2 Timothy 1:7
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
What does 2 Timothy 1:7 mean?
Paul reminds Timothy that the fear or timidity he may be feeling doesn't come from God — instead, God has given him a spirit marked by power, love, and sound judgment. It's an identity statement as much as a promise: this is the character God has equipped him with.
Context
Paul writes this in a personal, pastoral letter to Timothy, a younger leader Paul had mentored, encouraging him not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul's imprisonment, but to continue serving boldly (2 Timothy 1:6-8). Just before this verse, Paul urges Timothy to 'stir up the gift of God' within him — verse 7 explains why that's possible: fear isn't what God gave him to work with.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
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.
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.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Bible study
- What three qualities does Paul say God's Spirit gives instead of fear (power, love, a sound mind)?
- Why might Timothy have been struggling with fear or timidity in his ministry?
- Where in your life do you need to remember that fear isn't what God has equipped you with?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Father, when fear creeps in, remind me that isn't what You've given me. Fill me instead with power, love, and a clear mind for what's ahead. Amen.
Memorize this verse
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
Who was Timothy, and why did Paul write to him?
Timothy was a younger co-worker and protégé of Paul, serving as a leader in the church at Ephesus; Paul wrote to encourage and instruct him, especially toward courage in ministry.
Does this verse mean Christians should never feel fear?
It's addressing the source and identity behind fear/timidity in ministry, encouraging Timothy that God equips him with power, love, and sound judgment to move forward despite fear, not that fear can never be felt.