2 Timothy

2 Timothy front

Introduction to 2 Timothy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of 2 Timothy

1. Paul greets Timothy and encourages him to endure hardship as he serves God (1:1-2:13).
2. Paul gives general instructions to Timothy (2:14-26).
3. Paul warns Timothy about future events and instructs him about how to carry out his service to God (3:1-4:8).
4. Paul makes personal remarks (4:9-22).

Who wrote the book of 2 Timothy?

Paul wrote 2 Timothy. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

This book is the second letter Paul wrote to Timothy. Timothy was his disciple and close friend. Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. Paul would die soon after writing this letter.

What is the book of 2 Timothy about?

Paul had left Timothy in the city of Ephesus to help the believers there. Paul wrote this letter to instruct Timothy about various matters. The topics he addressed include warnings about false teachers and advice about enduring difficult situations. This letter also shows how Paul was training Timothy to be a leader among the churches.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “2 Timothy” or “Second Timothy.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy” or “The Second Letter to Timothy.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is the soldier imagery in 2 Timothy?

As Paul waited in prison, knowing he would die soon, he spoke of being a soldier of Jesus Christ. Soldiers have to obey to their leaders. In the same way, Christians have to obey Jesus. As “soldiers” of Christ, believers are to obey his commands, even if they die as a result.

What does it mean that God inspired Scripture?

God is the true author of Scripture. He inspired the human authors who wrote the books. That means God in some way caused the people to write what they wrote. This is why the Bible is also referred to as God’s word. This implies several things about it. First, everything that the Bible teaches is free from error and can be trusted. Second, God will always preserve his Scripture for every generation of people. Third, God’s word should be translated into all the world’s languages.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Singular and plural “you”

In this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. Here the word “you” is almost always singular and refers to Timothy. The exception to this is 4:22. (See: Forms of You)

Inclusive and exclusive “we” and “us”

In this book, “we” and “us” include the writer, Paul, the recipient, Timothy, and all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

What did Paul mean by the expressions “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?

Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union between Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major textual issues in the text of the book of 2 Timothy?

For the following verses, the oldest Greek manuscripts differ from later Greek manuscripts. Modern translations may also differ depending on the Greek manuscript that they translate from. The ULT text translates the Greek from the oldest manuscripts, and puts the differences from later manuscripts in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible already exists in the general region, translators should consider following the decision in that translation. If not, translators are advised to follow the oldest Greek manuscripts as reflected in the ULT text. * “Because of this, I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher” (1:11). Some later manuscripts read, “Because of this, I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher to the Gentiles.” * “Warn them before God” (2:14). Some later manuscripts read, “Warn them before the Lord.”

(See: Textual Variants)

2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.

Special concepts in this chapter

Spiritual children

Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul calls Timothy “beloved child.” So even though Paul was not Timothy’s father, Paul speaks of his relationship with Timothy as that of a father and son in a spiritual sense. (See: Metaphor)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Persecution

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. Paul encourages Timothy to be willing to suffer for the gospel.

2 Timothy 1:1

Παῦλος

This is the name of a man, the author of the letter. (See: How to Translate Names)

Παῦλος

This letter follows the normal custom of the time by beginning with the name and identity of the author, then mentioning the recipient (in verse 2). Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter. If so, you can use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am writing this letter”

διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ

Paul became an apostle because God wanted him to be an apostle. Alternate translation: “because of God’s will” or “because God wanted it to be so”

κατ’

This could mean: (1) God appointed Paul to tell others about the promise of life in Jesus. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of announcing” (2) Paul became an apostle because he himself received the promise of life in Jesus. Alternate translation: “as a result of receiving”

ζωῆς τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Paul speaks of life as if it were an object inside of Jesus. This refers to the life people receive as a result of belonging to Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “of the life that we receive as a result of belonging to Christ Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 1:2

Τιμοθέῳ

This is the name of a man, the person to whom this letter is written. (See: How to Translate Names)

Τιμοθέῳ

Your language may have a particular way of introducing the person who receives a letter. If so, you can use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “This letter is for you, Timothy”

ἀγαπητῷ τέκνῳ

Paul was not Timothy’s father, but he uses the term child to express his love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Paul introduced Timothy to Christ, and so Paul considered him his child in a spiritual sense. Alternate translation: “who is like a beloved son to me” or “you are like a dear child to me” (See: Metaphor)

χάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ

After stating the name of the author and the person who is receiving it (Timothy), Paul adds a blessing to Timothy. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “may you experience kindness, mercy, and peace within you from” or “I pray that you will have grace, mercy, and peace from” (See: Blessings)

χάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη

Paul’s blessing to Timothy includes these three abstract nouns. Your language may have a particular way of expressing these concepts, such as with verbs. If so, you can use them in your translation. See the UST. (See: Abstract Nouns)

Θεοῦ Πατρὸς

This is an important title for God. Here, Father could refer to: (1) the Father of Christ. (2) the Father of believers. Alternate translation: “God, who is the Father” (See: Translating Son and Father)

ἡμῶν

In this book, unless otherwise noted, the words we, us, and our refer to Paul (the writer of this letter), Timothy (the one to whom this letter is written), and, by extension, all believers. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

2 Timothy 1:3

χάριν ἔχω τῷ Θεῷ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun gratitude, you could express the idea behind it with a verb or an adjective. Alternate translation: “I thank God” or “I am thankful to God” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ᾧ λατρεύω ἀπὸ προγόνων

This is an idiom that means that Paul’s family has been serving God for many generations. Alternate translation: “whom my ancestors served and I serve, as well” (See: Idiom)

ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει

Paul speaks of his conscience as if it could be physically clean. A person with a clean conscience does not feel guilty because he has always tried to do what was right. Alternate translation: “knowing I have tried my hardest to do what is right” (See: Metaphor)

ὡς ἀδιάλειπτον ἔχω τὴν περὶ σοῦ μνείαν

Paul speaks of the action of remembering by using the abstract noun remembrance. Your language may have a particular way of expressing this concept, such as with a verb. If so, you can use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “as I think about you constantly in my prayers” (See: Abstract Nouns)

σοῦ

The word you is singular here and throughout the book, since Paul is addressing Timothy. A note will discuss the one exception in 4:22. (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας

Here, night and day are used together to refer to all the time included in the night and the day. This means that Paul prays to God often, no matter what time it is. It does not mean that he prays all night and all day without ever stopping. Alternate translation: “at all times” Alternate translation: “always” (See: Merism)

2 Timothy 1:4

μεμνημένος σου τῶν δακρύων

It is implied that Paul is referring here to the time when Paul was leaving Timothy. If this is unclear, you can include this information. Alternate translation: “remembering how you cried when I left you” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

σου τῶν δακρύων

Here, your tears refers to the act of Timothy’s crying or being very sad. Alternate translation: “that you cried” or “your sadness” (See: Metonymy)

χαρᾶς πληρωθῶ

Paul speaks of himself as if he were a container that someone could fill. Alternate translation: “I may be very joyful” or “I may rejoice a lot” (See: Metaphor)

χαρᾶς πληρωθῶ

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “joy may fill me” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 1:5

ὑπόμνησιν λαβὼν

This is an idiom that simply means, “remembering.” (See: Idiom)

τῆς ἐν σοὶ ἀνυποκρίτου πίστεως

Paul refers to Timothy’s faith with an abstract noun. Your language may have a particular way of expressing this concept, such as with a verb. If so, you can use it in your translation. Alternate translation: “that you genuinely believe” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῆς ἐν σοὶ ἀνυποκρίτου πίστεως

Paul speaks of faith as if it were an object inside of Timothy. Paul is referring to Timothy’s faith in God here, not to anyone’s faith in Timothy. Alternate translation: “your genuine faith” or “your faith that is genuine” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν σοὶ…πίστεως, ἥτις ἐνῴκησεν πρῶτον ἐν τῇ μάμμῃ σου, Λωΐδι, καὶ τῇ μητρί σου, Εὐνίκῃ; πέπεισμαι δὲ ὅτι καὶ ἐν σοί

Paul is speaking figuratively of their faith as if it were something that was alive and lived in each of them. Alternate translation: “of … faith that you have. Lois, your grandmother, and then Eunice, your mother, had this genuine faith in God, and now I am confident that you have this same genuine faith as well” (See: Personification)

Λωΐδι

This is the name of a woman, Timothy’s grandmother, who is probably his mother’s mother. (See: How to Translate Names)

Εὐνίκῃ

This is the name of a woman, Timothy’s mother. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 1:6

δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν

Paul writes that the reason for asking Timothy to rekindle his gift is that he is confident of Timothy’s faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “for this reason” or “because of your faith in Jesus”

ἀναζωπυρεῖν τὸ χάρισμα

Paul speaks about Timothy’s need to start using his gift again as if he were restarting a fire. Alternate translation: “be eager once more to use the gift” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου

Paul placed his hands on Timothy and prayed that God would give him power from God’s Spirit to enable him to do the work that God had called him to do. Then Timothy received the gift from the Holy Spirit. See how you translated this in 1 Tim 4:14. Alternate translation: “the gift of God that you received when I prayed for you” (See: Symbolic Action)

τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου

Paul speaks of the gift as an object inside of Timothy. If the words that is in you do not clearly communicate in your language that Timothy received the gift, you could translate it with a verb that expressing the idea of giving or receiving. Alternate translation: “the gift of God that you received when I laid my hands on you” (See: Metaphor)

τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου

It is implied that this is a spiritual gift that enables Timothy to do the work of ministry that God has called him to do, and that Paul also prayed for Timothy as he laid his hands on him. If these things are not clear, you may want to include this information in your translation. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 1:7

γὰρ

Here, For indicates that this verse provides another reason for Paul’s instruction in the previous verse that Timothy should use his spiritual gift. If your readers would misunderstand this connection, you can replace For with this information here. Alternate translation: “Another reason why I want you to start using again the gift God that gave you is that” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

οὐ…ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ Θεὸς πνεῦμα δειλίας, ἀλλὰ δυνάμεως, καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ

Here, spirit could refer to: (1) the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “God’s Holy Spirit does not cause us to be afraid. He causes us to have power and love and discipline” (2) the character of a human being. Alternate translation: “God does not cause us to be afraid but to have power and love and discipline”

δυνάμεως, καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ

Paul uses abstract nouns to refer to three things that Timothy should be able to do. Your language may have a particular way of expressing these concepts, such as with verbs. If so, you can use them in your translation. Alternate translation: “one that makes us able to obey, to love, and to control ourselves” (See: Abstract Nouns)

σωφρονισμοῦ

Here, discipline could refer to: (1) self-control. Alternate translation: “of the ability to control ourselves” (2) the power to correct or even to control others. Alternate translation: “of the ability to correct others”

2 Timothy 1:8

τὸ μαρτύριον

Paul may be using the word testimony to refer to the activity of telling others about the Lord and not to the message itself. Alternate translation: “of testifying” or “of telling others” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν δέσμιον αὐτοῦ

Paul is not being held prisoner by the Lord. He is a prisoner because he has testified about the Lord. Alternate translation: “a prisoner for his sake” or “a prisoner for the Lord”

συνκακοπάθησον τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ

The term together could mean: (1) Timothy should suffer together with Paul. (2) Timothy should suffer together with all Christians who suffer.

συνκακοπάθησον τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ

Here, for the gospel means “for the sake of telling other people the good news about Jesus.” Alternate translation: “along with me, accept the suffering that results from telling other people the good news about Jesus”

τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, κατὰ δύναμιν Θεοῦ

Paul is reminding Timothy that God provides people with power when they suffer so that they can endure the suffering. Alternate translation: “for the gospel, allowing God to make you strong”

2 Timothy 1:9

καλέσαντος κλήσει ἁγίᾳ

Here, with a holy calling could refer to: (1) what results from the calling. The call produces holy people or people set apart for God. Alternate translation: “called us with a calling that sets us apart as holy to God” (2) the source of the calling, which is God, who is holy. Alternate translation: “called us by means of his own holy calling” (See: Metonymy)

οὐ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ἡμῶν

It may be helpful to start a new sentence here. If you do start a new sentence, for clarity you may wish to repeat some words from the previous clause. Alternate translation: “He did not save us and call us because of our works”

ἀλλὰ κατὰ ἰδίαν πρόθεσιν καὶ χάριν

Here the words purpose and grace work together to mean “gracious purpose.” Paul is saying that God’s purpose or plan for us includes showing us grace or kindness through Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “but because of his gracious purpose” or “but because he planned to show us kindness” (See: Hendiadys)

καὶ χάριν, τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “and grace, which God gave to us in Christ Jesus” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Paul speaks figuratively of God’s purpose and grace or “gracious purpose” as if it were an object inside of Christ Jesus. This refers to God’s plan to save people that Jesus fulfilled. So when people begin a relationship with Jesus, then God saves them. Alternate translation: “through our relationship to Christ Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων

This is an idiom that indicates that God decided to save through faith in Christ before time and the creation of the world. Alternate translation: “before time began” (See: Idiom)

2 Timothy 1:10

φανερωθεῖσαν δὲ νῦν

Paul speaks of God’s gracious plan to save us as if it were an object that could be uncovered and shown to people through the arrival of Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “and which now people can know” or “and which now people can experience” (See: Metaphor)

φανερωθεῖσαν δὲ νῦν

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “which now God has revealed” or “which now God has allowed people to know” (See: Active or Passive)

φωτίσαντος δὲ ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου

Paul refers to life and immortality as if they were objects that could be brought from darkness into light so that people could see them. He is figuratively speaking of revealing something or making it known to people. Alternate translation: “and revealed life and immortality through the gospel” or “and declared life and immortality through the gospel” (See: Metaphor)

ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν

Here, life and immortality are probably working together to mean “immortal life.” Alternate translation: “eternal life” or “incorruptible life” (See: Hendiadys)

2 Timothy 1:11

ἐτέθην ἐγὼ κῆρυξ

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “God chose me to be a herald” (See: Active or Passive)

κῆρυξ

A herald is someone who is sent out to announce a message. If your language does not have a similar term and your readers would not know what a herald is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a messenger” (See: Translate Unknowns)

κῆρυξ

Paul compares himself to a herald because God has sent him out to announce the gospel message. Alternate translation: “a preacher” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 1:12

δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν

Paul provides the reason for his suffering by referring back to his status as an apostle. Alternate translation: “because I am an apostle”

καὶ ταῦτα πάσχω

Paul does not mention the specific things that he is suffering, but from the context of the letter, the implication is that he is referring to suffering as a prisoner. Alternate translation: “I also suffer as a prisoner” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

πέπεισμαι

Paul expresses that he is certain that God will make everything right in the end. Alternate translation: “I am sure”

τὴν παραθήκην μου φυλάξαι

Paul is using a metaphor of a person leaving something with another person who is supposed to protect it until he gives it back to the first person. The two people involved are Jesus and Paul, but it is not clear which one is holding the deposit. This could mean: (1) Paul is trusting Jesus to keep something safe that Paul has entrusted to Jesus. This could be Paul’s own life, or, more specifically, that Paul would remain faithful to Jesus all of his life. Alternate translation: “to keep me faithful to him” (2) Paul is trusting Jesus to preserve the good news that Jesus has deposited with Paul for Paul to preach. Alternate translation: “to help me keep preaching his message” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν παραθήκην μου

The term my here conveys the idea that this deposit is associated with Paul in some way. The particular association depends on what we consider the deposit to be. This could mean: (1) the deposit is associated with Paul because it is Paul’s own life or Paul’s faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “my faithfulness to him” (2) the deposit is associated with Paul because it is the gospel message that Paul preaches. Alternate translation: “the gospel message that he has entrusted to me to preach” (See: Possession)

ἐκείνην τὴν ἡμέραν

This refers to the day when Jesus returns for judgment. Alternate translation: “the day of judgment” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 1:13

ὑγιαινόντων λόγων

Paul wants Timothy to teach the things that he taught and thereby to follow his example. The expression the healthy words figuratively means “the correct message” by association, since a healthy mind would recognize that the correct message was reasonable. Alternate translation: “the correct message” (See: Metonymy)

λόγων

Paul uses the term words figuratively to describe the expression in words of what Christians believe. Alternate translation: “of … message” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Paul uses two abstract nouns, faith and love, to refer to actions that Timothy should do. Your language may have a particular way of expressing these concepts, such as with verbs. If so, you can use them in your translation. Alternate translation: “trusting in Christ Jesus and loving others because you belong to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Here, love could refer to: (1) the love that Timothy should show others. Alternate translation: “trusting in Christ Jesus and loving others because you belong to him” (2) the love that Timothy should show to God. Alternate translation: “trusting in Christ Jesus and loving him”

ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Paul speaks figuratively of faith and love as if they were objects inside of Christ Jesus. This refers to the faith and love that Jesus enables us to have when we belong to him. See how you translated this in 1:9. Alternate translation: “ours through our relationship to Christ Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 1:14

τὴν καλὴν παραθήκην

Here, the good deposit refers to the gospel message that God has entrusted to Timothy to share with his people. Alternate translation: “the good message entrusted to you for God’s people” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τὴν καλὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον

Timothy needs to be alert to protect the gospel message because people will oppose him and try to distort what he says and teaches, turning it into a different message. Alternate translation: “Protect the good deposit against those who will try to distort it” or “Because people will try to distort the gospel message, guard it” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου

Here, through means “by means of” or “by the power of.” Alternate translation: “by means of the Holy Spirit” or “with the help of the Holy Spirit”

2 Timothy 1:15

πάντες οἱ ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ

The word all could mean: (1) “many, but not all” in the strict sense, since Timothy and Onesiphorus did not turn away from him. So this would be an example of hyperbole. (2) the men who came to Rome with him from Asia Minor. Alternate translation: “all who came with me from Asia” (See: Hyperbole)

Ἀσίᾳ

This is the name of a Roman province, Asia Minor, which had its capital at Ephesus, which is where Timothy was living at the time of this letter. It is now a region in modern-day Turkey. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀπεστράφησάν με

This is a metaphor that means they left Paul and stopped helping him. Alternate translation: “have deserted me” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπεστράφησάν με

Paul assumes that Timothy would know that the reason that the believers from Asia had abandoned him was because the authorities had put him in prison. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “have deserted me because I am in prison” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Φύγελος

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἑρμογένης

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 1:16

Ὀνησιφόρου

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

δῴη ἔλεος ὁ Κύριος τῷ Ὀνησιφόρου οἴκῳ

Paul is asking God to bless the family of Onesiphorus. You can express this as either a blessing or a prayer, in whichever way is more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord will be kind to the family of Onesiphorus” or “May the Lord bless the family of Onesiphorus” (See: Blessings)

τῷ Ὀνησιφόρου οἴκῳ

The word household refers to Onesiphorus and to all the people in his family, possibly even his servants. Alternate translation: “to Onesiphorus and everyone who lives with him” (See: Metonymy)

τὴν ἅλυσίν μου οὐκ ἐπησχύνθη

The word chain refers to being in prison. Onesiphorus was not ashamed that Paul was in prison but came to visit him frequently. Alternate translation: “was not ashamed of my imprisonment” or “was not ashamed of my being in prison” or “was not ashamed of me, even though I was in prison” (See: Metonymy)

2 Timothy 1:17

ἀλλὰ

Here, but indicates a contrast between the previous verse and this verse. Instead of being ashamed that Paul was in prison, Onesiphorus searched for Paul and found him there. Use whatever form is most natural in your language to show this contrast. (See: Connect — Contrast Relationship)

Ῥώμῃ

This is the name of a city, the capital of the Roman Empire. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 1:18

δῴη αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος, εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου

Paul is again asking for the Lord to grant mercy to Onesiphorus. You can express this as either a blessing or a prayer, in whichever way is more natural in your language. See how you translated this in 1:16. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord will be merciful to Onesiphorus” or “May the Lord have mercy on Onesiphorus” (See: Blessings)

(δῴη αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος, εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ), καὶ ὅσα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ διηκόνησεν, βέλτιον σὺ γινώσκεις

If your readers would misunderstand these sentences, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence gives the reason for the action that the first sentence describes. See the UST. (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

δῴη αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος, εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can use the name “Onesiphorus” instead of the pronoun him to make it clear who is receiving mercy. Alternate translation: “May Onesiphorus receive mercy from the Lord” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου

Paul speaks of mercy as if it were an object that could be found. Paul is expressing his desire that God show mercy to Onesiphorus on the day of judgment. Alternate translation: “to receive mercy from the Lord” (See: Metaphor)

ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

The expression that day refers to the day when God will judge all people; at that time they will receive mercy from the Lord, as Paul mentions, or wrath. Alternate translation: “on the day of judgment” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

Ἐφέσῳ

This is the name of a city, the place where Timothy, the recipient of the letter, is located. (See: How to Translate Names)

ὅσα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ διηκόνησεν, βέλτιον σὺ γινώσκεις

Paul is reminding Timothy that Onesiphorus helped him earlier, in Ephesus. So, Paul is asking the Lord to bless Onesiphorus because he helped Paul several times. Alternate translation: “you know well how much he also helped me earlier when I was in Ephesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

In verses 11b-13, Paul may be quoting a poem or hymn. To show the reader that this may be a quotation, in your translation you may choose to set these verses farther to the right than the other verses in the chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

We will reign with him

Faithful Christians will reign with Christ in the future. (See: faithful, faithfulness, trustworthy)

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Analogies

In this chapter, Paul makes several analogies to teach about living as a Christian. He uses analogies of soldiers, athletes, and farmers. Later in the chapter, he uses the analogy of different kinds of containers in a house.

2 Timothy 2:1

τέκνον μου

Here, child is a term of great love and approval. Timothy is not Paul’s biological child. It is also likely that Paul introduced Timothy to Christ, and so this is why Paul considered him like his own child. Alternate translation: “who are like my child” (See: Metaphor)

ἐνδυναμοῦ

you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “let God make you strong” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐν τῇ χάριτι τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

Paul wants Timothy to experience the strength that God provides through his grace or kindness. Believers experience God’s grace through knowing Jesus Christ. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun grace, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective. Alternate translation: “as you allow Christ Jesus to kindly empower you through your relationship to him” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 2:2

διὰ πολλῶν μαρτύρων

Paul is referring to teaching in a public setting with others present. The implication is that those others could testify as to what he taught. Alternate translation: “in the presence of people who can testify to what I said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ταῦτα παράθου πιστοῖς ἀνθρώποις

Paul speaks of his instructions to Timothy as if they were objects that Timothy could give to other people and trust them to use correctly. Alternate translation: “commit them” or “teach them” (See: Metaphor)

πιστοῖς ἀνθρώποις

Here the term men has a generic sense that may include women. Alternate translation: “to faithful people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

2 Timothy 2:3

συνκακοπάθησον

Here, together could mean: (1) Timothy should suffer together with Paul. Alternate translation: “Suffer together with me” (2) Timothy should suffer together with all Christians who suffer. Alternate translation: “Suffer together with all believers” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὡς καλὸς στρατιώτης Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ

Paul compares suffering for Christ Jesus to the suffering that a good soldier endures. Alternate translation: “as if you were a soldier and Jesus Christ were your commander” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 2:4

οὐδεὶς στρατευόμενος ἐμπλέκεται ταῖς τοῦ βίου πραγματίαις

To help Timothy understand something important about following Jesus, Paul introduces the metaphor of a soldier who has to decide between pleasing his leader or pleasing those outside the army. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this. Alternate translation: “Consider that no dedicated soldier allows the affairs of life to distract him” (See: Metaphor)

ἐμπλέκεται ταῖς τοῦ βίου πραγματίαις

Paul speaks of being involved in other matters as if they were a net that trapped people and kept them from being able to move freely. Alternate translation: “allows the affairs of life to distract him” (See: Metaphor)

ἐμπλέκεται ταῖς τοῦ βίου πραγματίαις

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “allows the affairs of life to distract him” (See: Active or Passive)

τοῦ βίου

By life, Paul means, in the context of this metaphor, “civilian life.” The implication is that Timothy and all believers should not allow competing concerns to keep them from serving Christ. Alternate translation: “of everyday life” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῷ στρατολογήσαντι

Alternate translation: “his leader” or “the one who commands him”

2 Timothy 2:5

ἐὰν…ἀθλῇ τις, οὐ στεφανοῦται, ἐὰν μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ

To help Timothy understand something important about following Jesus, Paul introduces the metaphor of an athlete who has to decide between competing lawfully or not lawfully. The athlete will only receive the crown given to the winner if he competes lawfully. By making this comparison with an athlete competing in games, Paul is implicitly telling Timothy that Christ will not reward him unless he serves him lawfully, that is, unless he obeys him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this directly. Alternate translation: “consider that the officials only crown an athlete as the winner if he competes according to the rules” (See: Metaphor)

ἐὰν…ἀθλῇ τις, οὐ στεφανοῦται, ἐὰν μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ

Paul is also using a hypothetical situation to teach Timothy. Alternate translation: “suppose an athlete did not compete by the rules. Then he would not be crowned” (See: Hypothetical Situations)

ἐὰν…ἀθλῇ τις

Here, competes refers to competing in an athletic event. Alternate translation: “if an athlete competes in an event”

οὐ στεφανοῦται, ἐὰν μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ

If your readers would misunderstand this double negative, you can translate it as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “the officials will only crown him if he competes by the rules” (See: Double Negatives)

οὐ στεφανοῦται

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “the officials will not crown him” (See: Active or Passive)

οὐ στεφανοῦται

Paul assumes that Timothy will know that in this culture crowning indicated the winner of a competition. Alternate translation: “the officials will not crown him as the winner” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐ στεφανοῦται

In Paul’s time, when athletes won competitions, they were crowned with wreaths made from the leaves of plants. You can express this idea in your translation by referring to the comparable custom in your own culture, or by using a general expression. Alternate translation: “the officials will not give him an award” or “the officials will not declare him to be the winner” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ

Paul is referring to the rules that governed a competition. The athletes had to obey the rules or they would be removed from the competition and not have an opportunity to win. If your readers would misunderstand this fact, you can mention these rules. Alternate translation: “he does not compete according to the rules” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 2:6

τὸν κοπιῶντα γεωργὸν δεῖ πρῶτον τῶν καρπῶν μεταλαμβάνειν

To help Timothy understand something important about following Jesus, Paul introduces the metaphor of a farmer who has to decide between working hard or not working hard. The farmer will receive a share of the harvest if he is working hard. By making this comparison, Paul is encouraging Timothy to work hard in his service to Christ so that God will reward him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this directly. Alternate translation: “Consider that a farmer who works hard should receive a share of the crops before anyone else” (See: Metaphor)

πρῶτον τῶν καρπῶν μεταλαμβάνειν

In this illustration, it seems that the hardworking farmer is working with other farmers who will all receive a part of the crop after the harvest. But since this farmer works harder than the others, he should receive before the others. It is implied that receiving first is best, possibly because the quality of the crop is better. Alternate translation: “receive the best share of the crops” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 2:7

νόει ὃ λέγω, δώσει γάρ σοι ὁ Κύριος σύνεσιν

Paul gave Timothy three metaphors in verses 3-6, but he did not completely explain their implications. He expected Timothy to figure out, with God’s help, the lesson of these metaphors for Christ’s servants. For that reason, if you want to include an explanation of the meaning of the metaphors, we recommend that you state the meaning in a footnote rather than in the Bible text. Alternate translation: “you will have to think carefully about what I have just told you to understand it completely, but you can depend on God to help you to do that” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ὃ λέγω

Paul refers to what he has just written in his letter with the verb saying to express the idea of communicating. Alternate translation: “what I have just told you” (See: Metonymy)

ἐν πᾶσιν

Here, in everything refers to everything related to the three metaphors that Paul has written just before this. Alternate translation: “about everything that I have just said” or “about all that I said” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 2:8

ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυείδ

The phrase from the seed of refers figuratively to Jesus being descended from King David. Alternate translation: “who is a descendant of David” (See: Metaphor)

Δαυείδ

This is the name of a man, a great king of Israel. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἐγηγερμένον ἐκ νεκρῶν

The expression raised from the dead is an idiom for causing someone who has died to become alive again. Alternate translation: “whom God caused to live again” (See: Idiom)

ἐγηγερμένον ἐκ νεκρῶν

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “whom God raised from the dead” (See: Active or Passive)

κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου

The term my conveys the idea that it is the gospel associated with Paul because he preaches it. Alternate translation: “according to the gospel message that I preach” (See: Possession)

2 Timothy 2:9

μέχρι δεσμῶν

Paul uses the expression unto chains figuratively to express how far his suffering has gone: from being beaten, to being arrested, to being in chains in prison. Alternate translation: “to the point of being imprisoned” (See: Metonymy)

ὡς κακοῦργος

Paul compares his situation to the shameful one that a person would be in who had actually committed a crime. Alternate translation: “as if I were a criminal” (See: Simile)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐ δέδεται

Here, bound means being held in chains as a prisoner, referring to Paul’s condition. Paul contrasts himself, an actual prisoner, with God’s message, which can never be held prisoner. Alternate translation: “nothing is holding back the message from God” (See: Metaphor)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐ δέδεται

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this idea. Alternate translation: “nothing is holding back the message from God” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul uses the term word figuratively to describe the message from God that he and others are communicating with words. Alternate translation: “the message from God” (See: Metonymy)

2 Timothy 2:10

πάντα ὑπομένω

Here the term all is a generalization that likely refers to the sufferings that Paul describes in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “I endure all of these sufferings” (See: Hyperbole)

διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς

The term chosen is an adjective that functions as a noun here and refers to a group of people. If your language would not use an adjective in that way, you can translate this term with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for the people whom God has chosen” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

καὶ αὐτοὶ σωτηρίας τύχωσιν τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

The phrase obtain the salvation could also be expressed with Christ Jesus, who grants salvation, as the subject. Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus may grant them salvation”

καὶ αὐτοὶ σωτηρίας τύχωσιν τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun salvation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb. Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus may save them” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μετὰ δόξης αἰωνίου

The abstract noun glory refers to the wonderful condition that people will experience when they are in the presence of God. It comes from God himself and he shares it with those who are saved by Jesus Christ, and this condition is eternal. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun glory, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective. Alternate translation: “and know how glorious it is to be with God forever” or “and experience God’s wonderful presence forever” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 2:11

πιστὸς ὁ λόγος

In this context, the term word refers to the statement of doctrine that follows. See how you translated this phrase in 1 Timothy 1:15 Alternate translation: “This statement is dependable”

πιστὸς ὁ λόγος

You could represent the meaning of the adjective trustworthy with an active verb, if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You can trust this statement”

πιστὸς ὁ λόγος

Paul uses this phrase to introduce a direct quotation. The words that follow in the rest of this verse and in 2:12 and 2:13 are a poem or hymn that expresses the message that Paul says is trustworthy. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by marking these words as a direct quotation or by setting them farther to the right, as the General Notes at the beginning of this chapter suggest. (See: Quote Markings)

εἰ γὰρ συναπεθάνομεν, καὶ συνζήσομεν

This is the beginning of a poem or hymn that Paul is probably quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry, such as by setting individual phrases on separate lines, you could use it here and in 2:12 and 2:13. If not, you could translate this material as regular prose rather than as poetry. (See: Poetry)

εἰ…συναπεθάνομεν

Paul is speaking figuratively since he and Timothy and other believers who should trust this statement have not actually died. This could refer to: (1) the way that believers accept Jesus’ death for their sins when they trust him for salvation. This means that they have figuratively “died” to their old life of sin. Alternate translation: “if we have ended our old way of life by accepting Jesus’ death for us” (2) the way that people who believe in Jesus may suffer for him, possibly to the point of dying for him. Alternate translation: “if we are prepared to die for Jesus” (See: Metaphor)

καὶ συνζήσομεν

Although Paul is referring to dying with Christ in a figurative sense, live is probably not figurative, but could refer to: (1) life after physical death. This seems most likely given Paul’s mention of “eternal glory” in the previous verse and “we will reign with him” in the next. Alternate translation: “then God will raise us from the dead to live with Jesus” (2) how believers will act in this life before physical death. Alternate translation: “we will not pursue our own desires, instead we will do what Jesus wants us to do”

2 Timothy 2:12

εἰ ἀρνησόμεθα

Paul uses the term deny to refer to the action of believers saying that they do not know Jesus Christ during this present life. It is presented as the opposite of endure, so it refers to someone who gives in to persecution and denies being a follower of Jesus. Alternate translation: “if we say now that we do not know him”

κἀκεῖνος ἀρνήσεται ἡμᾶς

In this second usage of the word deny, Paul is referring to the action of Jesus Christ on the day of final judgment. On that day, Jesus will either receive a faithful believer or reject those who are not true followers. Those who deny that they are followers of Jesus while on earth are not true followers. Alternate translation: “he will reject us on the day of judgment”

2 Timothy 2:13

εἰ ἀπιστοῦμεν

Paul uses the word unfaithful to express the condition of believers who do not continue to obey Jesus, but rather disobey him. Alternate translation: “if we disobey Jesus” or “if we do not do what Jesus wants us to do”

ἐκεῖνος πιστὸς μένει

This could mean : (1) he remains faithful to them. (2) he remains true to himself. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀρνήσασθαι…ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται

Paul states that Jesus is not able to deny himself, meaning that Jesus is not able to go against his character and will remain true to what he said he would do. Paul may have one or both of the following ideas in mind. (1) Jesus’ character includes being the Savior who can forgive our unfaithfulness when we repent of it, as Peter experienced (John 21:15-19). This favors the interpretation of the previous phrase as “he remains faithful to us.” (2) Jesus’ character also includes being the holy God who judges people for their sin when they do not repent. This favors the interpretation of the previous phrase as “he remains true to himself.” Alternate translation: “he must always act according to his character”

2 Timothy 2:14

ὑπομίμνῃσκε

The word them, which is implicit in the Greek verb, probably refers to the people that Timothy has responsibility over. Alternate translation: “Remind the people there”

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

Paul uses the expression before God, which means “in front of God,” to mean “where God can see.” Seeing, in turn, figuratively means attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “as God is watching” (See: Metaphor)

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ

The implication is that Paul is telling Timothy to tell the believers, when he gives them this command, that God will be watching what they do. Alternate translation: “with God as their witness” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

μὴ λογομαχεῖν

Paul uses the term battle figuratively to describe arguments. This could mean: (1) the believers are not to argue about unimportant things such as the words that someone uses to present the gospel message. That only distracts people from talking about important things, such as the gospel message itself. Alternate translation: “not to fight about small things like words” (2) the believers are not to argue about what words mean. Again, this causes disunity among the believers for no good reason. Alternate translation: “not to fight about the meanings of words” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπ’ οὐδὲν χρήσιμον

Paul adds that battling about words has no benefit for those involved. Alternate translation: “it does not benefit anyone”

ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun destruction, you could express the idea behind it with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “it destroys those who hear” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων

Here, destruction refers not to physical harm, but to the spiritual harm that is done to believers who hear their teachers foolishly arguing about unimportant things. This teaches the believers that being seen as right about small things is more important than love and unity, and can cause them to have wrong ideas about the faith or to stop following Jesus altogether. Alternate translation: “and can make those who hear it want to stop following Jesus” (See: Metonymy)

2 Timothy 2:15

σπούδασον σεαυτὸν, δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ Θεῷ

Alternate translation: “Do your best to please God”

ἐργάτην

Paul says figuratively that Timothy will be a skilled workman if he correctly teaches God’s word. Alternate translation: “like a craftsman” (See: Metaphor)

ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας

Paul refers figuratively to the word of truth as if it were a path that someone was cutting through difficult terrain. When such a path is straight, travelers can follow it directly to their destination. By contrast, the useless discussions that Paul describes in 2:14 and 2:16 would be needless detours in terms of this same metaphor. Alternate translation: “show people how to follow the Scriptures directly” or “teach the Scriptures correctly so that people can follow them” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας

Paul uses the term word figuratively to refer to something that is expressed in words. This could refer to: (1) the message that Timothy is to teach. Alternate translation: “the true message” (2) the Scriptures. Alternate translation: “the true things that God has said in the Scriptures” (See: Metonymy)

τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun truth, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective. Alternate translation: “the true message” or “the true things that God has said in the Scriptures” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 2:16

ἐπὶ πλεῖον…προκόψουσιν ἀσεβείας

Paul speaks of these discussions figuratively as if they could physically progress in a certain direction, and he speaks of godlessness as that direction. Paul is figuratively describing the effect that these discussions have on people. Alternate translation: “they cause people to become more and more ungodly” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 2:17

ὁ λόγος αὐτῶν ὡς γάγγραινα νομὴν ἕξει

This is a simile. It means that something will spread from person to person and harm the faith of all those who hear it. The thing that will spread could refer to: (1) the habit of having useless and godless discussions. (2) the things that the people were saying in these empty discussions, or both. Alternate translation: “these empty discussions will spread quickly and cause destruction like an infectious disease” (See: Simile)

ὁ λόγος αὐτῶν

Paul uses the term word figuratively to refer to something that is expressed in words. Alternate translation: “these discussions” or “what people who take part in these discussions say” (See: Metonymy)

ὡς γάγγραινα

Gangrene is type of tissue death caused by infection or lack of blood circulation. It quickly spreads in a person’s body and can lead to death. If your readers would not know what gangrene is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “like an infectious disease” (See: Translate Unknowns)

ὧν ἐστιν Ὑμέναιος, καὶ Φίλητος

Paul gives Timothy the names of two men who are examples of ungodliness and foolish talk. To make the relationship between these names and the preceding their word clear in your language, you may have to make this explicit. Alternate translation: “Hymeneus and Philetus are such people” (See: Pronouns — When to Use Them)

Ὑμέναιος, καὶ Φίλητος

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 2:18

οἵτινες περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν

Paul uses this expression to speak figuratively of faith in Christ as if it were a target at which people should aim. Those who have missed the mark do not believe or teach what is true. Alternate translation: “who are teaching things that are not true” (See: Metaphor)

οἵτινες περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun truth, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective. Alternate translation: “who teach things that are not true” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀνάστασιν ἤδη γεγονέναι

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun resurrection, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “God has already raised the dead” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἀνατρέπουσιν τήν τινων πίστιν

Paul refers to faith as though it were an object that could be destroyed. Alternate translation: “they are causing some people to stop believing” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 2:19

ὁ…στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἕστηκεν

Paul uses the image of the foundation of a building to explain that even though a false and destructive message has been destroying the faith of some people, God has nevertheless given people who want to continue to follow him a true message, which figuratively provides for them a safe and secure “place to stand.” Alternate translation: “God has provided a secure basis for people to continue to believe in him” (See: Metaphor)

ἔχων τὴν σφραγῖδα ταύτην

Paul speaks figuratively of the inscription on this foundation as if it were a seal, since seals on the outside of documents often bore inscriptions describing their contents. Alternate translation: “having this inscription” or “which can be described in this way” (See: Metonymy)

ἔχων τὴν σφραγῖδα ταύτην

Paul uses this phrase to introduce two direct quotations. The statements that follow in the rest of this verse describe two aspects of the basis that God has provided for people to continue to believe in him. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by marking these statements as quotations. (See: Quote Markings)

ὁ ὀνομάζων τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου

The expression names the name of the Lord is an idiom that refers to saying the name of the Lord in order to declare that one belongs to him. Alternate translation: “who says he believes in the Lord” (See: Idiom)

ἀποστήτω ἀπὸ ἀδικίας

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun unrighteousness, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “must stop doing evil things” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 2:20

ἐν μεγάλῃ δὲ οἰκίᾳ, οὐκ ἔστιν μόνον σκεύη χρυσᾶ καὶ ἀργυρᾶ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ξύλινα καὶ ὀστράκινα

To help Timothy understand something important about following Jesus, Paul introduces the metaphor that compares the containers that are in the home of a wealthy person with people in the church. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that this is a metaphor or illustration. Alternate translation: “Consider this illustration: in the home of a wealthy person, there are containers made of gold and silver, and there are also containers made of wood and clay” (See: Metaphor)

ἀλλὰ καὶ ξύλινα καὶ ὀστράκινα

Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and there are also containers made of wood and clay” (See: Ellipsis)

σκεύη

The word container is a general term for items used to hold other things, such as grain, food, drink, or refuse. If your language does not have a general word, you can use a specific word such as “bowl” or “pot.”

ἃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν, ἃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns honor and dishonor, you could express the ideas behind them with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “he uses the former at events to honor people and he uses the latter to do things that no one wants to see” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 2:21

ἐκκαθάρῃ ἑαυτὸν ἀπὸ τούτων

Here Paul continues the metaphor that compares people in the church to containers in a great house that have different uses. Paul speaks figuratively of a person washing himself clean as though he had been a pot full of something bad. By this he means that the person has given up certain associations or activities. Here, these could refer to: (1) the false teachers who are destroying the faith of some people. Alternate translation: “has disassociated himself from these false teachers” (2) the activities of quarreling and false teaching that Paul has warned Timothy about. Alternate translation: “has stopped doing these ungodly actions” (See: Metaphor)

ἔσται σκεῦος εἰς τιμήν

Paul speaks figuratively of a person who has given up these associations or activities as if he were a particular kind of container. Alternate translation: “he will be like a dish for special occasions” or “he will be like a dish that is used to honor people” (See: Metaphor)

ἔσται σκεῦος εἰς τιμήν

The implication is that God will be able to give important assignments to a person who is free from wrong associations or activities. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he will be someone to whom God can give important assignments” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἔσται σκεῦος εἰς τιμήν, ἡγιασμένον εὔχρηστον τῷ Δεσπότῃ, εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἡτοιμασμένον

These four phrases could mean: (1) the ones beginning with having been give the reason for the phrase before them. Alternate translation: “he will be a container for honor because he has been sanctified, and he will be useful to the Master because he has been prepared for every good work” (2) all four phrases could simply be describing the person. Alternate translation: “he will be a container for honor, someone who is sanctified, useful to the Master, and ready for every good work”

ἡγιασμένον

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea, and you can state who did the action. Alternate translation: “whom God has set apart for himself” or “whom God has set apart for a special purpose” (See: Active or Passive)

ἡγιασμένον

If this phrase is continuing the metaphor of objects in a house, then Paul is referring to a person who is free from wrong associations or activities as if he were a precious object whose owner keeps it in a special place. Whether this phrase is continuing the metaphor or not, it still expresses the idea of being “dedicated” for a special purpose. Alternate translation: “whom God has set apart for a special purpose” (See: Metaphor)

εὔχρηστον τῷ Δεσπότῃ

In the context of the metaphor of the house, Paul speaks of God figuratively as the head of the household. Alternate translation: “useful to God” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἡτοιμασμένον

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “who has gotten himself ready to do any good work” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 2:22

τὰς…νεωτερικὰς ἐπιθυμίας φεῦγε

Paul speaks about youthful desires as if they were a dangerous person or animal that Timothy should run away from. Alternate translation: “control your youthful desires” (See: Metaphor)

τὰς…νεωτερικὰς ἐπιθυμίας φεῦγε

Paul speaks figuratively of immoral activities by association with the desires that lead a person to engage in them. Alternate translation: “refuse to do the wrong things that young people want to do” (See: Metonymy)

δίωκε δὲ δικαιοσύνην, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, εἰρήνην

Paul is using the verb pursue in contrast to flee. He speaks of these positive things as if Timothy should run towards them because they will do him good. Alternate translation: “be eager to do what is right, to believe in God, to love God and others, and to live in peace with people” (See: Metaphor)

δικαιοσύνην, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, εἰρήνην

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns righteousness, faith, love, and peace, you could express the ideas behind them with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: “do what is right, believe in God, love other people, and live peacefully with other people” (See: Abstract Nouns)

μετὰ τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν Κύριον ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας

This likely means that Paul wants Timothy to pursue these positive things together with others who are sincere in their faith. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could put this phrase at the beginning of Paul’s command to Timothy, as in the UST, before pursue. Alternate translation: “together with those who worship the Lord with sincere intentions”

τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν Κύριον

The expression call on the Lord is an idiom that means to trust and worship the Lord. Alternate translation: “those who worship the Lord” (See: Idiom)

ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας

Paul uses a physical part of the body, the heart, figuratively to represent the intentions and desires of a person. Alternate translation: “with sincere intentions” (See: Metonymy)

ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας

Paul uses the word clean to describe the intentions or thoughts of a person as though they were an object that could be made clean. Alternate translation: “with sincere intentions” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 2:23

τὰς…μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους ζητήσεις παραιτοῦ

Paul refers to certain kinds of discussions figuratively by association with the kind of questions that people might ask that would lead to these discussions or by association with the kind of people that would ask these questions. Alternate translation: “do not become involved in foolish and ignorant discussions” or “do not allow people to involve you in discussions that they start because they are foolish and ignorant” (See: Metonymy)

μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους ζητήσεις

Paul may be using the words foolish and ignorant together to emphasize a single idea. Alternate translation: “very stupid questions” (See: Doublet)

γεννῶσι μάχας

Paul speaks of the questions figuratively as if they were women giving birth to children (the battles). Alternate translation: “they cause arguments” (See: Metaphor)

μάχας

Paul uses the term battle figuratively to describe arguments. Alternate translation: “they cause arguments” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 2:24

δοῦλον…Κυρίου

Paul is using the expression slave of the Lord figuratively to refer to leaders in the church, including Timothy, who do what God tells them to do. This includes teaching the believers and interacting with the quarrelsome teachers who challenge their authority and the truth. Alternate translation: “a leader in the church” (See: Metaphor)

οὐ δεῖ μάχεσθαι

Paul uses the term battle figuratively to describe arguments. Alternate translation: “must not argue” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 2:25

ἐν πραΰτητι

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun meekness, you could express the idea behind it in this expression with an adverb. Alternate translation: “meekly” or “gently” (See: Abstract Nouns)

παιδεύοντα

Paul presents this as the godly response to quarrels. This term can mean “teach” or “correct.” Alternate translation: “teaching” or “correcting”

μήποτε δώῃ αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς μετάνοιαν

Paul speaks of repentance as if it were an object that God could give people. Alternate translation: “God may cause them to repent” (See: Metaphor)

εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας

Paul speaks of the result of repentance as knowing the truth. Alternate translation: “so that they will know the truth”

2 Timothy 2:26

ἀνανήψωσιν ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος

As Paul moves from one metaphor into another, he leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “they may become sober again and escape from the trap of the devil” (See: Ellipsis)

ἀνανήψωσιν

Paul speaks of sinners learning to think correctly about God as if they were drunk people becoming sober again. (See: Metaphor)

ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος

Paul refers to the deception of the devil as a physical trap that sinners are captured in. Alternate translation: “and escape from the devil’s deception” or “and reject the devil’s deception” (See: Metaphor)

ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “after the devil has captured them and made them do what he wanted” (See: Active or Passive)

ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα

Paul speaks of the devil’s deception as if the devil had physically captured them and made them do what he wanted. Alternate translation: “after the devil has deceived them and made them do what he wanted” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Many scholars understand the last days to mean the entire time from when Jesus first came to when he will return, which includes Paul’s time. If so, then what Paul teaches in this chapter about being persecuted applies to all believers. But some scholars understand the last days to mean a time in the future just before Jesus returns. If that is the meaning, then Paul is prophesying in verses 1-9 and 13 about those days. If possible, translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate these verses. (See: prophet, prophecy, prophesy, seer, prophetess and last day, latter days)

2 Timothy 3:1

ἐν ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις

Paul is using the term days figuratively to refer to a particular time. Alternate translation: “during the period of time before the end” (See: Idiom)

ἐνστήσονται καιροὶ χαλεποί

The implication from what Paul goes on to say about people becoming ungodly and violent is that it will be difficult for believers in this time period. Alternate translation: “believers will face difficult situations” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 3:2

οἱ ἄνθρωποι

Here Paul is using the term men in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

φίλαυτοι

Here, self-loving refers to loving oneself more than loving family or friends with a natural human love. This is not the kind of love that comes from God. Alternate translation: “self-centered”

2 Timothy 3:3

ἄστοργοι

The term unloving means that they will not love other people whom they should love. Alternate translation: “they will not love their own families”

ἄσπονδοι

The term irreconcilable means they will not agree to make peace with others and will insist on living in a state of conflict in order to have their own way. Alternate translation: “they will not agree with anyone” or “they will not live in peace with anyone”

ἀφιλάγαθοι

The phrase not good-loving could be translated by removing the negative not and replacing loving with the opposite term “hating.” Alternate translation: “They will hate what is good”

2 Timothy 3:4

προπετεῖς

The adjective reckless conveys the idea of doing things without thinking about the negative things that could happen as a result. Alternate translation: “heedless of consequences”

τετυφωμένοι

The expression puffed up is a metaphor for being proud and considering oneself better than others. Alternate translation: “haughty” or “conceited” (See: Metaphor)

τετυφωμένοι

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “haughty” or “conceited” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 3:5

ἔχοντες μόρφωσιν εὐσεβείας

The expression a form of indicates that their godliness is not genuine or true. Alternate translation: “appearing to have godliness” or “appearing to honor God” (See: Idiom)

καὶ

Paul uses this word to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So” (See: Connect — Reason-and-Result Relationship)

τούτους ἀποτρέπου

The term these is a demonstrative adjective that refers to the people who show the ungodly qualities that Paul lists in the previous verses. Paul is using the term as a noun. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can add the word “people” in your translation. Alternate translation: “avoid these people” or “avoid such people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τούτους ἀποτρέπου

The expression turn away is a metaphor for avoiding someone. Alternate translation: “avoid these people” or “avoid such people” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 3:6

αἰχμαλωτίζοντες

Here Paul uses the term captivating figuratively to mean greatly influencing someone by the use of deception. Alternate translation: “manipulating” (See: Metaphor)

γυναικάρια

The term foolish women refers to women who are spiritually weak and immature. They allow these men into their homes and listen to them because they are weak, idle, and have many sins. Alternate translation: “women who are spiritually weak”

σεσωρευμένα ἁμαρτίαις

Paul speaks figuratively of these sins as if they were heaped up on the backs of these women. Paul is explaining why these men can easily influence these women. This could mean: (1) these women sin often or even continually. Alternate translation: “who sin often” (2) these women feel terrible guilt because they sin. Alternate translation: “who feel terrible guilt for their sins” (See: Metaphor)

σεσωρευμένα ἁμαρτίαις

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “who sin often” or “who feel terrible guilt for their sins” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀγόμενα ἐπιθυμίαις ποικίλαις

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “various desires lead them away” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀγόμενα ἐπιθυμίαις ποικίλαις

Paul speaks figuratively about these various desires as if they could physically lead a person away. He means that the women decide to do evil things in order to satisfy their desires. Alternate translation: “they decide to sin in various ways” (See: Personification)

2 Timothy 3:7

μηδέποτε εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν δυνάμενα

Paul speaks figuratively of the knowledge of the truth as if it were a destination at which people could arrive. Alternate translation: “never able to understand the truth” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 3:8

ὃν τρόπον δὲ

Alternate translation: “Just as”

Ἰάννης καὶ Ἰαμβρῆς

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἰάννης καὶ Ἰαμβρῆς

Paul assumes that Timothy will know that he is referring here to the magicians in Pharaoh’s court who tried to duplicate the miracles that Moses was doing. The Bible does not record their names, but according to Jewish tradition their names were Jannes and Jambres. These men wanted to show that Pharaoh did not have to listen to Moses or obey Yahweh. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could identify them more explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jannes and Jambres, Pharaoh’s magicians,” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὗτοι

As in 3:5, the term these is a demonstrative adjective that refers to the people who show the ungodly qualities that Paul has described. Paul is using the term as a noun. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can add the word “people” in your translation. Alternate translation: “these people” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

τῇ ἀληθείᾳ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun truth, you could express the idea behind it with an adjective. Alternate translation: “what is true” (See: Abstract Nouns)

ἄνθρωποι κατεφθαρμένοι τὸν νοῦν

Paul uses the word mind to refer to the way these evil men think. Alternate translation: “men who cannot think rightly” (See: Metonymy)

ἄνθρωποι κατεφθαρμένοι τὸν νοῦν

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “men who cannot think rightly” (See: Active or Passive)

ἀδόκιμοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν

Paul uses the adjective unapproved to convey the idea that these men have been tested regarding how well they trust in Christ and obey him, and they have failed the test because their faith is not real. Alternate translation: “without sincere faith” or “whose faith is not genuine”

ἀδόκιμοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you can start a new sentence here and say who does not approve of these men. Alternate translation: “God does approve of these men because they do not have a genuine faith in Jesus” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

2 Timothy 3:9

ἀλλ’

This word makes a contrast between this verse and the previous idea from 3:06 that these men were able to sneak into homes and persuade people to believe wrong things. If you need to make this contrast clear, you can remind your readers of the previous idea here. Alternate translation: “But even though they have persuaded some people to believe wrong things” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

οὐ προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ πλεῖον

Paul uses an expression about physical movement to mean that the false teachers will not continue to have much success among the believers. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to continue teaching falsely” (See: Metaphor)

ἡ…ἄνοια αὐτῶν ἔκδηλος ἔσται πᾶσιν

The word all is a generalization. Paul has just said that these men will have a little success in deceiving some people. But ultimately their foolishness will become widely apparent, as happened to Jannes and Jambres, who were publicly discredited when they were not able to equal the powerful miracles of Moses. Alternate translation: “their foolishness will become widely apparent” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐκείνων

The term those is a demonstrative adjective that refers to Jannes and Jambres. Paul is using the term as a noun. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can supply the names of the two men. Alternate translation: “of Jannes and Jambres” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

2 Timothy 3:10

σὺ…παρηκολούθησάς

Paul speaks of giving close attention to the things he lists in this verse as if one were physically following them as they moved. The idea is that Timothy is giving close attention to these things and imitating them. Alternate translation: “you have observed” or “you have paid close attention to” (See: Metaphor)

μου τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun teaching, you could express the idea behind it with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “what I have taught others to do” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῇ ἀγωγῇ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun conduct, you could express the idea behind it with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I live my life” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῇ προθέσει

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun purpose, you could express the idea behind it with a verbal clause. Alternate translation: “what I try to do with my life” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῇ πίστει

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun faith, you could express the idea behind it with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “what I believe” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῇ μακροθυμίᾳ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun patience, you could express the idea behind it with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I am patient with others” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῇ ἀγάπῃ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun love, you could express the idea behind it with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I love others” (See: Abstract Nouns)

τῇ ὑπομονῇ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun endurance, you could express the idea behind it with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I endure when I suffer” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 3:11

ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ, ἐν Ἰκονίῳ, ἐν Λύστροις

These are the names of three cities. (See: How to Translate Names)

οἵους διωγμοὺς ὑπήνεγκα

Paul is reminding Timothy that he knows of the various ways in which Paul suffered and how he endured until God rescued him. Alternate translation: “how I endured various persecutions”

ἐκ πάντων, με ἐρρύσατο ὁ Κύριος

Paul speaks figuratively as if God had physically removed him from a situation of danger. Alternate translation: “the Lord preserved me through them all” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 3:12

ζῆν εὐσεβῶς

The term piously means in an obedient way that honors God. Alternate translation: “to live in a godly way”

διωχθήσονται

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “people will persecute” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 3:13

ἄνθρωποι

Here Paul is using the term men in a generic sense that can include both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

πονηροὶ…ἄνθρωποι καὶ γόητες

This is probably a hendiadys, and the evil men and impostors are not two groups of people, but one group of people. Alternate translation: “evil people who only pretend to follow Jesus” (See: Hendiadys)

γόητες

The term impostors refers here to a person who wants other people to think he is a true Christian when he is not. Alternate translation: “people who are pretending to be believers”

προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον

Paul speaks figuratively of evil people and their character as something that moves forward physically, making gradual progress in a direction. Alternate translation: “will become worse and worse” or “will become even more evil” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “worse and worse” (See: Idiom)

πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι

The expression leading astray uses the image of physically taking a person to a place that he didn’t think he was going to. This is a figurative reference to persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “teaching lies and believing lies” (See: Metaphor)

πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “teaching lies and believing lies” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 3:14

μένε ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες

Paul speaks of biblical instruction as if it were a place that Timothy could stay in. Alternate translation: “continue doing what you have learned” or “continue believing what you have learned” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπιστώθης

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “are confident about” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 3:15

τὰ δυνάμενά σε σοφίσαι

Paul speaks of the Scriptures as if they were a teacher who could instruct people and help them become wise. It may be convenient in your translation to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “By studying them you can become wise” (See: Personification)

εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ πίστεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun salvation, you could express the idea behind it with a verb such as “save.” Alternate translation: “so that you will know enough to trust Christ Jesus to save you” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 3:16

πᾶσα Γραφὴ θεόπνευστος καὶ

The term God-breathed uses the image of breathing to indicate that the Scriptures come directly from God through his Spirit. Characteristically in the Bible, the breath of God represents the Spirit of God. Alternate translation: “God produced all Scripture as his Spirit directed people what to write, and it” (See: Metaphor)

πᾶσα Γραφὴ θεόπνευστος

By All Scripture, Paul is referring to every part of Scripture, which, at that time, was what we know as the Old Testament. If it is confusing to refer to all of the books of the Old Testament with the singular word Scripture, you can change it to a plural word as in the UST and make the verbs plural. Alternate translation: “All of the Holy Writings are God-breathed”

ὠφέλιμος

Paul refers to the Scripture as profitable to convey the idea that Timothy and all believers will benefit when they use the Scripture to teach, reprove, correct, and train. Alternate translation: “you will benefit from it as you use it” or “it benefits everyone when we use it”

πρὸς ἐλεγμόν

Paul instructs Timothy to use the Scriptures as the standard for knowing what is right and wrong and showing people that they are wrong. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun reproof, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “for showing people that they are wrong” or “for helping us to know when we are wrong” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πρὸς ἐπανόρθωσιν

Paul instructs Timothy to use the Scriptures as the standard for showing people how to make something right. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun correction, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “for showing people how to make things right” or “for showing us how to fix errors” (See: Abstract Nouns)

πρὸς παιδείαν τὴν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ

Paul instructs Timothy to use the Scriptures as the standard for training people how to live lives that are right with God. If your readers would misunderstand the abstract noun righteousness, you could express the idea behind it with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “and for training people how to do what is right” or “and for training us to do what is right” (See: Abstract Nouns)

2 Timothy 3:17

ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος

Paul is using the word man here in a generic sense that includes all believers in God, whether male or female. Of course, Paul also intends for Timothy to apply this to himself. Alternate translation: “the person who serves God” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

ἄρτιος

Alternate translation: “fully capable”

ἐξηρτισμένος

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “and have everything he needs” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

1. Paul gives a solemn charge to Timothy (4:1-8)
2. Paul tells Timothy how he is doing (4:9-18)
3. Paul sends personal greetings (4:19-22)

Special concepts in this chapter

“I adjure you”

With these words Paul challenges Timothy in the most serious way possible to do what he is telling him to do. It is a way of commanding Timothy, not by Paul’s own authority, but by the authority that he then refers to, that of God and Jesus Christ. In other words, Paul is saying that God and Jesus Christ are commanding Timothy through Paul.

Crown

Scripture uses the image of a crown to represent different things. In this chapter, Paul describes Christ as awarding a crown to believers as a metaphor for the reward that Christ will give them for having lived rightly on this earth.

2 Timothy 4:1

διαμαρτύρομαι

The word translated adjure is used to place someone under a serious and binding obligation. Think about the words that you use to do this in your language. This could refer to: (1) placing someone under an oath to do something. Alternate translation: “I place you under an oath” or “I hereby obligate you” (2) solemnly commanding someone with great authority. Alternate translation: “I solemnly urge you”

ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ

Here the word before means “in front of,” that is, “in the presence of.” The implication is that God and Christ Jesus will witness and approve this command or oath. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God and Christ Jesus” or “with God and Christ Jesus as the witnesses” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς

Paul refers to the living and the dead together to mean all people, whether they are alive at the time of judgment or have died. Alternate translation: “those who are still alive and those who have died” (See: Merism)

ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς

The terms living and dead are adjectives that Paul is using as nouns to refer to groups of people. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can translate these terms with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “those who are still alive and those who have died” (See: Nominal Adjectives)

καὶ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ

Paul refers figuratively to Christ’s return by association to the fact that he will appear once again to people on earth when he returns, and he refers figuratively to Christ’s rule as king by association to the kingdom that he will rule. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and on Christ’s return and on his rule as king” (See: Metonymy)

καὶ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ

This can be understood in two different ways, depending on if Paul is placing Timothy under an oath or giving Timothy a command. (1) If Paul is placing Timothy under an oath, then he is saying that these are the things that Timothy would be denying if he fails to fulfill the oath. Alternate translation: “with an oath as strong as your desire for Christ’s return and for his rule as king” (2) If Paul is introducing a command in this verse, then Paul is appealing to these things to strengthen his command. Alternate translation: “and as surely as Christ will return and rule as king”

2 Timothy 4:2

τὸν λόγον

Paul is using the term word to refer figuratively to the whole message about Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “the Gospel message” or “the Good News” (See: Metonymy)

εὐκαίρως, ἀκαίρως

Paul means that Timothy should be ready to preach about Jesus when it seems like a good time to do so and also when it does not seem like a good time. He is using the two types of occasions together figuratively to indicate all occasions. Alternate translation: “when it is convenient and when it is not convenient” or “at all times” (See: Merism)

ἔλεγξον

The command to reprove implies that the action is directed toward people who have done something wrong and are in need of correction. Alternate translation: “correct those who have sinned” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐπιτίμησον

The word rebuke involves telling someone that they have done something wrong and warning them not to do it again. Alternate translation: “tell them not to sin”

ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ

Here, patience and teaching is a hendiadys, with patience modifying teaching. Alternate translation: “do these things by teaching very patiently” or “always do these things by teaching patiently” (See: Hendiadys)

ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ

The implication is that this is how Timothy should preach, reprove, rebuke, and exhort. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “do these things by teaching very patiently” or “always do these things by teaching patiently” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ

Here, all could mean: (1) Timothy should always be patient when he teaches. Alternate translation: “always teaching patiently” (2) a generalization for emphasis, meaning that Timothy should be very patient. Alternate translation: “by teaching very patiently” (See: Hyperbole)

2 Timothy 4:3

ἔσται…καιρὸς ὅτε

Alternate translation: “the time will come when”

οὐκ ἀνέξονται

Alternate translation: “they will no longer listen patiently to”

οὐκ ἀνέξονται

The context indicates that they means people who are a part of the community of believers. Alternate translation: “some believers will no longer listen patiently to” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τῆς ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας

The expression healthy teaching figuratively means “correct teaching” by association, since a healthy mind would recognize that correct teaching was reasonable. Alternate translation: “correct teaching” (See: Metonymy)

κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας, ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισωρεύσουσιν διδασκάλους

Paul speaks of how people will obtain many teachers as if they were putting them into a heap or pile. They will want many teachers, but not value these teachers for how they live godly lives or how accurately they teach. Alternate translation: “they will gather many teachers for themselves who will teach what they want” (See: Metaphor)

κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν

Paul speaks of people badly wanting to hear something as if their ears itched and could only be relieved if they found many teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Alternate translation: “because they want to hear it so badly” (See: Idiom)

κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν

Paul uses the ear figuratively to mean hearing. Alternate translation: “because they want to hear it so badly” (See: Metonymy)

2 Timothy 4:4

ἀπὸ μὲν τῆς ἀληθείας τὴν ἀκοὴν ἀποστρέψουσιν

Paul speaks about people no longer paying attention as if they were physically turning their ears away so that they could not hear. Alternate translation: “will no longer pay attention to the truth” (See: Metaphor)

ἀπὸ μὲν τῆς ἀληθείας τὴν ἀκοὴν ἀποστρέψουσιν

Paul uses the ear figuratively to mean listening. Listening, in turn, figuratively means paying attention. Alternate translation: “will no longer pay attention to the truth” (See: Metonymy)

ἐπὶ…τοὺς μύθους ἐκτραπήσονται

Paul speaks about people starting to pay attention to myths as if someone were getting them to wander off in the wrong direction. Alternate translation: “these teachers will get them to pay attention to stories that are not true” (See: Metaphor)

ἐπὶ…τοὺς μύθους ἐκτραπήσονται

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “these teachers will get them to pay attention to stories that are not true” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 4:5

νῆφε

Paul wants his readers to think correctly about everything, and so he speaks as if he wanted them to be sober rather than drunk. Alternate translation: “think clearly” (See: Metaphor)

εὐαγγελιστοῦ

Alternate translation: “of a person who proclaims the good news about Jesus”

2 Timothy 4:6

ἐγὼ…ἤδη σπένδομαι

While Paul speaks of his death as already happening, he means that it is an event that will happen soon. Alternate translation: “I will soon be poured out”

ἐγὼ…ἤδη σπένδομαι

Paul speaks of himself as if he were wine in a cup that was being poured out as a sacrifice to God. Alternate translation: “the sacrifice of my life to God will soon be complete” (See: Metaphor)

ἐγὼ…ἤδη σπένδομαι

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “My life will soon end as a sacrifice to God” (See: Active or Passive)

ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἀναλύσεώς μου ἐφέστηκεν

Paul refers to his death as a departure. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. Alternate translation: “soon I will die and leave this world” (See: Euphemism)

2 Timothy 4:7

τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα ἠγώνισμαι

Paul speaks of himself figuratively as if he has been competing in an athletic contest. Here, good could mean: (1) the kind of effort Paul has made. Alternate translation: “I have done my best” (2) Paul has pursued a worthwhile endeavor. Alternate translation: “I have worked hard for what really matters” (See: Metaphor)

τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα

Paul speaks of his life of service to God as if he had been running a race on foot. Alternate translation: “I have completed what I needed to do” (See: Metaphor)

τὴν πίστιν τετήρηκα

Paul speaks of the faith, by which he means his trust in Christ and his obedience to God, as if they were valuable objects that he has kept safe in his possession. This could mean: (1) Paul was faithful to do what God told him to do. Alternate translation: “I have remained faithful in doing my ministry” (2) Paul was faithful to teach the truth. Alternate translation: “I have preserved the teachings from any error” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 4:8

ἀπόκειταί μοι ὁ τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “God has reserved the crown of righteousness for me” (See: Active or Passive)

τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος

Here, the crown could: (1) figuratively represent the reward that God gives to people who have lived the right way. Alternate translation: “the reward for the righteous” (2) represent righteousness itself. Just as the judge of a race gives a crown to the winner, when Paul finishes his life, God will declare that Paul is righteous. Alternate translation: “the reward that is righteousness” (See: Metaphor)

στέφανος

See how you translated this in 2:5. The crown that Paul is using as an illustration of the future award from God was a wreath made of laurel tree leaves that was given to winners of athletic contests. You can use a word in your language that would refer to a prize for winning a contest. (See: Translate Unknowns)

ἐν, ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ

As in 1:12, this refers to the day when Jesus returns to judge people. Alternate translation: “on the day of judgment” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

τοῖς ἠγαπηκόσι τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ

Alternate translation: “those who are looking forward to his return”

τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ

See how you translated this in 4:1. Paul is referring figuratively to Christ’s return by association with the fact that he will appear once again to people on earth when he returns. Alternate translation: “his return” (See: Metonymy)

2 Timothy 4:9

σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν…ταχέως

Alternate translation: “come … as soon as possible”

2 Timothy 4:10

Δημᾶς…Κρήσκης…Τίτος

These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

τὸν νῦν αἰῶνα

The expression the present age refers to worldly things as opposed to the things of God. Paul refers to these worldly things figuratively by association with the present time when people generally desire them, as opposed to the future time when the things of God will be established throughout the earth. Alternate translation: “the temporary comforts of this world” (See: Metonymy)

Κρήσκης εἰς Γαλατίαν, Τίτος εἰς Δαλματίαν

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. He means that like Demas, Crescens and Titus have left him. However, he is probably not saying that they did this because they also “loved this present age” like Demas. It is more likely that they are traveling to help the churches. Alternate translation: “Crescens has left me and gone to Galatia, and Titus has left me and gone to Dalmatia” (See: Ellipsis)

Γαλατίαν…Δαλματίαν

This are the names of parts of the Roman empire. Galatia is an official Roman province and Dalmatia is an area in the southern part of the province of Illyricum. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 4:11

Λουκᾶς…Μᾶρκον

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

μοι εὔχρηστος εἰς διακονίαν

This could mean: (1) Mark is useful in helping Paul to take care of his personal needs. Alternate translation: “he can help take care of my needs” (2) Mark is useful in helping Paul minister to others, especially by preaching and teaching. Alternate translation: “he is helpful to me in my ministry”

2 Timothy 4:12

Τυχικὸν

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀπέστειλα

Timothy is at Ephesus when he receives this letter. It may be that Tychicus is the one who carried this letter to Timothy at Ephesus. If so, then Paul is writing from Timothy’s perspective, who would view Paul’s sending of Tychicus as a past event. If this is confusing in your language and you want to include this possibility, you may need to change the tense of the verb to future. Alternate translation: “soon I will be sending”

Ἔφεσον

This is the name of a city. This is the city where Timothy is as he receives this letter. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 4:13

φελόνην

The term cloak refers to a heavy garment worn over clothes. Alternate translation: “coat” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Τρῳάδι

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Κάρπῳ

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

τὰ βιβλία

The term books refers to scrolls. A scroll was a type of book made of a long sheet of papyrus or leather. After writing on a scroll or reading it, people would roll it up using rods on the ends. Alternate translation: “the scrolls” (See: Translate Unknowns)

μάλιστα τὰς μεμβράνας

The term parchments may refer to a specific type of scroll. Alternate translation: “especially those made from animal skins” (See: Translate Unknowns)

2 Timothy 4:14

Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ χαλκεὺς

The term coppersmith refers to a person who worked with things made of copper and other metals. Alternate translation: “Alexander, who works with metal” (See: Translate Unknowns)

Ἀλέξανδρος

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

ἀποδώσει αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ

Paul speaks figuratively of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “the Lord will give him the right punishment for what he has done” (See: Metaphor)

2 Timothy 4:15

ἀντέστη τοῖς ἡμετέροις λόγοις

The term words refers to the message that Paul and Timothy and their co-workers teach. Alternate translation: “he … opposed the message that we teach” (See: Metonymy)

2 Timothy 4:16

ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ μου ἀπολογίᾳ

Paul is referring to the opening session of his trial. By writing first, he is likely indicating that he will have to appear in court again. Alternate translation: “At the opening session of my trial” or “When I first appeared in court and explained my actions”

οὐδείς μοι παρεγένετο

Paul explains to Timothy that he had to go to court alone, without any supporters. Alternate translation: “no one testified on my behalf”

μὴ αὐτοῖς λογισθείη

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “May God not hold it against them” or “I pray that God does not punish those believers for deserting me” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 4:17

ὁ…Κύριός μοι παρέστη

Paul is speaking as if the Lord had physically stood with him. Alternate translation: “the Lord helped me” (See: Metaphor)

ἵνα δι’ ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. This could mean: (1) at his trial, Paul was able to explain the entire message God had given him to proclaim. Alternate translation: “so that I was able to proclaim all of the Lord’s message” (2) Paul was able to continue proclaiming God’s message right through to this time when he expected to lose his life. Alternate translation: “so that I was able to continue proclaiming the Lord’s message right to the end” (See: Active or Passive)

καὶ ἀκούσωσιν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη

Here, all could be: (1) a figurative generalization. Alternate translation: “so that as many Gentiles as possible could hear it” (2) a reference to all the Gentiles in the court. Alternate translation: “so that all the Gentiles who were there might hear” (See: Hyperbole)

ἐρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος

Paul speaks figuratively as if he had been in danger of being killed by a lion at his court appearance. He could mean the physical danger of being sentenced to execution, or the spiritual danger of being tempted not to speak boldly for Jesus, or both. It would probably be best to leave both possibilities open in your translation. Alternate translation: “I was rescued from great danger” (See: Metaphor)

ἐρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος

If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “God rescued me from great danger” (See: Active or Passive)

2 Timothy 4:18

εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “forever and ever” (See: Idiom)

2 Timothy 4:19

Πρίσκαν

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἀκύλαν

This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)

τὸν Ὀνησιφόρου οἶκον

See how you translated this in 1:16. The word household refers to Onesiphorus and all the people in his family, possibly even his servants. Alternate translation: “Onesiphorus and everyone who lives with him” (See: Metonymy)

Ὀνησιφόρου

This is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in 1:16. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 4:20

Κορίνθῳ

This is the name of a city. (See: How to Translate Names)

Ἔραστος…Τρόφιμον

These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Μιλήτῳ

This is the name of a city to the south of Ephesus. (See: How to Translate Names)

2 Timothy 4:21

σπούδασον…ἐλθεῖν

Alternate translation: “Do your best to come” or “Try as hard as you can to come”

πρὸ χειμῶνος

The implication is that Timothy should try to come to Paul before the cold weather arrives and makes travel difficult or even impossible. If winter is the warm season in your area and summer is the cold season, or if your area does not have a cold season but a rainy season, you can use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “before the cold weather makes travel difficult” or “before the weather changes and makes travel difficult” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)

ἀσπάζεταί σε Εὔβουλος, καὶ Πούδης, καὶ Λίνος, καὶ Κλαυδία, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. To make sure that the meaning is clear, you can supply these words. The people listed after Eubulus are also greeting Timothy. Eubulus is not greeting them. Alternate translation: “Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the believers here” (See: Ellipsis)

Εὔβουλος…Πούδης…Λίνος

These are the names of three men. (See: How to Translate Names)

Κλαυδία

This is the name of a woman. (See: How to Translate Names)

οἱ ἀδελφοὶ

The word brothers means all believers, whether male or female. Alternate translation: “all the believers here” (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

2 Timothy 4:22

ὁ Κύριος μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματός σου

Paul ends his letter with a blessing for Timothy. Here, you is singular and refers to Timothy. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord makes your spirit strong” (See: Forms of You)

ὁ Κύριος μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματός σου

Paul figuratively describes Timothy as a whole person by reference to his spirit, perhaps because he is wishing particularly for Timothy to receive spiritual strengthening. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord makes you strong” or “I pray that the Lord will strengthen you spiritually” (See: Synecdoche)

ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν

Paul ends his letter with a second blessing. The you here is plural and refers to all of the believers who are with Timothy. Alternate translation: “May grace be with all of you there” (See: Forms of You)

ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could state who Paul wishes will make this happen. Alternate translation: “May God give grace to all of you”