he doubted not but that they would be found to be agreeable to the standard of truth: wherefore he prays as follows, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things ; in all the above things, and in all others; in all the doctrines and mysteries of grace, and in all the rules of conduct in life. No man has of himself an understanding in spiritual things; this is the gift of God; and where it is given there is need of an increase of it, and always of such a prayer for it. The Alexandrian copy, Vulgate Latin, and Arabic versions, read, the Lord will give thee, &c, and so the words are a promise, an encouragement to Timothy, to consider well of these things; for he might assure himself, that, in so doing, God would give him more understanding in them.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-7 - As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and Chris stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian mus be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the mastery of our lust and corruptions, but we cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that ou good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are active, spend their zea about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But those who striv lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We mus do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort an stir them up to consider what they hear or read.
Greek Textus Receptus
νοει 3539 5720 α 3739 λεγω 3004 5719 δωη 1325 5630 γαρ 1063 σοι 4671 ο 3588 κυριος 2962 συνεσιν 4907 εν 1722 πασιν 3956
Vincent's NT Word Studies
7. Consider (noei). Better, understand.And the Lord give thee understanding (dwsei gar o kuriov sunesin). More correctly, for the Lord shall give. 134 For sunesin understanding, see on Mark. xii. 33; Luke ii. 47; Col. i. 9.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
2:7 {Consider} (noei). Present active imperative of noew, old verb, to put your mind (nous) on. See #Eph 3:4 and like command in #1Co 10:15. {Understanding} (sunesin). "Comprehension" (from suniemi, to send together, to grasp). See #Col 1:9; 2:2. this is a blessed promise that calls for application.
