The Meaning of 2 Timothy 1:18 Explained

2 Timothy 1:18

KJV: The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

YLT: may the Lord give to him to find kindness from the Lord in that day; and how many things in Ephesus he did minister thou dost very well know.

Darby: the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord in that day and how much service he rendered in Ephesus thou knowest best.

ASV: (the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

The Lord  grant  unto him  that he may find  mercy  of  the Lord  in  that  day:  and  in how many things  he ministered unto me  at  Ephesus,  thou  knowest  very well. 

What does 2 Timothy 1:18 Mean?

Context Summary

2 Timothy 1:12-18 - "hold The Pattern Of Sound Words"
How striking Paul's reference to the double committal, as if there had been an agreed exchange between his Master and himself! Paul had handed over to Christ as a sacred deposit all that concerned his well-being in time and eternity, and Christ had handed over to him the interests of His Kingdom, which, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, he was required to maintain inviolate. It is a mutual exchange of which we all ought to know something. Give all to Christ and Christ becomes all to you. The proportion of your self-giving is the measure of your discovery of what Jesus will be to you.
Some of Paul's former friends shrank from identifying themselves with a suspect-the inmate of the condemned cell. It was no light matter to visit the bearer of a name which the world of that day detested, one who belonged to a sect accused of burning Rome. Demas, 2 Timothy 4:11, and others forsook him, but the good Ephesian, Onesiphorus, set about seeking him through all the prisons of Rome, and was not ashamed of his chain nor content with a single visit. He oft refreshed his friend. Paul sends a grateful message to his family, 2 Timothy 4:19. Perhaps there is here a gentle hint to Timothy. Compare 2 Timothy 1:8 and 2 Timothy 1:16. Never shrink from taking your place beside Christ's prisoners! [source]

Chapter Summary: 2 Timothy 1

1  Paul's love to Timothy, and unfeigned confidence in Timothy himself, his mother, and grandmother
6  He is exhorted to stir up the gift of God which was in him;
8  to be steadfast and patient in persecution;
13  and to persist in the form and truth of that doctrine which he had learned of him
15  Phygellus and Hermogenes, and such like, are noted, and Onesiphorus is highly commended

Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 1:18

Grant to him to and mercy [δωιη αυτωι ευρειν ελεος]
Second aorist active optative in wish for the future again as in 2 Timothy 1:16. Find mercy from the Lord (Jesus) as he found me. [source]
Thou knowest very well [βελτιον συ γινωσκεις]
Literally, “thou knowest better (than I),” for he did those things in Ephesus where thou art. Only N.T. example of βελτιον — beltion in D text of Acts 10:28. [source]
Very well [βέλτιον]
N.T.oThe sense is comparative; better than I can tell you. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 1:18

Romans 15:5 Grant you [δωιη υμιν]
Second aorist active optative (Koiné{[28928]}š form for older δοιη — doiē) as in 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:25, though MSS. vary in Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 2:25 for δωηι — dōēi (subjunctive). The optative here is for a wish for the future (regular idiom). According to Christ Jesus (κατα Χριστον Ιησουν — kata Christon Iēsoun). “According to the character or example of Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:17; Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 5:24). [source]
Ephesians 1:17 That - may give [ιναδωιη]
In Colossians 1:9 ινα — hina is preceded by αιτουμενοι — aitoumenoi but here the sub-final use depends on the general idea asking in the sentence. The form δωιη — dōiē is a late Koiné{[28928]}š optative (second aorist active) for the usual δοιη — doiē It occurs also in 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Romans 15:5; 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18 in the text of Westcott and Hort. Here B 63 read δωι — dōi (like John 15:16) second aorist active subjunctive, the form naturally looked for after a primary tense This use of the volitive optative with ινα — hina after a primary tense is rare, but not unknown in ancient Greek. A spirit of wisdom and revelation (πνευμα σοπιας και αποκαλυπσεως — pneuma sophias kai apokalupseōs). The Revised Version does not refer this use of πνευμα — pneuma to the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians 6:1; Romans 8:15), but it is open to question if it is possible to obtain this wisdom and revelation apart from the Holy Spirit. In the knowledge of him In the full knowledge of Christ as in Colossians. [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:10 To be glorified [ενδοχαστηναι]
First aorist passive infinitive (purpose) of ενδοχαζω — endoxazō late verb, in N.T. only here and 2 Thessalonians 1:12, in lxx and papyri. In his saints (εν τοις αγιοις αυτου — en tois hagiois autou). The sphere in which Christ will find his glory at the Revelation. And to be marvelled at First aorist passive infinitive (purpose), common verb ταυμαζω — thaumazō That believed (τοις πιστευσασιν — tois pisteusasin). Why aorist active participle instead of present active πιστευουσιν — pisteuousin (that believe)? Frame thinks that Paul thus reassures those who believed his message when there (1 Thessalonians 1:6.; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.). The parenthetical clause, though difficult, falls in with this idea: Because our testimony unto you was believed Moffatt calls it an anti-climax. On that day (εν τηι ημεραι εκεινηι — en tēi hēmerāi ekeinēi). The day of Christ‘s coming (2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:10 And to be marvelled at [και ταυμαστηναι]
First aorist passive infinitive (purpose), common verb ταυμαζω — thaumazō That believed (τοις πιστευσασιν — tois pisteusasin). Why aorist active participle instead of present active πιστευουσιν — pisteuousin (that believe)? Frame thinks that Paul thus reassures those who believed his message when there (1 Thessalonians 1:6.; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.). The parenthetical clause, though difficult, falls in with this idea: Because our testimony unto you was believed Moffatt calls it an anti-climax. On that day (εν τηι ημεραι εκεινηι — en tēi hēmerāi ekeinēi). The day of Christ‘s coming (2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:10 Because our testimony unto you was believed [οτι επιστευτη το μαρτυριον ημων επ υμας]
Moffatt calls it an anti-climax. On that day (εν τηι ημεραι εκεινηι — en tēi hēmerāi ekeinēi). The day of Christ‘s coming (2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8). [source]
2 Thessalonians 1:10 On that day [εν τηι ημεραι εκεινηι]
The day of Christ‘s coming (2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8). [source]
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Give you peace [δοιη υμιν την ειρηνην]
Second aorist active optative (Koiné{[28928]}š) of διδωμι — didōmi not δωηι — dōēi (subjunctive). So also Romans 15:5; 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18. The Lord Jesus whose characteristic is peace, can alone give real peace to the heart and to the world. (John 14:27). [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 That day [ἐκείνην τὴν ἡμέραν]
The day of Christ's second appearing. See on 1 Thessalonians 5:2. In this sense the phrase occurs in the N.T. Epistles only 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; but often in the Gospels, as Matthew 7:22; Matthew 26:29; Mark 13:32, etc. The day of the Lord's appearing is designated by Paul as ἡ ἡμέρα , absolutely, the day, Romans 13:12; 1 Corinthians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:4: ἡμέρα τοῦ κυρίου theday of the Lord, 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2: the day of Jesus Christ or Christ, Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16day when God shall judge, Romans 2:16: the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, Romans 2:5: the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:30. [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 Yet I am not ashamed [αλλ ουκ επαισχυνομαι]
Plain reference to the exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:8. Him whom I have believed (ωι πεπιστευκα — hōi pepisteuka). Dative case of the relative (ωι — hōi) with the perfect active of πιστευω — pisteuō the antecedent to the relative not expressed. It is not an indirect question. Paul knows Jesus Christ whom he has trusted. I am persuaded See 2 Timothy 1:5. To guard (πυλαχαι — phulaxai). First aorist active infinitive of πυλασσω — phulassō the very word used in 1 Timothy 6:20 with παρατηκην — parathēkēn as here, to guard against robbery or any loss. That which I have committed unto him Literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew 6:19.). See this word also in 2 Timothy 1:14. Some MSS. have the more common παρακατατηκη — parakatathēkē (a sort of double deposit, παρα — para beside, down, κατα — kata). Against that day (εις εκεινην την ημεραν — eis ekeinēn tēn hēmeran). The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 Against that day [εις εκεινην την ημεραν]
The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
2 Timothy 4:8 At that day [εν εκεινηι τηι ημεραι]
That great and blessed day (2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18). [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 I am persuaded [πεπεισμαι]
See 2 Timothy 1:5. To guard (πυλαχαι — phulaxai). First aorist active infinitive of πυλασσω — phulassō the very word used in 1 Timothy 6:20 with παρατηκην — parathēkēn as here, to guard against robbery or any loss. That which I have committed unto him Literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew 6:19.). See this word also in 2 Timothy 1:14. Some MSS. have the more common παρακατατηκη — parakatathēkē (a sort of double deposit, παρα — para beside, down, κατα — kata). Against that day (εις εκεινην την ημεραν — eis ekeinēn tēn hēmeran). The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
2 Timothy 1:12 That which I have committed unto him [την παρατηκην μου]
Literally, “my deposit,” as in a bank, the bank of heaven which no burglar can break (Matthew 6:19.). See this word also in 2 Timothy 1:14. Some MSS. have the more common παρακατατηκη — parakatathēkē (a sort of double deposit, παρα — para beside, down, κατα — kata). Against that day (εις εκεινην την ημεραν — eis ekeinēn tēn hēmeran). The day of Christ‘s second coming. See also 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10, and often in the Gospels. Elsewhere, the day of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14), the day of Christ or Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:6, Philemon 1:10; Philemon 2:16), the day (1 Thessalonians 5:4; 1 Corinthians 3:13; Romans 13:12), the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:20), the day of judgment (Romans 2:5, Romans 2:16). [source]
2 Timothy 1:16 Unto the house of Onesiphorus [τωι Ονησιπορου οικωι]
The same phrase in 2 Timothy 4:19. Apparently Onesiphorus is now dead as is implied by the wish in 2 Timothy 1:18. For he oft refreshed me (οτι πολλακις με ανεπσυχεν — hoti pollakis me anepsuxen). First aorist active indicative of αναπσυχω — anapsuchō old verb, to cool again, in lxx and Koiné{[28928]}š often, here only in N.T., but αναπσυχις — anapsuxis in Acts 3:20. In the first imprisonment or the second. If he lost his life for coming to see Paul, it was probably recently during this imprisonment. Was not ashamed of my chain Passive deponent again (first aorist indicative) with accusative as in 2 Timothy 1:8. For αλυσιν — halusin (chain) see note on Ephesians 6:20. Note absence of augment in επαισχυντη — epaischunthē f0). [source]
2 Timothy 2:25 Oppose themselves [αντιδιατιτεμενους]
Present middle (direct) participle of αντιδιατιτημι — antidiatithēmi late double compound (Diodorus, Philo) to place oneself in opposition, here only in N.T. If peradventure God may give (μη ποτε δωιη ο τεος — mē pote dōiē ho theos). Here Westcott and Hort read the late form of the second aorist active optative of διδωμι — didōmi for the usual δοιη — doiē as they do in 2 Timothy 1:18. But there it is a wish for the future and so regular, while here the optative with μη ποτε — mē pote in a sort of indirect question is used with a primary tense δει — dei (present) and parallel with an undoubted subjunctive ανανηπσωσιν — ananēpsōsin while in Luke 3:15 μη ποτε ειε — mē pote eie is with a secondary tense. Examples of such an optative do occur in the papyri (Robertson, Grammar, p. 989) so that we cannot go as far as Moulton does and say that we “must” read the subjunctive δωηι — dōēi here (Prolegomena, pp. 55, 193). Repentance “Change of mind” (2 Corinthians 7:10; Romans 2:4). Unto the knowledge of the truth (εις επιγνωσιν αλητειας — eis epignōsin alētheias). Paul‘s word “full knowledge” (1 Corinthians 1:9). [source]
2 Timothy 2:25 If peradventure God may give [μη ποτε δωιη ο τεος]
Here Westcott and Hort read the late form of the second aorist active optative of διδωμι — didōmi for the usual δοιη — doiē as they do in 2 Timothy 1:18. But there it is a wish for the future and so regular, while here the optative with μη ποτε — mē pote in a sort of indirect question is used with a primary tense δει — dei (present) and parallel with an undoubted subjunctive ανανηπσωσιν — ananēpsōsin while in Luke 3:15 μη ποτε ειε — mē pote eie is with a secondary tense. Examples of such an optative do occur in the papyri (Robertson, Grammar, p. 989) so that we cannot go as far as Moulton does and say that we “must” read the subjunctive δωηι — dōēi here (Prolegomena, pp. 55, 193). [source]
2 Timothy 4:8 There is laid up for me [αποκειται μοι]
Present passive of αποκειμαι — apokeimai old verb, to be laid away. See note on Colossians 1:5 for the hope laid away. Paul‘s “crown of righteousness” That great and blessed day (2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18). The righteous judge “The just judge,” the umpire who makes no mistakes who judges us all (2 Corinthians 5:10). Shall give me (αποδωσει μοι — apodōsei moi). Future active of αποδιδωμι — apodidōmi “Will give back” as in Romans 2:6 and in full. But also to all them that have loved his appearing Dative case of the perfect active participle of αγαπαω — agapaō to love, who have loved and still love his second coming. Επιπανεια — Epiphaneia here can as in 2 Timothy 1:10 be interpreted of Christ‘s Incarnation. [source]
Revelation 16:14 Unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty [εις τον πολεμον της ημερας της μεγαλης του τεου του παντοκρατορος]
Some take this to be war between nations, like Mark 13:8, but it is more likely war against God (Psalm 2:2) and probably the battle pictured in Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:19. Cf. 2 Peter 3:12, “the day of God,” his reckoning with the nations. See Joel 2:11; Joel 3:4. Paul uses “that day” for the day of the Lord Jesus (the Parousia) as in 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philemon 1:6; Philemon 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8. [source]
Revelation 16:14 Working signs [ποιουντα σημεια]
“Doing signs” (present active participle of ποιεω — poieō). The Egyptian magicians wrought “signs” (tricks), as did Simon Magus and later Apollonius of Tyana. Houdini claimed that he could reproduce every trick of the spiritualistic mediums.Which go forth (α εκπορευεται — ha ekporeuetai). Singular verb with neuter plural (collective) subject.Unto the kings The three evil spirits (dragon and the two beasts) spur on the kings of the whole world to a real world war. “There have been times when nations have been seized by a passion for war which the historian can but imperfectly explain” (Swete).To gather them together (συναγαγειν — sunagagein). Second aorist active infinitive of συναγω — sunagō to express purpose (that of the unclean spirits).Unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty Some take this to be war between nations, like Mark 13:8, but it is more likely war against God (Psalm 2:2) and probably the battle pictured in Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:19. Cf. 2 Peter 3:12, “the day of God,” his reckoning with the nations. See Joel 2:11; Joel 3:4. Paul uses “that day” for the day of the Lord Jesus (the Parousia) as in 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philemon 1:6; Philemon 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8. [source]
Revelation 16:14 Unto the kings [επι τους βασιλεις]
The three evil spirits (dragon and the two beasts) spur on the kings of the whole world to a real world war. “There have been times when nations have been seized by a passion for war which the historian can but imperfectly explain” (Swete).To gather them together (συναγαγειν — sunagagein). Second aorist active infinitive of συναγω — sunagō to express purpose (that of the unclean spirits).Unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty Some take this to be war between nations, like Mark 13:8, but it is more likely war against God (Psalm 2:2) and probably the battle pictured in Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:19. Cf. 2 Peter 3:12, “the day of God,” his reckoning with the nations. See Joel 2:11; Joel 3:4. Paul uses “that day” for the day of the Lord Jesus (the Parousia) as in 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philemon 1:6; Philemon 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:12, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 4:8. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 1:18 mean?

May grant unto him the Lord to find mercy from [the] Lord in that - day And how much Ephesus he served very well you know
Δῴη αὐτῷ Κύριος εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ καὶ ὅσα Ἐφέσῳ διηκόνησεν βέλτιον σὺ γινώσκεις

Δῴη  May  grant 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Optative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
αὐτῷ  unto  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Κύριος  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
εὑρεῖν  to  find 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: εὑρίσκω  
Sense: to come upon, hit upon, to meet with.
ἔλεος  mercy 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: ἔλεος  
Sense: mercy: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.
Κυρίου  [the]  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
ἐκείνῃ  that 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἐκεῖνος  
Sense: he, she it, etc.
τῇ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἡμέρᾳ  day 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ἡμέρα  
Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night.
ὅσα  how  much 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: ὅσος  
Sense: as great as, as far as, how much, how many, whoever.
Ἐφέσῳ  Ephesus 
Parse: Noun, Dative 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.
διηκόνησεν  he  served 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: διακονέω  
Sense: to be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon.
βέλτιον  very  well 
Parse: Adverb, Comparative
Root: βελτίων  
Sense: better.
γινώσκεις  know 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: γινώσκω  
Sense: to learn to know, come to know, get a knowledge of perceive, feel.