The Meaning of 2 Timothy 4:5 Explained

2 Timothy 4:5

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

YLT: And thou -- watch in all things; suffer evil; do the work of one proclaiming good news; of thy ministration make full assurance,

Darby: But thou, be sober in all things, bear evils, do the work of an evangelist, fill up the full measure of thy ministry.

ASV: But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does 2 Timothy 4:5 Mean?

Verse Meaning

In view of this increasing opposition Timothy needed to keep alert (cool-headed, "wide awake" [1] ) by avoiding false teaching. To do this he needed to maintain self-control under all circumstances. [2] He needed to endure hardship willingly and to continue proclaiming the gospel to the lost. He would thereby carry out the ministry God had entrusted to him completely. Four more imperatives appear in this verse (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2): be, endure, do, and fulfill.
"Thus with the words of the solemn charge in 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Paul in effect brings to a conclusion his words of instruction regarding Timothy"s duties as a minister of Christ. This charge gathers up the concerns expressed throughout the letter and crystallizes them in nine memorable imperatives that begin with "preach the word" and end with "fulfill your ministry." With these imperatives Paul calls on Timothy to proclaim and apply God"s word with much patience and careful instruction, to be clearheaded in every situation, to bear whatever difficulties such a ministry may involve him in, to evangelize, and to do whatever is necessary to accomplish the ministry to which Christ has called him." [3]
Job or Ministry? [4] A job is one you choose;A ministry is one Christ chooses for you.A job depends on your abilities;A ministry depends on your availability to God.In a job you expect to receive;In a ministry you expect to give.A job done well brings you self-esteem;A ministry done well brings honor to Jesus Christ.In a job you give something to get something;In a ministry you return something that has already been given to you.A job well done has temporal remuneration;A ministry well done brings eternal rewards.

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 4:5

But be thou sober [συ δε νηπε]
Present active imperative of νηπω — nēphō for which see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:8. “Be sober in thy head.” [source]
Suffer hardship [κακοπατησον]
See note on 2 Timothy 2:9. Do the work of an evangelist (εργον ποιησον ευαγγελιστου — ergon poiēson euaggelistou). See note on 1 Corinthians 1:17; Ephesians 4:11 for ευαγγελιστης — euaggelistēs gospelizer. Fulfil First aorist active imperative of πληροπορεω — plērophoreō for which see note on Colossians 4:12. In Colossians 4:17 Paul uses πληροω — plēroō to Archippus about his ministry as he here employs πληροπορεω — plērophoreō Both verbs mean to fill full. [source]
Do the work of an evangelist [εργον ποιησον ευαγγελιστου]
See note on 1 Corinthians 1:17; Ephesians 4:11 for ευαγγελιστης — euaggelistēs gospelizer. [source]
Fulfil [πληροπορησον]
First aorist active imperative of πληροπορεω — plērophoreō for which see note on Colossians 4:12. In Colossians 4:17 Paul uses πληροω — plēroō to Archippus about his ministry as he here employs πληροπορεω — plērophoreō Both verbs mean to fill full. [source]
Watch thou [σὺ νῆφε]
See on 1 Thessalonians 5:6, and see on ἀνανήψωσιν recover 2 Timothy 2:26. [source]
Endure afflictions [κακοπάθησον]
Or suffer hardship. See on 2 Timothy 2:9, and comp. 2 Timothy 4:5. [source]
Of an evangelist [εὐαγγελιστοῦ]
Here, Acts 21:8and Ephesians 4:11. In the last passage, a special function, with apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers. A traveling, minister whose work was not confined to a particular church. So Philip, Acts 8:5-13, Acts 8:26-40. A helper of the apostles. An apostle, as such, was an evangelist (1 Corinthians 1:17), but every evangelist was not an apostle. In The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (about 100 a.d.) it is prescribed that an apostle shall not remain in one place longer than two days, and that when he departs he shall take nothing with him except enough bread to last until his next station (ch. xi). [source]
Make full proof of thy ministry [τὴν διακονίαν σου πληροφόρησον]
Better, fulfill or fully perform. In Pastorals only here and 2 Timothy 4:17. See on Luke 1:1. In lxx once, Ecclesiastes 8:11, is fully persuaded. Only in this passage in the active voice. Comp. πληρώσαντες τὴν διακονίαν havingfulfilled their ministration, Acts 12:25: ἐπλήρου τὸν δρόμον wasfulfilling his course, Acts 13:25, and τὸν δρόμον Ihave finished the course, 2 Timothy 4:7. For διακονίαν ministrysee on 1 Timothy 1:12. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 4:5

Luke 1:1 Which are most surely believed [τῶν πεπληροφορημένων]
From πλήρης ,full, and φορέω , the frequentative form of φέρω ,to bring, meaning to bring frequently or habitually. Hence, to bring full measure; tofulfil. Compare 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:17. Also of full assurance. Applied to persons. Romans 4:21; Hebrews 10:22. As applied to things, therefore, the sense of the A. V. is inadmissible. Render as Rev., have been fulfilled. The word is chosen to indicate that these events happened in accordance with a preconceived design. Wyc., been filled in us. [source]
Luke 1:1 Many [πολλοι]
How many no one knows, but certainly more than two or three. We know that Luke used the Logia of Jesus written by Matthew in Aramaic (Papias) and Mark‘s Gospel. Undoubtedly he had other written sources. Have taken in hand A literal translation of επιχειρεω — epicheireō (from χειρ — cheir hand and επι — epi upon). Both Hippocrates and Galen use this word in their introduction to their medical works. Here only in the N.T., though a common literary word. Common in the papyri for undertaking with no idea of failure or blame. Luke does not mean to cast reflection on those who preceded him. The apocryphal gospels were all much later and are not in his mind. Luke had secured fuller information and planned a book on a larger scale and did surpass them with the result that they all perished save Mark‘s Gospel and what Matthew and Luke possess of the Logia of Jesus. There was still room for Luke‘s book. That motive influences every author and thus progress is made.To draw up, a narrative (αναταχασται διηγησιν — anataxasthai diēgēsin). Ingressive aorist middle infinitive. This verb αναταχασται — anataxasthai has been found only in Plutarch‘s Moral. 968 CD about an elephant “rehearsing” by moonlight certain tricks it had been taught (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary). That was from memory going regularly through the thing again. But the idea in the word is plain enough. The word is composed of τασσω — tassō a common verb for arranging things in proper order and ανα — ana again. Luke means to say that those before him had made attempts to rehearse in orderly fashion various matters about Christ. “The expression points to a connected series of narratives in some order (ταχις — taxis), topical or chronological rather than to isolated narratives” (Bruce). “They had produced something more than mere notes or anecdotes” (Plummer). Διηγησις — Diēgēsis means leading or carrying a thing through, not a mere incident. Galen applies this word some seventy-five times to the writing of Hippocrates.Which have been fulfilled Perfect passive participle from πληροπορεω — plērophoreō and that from πληρης — plērēs (full) and περω — pherō (to bring). Hence to bring or make full. The verb is rare outside of the lxx and the N.T. Papyri examples occur for finishing off a legal matter or a financial matter in full. Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, pp. 86f.) gives examples from the papyri and inscriptions for completing a task or being convinced or satisfied in mind. The same ambiguity occurs here. When used of persons in the N.T. the meaning is to be convinced, or fully persuaded (Romans 4:21; Romans 14:5; Hebrews 6:11; Hebrews 10:22). When used of things it has the notion of completing or finishing (2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:17). Luke is here speaking of “matters” Luke may refer to the matters connected with Christ‘s life which have been brought to a close among us or accomplished. Bruce argues plausibly that he means fulness of knowledge “concerning the things which have become widely known among us Christians.” In Colossians 2:2 we have “fulness of understanding” In modern Greek the verb means to inform. The careful language of Luke here really pays a tribute to those who had preceded him in their narratives concerning Christ. [source]
Luke 1:1 Which have been fulfilled [των πεπληρωπορημενων]
Perfect passive participle from πληροπορεω — plērophoreō and that from πληρης — plērēs (full) and περω — pherō (to bring). Hence to bring or make full. The verb is rare outside of the lxx and the N.T. Papyri examples occur for finishing off a legal matter or a financial matter in full. Deissmann (Light from the Ancient East, pp. 86f.) gives examples from the papyri and inscriptions for completing a task or being convinced or satisfied in mind. The same ambiguity occurs here. When used of persons in the N.T. the meaning is to be convinced, or fully persuaded (Romans 4:21; Romans 14:5; Hebrews 6:11; Hebrews 10:22). When used of things it has the notion of completing or finishing (2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:17). Luke is here speaking of “matters” Luke may refer to the matters connected with Christ‘s life which have been brought to a close among us or accomplished. Bruce argues plausibly that he means fulness of knowledge “concerning the things which have become widely known among us Christians.” In Colossians 2:2 we have “fulness of understanding” In modern Greek the verb means to inform. The careful language of Luke here really pays a tribute to those who had preceded him in their narratives concerning Christ. [source]
Acts 21:8 Unto Caesarea [εις Καισαριαν]
Apparently by land as the voyage Caesarea is the political capital of Judea under the Romans where the procurators lived and a city of importance, built by Herod the Great and named in honour of Augustus. It had a magnificent harbour built Most of the inhabitants were Greeks. This is the third time that we have seen Paul in Caesarea, on his journey from Jerusalem to Tarsus (Acts 9:30), on his return from Antioch at the close of the second mission tour (Acts 18:22) and now. The best MSS. omit οι περι Παυλου — hoi peri Paulou (we that were of Paul‘s company) a phrase like that in Acts 13:13. Into the house of Philip the evangelist (εις τον οικον Πιλιππου του ευαγγελιστου — eis ton oikon Philippou tou euaggelistou). Second in the list of the seven (Acts 6:5) after Stephen and that fact mentioned here. By this title he is distinguished from “Philip the apostle,” one of the twelve. His evangelistic work followed the death of Stephen (Acts 8) in Samaria, Philistia, with his home in Caesarea. The word “evangelizing” (ευηγγελιζετο — euēggelizeto) was used of him in Acts 8:40. The earliest of the three N.T. examples of the word “evangelist” (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5). Apparently a word used to describe one who told the gospel story as Philip did and may have been used of him first of all as John was termed “the baptizer” (ο βαπτιζων — ho baptizn Mark 1:4), then “the Baptist” (ο βαπτιστης — ho baptistēs Matthew 3:1). It is found on an inscription in one of the Greek islands of uncertain date and was used in ecclesiastical writers of later times on the Four Gospels as we do. As used here the meaning is a travelling missionary who “gospelized” communities. This is probably Paul‘s idea in 2 Timothy 4:5. In Ephesians 4:11 the word seems to describe a special class of ministers just as we have them today. Men have different gifts and Philip had this of evangelizing as Paul was doing who is the chief evangelist. The ideal minister today combines the gifts of evangelist, herald, teacher, shepherd. “We abode with him” Constative aorist active indicative. Παρ αυτωι — Par autōi (by his side) is a neat idiom for “at his house.” What a joyful time Paul had in conversation with Philip. He could learn from him much of value about the early days of the gospel in Jerusalem. And Luke could, and probably did, take notes from Philip and his daughters about the beginnings of Christian history. It is generally supposed that the “we” sections of Acts represent a travel document by Luke (notes made by him as he journeyed from Troas to Rome). Those who deny the Lukan authorship of the whole book usually admit this. So we may suppose that Luke is already gathering data for future use. If so, these were precious days for him. [source]
Acts 21:8 Into the house of Philip the evangelist [εις τον οικον Πιλιππου του ευαγγελιστου]
Second in the list of the seven (Acts 6:5) after Stephen and that fact mentioned here. By this title he is distinguished from “Philip the apostle,” one of the twelve. His evangelistic work followed the death of Stephen (Acts 8) in Samaria, Philistia, with his home in Caesarea. The word “evangelizing” Apparently a word used to describe one who told the gospel story as Philip did and may have been used of him first of all as John was termed “the baptizer” It is found on an inscription in one of the Greek islands of uncertain date and was used in ecclesiastical writers of later times on the Four Gospels as we do. As used here the meaning is a travelling missionary who “gospelized” communities. This is probably Paul‘s idea in 2 Timothy 4:5. In Ephesians 4:11 the word seems to describe a special class of ministers just as we have them today. Men have different gifts and Philip had this of evangelizing as Paul was doing who is the chief evangelist. The ideal minister today combines the gifts of evangelist, herald, teacher, shepherd. “ [source]
Ephesians 4:12 For the work of the ministry [εἰς ἔργον διακονίας]
Rev., much better, unto the work of ministering. Εἰς untomarks the immediate purpose of the gift. He gave apostles, etc., unto the work of ministering and building, for the perfecting, etc. The prevailing sense of διακονία ministryin the New Testament, is spiritual service of an official character. See Acts 1:25; Acts 6:4; Acts 20:24; Romans 11:13; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:5. [source]
1 Timothy 1:12 That enabled me [τωι ενδυναμωσαντι με]
First aorist active articular participle of ενδυναμοω — endunamoō Late verb, but regular Pauline idiom (Romans 4:20; Philemon 4:13; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:17). Appointing me to his service (τεμενος εις διακονιαν — themenos eis diakonian). Second aorist middle participle. Pauline phrase and atmosphere (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:18, 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 1:23; Ephesians 3:7; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:11). [source]
1 Timothy 1:12 Appointing me to his service [τεμενος εις διακονιαν]
Second aorist middle participle. Pauline phrase and atmosphere (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:18, 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 1:23; Ephesians 3:7; 1 Timothy 4:6; 2 Timothy 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:11). [source]
2 Timothy 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered [ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤδη σπένδομαι]
I, emphatic contrast with σὺ thou 2 Timothy 4:5. Already. What he is now suffering is the beginning of the end. Σπένδεσθαι tobe poured out as a libation, only here and Philemon 2:17(note). In the active voice quite often in lxx. [source]
2 Timothy 4:5 Endure afflictions [κακοπάθησον]
Or suffer hardship. See on 2 Timothy 2:9, and comp. 2 Timothy 4:5. [source]
2 Timothy 4:17 Might be fully known [πληροφορηθῇ]
See on 2 Timothy 4:5. Lit. might be fulfilled; fully carried out by being proclaimed before rulers in the capital of the world. Comp. Romans 15:19; Acts 23:11; Acts 28:31; Philemon 1:12-14. [source]
2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble [ἐν ᾧ κακοπαθῶ]
Wherein refers to the gospel. Κακοπαθεῖν only here, 2 Timothy 4:5, and James 5:13. lxx, Jonah 4:10. [source]
2 Timothy 1:8 The testimony of our Lord [το μαρτυριον του κυριου]
For the old word μαρτυριον — marturion see note on 1 Corinthians 1:6; 1 Corinthians 2:1. Paul probably has in mind the saying of Jesus preserved in Mark 8:38 (Luke 9:26). See also 2 Timothy 2:12. His prisoner (τον δεσμιον αυτου — ton desmion autou). As in Philemon 1:12; Philemon 1:1, Philemon 1:9; Ephesians 3:1; Ephesians 4:1 (the first Roman captivity). Paul is in his last captivity and refers to it again in 2 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 2:9. Suffer hardship with First aorist active imperative of the double compound συνκακοπατεω — sunkakopatheō first known use and in N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:3 (in eccles. writers). But κακοπατεω — kakopatheō to suffer evil, is old verb (2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5). Paul is fond of compounds of συν — sun Paul challenges Timothy by this verb which he apparently coins for the purpose to a joint According to the power of God (κατα δυναμιν τεου — kata dunamin theou). Given by God (2 Corinthians 6:7). [source]
2 Timothy 1:8 Suffer hardship with [συνκακοπατησον]
First aorist active imperative of the double compound συνκακοπατεω — sunkakopatheō first known use and in N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:3 (in eccles. writers). But κακοπατεω — kakopatheō to suffer evil, is old verb (2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5). Paul is fond of compounds of συν — sun Paul challenges Timothy by this verb which he apparently coins for the purpose to a joint According to the power of God (κατα δυναμιν τεου — kata dunamin theou). Given by God (2 Corinthians 6:7). [source]
2 Timothy 4:17 That through me the message might be fully proclaimed [ινα δι εμου το κηρυγμα πληροπορητηι]
Final clause with ινα — hina and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροπορεω — plērophoreō (see 2 Timothy 4:5). Either to the rulers in Rome now or, if the first imprisonment, by his release and going to Spain. [source]
2 Timothy 4:17 Strengthened me [ενεδυναμωσεν με]
“Poured power into me.” See note on Philemon 4:13. That through me the message might be fully proclaimed (ινα δι εμου το κηρυγμα πληροπορητηι — hina di' emou to kērugma plērophorēthēi). Final clause with ινα — hina and first aorist passive subjunctive of πληροπορεω — plērophoreō (see 2 Timothy 4:5). Either to the rulers in Rome now or, if the first imprisonment, by his release and going to Spain. And that all the Gentiles might hear Continuation of the purpose with the aorist active subjunctive of ακουω — akouō I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (ερυστην εκ στοματος λεοντος — erusthēn ek stomatos leontos). First aorist passive indicative of ρυομαι — ruomai (1 Thessalonians 1:10). A proverb, but not certain what the application is whether to Nero or to Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18) or to the lion in the arena where Paul could not be sent because a Roman citizen. [source]
Titus 2:9 To please them well in all things [ἐν πᾶσιν εὐαρέστους εἶναι]
Wrong. Const. in all things with to be in subjection. Note the position of ἐν πᾶσιν in 1 Timothy 3:11; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 4:5, and comp. ὑπακούειν κατὰ πάντα obey in all things, Colossians 3:20, Colossians 3:22; and ὑποτάσσεται - ἐν παντί issubject in everything, Ephesians 5:24. Ἑυάρεστος wellpleasing, only here in Pastorals. Almost exclusively in Paul. See also Hebrews 13:21. Ευαρέστως acceptably Hebrews 12:28. [source]
Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable in all [τίμιος ὁ γάμος ἐν πᾶσιν]
Γάμος everywhere else in N.T. a wedding or wedding feast, often in the plural, as Matthew 22:2, Matthew 22:3, Matthew 22:4; Luke 12:36. Τίμιος honorableor held in honor. Often in N.T. precious, of gold, stones, etc., as 1 Corinthians 3:12; Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12; of life, Acts 20:24; the fruits of the earth, James 5:7; the blood of Christ, 1 Peter 1:19; the divine promises, 2 Peter 1:4. Rend. “let marriage be had in honor.” The statement is hortatory, as suiting the character of the entire context, and especially the γὰρ for“for whoremongers,” etc. Ἑν πᾶσιν in all respects,” as 1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 4:5; Titus 2:9; Colossians 1:18; Philemon 4:12. If as A.V., the more natural expression would be παρὰ πᾶσιν as Matthew 19:26; Acts 26:8; Romans 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:6; James 1:27. Ἑν πᾶσιν inall things appears in this chapter, Hebrews 13:18. There are many points in which marriage is to be honored besides the avoidance of illicit connections. See on 1 Thessalonians 4:6. [source]
James 5:13 Is afflicted [κακοπαθεῖ]
See on the kindred word κακοπάθεια ,suffering, James 5:10. Only here and 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5. [source]
James 5:13 Is any suffering? [κακοπατει τισ]
See James 5:10 for κακοπατια — kakopathia The verb in N.T. occurs only here and in 2 Timothy 2:3, 2 Timothy 2:9; 2 Timothy 4:5. The lively interrogative is common in the diatribe and suits the style of James. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 4:5 mean?

You however be sober in all things endure afflictions [the] work do of an evangelist the ministry of you fully carry out
Σὺ δὲ νῆφε ἐν πᾶσιν κακοπάθησον ἔργον ποίησον εὐαγγελιστοῦ τὴν διακονίαν σου πληροφόρησον

δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
νῆφε  be  sober 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: νήφω  
Sense: to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit.
πᾶσιν  all  things 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Neuter Plural
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
κακοπάθησον  endure  afflictions 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: κακοπαθέω  
Sense: to suffer (endure) evils (hardships, troubles).
ἔργον  [the]  work 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ἔργον  
Sense: business, employment, that which any one is occupied.
εὐαγγελιστοῦ  of  an  evangelist 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: εὐαγγελιστής  
Sense: a bringer of good tidings, an evangelist.
διακονίαν  ministry 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: διακονία 
Sense: service, ministering, esp.
σου  of  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
πληροφόρησον  fully  carry  out 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: πληροφορέω  
Sense: to bear or bring full, to make full.