2 Timothy 4:16
What does 2 Timothy 4:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:16 means
At his first defense, everyone deserted Paul, leaving him to face the court alone. Yet he does not curse them; he prays that their failure not be charged against them. This response displays a Christlike spirit—truth and justice matter, but so does mercy toward the fearful and weak. Paul’s solitude exposes the cost of witnessing to Christ under pressure. Still, the absence of human support becomes the backdrop for a deeper presence that he will name in the next verse. The Lord does not forsake His servants, even when friends falter and crowds shrink away.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.
KJV
King James Version · 1611At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949At my first meeting with my judges, no one took my part, but all went away from me. May it not be put to their account.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me, (may it not be reckoned to them!)
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge!
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890At my first defence no man stood with me, but all deserted me. May it not be imputed to them.
Context
Paul moves from hostile opposition (vv. 14–15) to painful abandonment. This honest report explains his need for companions (vv. 9–13) and underscores the stakes of faithful witness. The flow sets up verse 17’s contrast: though others left, the Lord stood by and strengthened Paul. The narrative illustrates the letter’s themes—people may fail, but God sustains His message and messengers so that the gospel reaches its intended hearers.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 4:10
for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
- Philippians 1:7
even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.
- Philippians 1:17
but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.
- Mark 14:50
And they all left him, and fled.
- 1 Corinthians 9:3
My defence to them that examine me is this.
- John 16:32
Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Timothy 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Timothy 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Loneliness
Discover how the Bible addresses feelings of loneliness and offers comfort through connection with God and others.
Topic
Bible Verses About Retirement
The Bible knows nothing of retirement — only of finishing well.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
What the Bible says about…