2Timothy 4 KJV
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2 Timothy 4 (New Testament)
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
2Timothy 4 (New Testament)
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
| Greek Word + Transliteration | Verse + Snippet | Meaning | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| κήρυξον — kēryxon | Verse 2 — “…preach the word…” | “Proclaim,” herald. | Kēryxon (“proclaim”) evokes royal heralding (“preach”). Timothy must declare truth boldly. The term defines preaching as authoritative proclamation. — Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
| ἐπίστηθι — epistēthi | Verse 2 — “…be instant in season, out of season…” | “Stand by,” be ready. | Epistēthi (“be ready”) demands alert preparedness (“stand ready”). Ministry is continual, not occasional. The term conveys constancy. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| νῆφε — nēphe | Verse 5 — “…watch thou in all things…” | “Be sober,” be vigilant. | Nēphō (“be sober”) describes mental alertness (“watch/be sober”). Spiritual clarity guards against error. The term encourages disciplined vigilance. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary (1884) |
| ἐργασία εὐαγγελιστοῦ — ergasia euangelistou | Verse 5 — “…do the work of an evangelist…” | “Evangelize,” proclaim good news. | Ergasia euangelistou (“work of an evangelist”) stresses active gospel labor (“evangelist’s work”). Paul affirms evangelism as essential ministry. The term highlights mission focus. — Philip Schaff, Church History (1890) |
| σπένδομαι — spendomai | Verse 6 — “…I am now ready to be offered…” | “Be poured out,” sacrificed. | Spendomai (“to be poured out”) reflects sacrificial imagery (“offered”). Paul views death as a libation to God. The term frames martyrdom as worship. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
| ἀγών — agōn | Verse 7 — “…fought a good fight…” | “Contest,” struggle. | Agōn (“contest”) depicts athletic and military conflict (“struggle/fight”). Paul’s life exemplifies disciplined perseverance. The term symbolizes faithful endurance. — Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
| τετέλεκα — teteleka | Verse 7 — “…I have finished my course…” | “Complete,” accomplish. | Teleō (“to complete”) signifies bringing to fulfillment (“finish”). Paul fulfills his divine assignment. The term emphasizes completion of duty. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| ἀπόκειμαι — apokeimai | Verse 8 — “…laid up for me a crown…” | “Stored,” reserved. | Apokeimai (“to be stored”) conveys secure reservation (“laid up”). Eternal reward awaits faithful service. The term offers eschatological assurance. — Philip Schaff, Commentary on Timothy (1882) |
| ἐπιφάνεια — epiphaneia | Verse 8 — “…unto all them also that love his appearing.” | “Appearance,” manifestation. | Epiphaneia (“appearing”) refers to Christ’s revealed glory (“appearance”). Hope centers on His return. The term reinforces eschatological expectation. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary (1884) |
| ῥύομαι — rhyomai | Verse 18 — “…the Lord shall deliver me…” | “Rescue,” deliver. | Rhyomai (“to rescue”) denotes powerful deliverance (“deliver/rescue”). Paul trusts God through every trial. The term stresses divine preservation. — Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
chapter 4
Verse of the Bible: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7
Lesson: The apostle Paul's words in this verse reveal a profound truth about the Christian life - it is a fight, a race, and a test of faith. As believers, we are called to fight against sin, run the race of life with perseverance, and keep the faith in the face of trials and challenges.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: Living a faithful Christian life is not easy, but it is worth it. Paul's words remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that victory is possible through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Points: Let us pray for strength to fight the good fight of faith, to run with perseverance the race set before us, and to keep the faith in all circumstances. May the Holy Spirit empower us to live lives that honor God and inspire others to follow Christ.
What's Next? Get A Piano Lesson in Houston or Online from The Alive Christians' School of Music
