2 Timothy 4:11
What does 2 Timothy 4:11 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:11 means
Paul notes that only Luke remains with him, a faithful companion in the shadows. He then asks Timothy to bring Mark, declaring him useful for ministry. This is striking, given Mark’s earlier failure and later restoration. Paul’s request shows grace at work and the value of proven growth over time. In a season of abandonment, Paul highlights those who endure and those whom God rehabilitates. The gospel not only saves but also restores workers to usefulness. Timothy is to see ministry as a team effort where character, maturity, and reconciliation matter, especially when the load is heavy and the opportunities are few.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and take him with you; for he is of use to me in the work.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lukas only is with me; Markus having taken, bring with thyself, for he is profitable to me for ministration;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Luke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring [him] with thyself, for he is serviceable to me for ministry.
Context
Following the report of Demas’s desertion (v. 10), verse 11 offers encouragement: Luke’s steadfast presence and Mark’s renewed usefulness. This prepares Timothy to think in terms of team composition as he plans his journey. Verse 12 will mention Tychicus’s assignment, and verse 13 will outline items Timothy should bring. The cumulative effect is to show Paul’s careful stewardship of people and resources even as he nears death, giving Timothy a model of practical wisdom aligned with gospel priorities.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 12:12
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together and were praying.
- Colossians 4:14
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas salute you.
- Acts 16:10
And when he had seen the vision, straightway we sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel unto them.
- Acts 12:25
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministration, taking with them John whose surname was Mark.
- Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellow-prisoner saluteth you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (touching whom ye received commandments; if he come unto you, receive him),
- Matthew 19:30
But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last.
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