2 Timothy 4:8
What does 2 Timothy 4:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:8 means
With the race finished, Paul looks to a promised reward: the crown of righteousness. It is not a human trophy but a verdict bestowed by the Lord, the righteous Judge. Paul’s assurance is not private—this crown awaits all who have loved Christ’s appearing. Loving His appearing means longing for the Lord Himself and living in light of His return. The Judge is also the Savior who justifies and transforms. Paul’s hope rests in Christ’s righteousness and faithfulness, not in his own merit. This shared promise strengthens Timothy and all believers to endure, knowing the final word will be just, gracious, and glorious.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949From now on, the crown of righteousness is made ready for me, which the Lord, the upright judge, Will give to me at that day: and not only to me, but to all those who have had love for his revelation.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of the righteousness that the Lord--the Righteous Judge--shall give to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to all those loving his manifestation.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Henceforth the crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will render to me in that day; but not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing.
Context
After reflecting on his finished course (v. 7), Paul turns to the future. Verse 8 completes the motivational arc that began with the solemn charge (vv. 1–2) and the warning (vv. 3–4). The promised crown for all who love Christ’s appearing universalizes Paul’s hope, inviting Timothy to see his labor in the same light. With this eschatological confidence stated, Paul will pivot in verse 9 to urgent, practical requests, revealing his human needs and the relational realities around him as he nears the end.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Malachi 3:17
And they shall be mine, saith Jehovah of hosts, even mine own possession, in the day that I make; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
- Romans 2:5
but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
- James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
- Matthew 7:22
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?
- 1 Thessalonians 5:4
But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief:
- Revelation 4:4
And round about the throne were four and twenty thrones: and upon the thrones I saw four and twenty elders sitting, arrayed in white garments; and on their heads crowns of gold.
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