2 Timothy 1:18
What does 2 Timothy 1:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:18 means
Paul prays that the Lord would grant Onesiphorus mercy “in that day,” the future day of judgment and reward. He reminds Timothy that Onesiphorus served in many ways at Ephesus—facts Timothy knows well. Paul’s prayer recognizes that God sees and will reward faithful service that the world may overlook. By invoking mercy for the future, Paul underscores the eternal perspective that fuels present courage and generosity. The closing mention of Ephesus connects Onesiphorus’s faithfulness in Rome with his consistent ministry at home, providing Timothy, who serves in that region, a nearby example of loyal love and steadfastness to imitate.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000(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
King James Version · 1611The 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901(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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(May he have the Lord's mercy in that day); and of all he did for me at Ephesus you have full knowledge.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862may 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou very well knowest.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the Lord grant to him to find mercy from [the] Lord in that day — and how much service he rendered in Ephesus thou knowest best.
Context
This closing verse wraps up the contrast between desertion and faithfulness (verses 15–18) and echoes Paul’s earlier focus on “that day” (verse 12). It also ties the chapter back to Timothy’s context in Ephesus, showing that the qualities Paul commends are not distant ideals but local realities. With this prayerful commendation, the chapter transitions naturally to further exhortations in chapter 2. The flow has moved from greeting and thanksgiving to exhortation, doctrinal foundation, and lived examples, all aimed at stirring Timothy to guard the gospel courageously.
v.17but, when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me
v.18This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:1
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
- 2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
- Luke 1:72
To show mercy towards our fathers, And to remember his holy covenant;
- 1 Peter 1:10
Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
- 2 Corinthians 9:1
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
- Psalms 130:3
If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
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