2 Timothy 2:8
What does 2 Timothy 2:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:8 means
Paul commands Timothy to keep before him Jesus Christ—risen from the dead and of the seed of David—according to Paul’s gospel. This succinctly centers the message: the crucified and risen Messiah fulfills God’s promises to David and reigns as Lord. The resurrection guarantees life and vindication; the Davidic lineage affirms Jesus as the promised King. Remembering Jesus steadies weary servants: their work is anchored in a living Savior and an unbroken story of promise and fulfillment. This is not a new or private message; it is the apostolic gospel. Timothy’s endurance and teaching must flow from this central truth: Christ lives, and God’s covenant purposes stand firm in him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Keep in mind Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, who came back from the dead, as my good news gives witness:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Remember Jesus Christ, raised out of the dead, of the seed of David, according to my good news,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Remember Jesus Christ raised from among [the] dead, of [the] seed of David, according to my glad tidings,
Context
Having urged reflection (v.7), Paul supplies the supreme focus: Jesus Christ, risen and royal. This centers all the preceding images and fuels the endurance to which Timothy is called. The next verses show how this gospel shapes Paul’s own life: he suffers chains like a criminal, yet God’s word is unbound (v.9), and he endures for the elect’s salvation and glory (v.10). Then Paul recites a “faithful saying” that connects suffering with life and reigning, and warns against denial (vv.11–13).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 2:30
Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;
- Acts 2:24
whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
- 1 Timothy 1:11
according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
- 1 Timothy 2:7
whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
- 1 Corinthians 15:11
Whether then it be I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
- Luke 24:46
and he said unto them, Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day;
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…