2 Timothy 1:3
What does 2 Timothy 1:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:3 means
Paul thanks God, whom he serves with a clear conscience in continuity with his “forefathers.” He sees himself standing in the stream of God’s redemptive work from Israel’s history into the gospel age. His conscience is “pure,” not sinless, but sincere and loyal to God’s truth. He tells Timothy he prays for him constantly, “night and day,” showing faithful, affectionate concern. Prayer is Paul’s first aid for Timothy’s needs. The apostle’s gratitude is not abstract; it is attached to a person he loves. By grounding his service in long-standing devotion to the one true God and coupling it with constant intercession, Paul assures Timothy that his trials are known to God and carried by a praying mentor.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day
KJV
King James Version · 1611I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I give praise to God, whose servant I have been, with a heart free from sin, from the time of my fathers, because in my prayers at all times the thought of you is with me, night and day
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I am thankful to God, whom I serve from progenitors in a pure conscience, that unceasingly I have remembrance concerning thee in my supplications night and day,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with a pure conscience, that without ceasing I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I am thankful toGod, whom I serve from [my] forefathers with pure conscience, how unceasingly I have the remembrance of thee in my supplications night and day,
Context
This verse begins Paul’s thanksgiving and intercession section (verses 3–5). It follows the affectionate greeting and precedes mention of Timothy’s tears and sincere faith. The theme of continuity (“forefathers”) anticipates Paul’s later emphasis on guarding the apostolic pattern (verses 13–14). The stress on prayer sets a pastoral context for Paul’s coming exhortations to courage and fidelity. Knowing that he is remembered before God will strengthen Timothy when Paul urges him to “stir up” his gift and not be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul’s imprisonment (verses 6–8).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12
For our glorying is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
- Acts 24:14
But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10
night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
- Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.
- 2 Timothy 1:5
having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.
- Luke 2:37
and she had been a widow even unto fourscore and four years), who departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day.
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