The Meaning of 2 Timothy 4:12 Explained

2 Timothy 4:12

KJV: And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

YLT: and Tychicus I sent to Ephesus;

Darby: But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

ASV: But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  Tychicus  have I sent  to  Ephesus. 

What does 2 Timothy 4:12 Mean?

Context Summary

2 Timothy 4:1-12 - The Victor's Final Charge
To the end Paul held to the appearing of Jesus, though he might not live to see it; and it was to precede and usher in the coming of the Kingdom. The world of that time was sad and sick, and Paul's sole panacea was the preaching of the gospel. 2 Timothy 4:2, do not only take opportunities, but make them. 2 Timothy 4:3, make haste; such opportunities are closing in. Sound throughout these Pastoral Epistles means "healthy" and "health-giving." Note that striking phrase of the itching ears, which turn in every direction where they may obtain momentary relief. 2 Timothy 4:5, be on the alert! Fulfill, that is, work to the edge of your pattern.
With what pathetic words Paul refers to his approaching death! He regarded his life-blood as about to be poured out as a libation, 2 Timothy 4:6, r.v., margin. The time had come for him to go on board the good ship which was waiting in the offing to sail at sunset for its port of glory. He was a veteran who had fought valiantly and successfully-keeping the faith as in the old Roman story the heroes kept the bridge. But he was soon to be relieved. The crown at the end of the course was already in sight. He was lonely-only Luke is with me. He needed to be ministered unto-take Mark. But his courage was unabated. Demas might forsake, but Christ failed not. [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Timothy 4

1  He exhorts him to preach the Word with all care and diligence;
6  certifies him of the nearness of his death;
9  wills him to come speedily unto him, and to bring Marcus with him;
14  warns him to beware of Alexander the metalworker
16  informs him what had befallen him at his first answering;
19  and soon after he concludes

Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 4:12

Tychicus I sent to Ephesus [Τυχικον απεστειλα εις Επεσον]
Perhaps Paul had sent him on before he came to Rome. He may have been still on the way to Ephesus. [source]
Tychicus []
A comparatively uncommon name in N.T., but found in inscriptions of Asia Minor and on Asiatic coins. He is mentioned Acts 20:4, Acts 20:5; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7. In Acts 20:4he is described as a native of proconsular Asia. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 4:12

Acts 20:4 Tychicus and Trophimus []
See Colossians 4:7, Colossians 4:8; Ephesians 6:21, Ephesians 6:22; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12; Acts 21:29; 2 Timothy 4:20. [source]
Colossians 4:7 Tychicus []
Mentioned Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12. [source]
Titus 3:12 Artemas [Αρτεμαν]
Perhaps abbreviation of Artemidorus. Nothing more is known of him. Or Tychicus (η Τυχικον — ē Tuchikon). Paul‘s well-known disciple (Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:12). To Nicopolis Probably in Epirus, a good place for work in Dalmatia (2 Timothy 4:10). I have determined (κεκρικα — kekrika). Perfect active indicative. I have decided. To winter there First aorist active infinitive of παραχειμαζω — paracheimazō a literary Koiné{[28928]}š word for which see note on Acts 27:12; note on 1 Corinthians 16:6. [source]
Titus 3:12 Or Tychicus [η Τυχικον]
Paul‘s well-known disciple (Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:12). [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 4:12 mean?

Tychicus however I have sent to Ephesus
Τυχικὸν δὲ ἀπέστειλα εἰς Ἔφεσον

Τυχικὸν  Tychicus 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Τυχικός  
Sense: an Asiatic Christian, friend and companion of the apostle Paul.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἀπέστειλα  I  have  sent 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: ἀποστέλλω 
Sense: to order (one) to go to a place appointed.
Ἔφεσον  Ephesus 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: Ἔφεσος  
Sense: a maritime city of Asia Minor, capital of Ionia and under the Romans, of proconsular Asia, situated on the Icarian Sea between Smyrna and Miletus.