2 Timothy 4:6
What does 2 Timothy 4:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:6 means
Paul explains the urgency: his life is already being “poured out,” like a drink offering emptied at the altar. He senses that his departure—his death—is close at hand. There is no self-pity, only a sober acknowledgment that his service is concluding. By viewing his death as an offering, Paul frames it as worship, not defeat. Timothy must hear this as a passing of the torch. The work continues, but Paul’s part in it is nearly done. Facing the end with peace, Paul steadies Timothy to carry on without him, confident that the Lord who received Paul’s life will sustain Timothy’s.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I am even now being offered, and my end is near.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for I am already being poured out, and the time of my release hath arrived;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I am already being poured out, and the time of my release is come.
Context
This verse begins Paul’s personal testament that follows the exhortations of verses 1–5. It provides the backdrop for the summary in verse 7 and the hope of verse 8. The image of being offered explains why Paul urges Timothy to fulfill his ministry: leadership succession is at hand. The coming verses will not wallow in sorrow but will lift Timothy’s eyes to a faithful finish and to the Lord’s righteous reward, giving both realism about Paul’s situation and encouragement for Timothy’s ongoing labors.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 31:14
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tent of meeting, that I may give him a charge. And Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tent of meeting.
- Numbers 27:12
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mountain of Abarim, and behold the land which I have given unto the children of Israel.
- Philippians 1:23
But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
- Genesis 48:21
And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God will be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.
- Joshua 23:14
And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which Jehovah your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, not one thing hath failed thereof.
- Genesis 50:24
And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die; but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.
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