SEV Biblia, Chapter 2:20
Mas en una casa grande, no solamente hay vasos de oro y de plata, sino tambin de madera y de barro; y asimismo unos para honra, y otros para deshonra.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Timothy 2:20
Verse 20. But in a great house] Here the apostle carries on the allusion introduced in the preceding verse. As the foundation of God refers to God's building, i.e. the whole system of Christianity, so here the great house is to be understood of the same; and the different kinds of vessels mean the different teachers, as well as the different kinds of members. In this sacred house at Ephesus there were vessels of gold and silver - eminent, holy, sincere, and useful teachers and members, and also vessels of wood and of earth - false and heretical teachers, such as Hymeneus and Philetus, and their followers. There are also in such houses vessels employed, some in a more honourable, others in a less honourable, office. To these he seems also to compare the same persons.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 20. But in a great house , etc.] This simile the apostle makes use of, to show that it need not seem strange, nor should it be distressing to anyone's mind, to hear that men of such wicked principles and practices should be in the church of God, who are before mentioned; since in every great house or palace, the house of a nobleman, or palace of a king, there is a variety of vessels of different matter, and for different uses, and some are mean, despicable, and dishonourable; and so it is in the church of God: for by this great house, in the application of the simile, is not meant the world, as some think; for though that is a house built by God, who built all things; and is a very large one, and full of inhabitants, comparable to vessels; and there are in it both good and bad, as always have been; yet it is no startling thing to any man, that there should be bad men in it; rather the wonder is, that there should be any good; but by this house is meant the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth, ( 1 Timothy 3:15 (see Gill on 1 Timothy 3:15)). There are not only vessels of gold and of silver ; persons who are members of the visible church, who are comparable to gold and silver, for their worth and value, and preciousness in the sight of Christ, who accounts them his jewels, and peculiar treasure; and for their excellency and usefulness in the church, by reason of those differing gifts bestowed upon them; and for their lustre and purity, both of doctrine and of life; and for their solidity and duration: but also of wood, and of earth : there are others in a visible church state, who are like to dry wood, destitute of the grace of God, and are fit matter for Satan to work upon, and by them raise and increase the flames of contention and division, and will be fit fuel for everlasting burnings; and there are others who are sensual, and carnal, and worldly, who mind earth, and earthly things, and have no spirituality, nor spiritual mindedness in them: and some to honour ; who are designed for honourable service, and behave honourably, and are worthy of honour in the church; are honourable officers, or members in it; and are to the honour of Christ, and the Gospel; and shall at last enjoy honour, glory, immortality, and eternal life. And some to dishonour ; who are to the disreputation of the church, the dishonour of religion, and scandal of the Gospel; by them God is dishonoured, his ways evil spoken of, his doctrines blasphemed, and his name reproached; and who are themselves dishonourable among men now, and will be covered with shame and everlasting contempt hereafter.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 14-21 - Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of smal moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostl mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but the corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish of erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. Non can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speak our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redee us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14. The church of Christ is like dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, an put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church who God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitte for his use.
Greek Textus Receptus
εν 1722 μεγαλη 3173 δε 1161 οικια 3614 ουκ 3756 εστιν 2076 5748 μονον 3440 σκευη 4632 χρυσα 5552 και 2532 αργυρα 693 αλλα 235 και 2532 ξυλινα 3585 και 2532 οστρακινα 3749 και 2532 α 3739 μεν 3303 εις 1519 τιμην 5092 α 3739 δε 1161 εις 1519 ατιμιαν 819
Vincent's NT Word Studies
20. But the church embraces a variety of characters. Unrighteous men steal into it. So, in a great household establishment there are vessels fit only for base uses.
House (oikia). As qemeliov foundation indicates the inward, essential character of the church, oijkia exhibits its visible, outward aspect. The mixed character of the church points to its greatness (megalh).
Vessels (skeuh). See on Matt. xii. 29; Mark. iii. 27; Acts ix. 15; xxvii. 17; 1 Peter iii. 7.
Of wood and of earth (xulina kai ostrakina). Xulinov wooden only here and Apoc. ix. 20. Ostrakinov of baked clay, only here and 2 Corinthians iv. 7 (note). Comp. the different metaphor, 1 Cor. iii. 12. Some to honor and some to dishonor. After Rom. ix. 21.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
2:20 {In a great house} (en megalei oikiai). Metaphor of a palace. He doubtless has the Kingdom of God in mind, but he works out the metaphor of a great house of the rich and mighty. {Vessels} (skeue). Old word skeuos. See #Ro 9:21 for the same double use as here. {Of gold} (crusa). Old contracted adjective cruseos, only here by Paul. {Of silver} (argura). Old contracted adjective argureos, in N.T. here, #Ac 19:24; Re 9:20. {Of wood} (xulina). Old adjective, in N.T. only here and #Re 9:20. {Of earth} (ostrakina). Late adjective, from ostrakon, baked clay, in LXX, in N.T. only here and #2Co 4:7.
