What does it mean to be rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)?

TL;DR:

When we rightly divide God’s Word, we handle it and represent it accurately. When the truth is handled properly it changes our lives and help us love God and others more.

Second Timothy was written shortly before Paul's death. Knowing death was likely soon, it seems Paul specifically wanted to encourage his son-in-the-faith Timothy, and all believers, to stand firm in the faith. With that backdrop Paul wrote, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). In the KJV, the last phrase is translated, "rightly dividing the word of truth." The Greek root refers to making a straight cut. The concept is simple enough: Timothy is being encouraged to understand and use the Word of God in the appropriate manner. Rightly dividing the word of truth involves accurate understanding of truth as well as appropriate response to that truth by the work of the Holy Spirit in us (Philippians 2:12–13; 2 Timothy 1:14; 2:7). We, as believers, must also rightly divide the word of truth. We must handle God's Word with care, accurately understanding, applying and teaching what it says and letting it guide our thoughts, words, and actions as faithful workers for His kingdom.

from the old testament

Psalm 19:7–11 describes God’s Word in poetic form, emphasizing the perfection, purity, and trustworthiness of God's Word. God’s Word has power to revive, enlighten, and guide us, which is why it is important to rightly divide the word of truth:
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

from the new testament

Paul had already spoken of Timothy's "sincere faith" (2 Timothy 1:5) and reminded him to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6). Timothy was later called to "preach the word" (2 Timothy 4:2), which explains the command to rightly divide the word of truth.
Paul exhorted Timothy not to be ashamed of the truth about Jesus nor of Paul's imprisonment. Paul said he was "not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me" (2 Timothy 1:12).
Paul encouraged Timothy to "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me … By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you" (2 Timothy 1:13–14). Paul affirmed Timothy's faith and exhorted him to continue walking out God's calling upon his life, steadfast in the truth of God.
Paul writes, "You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:1–2). Teaching others God’s Word requires us to take His Word, its message and application, seriously. We must rightly divide the word of truth to teach it accurately.
The "word of truth" would refer to Paul's teachings about Jesus as well as the Old Testament Scriptures in which Timothy had been trained (2 Timothy 3:14–15) and the developing New Testament canon (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:21; 3:15–16).
To "rightly handle" or "rightly divide," Timothy must know the truth and refuse to compromise it. Paul goes on to give examples of those who have "swerved from the truth" and "are upsetting the faith of some" (2 Timothy 2:17–18).
Paul later warns Timothy to avoid "foolish, ignorant controversies" (2 Timothy 2:23).
Rightly handling the Word of God is not merely about intellectual knowledge or being right. Timothy was encouraged to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2). Rightly dividing the word means knowing God’s Word and teaching it both accurately and with the right heart and application.

implications for today

The Scriptures help equip us for "every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). Elsewhere we are called to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). "Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). Rightly handling the Word of God should change us (Ephesians 4:17–32). It should result in us knowing God more, loving Him more, and loving others more (John 15:1–17). Hebrews 4:12–13 says, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." God's Word examines our hearts. It shows us our own sinfulness in light of God's holiness (Isaiah 6:1–7). It also tells us of God's immense love, mercy, and grace (Exodus 34:6–7; Hebrews 13:5–6; 1 John 4:7–10). By His Word we learn about Jesus, the atoning sacrifice for our sins who has conquered sin and death and by whom all who trust in Him are made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Ephesians 2:1–10). When we rightly handle the Word of God, we rightly understand God’s holiness and His immense blessings for all who are His (Ephesians 1:3–14). We rightly understand ourselves and we rightly become living sacrifices, eager to know Him and serve Him through love (Romans 12:1–2; 1 John 4:7–12, 21).

understand

Rightly handling the word of truth involves rightly understanding and representing God’s Word.
Rightly handling the word of truth involves having the right attitude toward God’s Word and teaching it.
Rightly handling the word of truth involves allowing it to transform us while desiring for it to transform others as well.

reflect

How can you grow in accurately understanding God’s Word and applying it to your daily life?
How does your attitude toward Scripture reflect a commitment to rightly dividing the word of truth?
How has God’s Word transformed your heart and actions?

engage

What challenges might we face when striving to rightly divide the word of truth, and how can we overcome them together?
How can we encourage others to handle God’s Word faithfully and with the right heart?
How can we ensure that our teaching and sharing of God’s Word reflects both its truth and its life-changing power?