The Meaning of 2 Timothy 4:17 Explained

2 Timothy 4:17

KJV: Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

YLT: and the Lord stood by me, and did strengthen me, that through me the preaching might be fully assured, and all the nations might hear, and I was freed out of the mouth of a lion,

Darby: But the Lord stood with me, and gave me power, that through me the proclamation might be fully made, and all those of the nations should hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth.

ASV: But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might me fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Notwithstanding  the Lord  stood  with me,  and  strengthened  me;  that  by  me  the preaching  might be fully known,  and  [that] all  the Gentiles  might hear:  and  I was delivered  out of  the mouth  of the lion. 

What does 2 Timothy 4:17 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The Lord, however, had not abandoned His faithful servant on that occasion but had strengthened Paul. Evidently Paul was able to give a word of witness at his hearing that furthered his mission to the Gentiles. He had so far escaped death, though he was ready to die as a martyr. The "lion"s mouth" may be a reference to the lions in the Roman Coliseum that were then devouring Christians. However the Romans would have beheaded Paul rather than thrown him to the lions since he was a Roman citizen. This phrase may be a veiled reference to Nero or probably a more general allusion to Satan"s instruments of evil that have always sought to destroy God"s faithful servants (cf. Daniel 6:22; Psalm 22:21; Matthew 6:13; 1 Peter 5:8).

Context Summary

2 Timothy 4:13-22 - "the Lord Stood By Me"
The winter was approaching, and the Apostle would be glad of his cloak amid the damp of the Mamertine prison. Evidently his arrest under Nero's orders had been so sudden and peremptory that he was not allowed to go into his lodgings for this and other possessions, such as the books mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:13.
He had made his first appearance before Nero, and was expecting a further appearance to receive his sentence. But the Lord was with him, and his comfort was that he had proclaimed the gospel to the highest audience in the world of his time. His one thought always was that the gospel should be heard by men, whether they would hear or forbear. If that were secured, he did not count the cost to himself. The lion may stand for Nero or Satan. See Luke 22:31; 1 Peter 5:8. From 2 Timothy 4:20 we gather that miraculous gifts of healing, of which Paul was possessed, may not be used merely for friendship's sake, but only where the progress of the gospel requires them [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 4:17

But the Lord stood by me [ο δε κυριος μοι παρεστη]
Second aorist active of παριστημι — paristēmi (intransitive use), “took his stand by my side.” See note on Romans 16:2. Clearly Jesus appeared to Paul now at this crisis and climax as he had done so many times before. [source]
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]
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]
And that all the Gentiles might hear [και ακουσωσιν παντα τα ετνη]
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]
I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion [ερυστην εκ στοματος λεοντος]
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]
Strengthened [ἐνεδυνάμωσεν]
See on 1 Timothy 1:12. [source]
The preaching [τὸ κήρυγμα]
Better, the message (par excellence ), the gospel message. Usually with a defining word, as of Jonah; of Jesus Christ; my preaching; our preaching. Absolutely, as here, 1 Corinthians 1:21; Titus 1:3. [source]
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]
Out of the mouth of the lion [ἐκ στόματος λέοντος]
Figurative expression for danger of death. Comp. 1 Corinthians 15:32. As usual, all manner of special references have been imagined: the lions of the amphitheatre; Nero; the chief accuser; the Jews; the Devil. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 4:17

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 27:23 For there stood by me [παρεστη γαρ μοι]
Second aorist active (intransitive) indicative of παριστημι — paristēmi with the locative case (beside me). The very form used by Paul of his trial (2 Timothy 4:17) when “the Lord stood by me” (ο δε κυριος μοι παρεστη — ho de kurios moi parestē) when others deserted him. This angel of the God whom Paul serves (in distinction from the heathen gods) is the reason for Paul‘s present confidence. [source]
Acts 9:22 Increased the more [μαλλον ενεδυναμουτο]
Imperfect passive indicative of ενδυναμοω — endunamoō to receive power (late verb), progressive increase in strength as opposition grew. Saul‘s recantation stirred controversy and Saul grew in power. See also Paul in Philemon 4:13; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:1; 2 Timothy 4:17; Romans 4:20. Christ, the dynamo of spiritual energy, was now pouring power (Acts 1:8) into Paul who is already filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). [source]
1 Corinthians 15:32 I have fought with beasts [ἐθηριομάχησα]
Only here in the New Testament. Figuratively. Paul, as a Roman citizen, would not have been set to fight with beasts in the arena; and such an incident would not have been likely to be passed over by Luke in the Acts. Compare similar metaphors in 1 Corinthians 4:9, 2 Timothy 4:17; Titus 1:12; Psalm 22:12, Psalm 22:13, Psalm 22:20, Psalm 22:21. Some, however, think it is to be taken literally. They refer to the presence at Ephesus of the Asiarchs (Acts 19:31), who had charge of the public games, as indicating that the tumult took place at the season of the celebration of the games in honor of Diana; to the fact that the young men at Ephesus were famous for their bull-fights; and to the words at Ephesus as indicating a particular incident. On the assumption that he speaks figuratively, the natural reference is to his experience with the ferocious mob at Ephesus. There was a legend that Paul was thrown, first of all, to a lion; then to other beasts, but was left untouched by them all. In the Epistle of Ignatius to the Romans occur these words: “From Syria even unto Rome, I fight with beasts, both by land and sea, both night and day, being bound to ten leopards. I mean a band of soldiers, who, even when they receive benefits, show themselves all the worse” (5). Compare Epistle to Tralles, 10: “Why do I pray that I may fight with wild beasts?” So in the Epistle to Smyrna he says: “I would put you on your guard against these monsters in human shape ” ( θηρίων τῶν ἀνθρωπομόρφων ); and in the Antiochene “Acts of Martyrdom” it is said: “He (Ignatius) was seized by a beastly soldiery, to be led away to Rome as a prey for carnivorous beasts” (ii.). [source]
1 Corinthians 1:21 Through its wisdom [δια της σοπιας]
Article here as possessive. The two wisdoms contrasted. Knew not God (ουκ εγνω — ouk egnō). Failed to know, second aorist (effective) active indicative of γινωσκω — ginōskō solemn dirge of doom on both Greek philosophy and Jewish theology that failed to know God. Has modern philosophy done better? There is today even a godless theology (Humanism). “Now that God‘s wisdom has reduced the self-wise world to ignorance” (Findlay). Through the foolishness of the preaching Perhaps “proclamation” is the idea, for it is not κηρυχις — kēruxis the act of heralding, but κηρυγμα — kērugma the message heralded or the proclamation as in 1 Corinthians 1:23. The metaphor is that of the herald proclaiming the approach of the king (Matthew 3:1; Matthew 4:17). See also κηρυγμα — kērugma in 1 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Timothy 4:17. The proclamation of the Cross seemed foolishness to the wiseacres then (and now), but it is consummate wisdom, God‘s wisdom and good-pleasure The foolishness of preaching is not the preaching of foolishness. To save them that believe (σωσαι τους πιστευοντας — sōsai tous pisteuontas). This is the heart of God‘s plan of redemption, the proclamation of salvation for all those who trust Jesus Christ on the basis of his death for sin on the Cross. The mystery-religions all offered salvation by initiation and ritual as the Pharisees did by ceremonialism. Christianity reaches the heart directly by trust in Christ as the Saviour. It is God‘s wisdom. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:21 Through the foolishness of the preaching [δια της μωριας του κηρυγματος]
Perhaps “proclamation” is the idea, for it is not κηρυχις — kēruxis the act of heralding, but κηρυγμα — kērugma the message heralded or the proclamation as in 1 Corinthians 1:23. The metaphor is that of the herald proclaiming the approach of the king (Matthew 3:1; Matthew 4:17). See also κηρυγμα — kērugma in 1 Corinthians 2:4; 2 Timothy 4:17. The proclamation of the Cross seemed foolishness to the wiseacres then (and now), but it is consummate wisdom, God‘s wisdom and good-pleasure The foolishness of preaching is not the preaching of foolishness. To save them that believe (σωσαι τους πιστευοντας — sōsai tous pisteuontas). This is the heart of God‘s plan of redemption, the proclamation of salvation for all those who trust Jesus Christ on the basis of his death for sin on the Cross. The mystery-religions all offered salvation by initiation and ritual as the Pharisees did by ceremonialism. Christianity reaches the heart directly by trust in Christ as the Saviour. It is God‘s wisdom. [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]
2 Timothy 4:5 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]
2 Timothy 2:15 To shew thyself approved [σεαυτὸν δόκιμον παραστῆσαι]
Παραστῆσαι , better, present. In Pastorals only here and 2 Timothy 4:17. Often in Acts and Paul. See on Acts 1:3; see on Romans 16:2; see on Ephesians 5:27. Δόκιμον approvedonly here in Pastorals, five times by Paul. See on James 1:12. See on δοκιμή approvedness Romans 5:4; and see on δοκιμάζειν toapprove on test, 1 Peter 1:7. [source]
Titus 1:3 Through preaching [ἐν κηρύγματι]
Rather, in a proclamation. See on 2 Timothy 4:17. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 4:17 mean?

- And the Lord me stood by and strengthened me so that through me the proclamation would be fully accomplished should hear all the Gentiles I was delivered out of [the] mouth of the lion
δὲ Κύριός μοι παρέστη καὶ ἐνεδυνάμωσέν με ἵνα δι’ ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ ἀκούσωσιν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος

  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Κύριός  the  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.
μοι  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
παρέστη  stood  by 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: παριστάνω 
Sense: to place beside or near.
ἐνεδυνάμωσέν  strengthened 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐνδυναμόω  
Sense: to be strong, endue with strength, strengthen.
με  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
ἵνα  so  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
δι’  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
ἐμοῦ  me 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
κήρυγμα  proclamation 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: κήρυγμα  
Sense: that which is proclaimed by a herald or public crier, a proclamation by herald.
πληροφορηθῇ  would  be  fully  accomplished 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: πληροφορέω  
Sense: to bear or bring full, to make full.
ἀκούσωσιν  should  hear 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ἀκουστός 
Sense: to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf.
ἔθνη  Gentiles 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: ἔθνος  
Sense: a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together.
ἐρρύσθην  I  was  delivered 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 1st Person Singular
Root: ῥύομαι  
Sense: to draw to one’s self, to rescue, to deliver.
ἐκ  out  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
στόματος  [the]  mouth 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: στόμα  
Sense: the mouth, as part of the body: of man, of animals, of fish, etc.
λέοντος  of  the  lion 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: λέων  
Sense: a lion.