2 Timothy 2:13

2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, since he cannot deny himself. ¹ 

2 Timothy 2:19

2:19 However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” ²  and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord ³  must turn away from evil.”

[2:13]  ¹ sn If we are unfaithful…he cannot deny himself. This could be (1) a word of warning (The Lord will exact punishment; he cannot deny his holiness) or (2) a word of hope (Because of who he is, he remains faithful to us despite our lapses). The latter is more likely, since Paul consistently cites God’s faithfulness as a reassurance, not as a warning (cf. especially Rom 3:3; also 1 Cor 1:9; 10:13; 2 Cor 1:18; 1 Thess 5:24; 2 Thess 3:3).

[2:19]  ² sn A quotation from Num 16:5.

[2:19]  ³ tn Grk “names the name of the Lord.”