2 Timothy 4:17
What does 2 Timothy 4:17 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:17 means
Though deserted by men, Paul testifies that the Lord stood with him and gave him strength. The purpose was not merely personal rescue but that the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles hear. God’s faithfulness turned a lonely defense into a platform for witness. “Delivered out of the mouth of the lion” suggests rescue from deadly danger, whether literal or figurative, emphasizing God’s power to preserve His servant until the testimony was complete. Paul’s focus remains on the gospel’s advance; deliverance is valuable because it serves declaration, and the Lord’s nearness enables courage when human allies vanish.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the Lord was by my side and gave me strength; so that through me the news might be given out in full measure, and all the Gentiles might give ear: and I was taken out of the mouth of the lion.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the Lord stood by me, and did strengthen me, that through me the preaching might be fully assured, and all the nations might hear, and I was freed out of the mouth of a lion,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished and that all the Gentiles may hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the Lord stood with [me], and gave me power, that through me the proclamation might be fully made, and all [those of] the nations should hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth.
Context
This verse answers the abandonment of verse 16 with divine presence and mission. It ties back to the charge to preach the word (v. 2) and the global scope of the gospel. Having been sustained to proclaim the message, Paul now looks ahead in verse 18 to ultimate deliverance into the heavenly kingdom. The movement from past rescue to future hope reinforces Timothy’s confidence that, whatever human support fails, the Lord’s purpose and help do not.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 28:15
Asa roaring lion, and a ranging bear, So isa wicked ruler over a poor people.
- Luke 21:15
for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.
- Jeremiah 2:30
In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.
- Jeremiah 20:10
For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce him, say all my familiar friends, they that watch for my fall; peradventure he will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.
- Psalms 109:31
For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, To save him from them that judge his soul.
- Daniel 6:27
He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.
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