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2Ti 2:15. Σπούδασον, be diligent [study]) A word suited to the character of the whole epistle.-σεαυτὸν, thyself) An antithesis to the work [2Ti 2:21], of which workman is the conjugate.-δόκιμον) approved unto God; not reprobate unto every good work, Tit 1:16, but having his work perfect, Jam 1:4. Hesychius: δόκιμον, χρήσιμον, τέλειον.-ἐργάτην ἀνεπαίσχυντον, a workman not ashamed) to whom thy own conscience can occasion no shame. The Scholiast quoted by Pricæus explains ἀνεπαίσχυντον by παῤῥησιαζόμενον; comp. Php 1:20. Ὀρθοτομοῦντα follows, viz. one who will extend the word of truth among all others.-ὀρθοτομοῦντα) Here many are of opinion that the idea of cutting is implied; but the Vulgate translates it, “recte tractantem,” rightly treating or handling: an excellent rendering; comp. LXX, Pro 3:6; Pro 11:5, ὀρθοτομεῖν ὁδοὺς, the same as in Latin, secare viam, “to travel a road,” to make one’s way.[6] Nor do κενοτομία, κερτομία, mean cutting in the literal sense (κεαρ, the heart is cut, metaphorically, by κερτομίαν), nor καινοτομέω, ῥυμοτομέω ἰθύτομος οἷμος. The literal meaning and force of the ὀρθὸς is rather to be retained in ὀρθοτομοῦντα: for in the passages quoted [where ὀρθοτομεῖν is in the LXX.] we find the Hebrew word יַשֵׁר, and this form of the verb might have been expressed by the same Greek verb in 2Ch 32:30, concerning a water-course, and Psa 119:128, concerning the Divine word itself. Therefore the meaning of Paul is, that Timothy may prepare a right course (may make ready a straight way) for the word of truth, and may himself walk straight forward according to this line, turning neither to the right nor to the left hand, teaching no other doctrine, 1Ti 1:3; and in this view the antithesis of the word, will go forward,[7] which presently occurs, 2Ti 2:16, is more clearly perceived.-τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας, the word of truth) The antithesis occurs presently after, κενοφωνίας, of which the first part of the compound, signifying empty, is opposed to truth (ἀληθείας); the last part, involving vehemence of voice, is opposed to the temperate word (τὸν λόγον).
[6] In which the idea of cutting does not enter; so τέμνειν ὁδόν.-ED.
[7] Προκόψουσιν, Engl. Vers., “will increase.” The metaphor is from pioneers clearing the way before an army, by cutting down all obstacles; πρὸ and κόπτω; hence, to make progress, to advance.-ED.