2 Timothy 4:12
What does 2 Timothy 4:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:12 means
By noting that he sent Tychicus to Ephesus, Paul likely signals that Timothy can leave his post to visit because another trusted worker is on site or en route. Paul continues to manage the mission even from prison, placing people where they can best serve. This brief line reflects a networked ministry, not a solitary enterprise. It also shows Paul’s confidence in Timothy’s value; rearrangements are made so Timothy can come. Faithfulness includes wise delegation, and Paul wants Timothy to see that careful personnel decisions support the larger goal of preaching and strengthening the churches.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Tychicus I sent to Ephesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Tychicus I sent to Ephesus;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
Context
This verse fits within the cluster of travel and personnel notes (vv. 9–13). After naming who left and who remains (vv. 10–11), Paul clarifies Tychicus’s placement in Ephesus, which would affect Timothy’s availability. That, in turn, sets up verse 13’s request for practical items to bring. The flow moves from people to provisions, all aimed at enabling one last season of fellowship and service before winter and before Paul’s likely execution.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:4
And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
- Colossians 4:7
All my affairs shall Tychicus make known unto you, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord:
- Titus 3:12
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.
- Acts 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
- 1 Timothy 1:3
As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,
- Ephesians 6:21
But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
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