2 Timothy 2:11
What does 2 Timothy 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:11 means
Paul cites a trustworthy saying: if we died with Christ, we will also live with him. This likely summarizes the believer’s union with Christ—sharing in his death to sin and, therefore, sharing in his life. Death with Christ begins at conversion, signified by baptism, and leads to newness of life now and resurrection life to come. The promise anchors perseverance: present losses are not ultimate because life with Christ is certain. The saying’s cadence suggests it was a known confession, reminding the church that identity in Christ shapes destiny. Timothy is to measure suffering by this truth: dying with Jesus is the pathway into true life, not the loss of it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him:
KJV
King James Version · 1611It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Faithful is the saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This is a true saying: If we undergo death with him, then will we be living with him:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Stedfast <FI>is<Fi> the word: For if we died together--we also shall live together;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The word [is] faithful; for if we have died together with [him], we shall also live together;
Context
This is the first line of a compact confession (vv.11–13) that frames endurance within the logic of union with Christ. It follows Paul’s testimony of suffering for the elect (v.10) and expands the horizon to every believer: what is true of Paul is a pattern for all. The next line (v.12a) promises reigning with Christ to those who endure, while the following lines (vv.12b–13) warn of the consequences of denial and affirm God’s unchanging faithfulness.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Galatians 2:19
For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God.
- 2 Corinthians 13:4
for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.
- 1 Timothy 3:1
Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
- 2 Corinthians 4:10
always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:10
who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
- John 14:19
Yet a little while, and the world beholdeth me no more; but ye behold me: because I live, ye shall live also.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Timothy 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Timothy 2.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
Topic
Bible Verses About Faithfulness
Faithfulness describes a person’s loyal and steadfast devotion to God, and also God’s unchanging, unfailing character.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gentleness
The Bible consistently calls believers to lives of gentleness, showing kindness and humility in all interactions.
What the Bible says about…