Devine Scripture

2 Timothy 1:4

What does 2 Timothy 1:4 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Timothy 1:4 means

Paul longs to see Timothy, remembering his tears—likely shed at a past parting or in trials—so that their reunion would bring Paul great joy. This reveals the deep personal friendship and spiritual kinship between them. Paul, facing suffering and isolation, finds comfort in the thought of Timothy’s presence. The verse shows that Christian ministry is not cold duty; it is enriched by affection and shared sorrows. Timothy’s tears do not signal weakness but tender-hearted devotion. Paul’s desire to see him suggests pastoral wisdom: encouragement often comes through embodied fellowship. Even as Paul writes weighty doctrine, he affirms the value of human connection in sustaining faithful service to Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Desiring to see you, keeping in my memory your weeping, so that I may be full of joy;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

desiring greatly to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that with joy I may be filled,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

earnestly desiring to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

Context

Still within the thanksgiving, verse 4 follows Paul’s statement of constant prayer (verse 3) and leads into his remembrance of Timothy’s sincere faith (verse 5). The emotional tone provides a backdrop for the bold exhortations to come, showing that Paul’s commands flow from love, not mere authority. This personal bond will undergird Paul’s call to Timothy to rekindle his gift (verse 6) and embrace suffering without shame (verse 8). The mention of tears prepares Timothy to receive admonitions as coming from someone who understands pain and cares deeply for him.

v.3I 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

v.4This passage

v.5having 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Revelation 7:17

    for the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them unto fountains of waters of life: and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes.

  • Acts 20:19

    serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews;

  • 1 John 1:4

    and these things we write, that our joy may be made full.

  • 2 Timothy 4:21

    Give diligence to come before winter. Eubulus saluteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

  • John 16:22

    And ye therefore now have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one taketh away from you.

  • 2 Timothy 4:9

    Give diligence to come shortly unto me:

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