Devine Scripture

2 Timothy 4:10

What does 2 Timothy 4:10 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Timothy 4:10 means

Paul explains part of the urgency: Demas has forsaken him, loving this present world more than costly faithfulness. The contrast is sharp—love for the world versus loyalty in suffering. Crescens and Titus, by contrast, are mentioned without censure, likely deployed elsewhere. The net effect is Paul’s isolation. Ministry partners are scattered, and one has abandoned him at a critical time. Timothy is to read this soberly: affections determine trajectories. The lure of the present age can pull even once-useful workers away. Yet Paul does not despair; he simply reports the facts and continues to gather help for the work that remains.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For Demas has gone away from me, for love of this present life, and has gone to Thessalonica: Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for Demas forsook me, having loved the present age, and went on to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Crescens into Galatia, Titus into Dalmatia.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved the present age, and is gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

Context

This verse expands on the request of verse 9 by listing current circumstances. The desertion by Demas illustrates the very dynamic warned of in verses 3–4, while the departures of Crescens and Titus show the ongoing movement of ministry. Verse 11 will balance the picture with the faithfulness of Luke and the restored usefulness of Mark. Together, these notes prepare Timothy to come and to bring strategic help, as Paul regroups his remaining support in his final days.

v.9Give diligence to come shortly unto me:

v.10This passage

v.11Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 16:6

    And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

  • Galatians 2:1

    Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.

  • Colossians 4:14

    Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:16

    But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

  • Acts 15:38

    But Paul thought not good to take with them him who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

  • Galatians 1:2

    and all the brethren that are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

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