What does 2 Timothy 2:20 mean?

Verses 20–21 discuss the analogy of a vessel. Paul states that in a wealthy house, there would be containers made of various materials, used for different purposes, and given different roles to fulfill. Gold and silver are clearly the most expensive and desirable vessels. Wood and clay were the everyday materials used for cups, jars, and pitchers in the first century.

The containers meant for "honorable use" are the gold and silver vessels. These items were not for everyday dining, but were reserved for special meals and events. Those which were "dishonorable" referred to the vessels of wood and clay, used for everyday activities. Timothy is to focus on cleansing himself from what was "dishonorable" (2 Timothy 2:21) so he could be a vessel for "honorable" use. In other words, those greatly used by God are those who pursue a holy life, abstaining from sin—referred to as "iniquity" in verse 19—and false teachings (2 Timothy 2:16–18).