child
Many translations have translated this as “son,” but the Greek word is not υἱός (huios; “son”) but τέκνον (teknon), which more generally refers to a child. This translation preserves the proper distinction between the words. Paul specifically uses τέκνον (teknon) here, a word which refers generally to offspring without reference to gender or status, to emphasize his own spiritual fatherhood to Timothy as the one who brought him up and trained him in the true faith.

crowned
“Crowned” provides a literal and vivid rendering of the Greek verb στεφανόω (stephanoō), which refers to decorating or honoring a victor with a crown. This translation gives a clearer portrayal of what Paul is picturing here, as athletes in his day would be crowned with a decorative wreath upon winning a competition. But, as Paul points out here, the athlete is not crowned unless he wins fairly. This is meant as an exhortation to Timothy to willingly endure hardship and suffering as he ministers the gospel. This is what is required in order to receive the unfading crown of glory (cf. 1 Pet 5:4) after faithful service to the Lord.

endure hardship
“Endure hardship” is from κακοπαθέω (kakopatheō). This translation connects this verse to 4:5, where Paul calls Timothy to endure hardship (kakopatheō). Paul endures hardship for the gospel and is calling Timothy to join in that.

chains
“Chains” literally translates δεσμῶν (desmōn), which is better than the more general term “imprisonment” because it gives a more vivid picture of Paul’s restraint and suffering for the cause of the gospel. Paul reminds Timothy here that his own faithful ministry of the gospel has led even to being bound in chains. This also helps to emphasize the great contrast that the word of God has not been chained (δέδεται; dedetai). Enemies of Christ could chain His messengers but they could never chain His message.

But the word of God has not been chained.
Translating this latter half of the verse as a new sentence brings out the emphasis of the strong adversative ἀλλὰ (alla; “but”) used here, and adds the proper weight and impact to the statement which Paul demonstrates here.

elect
“Elect” is from ἐκλεκτός (eklektos). In this translation, when the emphasis is on the verbal idea, ἐκλεκτός (eklektos) is rendered as “chosen” (e. g., Matt 22:14; Luke 23:35). When the word is emphasizing or describing a group of people whom God chose, it is rendered as “elect” (e. g., Col 3:12; 1 Tim 5:21). If the emphasis is on quality of choice, it is rendered as “choice” (e. g., Rom 16:13; 1 Pet 2:4, 6).

saying
This is translated as “saying” rather than “statement” (λόγος; logos) to more clearly emphasize the proverbial nature of what Paul is saying here. This characteristic phrase used in the Pastoral Epistles, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (pistos ho logos), is translated as “It is a trustworthy saying” throughout Paul’s letters to Timothy (1 Tim 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; here) and similarly as “This is a trustworthy saying” in Titus 3:8.

solemnly charging
“Solemnly charging” translates the participle διαμαρτυρόμενος (diamartyromenos). Paul uses the participle to show the primary means of reminding the Church of all the things he just described.

dispute
The phrase “to dispute about words” translates the compound Greek verb λογομαχέω (logomacheō). The word λόγος (logos) is easily visible here, combined with the verb μάχομαι (machomai), which speaks of fighting, battling, or disputing. Thus, “dispute” provides a better sense of the idea than something like “wrangle” and also maintains consistency with the other place this word appears (1 Tim 6:4). This type of disputing is exactly the opposite of what is right, as Paul, playing on this in the next verse, urges Timothy to accurately handle the word.

DEPART
“Depart” translates ἀφίστημι (aphistēmi), which communicates the idea of moving away, separating, or withdrawing from something or someone. Thus, “depart” carries the sense well, and also parallels the wording of Numbers 16:5, “Turn aside now from the tents of these wicked men.” The formatting of small caps in this verse also helps the reader to see Paul’s allusion to the greater context of Numbers 16, where Korah, Dathan, and Abiram strayed from the truth by opposing Moses as God’s spokesman. Those faithful to God were told to turn aside from their tents, as God would cause the ground to swallow them up. Paul here reminds Timothy of this, stating similarly that every true believer must depart from the wickedness of going astray from the truth.

clay
“Clay” translates the Greek term ὀστράκινος (ostrakinos), which refers to something made of earth or clay. The translation here is simply more straightforward and familiar than the more archaic “earthenware.” Clay was a very common and inexpensive commodity, and thus, a clay vessel was an example of something dedicated to dishonorable ues. Paul uses this as an analogy for those who reject the Lord and His truth (v. 18), yet are nonetheless used by God for His own purposes, though they be dishonorable in comparison to the privilege with which His own people may serve Him.

having been prepared
The rendering “having been prepared” brings out the perfect tense of ἡτοιμασμένον (hētoimasmenon). This links with the act of cleansing earlier that brings the believer into the state of preparedness.