2 Timothy 4:20
What does 2 Timothy 4:20 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:20 means
Paul notes that Erastus stayed in Corinth, while Trophimus was left in Miletus sick. These simple statements reveal the realism of ministry. Workers sometimes remain where they are needed; beloved colleagues sometimes fall ill and cannot go on. Paul, who saw many miracles, did not presume to remove every sickness. He accepted God’s providence and arranged work accordingly. Sharing this with Timothy gives clarity about who is available and who is not. It also reminds Timothy that weakness and limitation are normal in Christian service, and wisdom includes making plans that account for them.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Erastus was stopping at Corinth; but Trophimus, when I last saw him was at Miletus, ill.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Erastus did remain in Corinth, and Trophimus I left in Miletus infirm;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Erastus remained at Corinth. And Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Erastus remained in Corinth, but Trophimus I left behind in Miletus sick.
Context
This verse continues the practical updates begun in verse 19. By tracking coworkers’ locations and conditions, Paul helps Timothy plan his journey and expectations. The reference to sickness and differing assignments shows that gospel work proceeds amid ordinary human frailty. The next verse will add urgency—come before winter—and extend greetings from believers with Paul, setting the stage for the final benediction in verse 22.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:26
since he longed after you all, and was sore troubled, because ye had heard that he was sick:
- Acts 19:22
And having sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
- Acts 20:17
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.
- 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.
- Romans 16:23
Gaius my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you, and Quartus the brother.
- Acts 21:29
For they had before seen with him in the city Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.
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