STUDY to shew thyself approved unto God

[tonychanyt]

King James Bible, 2Tm 2:

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The meaning of the old English word 'study' has changed.

New King James Version:

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Strong's Greek: 4704. σπουδάζω (spoudazó) — 11 Occurrences

BDAG:
① to proceed quickly, hurry, hasten
② to speed up a process, expedite
③ to be especially conscientious in discharging an obligation, be zealous/eager, take pains, make every effort, be conscientious

English Standard Version:

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.

NET Bible:

Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

Why did KJV use "study"?

The Greek word itself emphasized general diligence and effort rather than specifically studying. The older English usage of "study" included this broader meaning of diligent effort. Modern English uses "study" more narrowly for academic pursuit. Modern translations use different words to better convey the original Greek meaning.