2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

◄ 2 Timothy 1:7 ►

New International Version
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

New Living Translation
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

English Standard Version
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Berean Standard Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Berean Literal Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of self-control.

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

New King James Version
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

New American Standard Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

NASB 1995
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

NASB 1977
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Legacy Standard Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline.

Amplified Bible
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Christian Standard Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

American Standard Version
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

Contemporary English Version
God's Spirit doesn't make cowards out of us. The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.

English Revised Version
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
God didn't give us a cowardly spirit but a spirit of power, love, and good judgment.

Good News Translation
For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control.

International Standard Version
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline.

Majority Standard Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

NET Bible
For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

New Heart English Bible
For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.

Webster's Bible Translation
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Weymouth New Testament
For the Spirit which God has given us is not a spirit of cowardice, but one of power and of love and of sound judgement.

World English Bible
For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind;

Berean Literal Bible
For God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, but of power, and of love, and of self-control.

Young's Literal Translation
for God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind;

Smith's Literal Translation
For God gave not to us the spirit of timidity; but of power, and love, and of soundness of mind.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of sobriety.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of virtue, and of love, and of self-restraint.

New American Bible
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.

New Revised Standard Version
for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of good discipline.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of instruction.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Godbey New Testament
For God has not given us the spirit of cowardice; but of power and divine love and prudence.

Haweis New Testament
For God hath not given us a spirit of fear; but of courage, and of love, and of sobriety.

Mace New Testament
for the spirit, which God has given us, is not a spirit of timidity, but of fortitude, of benevolence, and of moderation.

Weymouth New Testament
For the Spirit which God has given us is not a spirit of cowardice, but one of power and of love and of sound judgement.

Worrell New Testament
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and sobriety.

Worsley New Testament
For God hath not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but of vigor, and of love, and of prudence.

Audio Bible

Context

Patience in Persecution
6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 8So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Romans 8:15
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Ephesians 3:16
I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,

1 Corinthians 2:12
We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

Isaiah 11:2
The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.

1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Treasury of Scripture

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

the spirit.

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Romans 8:15
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.

but.

Micah 3:8
But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.

Zechariah 4:6
Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

of love.

Romans 5:5
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Colossians 1:8
Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

a sound.

Psalm 119:80
Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

Proverbs 2:7
He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

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Discipline Discretion Fear Fearfulness Judgement Love Mind Power Self-Control Sound Spirit Timidity Wise

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2 Timothy 1

1. Paul's love to Timothy, and unfeigned confidence in Timothy himself, his mother, and grandmother.
6. He is exhorted to stir up the gift of God which was in him;
8. to be steadfast and patient in persecution;
13. and to persist in the form and truth of that doctrine which he had learned of him.
15. Phygellus and Hermogenes, and such like, are noted, and Onesiphorus is highly commended.

Berean Study Bible

For God has not given us
This phrase establishes the divine origin of the gifts mentioned in the verse. The Greek word for "given" is "edōken," which implies a deliberate and generous act of bestowal. In the context of the early church, this assurance would have been crucial for believers facing persecution. Historically, the early Christians were often marginalized and oppressed, yet they were reminded that their strength and resources come from God, not from human sources.

a spirit of fear
The term "spirit" (Greek: "pneuma") can refer to an attitude or disposition. "Fear" (Greek: "deilias") here is not the reverential fear of God, but rather a sense of timidity or cowardice. In the historical context of Timothy's ministry, this was a call to reject the intimidation that might come from external threats or internal doubts. Theologically, it underscores that fear is not a gift from God, and believers are called to rise above it through divine empowerment.

but of power
"Power" (Greek: "dynamis") signifies strength and ability. This is the same root from which we derive the word "dynamite," indicating explosive and transformative potential. In the scriptural context, this power is not merely physical but spiritual, enabling believers to perform God's work effectively. It is reminiscent of the power that raised Christ from the dead, which is available to all believers (Ephesians 1:19-20).

love
The Greek word for "love" here is "agape," which refers to selfless, sacrificial love. This is the highest form of love, exemplified by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. In the early church, this love was a defining characteristic of Christian communities, setting them apart in a world often marked by division and hatred. It is a love that seeks the welfare of others and is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

and self-discipline
"Self-discipline" (Greek: "sōphronismos") can also be translated as "sound mind" or "self-control." This term implies a balanced and sober approach to life, marked by wisdom and prudence. In the historical context, this would have been essential for leaders like Timothy, who needed to navigate complex situations with clarity and integrity. Scripturally, it is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is vital for living a life that honors God.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear.--Or better, perhaps, the spirit of cowardice--that cowardice which manifests itself by a timidity and shrinking in the daily difficulties which the Christian meets with in the warfare for the kingdom of God. (Comp. John 14:27, and Revelation 21:8.) "Hath not given us," in this particular case, refers to the time when Timothy and St. Paul were admitted into the ministry. The Holy Spirit is no Spirit, be it remembered, which works cowardice in men. But the reference is also a far broader one than merely to the Holy Spirit conferred on ministers of the Lord at ordination. It is a grave reminder to Christians of every age and degree that all cowardice, all dread of danger, all shrinking from doing one's duty for fear of man's displeasure, proceeds not from the Spirit of God.

But of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.--Instead of rendering the Greek word by "a sound mind," it were better to substitute the translation, self-control. The Holy Spirit works, in those to whom it is given, power, or strength, to fight the fight of God, power, not only patiently to endure, but also to strike good blows for Christ--the power, for instance, of steadfastness in resisting temptation, the strong will which guides other weaker ones along the narrow way "of love." It works, too, in those to whom God gives the blessed gift, that strange, sweet love for others which leads to noble deeds of self-surrender--that love which never shrinks from a sacrifice which may benefit the friend or even the neighbour. And lastly, the Spirit works in us "self-control"--selbst-beherrschung--that power which, in the man or woman living in and mixing with the world, and exposed to its varied temptations and pleasures, is able to regulate and to keep in a wise subjection, passions, desires, impulses.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 7. - Gave us not for hath not given us, A.V.; a spirit of fearfulness for the spirit of fear, A.V.; and for of, A.V.; discipline for of a sound mind, A.V. A spirit of fearfulness; or, cowardice, as the word δειλία exactly means in classical Greek, where it is very common, though it only occurs here in the New Testament. Δειλός also has a reproachful sense, both in classical Greek, and also in the LXX., and in the New Testament (see Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:40; Revelation 21:8). It seems certain, therefore, that St. Paul thought that Timothy's gentle spirit was in danger of being cowed by the adversaries of the gospel. The whole tenor of his exhortation, combined as it was with words of warm affection, is in harmony with this thought. Compare with the phrase, πνεῦμα δειλίας, the πνεῦμα δουλείας εἰς φόβον of Romans 8:15. Of power and love. Power (δύναμις) is emphatically the attribute of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14; Acts 10:38; Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 2:4, etc.), and that which he specially imparts to the servants of Christ (Acts 1:8; Acts 6:8; Ephesians 3:16, etc.). Love is added, as showing that the servant of Christ always uses power in conjunction with love, and only as the means of executing what love requires. Discipline (σωφρονισμοῦ); only here in the New Testament; σωφρονίζειν is found in Titus 2:4, "to teach," A.V.; "to train," R.V. "Discipline" is not a very happy rendering, though it gives the meaning; "correction," or "sound instruction," is perhaps nearer. It would seem that Timothy had shown some signs of weakness, and had not boldly reproved and instructed in their duty certain offenders, as true love for souls required him to do. The phrase from Plutarch's 'Life of Cato,' quoted by Alford, exactly gives the force of σωφρονισμός: Ἐπὶ διορθώσαι καὶ σωφρονισμῷ τῶν ἄλλων, "For the amendment and correction of the rest."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

{has} not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

given
ἔδωκεν (edōken)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

us
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

a spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

of timidity,
δειλίας (deilias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1167: Cowardice, timidity. From deilos; timidity.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

of power,
δυνάμεως (dynameōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

love,
ἀγάπης (agapēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

self-control.
σωφρονισμοῦ (sōphronismou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4995: Self-control, self-discipline, prudence. From sophronizo; discipline, i.e. Self-control.

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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 1:7 For God didn't give us a spirit (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)