2 Timothy 4:9
What does 2 Timothy 4:9 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:9 means
Paul asks Timothy to come quickly. The appeal is personal and urgent. Aging, imprisoned, and near death, Paul desires the companionship and assistance of his trusted co-worker. This request shows that even the strongest servants of God need friends, and that presence matters in suffering. It also hints that Timothy’s current responsibilities may be rearranged to prioritize this final visit. Love and prudence meet here: Paul is not ashamed to ask for help; Timothy must count the cost and come. Ministry includes showing up when the hour is late and the need is great.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Give diligence to come shortly unto me:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Give diligence to come shortly unto me:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do your best to come to me before long:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be diligent to come unto me quickly,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For Demas hath left me, loving this world, and is gone to Thessalonica:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Use diligence to come to me quickly;
Context
After setting hope before Timothy (v. 8), Paul turns to practical matters. The call to come soon introduces a series of personal notes in verses 10–13 that explain the urgency: desertion, dispersion, and tangible needs. This relational section does not lessen the theological weight of the letter; it embodies it. As Timothy reads about who has left and who remains, he will understand why his presence is needed and how to plan his journey, which Paul will detail further in the following verses.
v.8henceforth 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.
v.9This passage
v.10for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 1:4
longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
- 2 Timothy 4:21
Give diligence to come before winter. Eubulus saluteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
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