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2 Timothy 2:26
ESV and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
NIV and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
NASB and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
CSB Then they may come to their senses and escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
NLT Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
KJV And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
NKJV and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

What does 2 Timothy 2:26 mean?

In addition to repentance, another goal for those Timothy served was to become aware enough of the Devil's influence to break free. This verse indicates that the Devil's attacks are often directed toward the mind. He seeks to make something false appear true. Those who hear the truth and repent "escape" from his snare. The type of snare Paul had in mind was likely the animal snares common in his time. These often involved rope or rocks that would fall onto an animal lured there by food for bait. Similarly, the devil tempts unbelievers with "bait" to keep them in his trap and away from the freedom Christ brings.

Unbelievers are referred to here not as enemies, but as prisoners. An unbeliever has no spiritual power over the Devil and is therefore "captive" to him. He or she has no other option than to follow the Devil's tricks unless God's grace intervenes (Ephesians 2:8–9). Believers are to share the gospel and show kindness, knowing God can change people from death to life (John 10:10) and provide eternal life to those who believe (John 3:16).
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Context Summary
Second Timothy 2:14–26 contains Paul's instructions to Timothy about leading other believers. Two important themes here are avoiding pointless bickering and holding to sound biblical teachings. Arguments over non-essential issues quickly turn into feuds, poisoning the body of Christ just as gangrene attacks the physical body. Paul names specific false teachers, but brings a note of compassion. Here, he reminds Timothy that gentleness and patience are key. After all, those who do not believe are not our enemies: they are those we are trying to rescue from the control of the Devil!
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Chapter Summary
Paul gives Timothy a clear mandate to defend the truth. This includes both upholding the gospel accurately, and presenting that defense in a gentle and loving way. While truth is important, Paul also notes that there are some issues which are only distractions. He considers these "babble," and arguments over them a form of spiritual disease. Like gangrene, this bickering only spreads and spreads until it becomes catastrophic. The ultimate goal of our evangelism is not to "win" an argument, but to rescue lost people.
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