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20 Now in a large house there are not only [a]vessels and objects of gold and silver, but also vessels and objects of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honorable (noble, good) use and some for dishonorable (ignoble, common). 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable—disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Run away from youthful lusts—pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those [believers] who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Timothy 2:20 Like Rom 9:20-23, the analogy here has its roots in OT poetry (e.g. Ps 31:12; Prov 26:23) and prophecy (e.g. Is 45:9; Jer 18:2-6). Paul speaks of believers and unbelievers in Rom 9, but here he seems to be describing God’s household or family, in which all the vessels (containers, utensils) represent believers. While the objects in Rom 9:21 do not change, the vessels here are capable of changing their status and the use to which God puts them by keeping themselves from sinful behavior and influences (v 21).

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and (A)some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from (B)these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, (C)prepared for every good work. 22 Now (D)flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, (E)faith, love, and peace with those who (F)call on the Lord (G)from a pure heart.

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