What Does 2 Timothy 3:17 Mean in the King James?
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Here, “perfect” names a person made fully fit for good work.
THE MEANING
Scripture is shaping you now toward a completeness you can live: readiness for what is good. The words hold formation and practical capacity together, so what is made whole in you becomes available in every good work.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The lie that “perfect” means never flawed is unsettled here: the word points to being complete and fitted, and the verse shows that fit as readiness for good work.
THE ROOT
ἄρτιος
artios
GROWS FROM
ἀρτι-
art-
Fitted, complete, ready
“perfect / throughly furnished” in this verse is artios. The two terms belong to the same art- word family, so completeness opens directly into full equipment. The verse gives completeness a practical shape: readiness for every good work.
ALSO GROWS
exartizō: To complete or fully equip
ἐξαρτίζω
This is the word family behind “throughly furnished,” showing readiness as the lived expression of completeness.
katartizō: To mend, restore, prepare, or fit into readiness
καταρτίζω
This related word carries the same sense of bringing something into fit condition, linking wholeness with preparation for action.
THE PATTERN
The word reaches its purpose as it forms a person’s capacity for good action.
But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.THE THREAD
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Hebrews uses καταρτίσαι (katartisai, fit or equip) from the same art- word family, alongside ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ (ergō agathō, good work). The shared root links completeness with being fitted for the good work named in both verses.
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