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
1He exhorts him to preach the Word with all care and diligence; 6certifies him of the nearness of his death; 9wills him to come speedily unto him, and to bring Marcus with him; 14warns him to beware of Alexander the metalworker 16informs him what had befallen him at his first answering; 19and soon after he concludes
Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 4:9
Shortly [ταχεως] In 2 Timothy 4:21 he more definitely says “before winter.” Apparently the trial might drag on through its various stages. [source]
Do thy diligence [σπούδασον] Earnestly endeavor. See on 2 Timothy 2:15, and comp. 2 Timothy 1:3. Do diligence and give diligence (2 Peter 1:10) are old English phrases. So Chaucer:“And night and day dide ever his diligenceHir for to please.”Manciple's T. 141.“And ech of hem doth al his diligence To doon un-to the feste reverence.”Clerke's T. 195 [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 4:9
Acts 18:2Lately come from Italy [προσπατως εληλυτοτα απο της Ιταλιας] Second perfect participle of ερχομαι erchomai Koiné{[28928]}š adverb, here only in the N.T., from adjective προσπατος prosphatos With his wife Priscilla (Πρισκα kai Priskillan gunaika autou). Diminutive of δια το διατεταχεναι Κλαυδιον Priska (Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Prisca is a name in the Acilian family and the Prisci was the name of another noble clan. Aquila may have been a freedman like many Jews in Rome. Her name comes before his in Acts 17:18,Acts 17:26; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:9. Because Claudius had commanded Perfect active articular infinitive of Δια diatassō old verb to dispose, arrange, here with accusative of general reference. Dia here is causal sense, “because of the having ordered as to Claudius.” This was about a.d. 49, done, Suetonius says (Claudius C. 25), because “the Jews were in a state of constant tumult at the instigation of one Chrestus” (probably among the Jews about Christ so pronounced). At any rate Jews were unpopular in Rome for Tiberius had deported 4,000 to Sardinia. There were 20,000 Jews in Rome. Probably mainly those implicated in the riots actually left. [source]
Acts 24:27Was succeeded by [Διαδοχος] Literally, “received as successor.” διαδεχομαι Diadochos is an old word from δια δυο diadechomai to receive in succession Luke does not tell why Felix “received” a successor. The explanation is that during these two years the Jews and the Gentiles had an open fight in the market-place in Caesarea. Felix put the soldiers on the mob and many Jews were killed. The Jews made formal complaint to the Emperor with the result that Felix was recalled and Porcius Festus sent in his stead. Porcius Festus (κατατεσται Porkion Phēston). We know very little about this man. He is usually considered a worthier man than Felix, but Paul fared no better at his hands and he exhibits the same insincerity and eagerness to please the Jews. Josephus (Ant. XX. 8, 9) says that “Porcius Festus was sent as a successor to Felix.” The precise year when this change occurred is not clear. Albinus succeeded Festus by a.d. 62, so that it is probable that Festus came a.d. 58 (or 59). Death cut short his career in a couple of years though he did more than Felix to rid the country of robbers and sicarii. Some scholars argue for an earlier date for the recall of Felix. Nero became Emperor Oct. 13, a.d. 54. Poppaea, his Jewish mistress and finally wife, may have had something to do with the recall of Felix at the request of the Jews. Desiring to gain favour with the Jews Reason for his conduct. Note second aorist (ingressive) middle infinitive κατελιπε τον Παυλον δεδεμενον katathesthai from καταλειπω katatithēmi old verb to place down, to make a deposit, to deposit a favour with, to do something to win favour. Only here and Acts 25:9 in N.T., though in some MSS. in Mark 15:46. It is a banking figure. Left Paul in bonds (δεδεμενον katelipe ton Paulon dedemenon). Effective aorist active indicative of δεω kataleipō to leave behind. Paul “in bonds” (κατατεσται dedemenon perfect passive participle of δια Δρουσιλλαν deō to bind) was the “deposit” (katathesthai) for their favour. Codex Bezae adds that Felix left Paul in custody “because of Drusilla” (dia Drousillan). She disliked Paul as much as Herodias did John the Baptist. So Pilate surrendered to the Jews about the death of Jesus when they threatened to report him to Caesar. Some critics would date the third group of Paul‘s Epistles (Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians) to the imprisonment here in Caesarea, some even to one in Ephesus. But the arguments for either of these two views are more specious than convincing. Furneaux would even put 2 Timothy 4:9-22 here in spite of the flat contradiction with Acts 21:29 about Trophimus being in Jerusalem instead of Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), a “mistake” which he attributes to Luke! That sort of criticism can prove anything. [source]
Acts 24:27Desiring to gain favour with the Jews [κατατιτημι] Reason for his conduct. Note second aorist (ingressive) middle infinitive κατελιπε τον Παυλον δεδεμενον katathesthai from καταλειπω katatithēmi old verb to place down, to make a deposit, to deposit a favour with, to do something to win favour. Only here and Acts 25:9 in N.T., though in some MSS. in Mark 15:46. It is a banking figure. Left Paul in bonds (δεδεμενον katelipe ton Paulon dedemenon). Effective aorist active indicative of δεω kataleipō to leave behind. Paul “in bonds” (κατατεσται dedemenon perfect passive participle of δια Δρουσιλλαν deō to bind) was the “deposit” (katathesthai) for their favour. Codex Bezae adds that Felix left Paul in custody “because of Drusilla” (dia Drousillan). She disliked Paul as much as Herodias did John the Baptist. So Pilate surrendered to the Jews about the death of Jesus when they threatened to report him to Caesar. Some critics would date the third group of Paul‘s Epistles (Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians) to the imprisonment here in Caesarea, some even to one in Ephesus. But the arguments for either of these two views are more specious than convincing. Furneaux would even put 2 Timothy 4:9-22 here in spite of the flat contradiction with Acts 21:29 about Trophimus being in Jerusalem instead of Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), a “mistake” which he attributes to Luke! That sort of criticism can prove anything. [source]
Acts 24:27Left Paul in bonds [δεδεμενον] Effective aorist active indicative of δεω kataleipō to leave behind. Paul “in bonds” She disliked Paul as much as Herodias did John the Baptist. So Pilate surrendered to the Jews about the death of Jesus when they threatened to report him to Caesar. Some critics would date the third group of Paul‘s Epistles (Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians) to the imprisonment here in Caesarea, some even to one in Ephesus. But the arguments for either of these two views are more specious than convincing. Furneaux would even put 2 Timothy 4:9-22 here in spite of the flat contradiction with Acts 21:29 about Trophimus being in Jerusalem instead of Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), a “mistake” which he attributes to Luke! That sort of criticism can prove anything. [source]
2 Timothy 4:10Forsook me [με εγκατελειπεν] Imperfect (MSS. also have aorist, εγκατελιπεν egkatelipen) active of the old double compound verb εγκαταλειπω egkataleipō for which see note on Romans 9:29. Clearly in contrast to 2 Timothy 4:9 and in the sense of 1 Timothy 6:17, wilful desertion. Only mentioned elsewhere in Colossians 4:14. [source]
Hebrews 4:11Let us therefore give diligence [σπουδασωμεν ουν] Volitive subjunctive aorist of σπουδαζω spoudazō old verb to hasten (2 Timothy 4:9), to be eager and alert (1 Thessalonians 2:17). The exhortation has a warning like that in Hebrews 4:1. That no man fall Negative purpose with ινα μη hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of πιπτω piptō to fall. After the same example of disobedience The unbelief is like that seen in the Israelites (Hebrews 3:12,Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:2). υποδειγμα Hupodeigma is a late word from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi (Matthew 3:7) and means a copy (John 13:15; James 5:10). The Israelites set a terrible example and it is so easy to copy the bad examples. [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 4:9 mean?
Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 4:9
In 2 Timothy 4:21 he more definitely says “before winter.” Apparently the trial might drag on through its various stages. [source]
Earnestly endeavor. See on 2 Timothy 2:15, and comp. 2 Timothy 1:3. Do diligence and give diligence (2 Peter 1:10) are old English phrases. So Chaucer:“And night and day dide ever his diligenceHir for to please.”Manciple's T. 141.“And ech of hem doth al his diligence To doon un-to the feste reverence.”Clerke's T. 195 [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 4:9
Second perfect participle of ερχομαι erchomai Koiné{[28928]}š adverb, here only in the N.T., from adjective προσπατος prosphatos With his wife Priscilla (Πρισκα kai Priskillan gunaika autou). Diminutive of δια το διατεταχεναι Κλαυδιον Priska (Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Prisca is a name in the Acilian family and the Prisci was the name of another noble clan. Aquila may have been a freedman like many Jews in Rome. Her name comes before his in Acts 17:18, Acts 17:26; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:9. Because Claudius had commanded Perfect active articular infinitive of Δια diatassō old verb to dispose, arrange, here with accusative of general reference. Dia here is causal sense, “because of the having ordered as to Claudius.” This was about a.d. 49, done, Suetonius says (Claudius C. 25), because “the Jews were in a state of constant tumult at the instigation of one Chrestus” (probably among the Jews about Christ so pronounced). At any rate Jews were unpopular in Rome for Tiberius had deported 4,000 to Sardinia. There were 20,000 Jews in Rome. Probably mainly those implicated in the riots actually left. [source]
Diminutive of δια το διατεταχεναι Κλαυδιον Priska (Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19). Prisca is a name in the Acilian family and the Prisci was the name of another noble clan. Aquila may have been a freedman like many Jews in Rome. Her name comes before his in Acts 17:18, Acts 17:26; Romans 16:3; 2 Timothy 4:9. [source]
Literally, “received as successor.” διαδεχομαι Diadochos is an old word from δια δυο diadechomai to receive in succession Luke does not tell why Felix “received” a successor. The explanation is that during these two years the Jews and the Gentiles had an open fight in the market-place in Caesarea. Felix put the soldiers on the mob and many Jews were killed. The Jews made formal complaint to the Emperor with the result that Felix was recalled and Porcius Festus sent in his stead. Porcius Festus (κατατεσται Porkion Phēston). We know very little about this man. He is usually considered a worthier man than Felix, but Paul fared no better at his hands and he exhibits the same insincerity and eagerness to please the Jews. Josephus (Ant. XX. 8, 9) says that “Porcius Festus was sent as a successor to Felix.” The precise year when this change occurred is not clear. Albinus succeeded Festus by a.d. 62, so that it is probable that Festus came a.d. 58 (or 59). Death cut short his career in a couple of years though he did more than Felix to rid the country of robbers and sicarii. Some scholars argue for an earlier date for the recall of Felix. Nero became Emperor Oct. 13, a.d. 54. Poppaea, his Jewish mistress and finally wife, may have had something to do with the recall of Felix at the request of the Jews. Desiring to gain favour with the Jews Reason for his conduct. Note second aorist (ingressive) middle infinitive κατελιπε τον Παυλον δεδεμενον katathesthai from καταλειπω katatithēmi old verb to place down, to make a deposit, to deposit a favour with, to do something to win favour. Only here and Acts 25:9 in N.T., though in some MSS. in Mark 15:46. It is a banking figure. Left Paul in bonds (δεδεμενον katelipe ton Paulon dedemenon). Effective aorist active indicative of δεω kataleipō to leave behind. Paul “in bonds” (κατατεσται dedemenon perfect passive participle of δια Δρουσιλλαν deō to bind) was the “deposit” (katathesthai) for their favour. Codex Bezae adds that Felix left Paul in custody “because of Drusilla” (dia Drousillan). She disliked Paul as much as Herodias did John the Baptist. So Pilate surrendered to the Jews about the death of Jesus when they threatened to report him to Caesar. Some critics would date the third group of Paul‘s Epistles (Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians) to the imprisonment here in Caesarea, some even to one in Ephesus. But the arguments for either of these two views are more specious than convincing. Furneaux would even put 2 Timothy 4:9-22 here in spite of the flat contradiction with Acts 21:29 about Trophimus being in Jerusalem instead of Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), a “mistake” which he attributes to Luke! That sort of criticism can prove anything. [source]
Reason for his conduct. Note second aorist (ingressive) middle infinitive κατελιπε τον Παυλον δεδεμενον katathesthai from καταλειπω katatithēmi old verb to place down, to make a deposit, to deposit a favour with, to do something to win favour. Only here and Acts 25:9 in N.T., though in some MSS. in Mark 15:46. It is a banking figure. Left Paul in bonds (δεδεμενον katelipe ton Paulon dedemenon). Effective aorist active indicative of δεω kataleipō to leave behind. Paul “in bonds” (κατατεσται dedemenon perfect passive participle of δια Δρουσιλλαν deō to bind) was the “deposit” (katathesthai) for their favour. Codex Bezae adds that Felix left Paul in custody “because of Drusilla” (dia Drousillan). She disliked Paul as much as Herodias did John the Baptist. So Pilate surrendered to the Jews about the death of Jesus when they threatened to report him to Caesar. Some critics would date the third group of Paul‘s Epistles (Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians) to the imprisonment here in Caesarea, some even to one in Ephesus. But the arguments for either of these two views are more specious than convincing. Furneaux would even put 2 Timothy 4:9-22 here in spite of the flat contradiction with Acts 21:29 about Trophimus being in Jerusalem instead of Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), a “mistake” which he attributes to Luke! That sort of criticism can prove anything. [source]
Effective aorist active indicative of δεω kataleipō to leave behind. Paul “in bonds” She disliked Paul as much as Herodias did John the Baptist. So Pilate surrendered to the Jews about the death of Jesus when they threatened to report him to Caesar. Some critics would date the third group of Paul‘s Epistles (Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians) to the imprisonment here in Caesarea, some even to one in Ephesus. But the arguments for either of these two views are more specious than convincing. Furneaux would even put 2 Timothy 4:9-22 here in spite of the flat contradiction with Acts 21:29 about Trophimus being in Jerusalem instead of Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), a “mistake” which he attributes to Luke! That sort of criticism can prove anything. [source]
Old word from πσυχω psuchō to cool by blowing. See Acts 28:2. See the picture of the aged Paul later in the Roman dungeon (2 Timothy 4:9-18). [source]
Better, longing. Pastorals only here. Quite frequent in Paul. See Romans 1:11; 2 Corinthians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 9:14; Philemon 1:8, etc. The compounded preposition ἐπὶ does not denote intensity, as A.V. greatly, but direction. Comp. 2 Timothy 4:9, 2 Timothy 4:21. [source]
Imperfect (MSS. also have aorist, εγκατελιπεν egkatelipen) active of the old double compound verb εγκαταλειπω egkataleipō for which see note on Romans 9:29. Clearly in contrast to 2 Timothy 4:9 and in the sense of 1 Timothy 6:17, wilful desertion. Only mentioned elsewhere in Colossians 4:14. [source]
Volitive subjunctive aorist of σπουδαζω spoudazō old verb to hasten (2 Timothy 4:9), to be eager and alert (1 Thessalonians 2:17). The exhortation has a warning like that in Hebrews 4:1. That no man fall Negative purpose with ινα μη hina mē and the second aorist active subjunctive of πιπτω piptō to fall. After the same example of disobedience The unbelief is like that seen in the Israelites (Hebrews 3:12, Hebrews 3:18; Hebrews 4:2). υποδειγμα Hupodeigma is a late word from υποδεικνυμι hupodeiknumi (Matthew 3:7) and means a copy (John 13:15; James 5:10). The Israelites set a terrible example and it is so easy to copy the bad examples. [source]