2 Timothy 1:12
What does 2 Timothy 1:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:12 means
Because of his calling, Paul suffers; yet he is not ashamed. His confidence rests not in circumstances but in a Person: “I know him whom I have believed.” Trust focuses on Christ, who is able to guard what Paul has committed to Him “against that day”—the final day of judgment and reward. Whether the deposit is Paul’s life, ministry, or eternal hope, the point is clear: Christ is the faithful keeper. This enables bold endurance. Paul’s example teaches Timothy that personal knowledge of Christ stabilizes the heart in trial. Assurance is not abstract doctrine alone; it is a settled persuasion about the Lord’s power and fidelity that overcomes fear and shame.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And for which I undergo these things: but I have no feeling of shame. For I have knowledge of him in whom I have faith, and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have given into his care till that day.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for which cause also these things I suffer, but I am not ashamed, for I have known in whom I have believed, and have been persuaded that he is able that which I have committed to him to guard--to that day.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For which cause, I also suffer these things: but I am not ashamed. For I know whom I have believed and I am certain that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him, against that day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For which cause also I suffer these things; but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep for that day the deposit I have entrusted to him.
Context
This verse follows Paul’s statement of appointment (verse 11) and explains his unashamed endurance. It sets a pattern Timothy should imitate as he faces pressure. The reference to “that day” looks ahead to final accountability and hope, which reappears in Paul’s prayer for Onesiphorus (verse 18). With this testimony, Paul is ready to move from example to direct exhortation: Timothy must hold the apostolic pattern and guard the good deposit entrusted to him (verses 13–14). The logic is: because Christ guards what we entrust to Him, we can diligently guard what He has entrusted to us.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 23:46
And Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said this, he gave up the ghost.
- 2 Timothy 3:10
But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,
- John 10:28
and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
- Acts 21:13
Then Paul answered, What do ye, weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
- Acts 21:27
And when the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on him,
- 2 Timothy 1:18
(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.
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