2 Timothy Chapter 4 — A Commentary and Bible Study, Verse by Verse
(with Greek & Hebrew word comparisons)
There’s something about 2 Timothy 4 that always hits like a final breath. Like when somebody you love leans in, whispers something from the edges of their life, and you feel the weight of every syllable. The chapter smells like old parchment and iron chains, like the musty cold of a Roman cell where Paul probably shivered, wrapped in the last scraps of whatever cloak he had left. And he writes these words to Timothy—words soaked in tenderness, urgency, and that trembling awareness that time is short.
Let’s walk slowly, almost reverently, verse by verse. Sometimes stumbling. Sometimes wondering. Sometimes feeling the cracked edges of the ancient Greek words between our fingers like pottery shards. Sometimes comparing a Hebrew echo that floats behind the text like an older melody.
Verse 1 – “I charge you therefore before God…”
Greek: diamartyromai (διαμαρτύρομαι) — “I solemnly testify, warn strongly, charge with serious authority.”
This word has the feeling of a courtroom oath, like Paul is standing before heaven’s audience.
He says “before God (ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ)”—enōpion meaning “in the very presence, face-to-face gaze.” It’s like being under the eyes of God. That phrase always gives me chills; almost the same mood as the Hebrew liphnē YHWH (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה), “before the face of the LORD.”
Paul knows he’s near the end (he mentions it later). There is no small talk now. No warm-up paragraphs. He’s writing like a man on the edge of eternity, which he is. So his words have this trembling firmness: Timothy, I’m not just talking to you… heaven is listening too.
Then Paul adds “and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead.”
Greek: krinein (κρίναι) — “to judge, decide, separate.”
In Hebrew thought this echoes shaphat (שָׁפַט), meaning “to govern, bring justice, execute decisions.”
Paul wants Timothy to preach knowing that someday Christ will weigh everything. Nothing escapes His eyes. Not the faithful sermons. Not the lazy ones. Not the cowardly ones. Not the painful ones.
And then the phrase: “at His appearing (ἐπιφανείας) and His kingdom.”
Epiphaneia means a shining forth, like the sudden breaking of sunlight across a dark sea. Almost like that moment when the horizon splits open with flame.
Paul isn’t whispering. He’s grabbing Timothy by the soul.
Verse 2 – “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…”
This verse is one of those that preachers memorize, but it feels different when you slow down.
Greek: kēruxon ton logon (κήρυξον τὸν λόγον) — “herald the message.”
Not discuss the message. Not casually comment on it.
Herald it. Like a town crier shouting news that can’t wait till morning.
Then Paul says: “be ready” — epistēthi (ἐπίστηθι)
This means “stand by, stay alert, be at your post,” like a soldier at night hearing faint sounds in the trees.
“In season and out of season” — eukairos akairos (εὐκαίρως ἀκαίρως)
Literally: “when it’s convenient… and when it’s not.”
Ministry doesn’t run on weather reports or moods. And sometimes God asks us to speak when we’re tired, when we’re misunderstood, when the air is thick with resistance.
Then those uncomfortable verbs:
Reprove (ἐλέγξον) — expose, correct, bring truth that stings
Rebuke (ἐπιτίμησον) — warn sharply
Exhort (παρακάλεσον) — encourage, comfort, strengthen
What a fascinating trio. One wounds. One warns. One warms.
The Hebrew echoes:
Paul knew the human heart needs all three, sometimes in the same sermon. Or same day. Or same messy conversation.
And Paul says do all this “with great patience” (μακροθυμία).
Ah yes, patience. The hardest form of courage.
Verse 3 – “For the time will come…”
You can feel Paul sighing here. Maybe even shaking his head slowly.
Greek: kairos (καιρός) — “a decisive moment.”
Not just some vague future. A moment that matters.
People “will not endure sound doctrine” — hugiainousēs didaskalias.
Hugiainō means healthy, whole, life-giving.
Doctrine is supposed to be medicine. But many will refuse it and crave sweets instead.
“According to their own lusts” — epithymias (ἐπιθυμίας).
A desire that pulls the heart like a riptide.
“They will heap up for themselves teachers” — episōreuousin (ἐπισωρεύσουσιν).
A word that means piling up in heaps, like stacking firewood.
It’s a prophetic picture of people collecting teachers that tell them only what they want to hear. The Hebrew shadow of this is moreh sheqer (מוֹרֶה שֶׁקֶר) — “teacher of falsehood.”
Paul is warning Timothy:
Truth will not always be fashionable. But preach anyway.
Verse 4 – “They will turn their ears away from the truth…”
Greek: apostrepsousin (ἀποστρέψουσιν) — “they will twist away, like turning one’s head sharply.”
It’s an intentional rejection.
Not ignorance.
Not confusion.
A deliberate turning.
“And be turned to fables” — muthous (μύθους).
Stories that feel comforting but hollow inside, like bread made of air.
The Hebrew idea might echo havlei-shav (הַבְלֵי־שָׁוְא), “vain emptiness.”
Sometimes lies taste better to people because truth bites the tongue. Paul knows this well—he’s watched churches grow, split, flourish, and fall.
Verse 5 – “But you, be sober in all things…”
This verse feels like Paul putting his hands on Timothy’s shoulders.
“Be sober” — Greek: nēphe (νῆφε).
Not just “don’t drink alcohol.”
It means: “Stay clear-minded, level-headed, spiritually alert.”
“Endure afflictions” — kakopathēson (κακοπάθησον).
Literally: “suffer evil things, endure hardship.”
Not a fun command.
But ministry without suffering isn’t real ministry.
“Do the work of an evangelist” — ergon poieson euangelistou.
Evangelist = one who announces good news.
Not just a title, but a lifestyle.
“Fulfill your ministry” — plērophorēson (πληροφόρησον).
Meaning: “carry it fully, bring it to completion, fill it to the brim.”
Like a cup being filled till it trembles and overflows.
Verse 6 – “For I am already being poured out…”
One of the most emotional lines Paul ever wrote.
Greek: spendomai (σπένδομαι) — used of drink offerings being poured out on an altar.
In Hebrew sacrificial language, this parallels the nesek (נֵסֶךְ), the pouring out of wine before God.
Paul sees his life as worship.
Even his dying.
“And the time of my departure is at hand.”
Greek: analuseōs (ἀναλύσεως) — “loosing, untying, releasing.”
Used when a ship’s ropes are untied so it can sail.
Paul isn’t talking about death like a grim end.
He sees it like slipping loose from dock, drifting into open waters toward Christ.
There’s a strange peace in that image. A soft, salty smell of ocean air. A rope falling slack.
Verse 7 – “I have fought the good fight…”
This verse feels like a final testimony whispered with shaky breath but strong spirit.
“I have fought” — ēgōnismai (ἠγώνισμαι) from agon (ἀγών):
Struggle, contest, wrestling.
“I have finished the race” — ton dromon tetelēka (τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα)
dromos = a course, track, journey
teleō = to complete, to bring to its intended end
“I have kept the faith” — tēn pistin tetērēka (τὴν πίστιν τετήρηκα)
tēreō means to guard, protect, preserve.
All three verbs are perfect tense in Greek, giving the sense of:
“I did this… and the results remain.”
Paul isn’t boasting. He’s reflecting.
Like someone looking back down a mountain trail they climbed with bleeding feet but grateful heart.
Verse 8 – “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…”
Greek word for crown: stephanos (στέφανος) — the victor’s wreath.
Not a royal crown, but one given to athletes after winning a race.
“Which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me.”
Paul sees Jesus not as a harsh examiner but a fair one, a generous giver.
“And not to me only but to all who love His appearing.”
Greek: tous ēgapēkotas (τοὺς ἠγαπηκότας) — “those who have loved deeply, welcomed gladly.”
Loving His appearing means longing for the day Christ breaks through the sky, like dawn punching a hole in darkness.
Verse 9 – “Be diligent to come to me quickly.”
You can almost hear his loneliness here.
Paul, the lion of the early church, now asking like a tired old man:
“Timothy… please come. Soon.”
Greek: spoudason (σπούδασον) — hurry, make every effort.
The Hebrew emotional equivalent might echo the longing of chusah (חֻסָּה) — “come near, show compassion.”
Even apostles need companionship.
Verse 10 – Demas…
“For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.”
Greek: egkateleipen (ἐγκατέλιπεν) — abandoned, left in the lurch.
Demas traded eternal purpose for temporary comfort.
The phrase “having loved this world” uses agapēsas (ἀγαπήσας) — the deep word for love.
What a tragedy—to give the deepest love to the smallest things.
Pain drips from this line.
Verses 11–13 – Luke, Mark, Cloak, Books, Parchments
These verses feel so human it almost hurts.
“Only Luke is with me.”
Luke, the doctor, stayed.
What loyalty smells like: warm, steady, like the scent of bread in a quiet home.
“Get Mark… for he is useful.”
After years of tension, reconciliation happens.
There’s beauty there.
“Bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas.”
You can feel the cold of that damp prison.
Paul shivering. Bones aching.
Asking for the comfort of a cloak—that hits me hard.
“And the books, especially the parchments.”
Even near death, Paul wanted Scripture.
Wanted reading.
Wanted writing.
Wanted truth wrapping around his soul like that cloak.
Verse 14–15 – Alexander the coppersmith
Paul warns Timothy:
“Alexander did me much harm.”
Greek: kakos (κακός) — evil, damaging
antestē (ἀντέστη) — resisted, opposed violently
Paul isn’t bitter. He’s honest.
Ministry brings enemies sometimes.
Verses 16–18 – The Lord Stood With Me
At his first defense, “no one stood with me.”
Imagine the courtroom echoing, cold, voices murmuring, and Paul alone in chains.
The disappointment must’ve tasted metallic, like blood on the tongue.
“But the Lord stood with me.”
Greek: parestē (παρέστη) — “stood right beside me.”
This is one of the most comforting statements in the whole chapter.
“And strengthened me.” — enedynamōsen (ἐνεδυνάμωσεν)
He empowered, infused strength.
“Rescued me from the lion’s mouth” — symbolic of deadly threat.
“The Lord will deliver me… and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.”
Preserve = sōsei (σώσει) — save, protect
Almost identical to the Hebrew yoshia (יוֹשִׁיעַ).
Paul ends with praise:
“To Him be glory forever. Amen.”
Verses 19–22 – Final Greetings
These last verses feel like soft fingerprints on the page.
Names. Friends. Memories.
Small human details woven into divine Scripture.
“Greet Prisca and Aquila.”
Two of Paul’s closest friends.
“Erastus stayed at Corinth.”
“Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.”
An apostle leaving someone sick—interesting reminder that even Paul didn’t heal everyone.
Then the last plea:
“Do your utmost to come before winter.”
Because winter storms could block sea travel.
Because Paul may not live to see spring.
Because sometimes urgency is love.
And the very last line:
“The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”
Grace—not achievement, not performance—has the final word.
Closing Thoughts
2 Timothy 4 feels like a blend of incense and tears.
Like reading the last pages of someone’s journal.
The Greek words shimmer with intensity.
The Hebrew echoes deepen the emotional palette.
Paul was tired. Cold. Abandoned by some. Loved by others.
Yet fiercely hopeful.
There’s something almost tactile about this chapter—you can feel the roughness of the prison walls, hear the dripping water, smell the dampness of a cell. But you also feel the warmth of faith burning like a small, stubborn flame in that darkness.
And Paul’s message to Timothy—to us—is simple and strong:
Preach faithfully.
Endure boldly.
Love Christ’s appearing.
Finish the race.
Guard the faith.
And walk with patience through every season, even the hard ones.
2 Timothy 4 is not just a chapter.
It’s a goodbye hug.
A final sermon.
A father-in-the-faith reaching out with trembling hands but unshakable confidence in Jesus.
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