2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV): meaning and how to memorise it

What 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says

Paul says that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. It makes the man of God complete for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 in context

¹³But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. ¹⁴But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; ¹⁵And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3, verses 13–17. Read the whole chapter with John Brown’s notes in the Self-Interpreting Bible.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 in the catechisms

The Reformation catechisms and confessions cite 2 Timothy 3:16–17 11 times as a proof text.

WSC 2
What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
WSC 3
What do the Scriptures principally teach?
WSC 89
How is the Word made effectual to salvation?
WLC 2
How doth it appear that there is a God?
WLC 3
What is the word of God?
WLC 155
How is the word made effectual to salvation?
WCF 1.2
Under the name of holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testaments, which are these: Of the Old Testament: Genesis,…
WCF 1.4
The authority of the holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon God (who is truth…
WCF 1.6
The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man's salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and…
HC 98
But may images not be tolerated in the churches as "books for the laity"?
HC 103
What does God require in the fourth commandment?

How to memorise 2 Timothy 3:16–17

Hearers breaks the verse into clauses and teaches each clause in four steps. Then it brings each clause back just before you forget it.

01
Read
Read the verse with the clauses marked. Listen to it read aloud.
02
Trace
Type the first letter of each word, with the words shown faintly.
03
Fade
Half of the words go. Type the text again, and fill the gaps from memory.
04
Recall
All the words go. Type it or say it aloud. Each clause gets its own grade and its own review date.