All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 TIMOTHY 3:16KJV
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2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 3:16 mean?

2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture comes from God and is useful for shaping what people learn and how they live. The verse presents Scripture as a source of teaching that can expose wrong, help set things right, and train people to live rightly.

Paul moves from Timothy’s familiarity with the sacred writings in verse 15 to a statement about all Scripture. The KJV phrase “given by inspiration of God” points to God as the source behind those writings. The four uses Paul lists move from teaching to dealing with error and training in right conduct.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 3:16

  • “inspiration of God” — θεόπνευστος (theopneustos): This word carries the sense of “God-breathed.” The image associates Scripture with God’s breath and points to its origin in God.
  • “reproof” — ἐλεγμός (elegmos): This word refers to exposing or pointing out a wrong. In this verse, reproof is one way Scripture is useful when something needs to be recognized as wrong.
  • “instruction” — παιδεία (paideia): This word can mean training or discipline. Here, the phrase “instruction in righteousness” pictures learning right conduct through training, not merely receiving information.

Why 2 Timothy 3:16 matters

  • The verse connects Scripture with both belief and conduct. “Doctrine” means teaching, while “instruction in righteousness” concerns training in what is right.
  • The purpose reaches beyond identifying mistakes. “Correction” stands alongside “reproof,” and verse 17 describes a person being equipped for good work.

Where else these words appear

“reproof” Greek G1650 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

“instruction” Greek G3809 · used in 6 verses

  • Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
  • Hebrews 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
  • Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

“doctrine” Greek G1319 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

“scripture” Greek G1124 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
  • John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
  • Romans 9:17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.