2 Timothy 1:16
What does 2 Timothy 1:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:16 means
Paul prays that the Lord would grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because this man often refreshed Paul and was not ashamed of his chains. “Refreshed” suggests practical help and encouraging presence in a hard season. By refusing to be ashamed, Onesiphorus aligned himself publicly with a prisoner for Christ, risking his own reputation and perhaps safety. Paul’s request for mercy on his household recognizes that faithfulness blesses others connected to the servant. Here is a living example of the courage and love Paul has been urging upon Timothy. Onesiphorus embodies fellowship that does not flinch at stigma and supports gospel workers in their trials.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus because he frequently gave me help, and had no feeling of shame because I was in chains;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862may the Lord give kindness to the house of Onesiphorus, because many times he did refresh me, and of my chain was not ashamed,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: because he hath often refreshed me and hath not been ashamed of my chain:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he has often refreshed me, and has not been ashamed of my chain;
Context
After naming deserters (verse 15), Paul turns to a faithful friend, providing a model for Timothy to emulate. Verse 16 begins a commendation and prayer that continues through verse 18. This contrast illustrates the chapter’s themes: not being ashamed, sharing in suffering, and showing love in action. The prayer for mercy echoes Paul’s confidence in God’s keeping power (verse 12) and introduces “that day” again in verse 18. The example of Onesiphorus reinforces the call to courageous loyalty to the gospel and its messengers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:41
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
- Psalms 18:25
With the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful; With the perfect man thou wilt show thyself perfect;
- 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.
- Hebrews 10:34
For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one.
- Nehemiah 13:14
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the observances thereof.
- Philemon 1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my heart in Christ.
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