2 Timothy 2:9
What does 2 Timothy 2:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:9 means
Paul is suffering to the point of chains as if he were a criminal, yet he insists that God’s word is not chained. The messenger can be silenced or confined, but the message is free and powerful. This contrast emboldens faith: circumstances may restrict the servant, but they cannot thwart the purposes of God. Paul’s hardship underscores the cost of gospel ministry and the dignity of sharing in Christ’s sufferings. It also reassures Timothy that apparent setbacks do not signal defeat. God advances his word through and beyond human limitations. Therefore, Timothy can endure incarceration, slander, or loss without despair, confident that the living word will run its course.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In which I put up with the hardest conditions, even prison chains, like one who has done a crime; but the word of God is not in chains.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in which I suffer evil--unto bonds, as an evil-doer, but the word of God hath not been bound;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherein I labour even unto bands, as an evildoer. But the word of God is not bound.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in which I suffer even unto bonds as an evil-doer: but the word ofGod is not bound.
Context
Following the command to remember Jesus Christ (v.8), Paul points to his own situation as proof of the gospel’s power and worth. His chains demonstrate the reality of suffering in service, while his confidence in the unbound word models faith. This leads naturally to verse 10, where Paul explains the purpose of his endurance—the salvation of the elect—and then to the faithful saying (vv.11–13) that sets suffering within the larger hope of life, reigning, and the sober warning about denial.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 28:31
preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.
- Philippians 1:7
even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.
- 2 Timothy 1:8
Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;
- 1 Peter 2:12
having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;
- 1 Peter 3:16
having a good conscience; that, wherein ye are spoken against, they may be put to shame who revile your good manner of life in Christ.
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