Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

2 TIMOTHY 2:19KJV
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2 Timothy 2:19 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 2:19 mean?

2 Timothy 2:19 says that God’s truth and work are unshakeable, marked by the fact that the Lord truly knows who belongs to Him, and that everyone who claims to follow Christ should turn away from wrongdoing. The verse highlights both God’s secure foundation and the call for believers to live differently.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader in the early church, during a time when false teachings and confusion were threatening the community. In this verse, Paul reassures Timothy that, despite challenges or errors around them, God’s foundation remains firm and reliable. Paul also reminds Timothy that being known by God comes with the responsibility to leave behind iniquity, or moral wrongdoing.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 2:19

  • "foundation" (θεμέλιος, themelios): This word means a base or something that supports a structure. Here, it refers to God’s unchanging truth and work, which cannot be shaken by human error or false teaching.
  • "seal" (σφραγίς, sphragis): A seal in the ancient world marked ownership or authenticity. Paul uses this image to show that God’s people are marked out and recognized by God Himself.
  • "depart" (ἀποστήτω, apostētō): This is a strong word for turning away or separating from something. Paul is clear that anyone who claims Christ’s name is called to make a real break from iniquity (ἀδικία, adikia), meaning injustice or moral wrongdoing.

Why 2 Timothy 2:19 matters

  • The verse reassures readers that God’s truth stands firm, even when people around them are unfaithful or confused by false teaching.
  • Paul’s use of “seal” emphasizes that God personally recognizes and claims those who are truly His, offering comfort and security to believers.
  • The call to “depart from iniquity” makes clear that following Christ is not just about belief, but also about a changed way of living, connecting faith with action.

Where else these words appear

“sure” Greek G4731 · used in 4 verses

  • Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
  • Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
  • 1 Peter 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

“Nevertheless” Greek G3305 · used in 8 verses

  • John 4:27 And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her?
  • John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
  • John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

“nameth” Greek G3687 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • Ephesians 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

“foundation” Greek G2310 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:
  • 1 Timothy 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.