II Timothy 4
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
I charge thee therefore before God - Whose herald thou art; and before the Lord Jesus Christ, whose salvation thou art to proclaim, and who is coming to judge the world - all that shall be found then alive, and all that have died from the foundation of the world.
Open source ↗SOLEMN CHARGE TO TIMOTHY TO DO HIS DUTY ZEALOUSLY, FOR TIMES OF APOSTASY ARE AT HAND, AND THE APOSTLE IS NEAR HIS TRIUMPHANT END: REQUESTS HIM TO COME AND BRING MARK WITH HIM TO ROME, AS LUKE ALONE IS WITH HIM, THE OTHERS HAVING GONE: ALSO HIS CLOAK AND PARCHMENTS: WARNS HIM AGAINST ALEXANDER: TELLS WHAT BEFELL HIM AT HIS FIRST DEFENSE: GREETINGS: BENEDICTION. (2Ti. 4:1-22) charge--Greek, "adjure." therefore--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. the Lord Jesus Christ--The oldest manuscripts read simply, "Christ Jesus." shall judge--His commission from God is mentioned, Act 10:42; his resolution to do so, Pe1 4:5; the execution of his commission, here. at his appearing--The oldest manuscripts read, "and" for "at"; then translate, "(I charge thee before God . . . ) and by His appearing." and his kingdom--to be set at His appearing, when we hope to reign with Him. His kingdom is real now, but not visible. It shall then be both real and visible (Luk 22:18, Luk 22:30; Rev 1:7; Rev 11:15; Rev 19:6). Now he reigns in the midst of His enemies expecting till they shall be overthrown (Psa 110:2; Heb 10:13). Then He shall reign with His adversaries prostrate.
Open source ↗I charge thee therefore before God,.... Whose word the Scriptures are, and by whom they are inspired; who had made Timothy an able minister of the New Testament, and to whom he was accountable for his ministry: and the Lord Jesus Christ; who is equal with God, and bestows ministerial gifts on men, and from whom Timothy had his; whose Gospel he preached; in whose cause he was embarked; and before whom he must appear, to give an account of his ministry, talents, and souls under his care: who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; it is certain there will be a general judgment; the day is appointed, and Christ is ordained the Judge of all men; all judgment is committed to him, and he is ready to exercise it; for which he is abundantly qualified, being God omniscient and omnipotent; and which he will execute in the most righteous and impartial manner. The persons that will be judged by him are, "the quick and the dead"; by which are meant, not the different parts of men, their souls which are living and immortal, and their bodies which die and will be raised from the dead, though they will be judged in their whole persons; nor the different sorts of men, as good men, who are made alive by the Spirit and grace of God, and evil men, who are dead in trespasses and sins, and die in their sins; though this is a truth that God will judge both the righteous and the wicked: but rather by the "quick", are meant, such as will be found alive at Christ's coming; and by the "dead", such as having been dead, will be raised by him; and in short, the characters include all mentioned; who must all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. The time when this will be, is, at his appearing, and his kingdom; which may be considered as an hendyadis, expressive of on…
Open source ↗Observe, I. How awfully this charge is introduced (Ti2 4:1): I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom. Observe, The best of men have need to be awed into the discharge of their duty. The work of a minister is not an indifferent thing, but absolutely necessary. Woe be to him if he preach not the gospel, Co1 9:16. To induce him to faithfulness, he must consider, 1. That the eye of God and Jesus Christ was upon him: I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ; that is, "as thou tenderest the favour of God and Jesus Christ; as thou wilt approve thyself to God and Jesus Christ, by the obligations both of natural and revealed religion; as thou wilt make due returns to the God who made thee and the Lord Jesus Christ who redeemed thee." 2. He charges him as he will answer it at the great day, reminding him of the judgment to come, which is committed to the Lord Jesus. He shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom, that is, when he appears in his kingdom. It concerns all, both ministers and people, seriously to consider the account that they must shortly give to Jesus Christ of all the trusts reposed in them. Christ shall judge the quick and the dead, that is, those that at the last day shall be found alive, and those who shall be raised to life out of the grave. Note, (1.) The Lord Jesus Christ shall judge the quick and the dead. God hath committed all judgment unto the Son, and hath appointed him the Judge of quick and dead, Act 10:42. (2.) He will appear; he will come the second time, and it will be a glorious appearance, as the word epiphaniea signifies. (3.) Then his kingdom shall appear in its glory: At his appearing and kingdom; for he will then appear in hi…
Open source ↗4:1-8 Timothy stood in the presence of God and was to work in view of Jesus’ coming to judge and set up his Kingdom (see 1 Tim 5:21; 6:13-14). Christ’s appearing will bring cleansing (2 Tim 2:19), accountability (3:8-9), salvation, vindication, and reward (4:8, 18). See also 1 Cor 3:10-15; 4:4-5; 2 Cor 5:10. 4:1 judge the living and the dead: See Matt 25:31-46; Acts 10:42; Rom 14:7-12; Rev 20:11-15. • when he comes (literally his epiphany): See study note on 1 Tim 6:14; see also 2 Tim 1:10; 4:8; Titus 2:11-13; 3:4.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) διαμαρτύρομαι (diamartýromai, G1263) — to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ἐνώπιον (enṓpion, G1799) — in the face of (literally or figuratively) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially… κρίνω (krínō, G2919) — by implication, to try, condemn, punish ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
Open source ↗κηρύσσω (kērýssō, G2784) — to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi, G2186) — to stand upon, i.e. be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually… εὐκαίρως (eukaírōs, G2122) — opportunely ἀκαίρως (akaírōs, G171) — inopportunely ἐλέγχω (elénchō, G1651) — to confute, admonish ἐπιτιμάω (epitimáō, G2008) — to tax upon, i.e. censure or admonish; by implication, forbid παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole μακροθυμία (makrothymía, G3115) — longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… διδαχή (didachḗ, G1322) — instruction (the act or the matter)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time ἔσομαι (ésomai, G2071) — will be ὅτε (hóte, G3753) — at which (thing) too, i.e. when ἀνέχομαι (anéchomai, G430) — to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὑγιαίνω (hygiaínō, G5198) — to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in… διδασκαλία (didaskalía, G1319) — instruction (the function or the information) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) ἐπισωρεύω (episōreúō, G2002) — to accumulate further, i.e. (figuratively) seek additionally ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μέν (mén, G3303) — properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a… ἀποστρέφω (apostréphō, G654) — to turn away or back (literally or figuratively) ἀκοή (akoḗ, G189) — hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἀλήθεια (alḗtheia, G225) — truth δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐκτρέπω (ektrépō, G1624) — to deflect, i.e. turn away (literally or figuratively) ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… μῦθος (mŷthos, G3454) — a tale, i.e. fiction ("myth")
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. νήφω (nḗphō, G3525) — to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet σύ (sý, G4771) — thou ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole κακοπαθέω (kakopathéō, G2553) — to undergo hardship ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act εὐαγγελιστής (euangelistḗs, G2099) — a preacher of the gospel πληροφορέω (plērophoréō, G4135) — to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e. completely assure (or convince), entirely… σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy διακονία (diakonía, G1248) — attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) σπένδω (spéndō, G4689) — to pour out as a libation, i.e. (figuratively) to devote (one's life or blood, as a… ἤδη (ḗdē, G2235) — even now καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time ἐμός (emós, G1699) — my ἀνάλυσις (análysis, G359) — departure ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi, G2186) — to stand upon, i.e. be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually…
Open source ↗ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai, G75) — to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an… καλός (kalós, G2570) ἀγών (agṓn, G73) — properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication) a contest (held there);… τελέω (teléō, G5055) — to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt) δρόμος (drómos, G1408) — a race, i.e. (figuratively) career τηρέω (tēréō, G5083) — perhaps akin to G2334 (θεωρέω)); to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the… πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of…
Open source ↗λοιπόν (loipón, G3063) — something remaining (adverbially) ἀπόκειμαι (apókeimai, G606) — to be reserved; figuratively, to await μοί (moí, G3427) — to me στέφανος (stéphanos, G4735) — a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor… δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosýnē, G1343) — equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… δίκαιος (díkaios, G1342) — equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively) κριτής (kritḗs, G2923) — a judge (genitive case or specially) ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi, G591) — to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc.
Open source ↗σπουδάζω (spoudázō, G4704) — to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ταχέως (tachéōs, G5030) — briefly, i.e. (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… μέ (mé, G3165) — me
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… Δημᾶς (Dēmâs, G1214) — Demas, a Christian ἐγκαταλείπω (enkataleípō, G1459) — to leave behind in some place, i.e. (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad… μέ (mé, G3165) — me ἀγαπάω (agapáō, G25) — to love (in a social or moral sense) νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… αἰών (aiṓn, G165) — properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world;… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Θεσσαλονίκη (Thessaloníkē, G2332) — Thessalonice, a place in Asia Minor Κρήσκης (Krḗskēs, G2913) — growing; Cresces (i.e. Crescens), a Christian Γαλατία (Galatía, G1053) — Galatia, a region of Asia Τίτος (Títos, G5103) — Titus, a Christian
Open source ↗μόνος (mónos, G3441) — remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere Λουκᾶς (Loukâs, G3065) — Lucas, a Christian ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ἐμοῦ (emoû, G1700) — of me ἀναλαμβάνω (analambánō, G353) — to take up Μάρκος (Márkos, G3138) — Marcus, a Christian ἄγω (ágō, G71) — properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass… σεαυτοῦ (seautoû, G4572) — of (with, to) thyself γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εὔχρηστος (eúchrēstos, G2173) — easily used, i.e. useful μοί (moí, G3427) — to me εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… διακονία (diakonía, G1248) — attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Τυχικός (Tychikós, G5190) — fortuitous, i.e. fortunate; Tychicus, a Christian ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō, G649) — set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… Ἔφεσος (Éphesos, G2181) — Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor
Open source ↗φελόνης (phelónēs, G5341) — a mantle (surtout) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀπολείπω (apoleípō, G620) — to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Τρωάς (Trōás, G5174) — the Troad (or plain of Troy), i.e. Troas, a place in Asia Minor παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… Κάρπος (Kárpos, G2591) — Carpus, probably a Christian ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) φέρω (phérō, G5342) — to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βιβλίον (biblíon, G975) — a roll μάλιστα (málista, G3122) — (adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly μεμβράνα (membrána, G3200) — a (written) sheep-skin
Open source ↗Ἀλέξανδρος (Aléxandros, G223) — man-defender; Alexander, the name of three Israelites and one other man χαλκεύς (chalkeús, G5471) — a copper-worker or brazier ἐνδείκνυμι (endeíknymi, G1731) — to indicate (by word or act) μοί (moí, G3427) — to me πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… κακός (kakós, G2556) — worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas G4190 (πονηρός) properly refers to effects), i.e.… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἀποδίδωμι (apodídōmi, G591) — to give away, i.e. up, over, back, etc. (in various applications) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.
From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.
For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
as we await the blessed hope and glorious appearance of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.
on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel.
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
before the LORD, for He is coming— He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness.