Devine Scripture

2 Timothy 4:15

What does 2 Timothy 4:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Timothy 4:15 means

Paul urges Timothy to beware of Alexander, because he strongly opposed “our words,” that is, the apostolic message. The warning is pastoral wisdom, not personal vendetta. Opposition to the gospel can be forceful and persistent, and Timothy should not be naive. Awareness allows prudent distance, careful strategy, and sober prayer. Paul equips Timothy to guard both himself and the flock without cultivating fear. The focus remains on the Word: the opposition is to the message, and the safeguard is fidelity to that same Word, preached with patience and courage as earlier commanded.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But be on the watch for him, for he was violent in his attacks on our teaching.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

of whom also do thou beware, for greatly hath he stood against our words;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Whom do thou also avoid: for he hath greatly withstood our words.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Against whom be thou also on thy guard, for he has greatly withstood our words.

Context

This verse continues the caution begun in verse 14. After naming Alexander’s harm, Paul now gives Timothy a direct charge to be on guard. The theme of resistance ties back to the audience with itching ears (vv. 3–4) and sets up Paul’s personal account in verse 16 of being deserted at his defense. The progression highlights both external enemies and internal failures, preparing for the contrast in verse 17 where the Lord’s presence and power sustain Paul despite human abandonment.

v.14Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord will render to him according to his works:

v.15This passage

v.16At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 10:16

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

  • 2 Timothy 3:8

    And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.

  • Philippians 3:2

    Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision:

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