2 Timothy 1:2
What does 2 Timothy 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:2 means
Paul addresses Timothy as his “beloved child,” confirming a deep spiritual bond formed through the gospel. He blesses Timothy with “Grace, mercy, peace,” acknowledging Timothy’s need for God’s unmerited favor, God’s compassionate help, and reconciled well-being. The source of these gifts is “God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord,” joining Father and Son in a united bestowal of salvation blessings. The greeting is pastoral and tender, yet weighty: Timothy’s ministry depends not on personal strength but on divine supply. Paul’s affection assures Timothy of personal support, while the triad of grace, mercy, and peace underscores the resources Timothy must draw upon as he faces pressure, opposition, and potential discouragement.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
KJV
King James Version · 1611To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To Timothy, my well-loved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862to Timotheus, beloved child: Grace, kindness, peace, from God the Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752To Timothy, my dearly beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890to Timotheus, [my] beloved child: grace, mercy, peace, fromGod [the] Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Context
Following Paul’s self-identification, verse 2 personalizes the letter, naming Timothy and invoking blessing. This prepares for the warm remembrance and encouragement that follow. The pastoral tone is important because Paul will soon charge Timothy to endure suffering and guard sound teaching (verses 6–14). The mention of “our Lord” reminds Timothy that both the relationship and the mission are under Christ’s authority. The greeting functions as a spiritual foundation, making clear that what Paul will command is rooted in grace and sustained by divine mercy and peace in a challenging season.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 2:1
Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 1:7
to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 4:1
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
- 1 Timothy 1:2
unto Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 12:19
Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.
- Acts 16:1
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess that believed; but his father was a Greek.
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