What does 2 Timothy 1:7 mean?
Paul wrote this to Timothy, a young church leader who seems to have been timid and was facing hardship and opposition. Paul himself was in prison, near the end of his life. He reminds Timothy that fear does not come from God. Instead, God gives his Spirit, who brings three gifts. "Power" is strength to stand firm and do what God calls us to do. "Love" keeps that power gentle and focused on others. "A sound mind" means self-control and clear thinking, not panic. Together they describe the steady courage God gives his people when they feel weak or afraid.
2 Timothy 1:7 in the King James Version
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Context
6 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.
7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
8 Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
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Frequently asked questions
What does 2 Timothy 1:7 mean?
Paul wrote this to Timothy, a young church leader who seems to have been timid and was facing hardship and opposition. Paul himself was in prison, near the end of his life. He reminds Timothy that fear does not come from God. Instead, God gives his Spirit, who brings three gifts. "Power" is strength to stand firm and do what God calls us to do. "Love" keeps that power gentle and focused on others. "A sound mind" means self-control and clear thinking, not panic. Together they describe the steady courage God gives his people when they feel weak or afraid.
What does 2 Timothy 1:7 say in the KJV?
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) reads: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”