2 Timothy 2:19
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.
Study Note
Study Note
The 'firm foundation of God' bearing two seals — 'The Lord knows those who are his' (quoting Numbers 16:5 in the LXX) and 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity' — addresses the confusion created by false teachers by grounding security in divine knowledge rather than human visibility. The first seal (divine election and knowledge) provides assurance; the second (human response of moral departure from evil) provides authentication. Together they address both the security of the genuine believer (God's knowledge cannot be thwarted) and the danger of presumption (naming the name requires corresponding lifestyle). The Numbers 16 context (Korah's rebellion and the test of legitimate priesthood) adds a polemical dimension: the false teachers in 2 Timothy are implicitly characterized as Korah-like usurpers of legitimate ministry.
Other Translations
Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.
sure, nevertheless, hath the foundation of God stood, having this seal, `The Lord hath known those who are His,' and `Let him depart from unrighteousness--every one who is naming the name of Christ.'
But God's strong base is unchanging, having this sign, The Lord has knowledge of those who are his: and, Let everyone by whom the name of the Lord is named be turned away from evil.
Cross References
And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the Lord will shew who are …
And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is …
As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shall slay thee, and …
We are thine: thou never barest rule over them; they were not called by thy name.
Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a …
What shall one then answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of …
The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt …