NKJV: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
KJV: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
NIV: For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
NLT: For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Geneva Bible: For God hath not given to us the Spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Bible Breakdown – Commentary
The NKJV MacArthur Study Bible tells us:
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- spirit of fear - the Greek word, which can also be translated “timidity”, denotes a cowardly, shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. The threat of Roman persecution, which was escalating under Nero, the hostility of those in the Ephesian church who resented Timothy’s leadership, and the assaults of false teachers with their sophisticated systems of deceptions may have been overwhelming Timothy. But if he was fearful, it didn’t come from God.
- power - Positively, God has already given believers all the spiritual resources they need for every trial and threat (Matt. 10:19-20). Divine power—effective, productive spiritual energy belongs to believers (Eph. 1:18-20; 3:20, Zech. 4:6).
- love - This kind of love centers on pleasing God and seeking others’ welfare before one’s own […].
- sound mind - Refers to a discipline, self-controlled, and properly prioritized mind. This is the opposite of fear and cowardice that causes disorder and confusion. Focusing on the sovereign nature and perfect purposes of our eternal God allows believers to control their lives with godly wisdom and confidence in every situation […].
The 1599 Geneva Bible simply says:
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- To pierce us through, and terrify us, as men whom the Lord will destroy.