2 Timothy 1:5 Meaning: Why Paul Mentions Timothy's Grandmother and Mother
having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, in you also.
When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.
taking remembrance of the unfeigned faith that is in thee, that dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that also in thee.
calling to mind the unfeigned faith which [has been] in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul reminds Timothy of the sincere faith that first lived in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice, showing how genuine faith passes across generations.
Context
Paul is writing from a Roman prison, facing the end of his life. His letter to Timothy is personal and urgent. In these opening verses, Paul thanks God for Timothy and mentions the tears they shared. Then he brings up Timothy's faith, the same genuine faith that lived first in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. Paul is certain it still lives in Timothy. This mention sets the stage for Paul's call to courage: faith passed down is faith that must be stirred up.
Key Words
The Greek word for 'sincere' is anupokritos, literally 'unhypocritical.' It means faith without a mask, the real thing. Paul uses this same word in 1 Timothy 1:5 for love. Timothy's faith is not for show.
The verb 'dwelt' is enoikeō, which pictures someone moving in and making a home. Wesley notes this word is never used of a transient guest, only a settled inhabitant. This faith took up residence in Lois, then Eunice, now Timothy. It was at home in them.
Finally, 'I am persuaded' translates pepeismai, a perfect tense meaning 'I have been convinced and remain convinced.' Paul's confidence in Timothy is not wishful thinking; it is grounded in what he knows of Timothy's character. Together these words show a faith that is genuine, settled, and reliably present.
How Christians Read This Verse
Most commentators see this verse as a window into Timothy's home. Matthew Henry writes that Paul stirs Timothy's faith by recalling its roots. Barnes points out the undesigned coincidence with Acts 16, where only Timothy's mother is mentioned as a believer. Here Paul names the grandmother as well. Gill suggests both Lois and Eunice had died in the faith.
Across traditions, this verse is valued as a picture of faith passed along by mothers and grandmothers. Catholic teaching sees the family as the first school of faith. Protestant and Orthodox traditions also honor the domestic transmission of belief. All Christians agree: the verse shows that genuine faith can be planted and nurtured in a home, even when the father is not mentioned as a believer.
A common misunderstanding
Some think this verse teaches that faith is inherited automatically by bloodline. In fact, Timothy's father was a Greek and apparently not a believer. His faith came from his grandmother and mother's sincere teaching and example, as Paul points out in 2 Timothy 3:15. Faith is passed through instruction and living, not genetics.
Living This Out
This week, think about the people who planted faith in you. Was it a grandmother who prayed? A mother who taught you Scripture? Take time to thank God for them. And if you have children or grandchildren in your life, consider how your faith is dwelling in you, settled, at home. That kind of faith rubs off. You do not need to be a preacher. Live your trust in God openly, and let them catch it.
Main takeaway: Genuine faith can be passed from one generation to the next through sincere teaching and example.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
This verse talks about Timothy's grandma and mommy teaching him to love God. They showed him what it means to trust in Jesus. You can learn from your family too.
For ages 9, 12
Timothy learned faith from his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. They taught him the Scriptures from a young age. Paul says their faith was 'sincere', real and not fake. This shows that faith can be passed on in a family through teaching and example. But faith is also personal. You have to make it your own, just like Timothy did. Think about how you can grow in your own faith.
Questions People Ask
Did Timothy's father believe in Christ?
The Bible does not say. Acts 16:1 says his father was a Greek, and Paul's silence here may mean he remained an unbeliever or had died. The faith is shown to come from his grandmother and mother.
Why does Paul mention Lois and Eunice by name?
He is reminding Timothy of his spiritual heritage to encourage him. Their example shows faith that was genuine and long-settled. Paul wants Timothy to remember where his faith came from and keep it alive.
What does 'unfeigned faith' mean?
The Greek word anupokritos means unhypocritical, not pretending. It is faith that is genuine and sincere, not just external. Paul knows Timothy's faith is real.
Is faith passed down automatically in a family?
No. The verse shows faith passed from grandmother to mother to child through teaching and example. It is not automatic. Each person must own their own faith, as Timothy did.
What is the significance of the word 'dwelt'?
The Greek verb enoikeō means to settle down and make a home. Wesley notes it is never used of a transient guest. Faith made a permanent home in Lois and Eunice, showing it was not temporary.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study