2 Timothy4
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 you in the of of , to the the , and by :
2 the ; be in and out of ; , , and , .
3 the is people will , they will for to own ,
4 will to the .
5 for , be , , the of an , .
6 am being poured out as a , the of has .
7 I have the , I have the , I have the .
8 there is for the of , the , the , will to , to to all have .
9 Do your to .
10 , in with this , has me . has gone , .
11 . and him , he very to .
12 I have .
13 When you , the I , the , and all the .
14 the ; the will .
15 of , he .
16 came to , . it be against !
17 the , that the might be the might it. I was the .
18 The will me safely . To be the and . .
19 , the of .
20 , I , who was , .
21 Do your to . sends to , do the .
22 The be . be .
People in this chapter — 21
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2 Timothy 4Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Timothy 4. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine. (1–5). Enforces the charge from his own martyrdom, then at hand. (6–8). Desires him to come speedily. (9–13). He cautions, and complains of such as had deserted him; and expresses his faith as to his own preservation to the heavenly kingdom. (14–18). Friendly greetings and his usual blessing. (19–22).
vv1-5
People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.
vv6-8
The blood of the martyrs, though not a sacrifice of atonement, yet was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the grace of God and his truth. Death to a good man, is his release from the imprisonment of this world, and his departure to the enjoyments of another world. As a Christian, and a minister, Paul had kept the faith, kept the doctrines of the gospel. What comfort will it afford, to be able to speak in this manner toward the end of our days! The crown of believers is a crown of righteousness, purchased by the righteousness of Christ. Believers have it not at present, yet it is sure, for it is laid up for them. The believer, amidst poverty, pain, sickness, and the agonies of death, may rejoice; but if the duties of a man's place and station are neglected, his evidence of interest in Christ will be darkened, and uncertainty and distress may be expected to cloud and harass his last hours.
vv9-13
The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. Paul was guided by Divine inspiration, yet he would have his books. As long as we live, we must still learn. The apostles did not neglect human means, in seeking the necessaries of life, or their own instruction. Let us thank the Divine goodness in having given us so many writings of wise and pious men in all ages; and let us seek that by reading them our profiting may appear to all.
Key Words
ἐγώ (egṓ): I, me
διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartýromai): to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively
ἐνώπιον (enṓpion): in the face of (literally or figuratively)
θεός (theós): figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Χριστός (Christós): anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
ὁ (ho): the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
μέλλω (méllō): to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probability, possibility, or hesitation)
κρίνω (krínō): by implication, to try, condemn, punish
Cross References
2 Timothy 4Paul's charge to Timothy to fight the good fight, which Paul has now completed.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Contrasts Demas's past faithfulness alongside Luke with his subsequent abandonment of Paul.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Provides the essential context for why Paul salutes the household of Onesiphorus.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Directly links the turning away to 'fables' with Paul's warnings in his first epistle.
Supported by JFB
Paul's earlier expressed determination to finish his course with joy is now accomplished.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallels the abandonment at Paul's defense with the previous desertion in Asia.
Supported by Matthew Henry