A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Timothy 2:20

"Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some unto honor, and some unto dishonor." — 2 Timothy 2:20 (ASV)

In a great house (εν μεγαλη οικια). Metaphor of a palace. He doubtless has the Kingdom of God in mind, but he works out the metaphor of a great house of the rich and mighty.

Vessels (σκευη). Old word σκευος. See Ro 9:21 for the same double use as here.

Of gold (χρυσα). Old contracted adjective χρυσεος, only here by Paul.

Of silver (αργυρα). Old contracted adjective αργυρεος, in N.T. here, Acts 19:24; Revelation 9:20.

Of wood (ξυλινα). Old adjective, in N.T. only here and Re 9:20.

Of earth (οστρακινα). Late adjective, from οστρακον, baked clay, in LXX, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 4:7.