2 Timothy / Chapter 4

2 Timothy 4

22 verses • SBL Greek New Testament

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

Paul delivers his most solemn charge to Timothy: preach the word in season and out of season, for a time is coming when people will accumulate teachers to suit their own desires. Paul then shifts to a deeply personal valediction — 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith' — announcing that his departure is at hand and a crown of righteousness awaits him. The chapter closes with personal requests and greetings: Demas has deserted, Luke alone is with him, Paul asks for Mark and for his cloak and scrolls left at Troas. He reports on Alexander the coppersmith's opposition and notes that at his first defense, no one stood with him — but the Lord stood by him and strengthened him.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

This chapter is widely regarded as Paul's final written words — a spiritual last will and testament. The triple declaration in verse 7 ('I have fought... finished... kept') uses three perfect tenses, each indicating completed action with ongoing results. The metaphors shift from combat (agōn) to athletics (dromos) to stewardship (pistin) in three staccato clauses. The personal details in verses 9-21 provide an unparalleled window into Paul's final circumstances: the pathos of abandonment, the practicality of requesting a cloak for Roman winter, and the enduring importance of his scrolls (likely Scripture).

Translation Friction

The identity of the 'first defense' (prōtē apologia, v. 16) is debated — it may refer to a preliminary hearing in Paul's current trial or to his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28). 'The lion's mouth' (v. 17) may be literal (the arena), figurative (Satan or Nero), or an allusion to Psalm 22:21. Alexander the coppersmith (v. 14) may or may not be the Alexander of 1 Timothy 1:20 or Acts 19:33. The 'scrolls, especially the parchments' (v. 13) likely refer to Old Testament Scriptures, though their exact contents are unknown.

Connections

The charge to 'preach the word' (v. 2) builds on the Scripture passage in 3:16-17. The 'crown of righteousness' (v. 8) connects to the athletic crown in 2:5 and the crowns in 1 Corinthians 9:25, James 1:12, and Revelation 2:10. Paul's abandonment at his trial (v. 16) echoes Jesus' experience in Gethsemane, and his prayer 'may it not be charged against them' echoes Stephen (Acts 7:60). The lion's mouth alludes to Psalm 22:21 and Daniel 6:22.

2 Timothy 4:1

Διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, τοῦ μέλλοντος κρίνειν ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς, καὶ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ·

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

KJV I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The Greek diamartyromai ('I solemnly testify, I charge under oath') is the strongest form of adjuration available. The charge is issued before two witnesses: God and Christ Jesus. The phrase 'the living and the dead' (zōntas kai nekrous) encompasses all humanity across all time. 'His appearing' (tēn epiphaneian) and 'his kingdom' (tēn basileian) serve as the eschatological horizon that gives urgency to the charge.
2 Timothy 4:2

κήρυξον τὸν λόγον, ἐπίστηθι εὐκαίρως ἀκαίρως, ἔλεγξον, ἐπιτίμησον, παρακάλεσον, ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ.

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

KJV Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Five imperatives in rapid succession create urgency: preach (kēryxon), be ready (epistēthi), reprove (elegxon), rebuke (epitimēson), exhort (parakaleson). The phrase 'in season and out of season' (eukairōs akairōs) means 'when it is convenient and when it is not' — the preacher does not wait for ideal conditions. The final phrase adds the necessary temperament: patience (makrothymia) and substance (didachē).
2 Timothy 4:3

ἔσται γὰρ καιρὸς ὅτε τῆς ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας οὐκ ἀνέξονται, ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισωρεύσουσιν διδασκάλους κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν,

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching but, having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,

KJV For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The medical metaphor hygiainousēs didaskalias ('sound/healthy teaching') recurs throughout the Pastoral Epistles — false teaching is a disease, sound teaching is health. The vivid image of 'itching ears' (knēthomenoi tēn akoēn) describes people who crave novelty and flattery rather than truth. The verb episōreusousin ('pile up, accumulate') suggests an excess of teachers — not quality but quantity, selected to validate existing desires.
2 Timothy 4:4

καὶ ἀπὸ μὲν τῆς ἀληθείας τὴν ἀκοὴν ἀποστρέψουσιν, ἐπὶ δὲ τοὺς μύθους ἐκτραπήσονται.

They will turn away their ears from the truth, and will be turned to fables.

KJV And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The contrast is between truth (alētheia) and myths (mythous). The Greek mythoi in the Pastoral Epistles likely refers to speculative theological narratives — genealogical fantasies, proto-gnostic origin stories, or fanciful reinterpretations of Scripture (cf. 1 Tim 1:4, 4:7; Titus 1:14). The passive ektrapēsontai ('will be turned aside') suggests they are led astray rather than making a fully conscious choice.
2 Timothy 4:5

σὺ δὲ νῆφε ἐν πᾶσιν, κακοπάθησον, ἔργον ποίησον εὐαγγελιστοῦ, τὴν διακονίαν σου πληροφόρησον.

As for you, be sober-minded in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

KJV But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Four more imperatives directed at Timothy: be sober (nēphe), suffer (kakopathēson), evangelize (ergon poiēson euangelistou), fulfill (plērophorēson). The term 'evangelist' (euangelistou) designates one who proclaims the good news — a role distinct from but overlapping with pastor and teacher (cf. Eph 4:11). 'Fulfill your ministry' (tēn diakonian sou plērophorēson) means to carry it to completion, leaving nothing undone.
2 Timothy 4:6

Ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤδη σπένδομαι, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἀναλύσεώς μου ἐφέστηκεν.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

KJV For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

σπένδομαι spendomai
"being poured out as a drink offering" — to pour out a libation, to be offered as a sacrifice

The present tense indicates the process is already underway. Paul views his execution not as defeat but as a final act of worship — his life poured out for God.

Translator Notes

  1. The Greek spendomai ('I am being poured out as a libation') is a sacrificial metaphor — Paul's life is being poured out like the wine offering that accompanied temple sacrifices (Num 15:5-7; Phil 2:17). The word analyseos ('departure, loosing, breaking camp') is a euphemism for death drawn from military or nautical language — a ship being untied from port or an army breaking camp to march. Paul faces death not with dread but with the composure of a completed mission.
2 Timothy 4:7

τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα ἠγώνισμαι, τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα, τὴν πίστιν τετήρηκα·

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

KJV I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Notes & Key Terms 1 term

Key Terms

ἀγών agōn
"fight" — contest, struggle, fight, race

Originally an athletic term for a public competition. Paul uses it for the entirety of his apostolic ministry — a lifelong contest that is now concluded.

Translator Notes

  1. Three perfect tenses in succession — each denoting completed action with lasting results. The 'good fight' (kalon agōna) may refer to an athletic contest or military campaign. The 'race' (dromon) is a footrace — Paul has reached the finish line. 'Kept the faith' (tēn pistin tetērēka) carries a double sense: he has maintained personal trust in Christ and has guarded the deposit of apostolic teaching (cf. 1 Tim 6:20). This is perhaps the most quoted passage in the Pastoral Epistles.
2 Timothy 4:8

λοιπὸν ἀπόκειταί μοι ὁ τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος, ὃν ἀποδώσει μοι ὁ κύριος ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, ὁ δίκαιος κριτής, οὐ μόνον δὲ ἐμοὶ ἀλλὰ καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ἠγαπηκόσιν τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ.

From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

KJV Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The stephanos ('crown, wreath') is the victor's garland, not a royal diadem (diadēma). The genitive 'of righteousness' may mean the crown that consists of righteousness, the crown given for righteousness, or the crown awarded by the righteous judge. Paul immediately universalizes the promise: the crown belongs to 'all who have loved his appearing' (tois ēgapēkosin tēn epiphaneian autou) — not just apostles but every believer. The perfect participle ēgapēkosin ('have loved and continue to love') indicates an ongoing disposition.
2 Timothy 4:9

Σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν πρός με ταχέως·

Do your best to come to me soon.

KJV Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The shift from theological grandeur to personal urgency is jarring and deeply human. Paul is alone, facing death, and wants Timothy beside him. The imperative spoudason ('be diligent, hurry') conveys genuine urgency.
2 Timothy 4:10

Δημᾶς γάρ με ἐγκατέλιπεν ἀγαπήσας τὸν νῦν αἰῶνα, καὶ ἐπορεύθη εἰς Θεσσαλονίκην, Κρήσκης εἰς Γαλατίαν, Τίτος εἰς Δαλματίαν·

For Demas, in love with this present age, deserted me and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

KJV For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Demas is mentioned positively in Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 24 but here has 'loved this present age' (agapēsas ton nyn aiōna) — the same verb used of those who 'loved his appearing' in verse 8, creating a painful contrast. Crescens and Titus apparently left on legitimate missions (no negative language is used), unlike Demas who deserted (egkatelipen, 'abandoned').
2 Timothy 4:11

Λουκᾶς ἐστιν μόνος μετ' ἐμοῦ. Μᾶρκον ἀναλαβὼν ἄγε μετὰ σεαυτοῦ, ἔστιν γάρ μοι εὔχρηστος εἰς διακονίαν.

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

KJV Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Luke the physician (Col 4:14) — traditionally the author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts — is Paul's sole remaining companion. The request for Mark (John Mark) represents a remarkable reconciliation: Paul had refused to take Mark on the second missionary journey because Mark had deserted them earlier (Acts 15:37-39). Now Paul calls him euchrēstos ('useful, serviceable') — the same root as the name Onesimus ('useful') in Philemon.
2 Timothy 4:12

Τυχικὸν δὲ ἀπέστειλα εἰς Ἔφεσον.

Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

KJV And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Tychicus was Paul's trusted envoy, mentioned in Acts 20:4, Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 4:7, and Titus 3:12. He may have carried this very letter and was likely sent to relieve Timothy so Timothy could travel to Paul in Rome.
2 Timothy 4:13

τὸν φαιλόνην ὃν ἀπέλιπον ἐν Τρῳάδι παρὰ Κάρπῳ ἐρχόμενος φέρε, καὶ τὰ βιβλία, μάλιστα τὰς μεμβράνας.

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

KJV The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The phailonēn ('cloak') was a heavy outer garment needed for a Roman winter (cf. v. 21). The request is poignantly practical — Paul is cold. The biblia ('books, scrolls') were likely papyrus rolls, and the membranas ('parchments') were animal-skin documents — possibly Old Testament Scriptures, legal documents, or Paul's own notes. The distinction between papyrus and parchment suggests different types of documents. This verse provides a rare glimpse into the material conditions of Paul's imprisonment.
2 Timothy 4:14

Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ χαλκεὺς πολλά μοι κακὰ ἐνεδείξατο· ἀποδώσει αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ·

Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.

KJV Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The identification 'the coppersmith' (ho chalkeus) distinguishes this Alexander from others with the same common name. His 'great harm' (polla kaka) may have been testimony against Paul at trial. Paul does not curse Alexander but commits judgment to the Lord — echoing Psalm 62:12 and Proverbs 24:12. The future apodōsei ('will repay') expresses confident trust in divine justice.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] Echoes Psalm 62:12. See the TCR's OT rendering for the Hebrew behind this passage and the translation rationale.
  3. [TCR Cross-Reference] Echoes Proverbs 24:12. See the TCR's OT rendering for the Hebrew behind this passage and the translation rationale.
2 Timothy 4:15

ὃν καὶ σὺ φυλάσσου, λίαν γὰρ ἀντέστη τοῖς ἡμετέροις λόγοις.

Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.

KJV Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The warning to Timothy suggests Alexander may still be active and dangerous. The phrase tois hēmeterois logois ('our words') could mean Paul's legal defense or the apostolic message more broadly.
2 Timothy 4:16

Ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ μου ἀπολογίᾳ οὐδείς μοι παρεγένετο, ἀλλὰ πάντες με ἐγκατέλιπον· μὴ αὐτοῖς λογισθείη·

At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!

KJV At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The apologia ('defense') is a legal term for a formal defense in court. The abandonment by 'all' (pantes) parallels Jesus' experience when the disciples fled (Matt 26:56). Paul's prayer — mē autois logistheiē ('may it not be reckoned to them') — echoes Stephen's dying prayer (Acts 7:60) and Jesus' words from the cross (Luke 23:34). The optative mood (logistheiē) expresses a genuine wish.
2 Timothy 4:17

ὁ δὲ κύριός μοι παρέστη καὶ ἐνεδυνάμωσέν με, ἵνα δι' ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ καὶ ἀκούσωσιν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, καὶ ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος.

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.

KJV Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The contrast is stark: all human companions deserted, but the Lord stood by (parestē) — the very verb used for human support in the previous verse. The purpose of divine strengthening was not personal comfort but mission completion: full proclamation (plērophorēthē) to all nations (panta ta ethnē). The 'lion's mouth' (stomatos leontos) most likely alludes to Psalm 22:21 and may refer to the immediate threat of execution, to Nero, or to Satan (cf. 1 Pet 5:8).
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] Draws on Psalm 22:21. Consult the TCR rendering of that passage for the underlying Hebrew and the rationale for key translation choices.
2 Timothy 4:18

ῥύσεταί με ὁ κύριος ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔργου πονηροῦ καὶ σώσει εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐπουράνιον· ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων, ἀμήν.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

KJV And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul's confidence in rescue (rhysetai, future tense) is not necessarily about avoiding physical death — it is about deliverance from spiritual defeat. The ultimate salvation is entrance into 'his heavenly kingdom' (tēn basileian autou tēn epouranion). The doxology ('to him be the glory forever and ever, amen') follows the standard form of Jewish and early Christian praise, closing this section of the letter with worship.
2 Timothy 4:19

Ἄσπασαι Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν καὶ τὸν Ὀνησιφόρου οἶκον.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

KJV Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Prisca (the formal name; Priscilla is the diminutive used in Acts) and Aquila were Paul's co-workers and hosts (Acts 18:2-3, Rom 16:3-4). The 'household of Onesiphorus' (rather than Onesiphorus himself) has led some scholars to conclude that Onesiphorus had died — Paul commended his past service in 1:16-18. However, this is not certain.
2 Timothy 4:20

Ἔραστος ἔμεινεν ἐν Κορίνθῳ, Τρόφιμον δὲ ἀπέλιπον ἐν Μιλήτῳ ἀσθενοῦντα.

Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.

KJV Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Erastus may be the city treasurer of Corinth mentioned in Romans 16:23. Trophimus was the Ephesian companion whose presence with Paul in Jerusalem triggered the riot in Acts 21:29. The detail that Paul left Trophimus ill (asthenounta) is significant — even Paul, who had healed others, did not always exercise miraculous healing.
2 Timothy 4:21

Σπούδασον πρὸ χειμῶνος ἐλθεῖν. Ἀσπάζεταί σε Εὔβουλος καὶ Πούδης καὶ Λίνος καὶ Κλαυδία καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες.

Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

KJV Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The urgency 'before winter' (pro cheimōnos) is practical — sea travel ceased during winter, and Paul needed his cloak (v. 13). But it also carries the unspoken weight of Paul's limited time. Linus is traditionally identified as the first bishop of Rome after Peter. 'The brothers and sisters' (hoi adelphoi) uses the masculine plural inclusively, as is standard in Greek.
2 Timothy 4:22

Ὁ κύριος μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματός σου. ἡ χάρις μεθ' ὑμῶν.

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

KJV The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The closing benediction has two parts: a singular address to Timothy ('your spirit,' sou) and a plural blessing on the community ('with you,' hymōn). The shift from singular to plural suggests the letter, while personal, was also meant to be read in the congregation. The SBLGNT does not include 'Amen' in the closing, which appears in some later manuscripts. This is Paul's final recorded word: grace.
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