King James Version

2 Timothy 1:7

2 Timothy 1:7 says that the spirit God gives his people is not one of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. Paul wrote it to encourage Timothy to be bold and not ashamed of the gospel.

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For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 · KJV

2 Timothy 1:7 in context

⁴Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

⁵When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

⁶Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

⁷For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

⁸Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

⁹Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

¹⁰But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

2 Timothy 1:4-10, King James Version.

What 2 Timothy 1:7 means

Paul names one thing God has not given and three things he has. The Greek word behind fear here is usually explained as timidity or cowardice, the kind of fear that makes a person shrink back. In its place God gives power, love, and a sound mind.

The three gifts balance one another. Power is the strength to act and to endure. Love keeps that strength from becoming harsh. A sound mind, which can also mean self-control or sober judgment, keeps a person steady and clear-headed. Together they describe courage that is neither reckless nor cold.

The verse begins with 'For', so it gives the reason for verse 6, where Paul tells Timothy to stir up the gift of God that is in him, like fanning a fire back into flame. Verse 8 then draws the conclusion: be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of Paul the prisoner.

Readers often apply the verse to anxiety in general, and the words support that. In its first setting, though, it is about the courage to keep speaking for Christ when doing so is costly.

Background and context

2 Timothy opens with Paul's name and is addressed to Timothy, whom Paul calls his dearly beloved son. Paul writes as a prisoner (1:8) and expects his death soon: the time of my departure is at hand (4:6). It is traditionally regarded as Paul's last letter, often dated in the mid-60s AD.

Just before verse 7 Paul remembers Timothy's tears and his sincere faith, which dwelt first in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Some readers take Timothy to have been a timid man by nature, which would make this encouragement personal.

Key verses

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
2 Timothy 1:6 · KJV

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
2 Timothy 1:8 · KJV

Cross references

Romans 8:15 Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the Spirit of adoption.For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; perfect love casteth out fear.There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid.Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee.Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Acts 1:8 Jesus promises his followers power when the Holy Ghost comes upon them.But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit includes love and temperance (self-control).But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

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Common questions

What does 2 Timothy 1:7 mean?

It means the Spirit God gives does not make his people timid. He gives power to act, love to guide that power, and a sound mind to keep them steady.

Who wrote 2 Timothy 1:7?

The apostle Paul, writing from prison to his younger co-worker Timothy. It is traditionally regarded as Paul's last letter.

What does 'sound mind' mean in 2 Timothy 1:7?

It points to self-control and clear, sober thinking. Some modern versions translate it as self-discipline or self-control.

Is 2 Timothy 1:7 about anxiety?

In context it is about the courage to stand for the gospel without shame. Many readers also take comfort from it when facing fear more generally, since the promise is about the spirit God gives.

What verse comes after 2 Timothy 1:7?

Verse 8 tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord or of Paul his prisoner, but to share in the afflictions of the gospel.