2 Timothy 4:13
What does 2 Timothy 4:13 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:13 means
Paul asks Timothy to bring a cloak left at Troas with Carpus and also his books, especially parchments. These requests humanize the apostle: he feels cold, he reads, he writes, and he values resources. The cloak suggests the coming winter; the books and parchments show a mind still at work, perhaps preserving Scripture or notes for ministry. Even on death row, Paul seeks warmth for the body and nourishment for the soul. Timothy learns that practical care and intellectual devotion belong together. Ministry is not detached from ordinary needs, and godly service continues as long as God grants opportunity.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The coat which I did not take from Troas and which is with Carpus, get when you come, and the books, specially the papers.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the cloak that I left in Troas with Carpus, coming, bring thou and the books--especially the parchments.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee: and the books, especially the parchments.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The cloak which I left behind [me] in Troas at Carpus's, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.
Context
This practical request follows the personnel updates of verses 10–12 and anticipates the seasonal urgency emphasized in verse 21. It shows Paul’s expectation that Timothy will indeed come and signals the kind of help Paul most needs. The mention of Troas and Carpus also traces Paul’s recent movements and relationships. The next two verses will turn to a warning about Alexander, indicating that Timothy’s journey and Paul’s context include not only friends and necessities but also opponents.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 4:11
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;
- 2 Corinthians 11:27
in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
- Acts 16:8
and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.
- Acts 16:11
Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;
- Acts 20:5
But these had gone before, and were waiting for us at Troas.
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