1
Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ κατ' ἐπαγγελίαν ζωῆς τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,
The epistolary superscription names the sender and grounds his apostleship doubly — in God's will and in the promise of life in Christ, the keynote of a letter facing death.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ΠαῦλοςPaulNominativesubject (nominative of superscription)Παῦλος: the apostle's Roman cognomen; the Greek letter-opening names the sender first.
ἀπόστολοςapostleNominativeapposition to Παῦλοςἀπόστολος: 'one sent,' a commissioned envoy; from ἀποστέλλω (send with authority).
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivegenitive of possession (whose envoy)Χριστός: 'Anointed,' the Messiah; here functionally a name-title for Jesus.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitivegenitive in apposition to Χριστοῦ
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (cause/means)
θελήματοςwillGenitiveobject of διά (originating cause)θέλημα: 'will, purpose'; Paul's office rests on God's sovereign appointment, not human choice.
θεοῦof GodGenitivesubjective genitive (God who wills)θεός: God; the source of the apostolic commission.
κατ'according topreposition + accusative (norm/standard)κατά: here marking the standard or purpose to which the apostleship conforms.
ἐπαγγελίανpromiseAccusativeobject of κατά (norm)ἐπαγγελία: 'promise, pledge'; the apostleship serves God's promise of life.
ζωῆςof lifeGenitiveobjective genitive (content of the promise)ζωή: 'life'; the promised eschatological life, the theme set over against death (v.10).
τῆςthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes the phrase)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/union)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of life)Χριστός: the life promised is located 'in Christ' — found only in union with him.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ
2
Τιμοθέῳ ἀγαπητῷ τέκνῳ· χάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν.
to Timothy, my beloved child: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
The named addressee and the threefold blessing — grace, mercy, peace — the warmer salutation Paul reserves for his coworker Timothy.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
Τιμοθέῳto TimothyDativeindirect object (addressee)Τιμόθεος: 'honoring God'; Paul's trusted delegate, addressed in Ephesus.
ἀγαπητῷbelovedDativeattributive adjectiveἀγαπητός: 'beloved'; from ἀγαπάω — warmer than the 'genuine' (γνήσιος) of 1 Tim 1:2, fitting a farewell letter.
τέκνῳchildDativeapposition to Τιμοθέῳτέκνον: 'child'; Timothy is Paul's spiritual son in the faith, the bond of mentor and protégé.
χάριςgraceNominativesubject (nom. in greeting formula)χάρις: 'grace'; God's unmerited favor — the first member of the blessing.
ἔλεοςmercyNominativesubject (coordinate)ἔλεος: 'mercy, compassion'; the added member distinctive to the letters to Timothy.
εἰρήνηpeaceNominativesubject (coordinate)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; the Hebrew šālôm — wholeness and well-being, the third member.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἀπό (source)
πατρὸςthe FatherGenitiveapposition to θεοῦπατήρ: 'Father'; the relational name for God, source of the blessing.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobject of ἀπό (coordinate source)Χριστός: the Father and Christ set in parallel as one source of grace, mercy, and peace.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to Χριστοῦ
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitiveapposition (title)κύριος: 'Lord'; the LXX rendering of YHWH, confessed of Jesus.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
3
Χάριν ἔχω τῷ θεῷ, ᾧ λατρεύω ἀπὸ προγόνων ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει, ὡς ἀδιάλειπτον ἔχω τὴν περὶ σοῦ μνείαν ἐν ταῖς δεήσεσίν μου νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας,
I thank God, whom I serve from my forebears with a clean conscience, as unceasingly I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day,
The customary epistolary thanksgiving opens the body: gratitude to the God of Paul's ancestors, voiced in his ceaseless, day-and-night remembrance of Timothy.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ΧάρινthanksAccusativedirect object (idiom χάριν ἔχω)χάρις: in the idiom χάριν ἔχω, 'I am grateful, I give thanks.'
ἔχωI havePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (idiom w/ χάριν)→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; with χάριν the standard idiom for rendering thanks.
τῷtheDativearticle
θεῷGodDativeindirect object (recipient of thanks)
ᾧwhomDativerelative pronoun (object of λατρεύω)
λατρεύωI servePres Act Indic 1 Sg · λατρεύωmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentλατρεύω: 'serve, worship' (cultic service); Paul's whole ministry is priestly worship of God.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (temporal source)
προγόνωνforebearsGenitiveobject of ἀπό (succession from)πρόγονος: 'ancestor, forebear'; Paul serves the same God as his Jewish forefathers — continuity, not rupture.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)
καθαρᾷcleanDativeattributive adjectiveκαθαρός: 'clean, pure'; a recurrent pastoral concern — undefiled integrity of conscience.
συνειδήσειconscienceDativedat. of manner (how he serves)συνείδησις: 'conscience' (co-knowing); the inner moral awareness, here unstained.
ὡςasconjunction (manner/correlative)ὡς: introduces the manner of the thanksgiving — 'inasmuch as / how.'
ἀδιάλειπτονunceasingAccusativeattributive adjective (anticipating μνείαν)ἀδιάλειπτος: 'unintermittent, ceaseless'; the constancy of Paul's intercession.
ἔχωI havePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (ὡς clause)→ customary present
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
σοῦyouGenitiveobject of περί (object of remembrance)
μνείανremembranceAccusativedirect object of ἔχωμνεία: 'remembrance, mention'; Timothy is held constantly in Paul's praying memory.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/occasion)
ταῖςtheDativearticle
δεήσεσίνprayers/petitionsDativedat. of sphere (the occasions of prayer)δέησις: 'petition, supplication'; specific entreaty arising from need.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
νυκτὸςnightGenitivegenitive of time (within which)νύξ: 'night'; the genitive denotes the time during which the praying occurs — round the clock.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡμέραςdayGenitivegenitive of time (within which)ἡμέρα: 'day'; with νυκτός an idiom for unremitting, continual prayer.
4
ἐπιποθῶν σε ἰδεῖν, μεμνημένος σου τῶν δακρύων, ἵνα χαρᾶς πληρωθῶ,
longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy,
Two participles unfold the thanksgiving's affection: Paul yearns to see Timothy and recalls his tears (at their parting), so that reunion would fill him with joy.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἐπιποθῶνlongingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐπιποθέωadverbial ptc. (attendant/causal)→ present (ongoing)ἐπιποθέω: 'long for, yearn' (ἐπί-intensive of ποθέω); strong affectionate desire.
σεyouAccusativeobject of ἰδεῖν
ἰδεῖνto seeAor Act Inf · ὁράωcomplementary infinitive (of ἐπιποθῶν)→ constative aoristὁράω (aor. εἶδον): 'see'; the object of Paul's longing — a face-to-face reunion.
μεμνημένοςrememberingPerf Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · μιμνῄσκομαιadverbial ptc. (causal)→ intensive perfect (abiding memory)μιμνῄσκομαι: 'remember, call to mind'; the perfect marks a memory that abides and motivates.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
δακρύωνtearsGenitivegenitive object of μεμνημένοςδάκρυον: 'tear'; likely the tears of their last parting — the affection between them was real and deep.
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose/result)
χαρᾶςwith joyGenitivegenitive of content (with πληρωθῶ)χαρά: 'joy, gladness'; the content with which reunion would fill Paul.
πληρωθῶI may be filledAor Pass Subj 1 Sg · πληρόωmain verb (ἵνα clause, subjunctive)→ constative aoristπληρόω: 'fill, fulfill'; passive — Paul would be filled with joy at seeing Timothy.
5
ὑπόμνησιν λαβὼν τῆς ἐν σοὶ ἀνυποκρίτου πίστεως, ἥτις ἐνῴκησεν πρῶτον ἐν τῇ μάμμῃ σου Λωΐδι καὶ τῇ μητρί σου Εὐνίκῃ, πέπεισμαι δὲ ὅτι καὶ ἐν σοί.
having been reminded of the sincere faith in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded dwells in you also.
What prompts the thanksgiving: the recollection of Timothy's unfeigned faith, a heritage running through Lois and Eunice and now (Paul is sure) alive in him.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
ὑπόμνησινreminderAccusativedirect object of λαβώνὑπόμνησις: 'a reminding, recollection'; some occasion brought Timothy's faith to mind.
λαβὼνhaving receivedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωadverbial ptc. (causal/temporal)→ constative aorist (antecedent)λαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; with ὑπόμνησιν, 'having been reminded.'
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)
σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν (locus of the faith)
ἀνυποκρίτουsincereGenitiveattributive adjectiveἀνυπόκριτος: 'unhypocritical, unfeigned' (alpha-privative + ὑποκρίνομαι, 'play a part'); genuine, not stage-acted faith.
πίστεωςfaithGenitiveobjective genitive (of ὑπόμνησιν)πίστις: 'faith, trust'; the heritage of belief Paul recalls in Timothy.
ἥτιςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject; qualitative)ὅστις: 'which (very) faith'; the qualitative relative, 'a faith of such a kind that...'
ἐνῴκησενdweltAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐνοικέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristἐνοικέω: 'dwell in, indwell' (ἐν + οἰκέω); faith made its home first in the forebears.
πρῶτονfirstadverb (sequence)πρῶτον: 'first(ly)'; marking the generational succession of the faith.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)
τῇtheDativearticle
μάμμῃgrandmotherDativeobject of ἐν (dwelling-place)μάμμη: 'grandmother' (originally a child's word for 'mama'); the faith's first home.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ΛωΐδιLoisDativeapposition to μάμμῃΛωΐς: Lois, Timothy's grandmother — named only here in the NT.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῇtheDativearticle
μητρίmotherDativeobject of ἐν (coordinate dwelling-place)μήτηρ: 'mother'; Eunice, who with Lois nurtured Timothy in the Scriptures (cf. 3:15).
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ΕὐνίκῃEuniceDativeapposition to μητρίΕὐνίκη: 'good victory'; Timothy's mother, a believing Jewess (Acts 16:1).
πέπεισμαιI am persuadedPerf Pass Indic 1 Sg · πείθωmain verb (parenthetical)→ intensive perfect (settled conviction)πείθω (pass.): 'be persuaded, be convinced'; the perfect = a firm, abiding confidence.
δὲandconnective particle (continuative)
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of persuasion)
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location; verb elided)
σοίyouDativeobject of ἐν (ἐνοικεῖ implied)
6
δι' ἣν αἰτίαν ἀναμιμνῄσκω σε ἀναζωπυρεῖν τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου.
For which reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands.
On the ground of that genuine faith, the letter's first imperative thrust: Timothy must rekindle the charism conferred at his ordination.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
δι'forpreposition + accusative (cause)
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative adjective (modifies αἰτίαν)
αἰτίανreason/causeAccusativeobject of διά (δι' ἣν αἰτίαν = 'wherefore')αἰτία: 'cause, reason'; δι' ἣν αἰτίαν is a fixed idiom, 'for which reason.'
ἀναμιμνῄσκωI remindPres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀναμιμνῄσκωmain verb→ customary presentἀναμιμνῄσκω: 'remind, call to remembrance' (ἀνά + μιμνῄσκω); a gentle, fatherly summons rather than a stern command.
σεyouAccusativedirect object of ἀναμιμνῄσκω
ἀναζωπυρεῖνto fan into flamePres Act Inf · ἀναζωπυρέωcomplementary infinitive (content of reminder)→ present (ongoing effort)ἀναζωπυρέω: 'rekindle, fan into flame' (ἀνά + ζωός + πῦρ, 'living fire'); to stir embers back to blaze — the gift must be kept aflame.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
χάρισμαgiftAccusativeobject of ἀναζωπυρεῖνχάρισμα: 'gift of grace'; the endowment for ministry granted at Timothy's commissioning.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source (God who gives)θεός: the gift originates from God, not from human bestowal.
ὅwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐστιν)
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, rel. clause)→ stative present
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)
σοὶyouDativeobject of ἐν (locus of the gift)
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means/channel)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἐπιθέσεωςlaying onGenitiveobject of διά (means of conferral)ἐπίθεσις: 'a placing upon' (ἐπί + τίθημι); the ordination rite of imposition of hands.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
χειρῶνhandsGenitiveattributive genitive (which laying-on)χείρ: 'hand'; the apostle's own hands conveyed the commissioning gift.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
7
οὐ γὰρ ἔδωκεν ἡμῖν ὁ θεὸς πνεῦμα δειλίας, ἀλλὰ δυνάμεως καὶ ἀγάπης καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ.
For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but of power and love and self-control.
The reason Timothy can and must rekindle the gift: the Spirit God gave is not timid but empowering — power, love, and a sound mind.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
οὐnotnegative particle (negates ἔδωκεν)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἔδωκενgaveAor Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the aorist points to the definite gift of the Spirit at conversion/commissioning.
ἡμῖνusDativeindirect object (recipient)
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject
πνεῦμαspiritAccusativedirect objectπνεῦμα: 'Spirit/spirit'; the Holy Spirit characterized by what follows, not a mere disposition.
δειλίαςof cowardiceGenitiveattributive/descriptive genitive (quality)δειλία: 'cowardice, timidity'; the only NT occurrence — a craven fearfulness, the opposite of bold ministry.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (strong contrast)ἀλλά: the sharp 'but,' setting cowardice against the triad that follows.
δυνάμεωςof powerGenitivedescriptive genitive (quality)δύναμις: 'power, might'; the Spirit empowers for endurance and witness.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀγάπηςof loveGenitivedescriptive genitive (quality)ἀγάπη: 'love'; self-giving devotion — power is wedded to love, not domination.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
σωφρονισμοῦof self-controlGenitivedescriptive genitive (quality)σωφρονισμός: 'self-discipline, sound-mindedness'; a disciplined, prudent mastery of self — only here in the NT.
8
μὴ οὖν ἐπαισχυνθῇς τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν μηδὲ ἐμὲ τὸν δέσμιον αὐτοῦ, ἀλλὰ συγκακοπάθησον τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ κατὰ δύναμιν θεοῦ,
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,
Drawing the consequence: since the Spirit is one of power, Timothy must not shrink in shame from the gospel witness or from chained Paul, but join in its sufferings.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
μὴnotnegative particle (prohibition w/ subj.)
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the practical consequence from v.7.
ἐπαισχυνθῇςbe ashamedAor Pass Subj 2 Sg · ἐπαισχύνομαιmain verb (prohibitive subjunctive)→ ingressive aorist (do not start to)ἐπαισχύνομαι: 'be ashamed of' (ἐπί-intensive); μὴ + aor. subj. = a categorical prohibition. The leitmotif of vv.8–16.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
μαρτύριονtestimonyAccusativedirect objectμαρτύριον: 'testimony, witness'; the gospel proclamation of and about the Lord.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitiveobjective/possessive genitiveκύριος: 'Lord'; the testimony borne to and concerning Christ.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
μηδὲnornegative conjunction (continues prohibition)
ἐμὲmeAccusativedirect object (emphatic pronoun)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
δέσμιονprisonerAccusativeapposition to ἐμέδέσμιος: 'prisoner, bound one' (from δεσμός, 'bond'); Paul's chains are no disgrace but the Lord's.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession ('his prisoner')
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
συγκακοπάθησονshare in sufferingAor Act Impv 2 Sg · συγκακοπαθέωmain verb (imperative)→ constative aorist (decisive call)συγκακοπαθέω: 'suffer hardship together with' (σύν + κακο- + πάσχω); join in the gospel's afflictions — coined in these letters.
τῷtheDativearticle
εὐαγγελίῳgospelDativedat. of advantage/association (for the gospel)εὐαγγέλιον: 'gospel'; the cause for which the hardship is borne.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm/means)
δύναμινpowerAccusativeobject of κατά (enabling standard)δύναμις: 'power'; the suffering is sustained by God's power, not human grit (echoing v.7).
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source
9
τοῦ σώσαντος ἡμᾶς καὶ καλέσαντος κλήσει ἁγίᾳ, οὐ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ἡμῶν ἀλλὰ κατὰ ἰδίαν πρόθεσιν καὶ χάριν, τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων,
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
The 'power of God' is unfolded in a doxological relative clause: this is the saving, calling God whose purpose and grace, given in Christ before time, ground all gospel suffering.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.; modifies θεοῦ)
σώσαντοςwho savedAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · σῴζωattributive participle (modifies θεοῦ)→ constative aoristσῴζω: 'save, rescue, deliver'; the accomplished salvation that frames the call.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of σώσαντος
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
καλέσαντοςwho calledAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · καλέωattributive participle (coordinate)→ constative aoristκαλέω: 'call, summon'; the effectual divine call into salvation.
κλήσειwith a callingDativecognate dative (instrument/manner)κλῆσις: 'calling, invitation'; a cognate of καλέω — 'called with a calling.'
ἁγίᾳholyDativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy'; the calling sets apart for God and demands holiness.
οὐnotnegative particle
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἔργαworksAccusativeobject of κατά (rejected standard)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; human achievement, explicitly excluded as the basis of salvation.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (norm)
ἰδίανhis ownAccusativeattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own'; the purpose is God's very own, sovereign and uncaused by us.
πρόθεσινpurposeAccusativeobject of κατά (the true standard)πρόθεσις: 'purpose, plan' (lit. 'a setting-forth'); God's eternal saving design.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
χάρινgraceAccusativeobject of κατά (coordinate)χάρις: 'grace'; the unmerited favor that executes the purpose.
τὴνthe (one)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δοθεῖσανgivenAor Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · δίδωμιattributive participle (modifies χάριν)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the grace was granted — a settled gift in Christ.
ἡμῖνusDativeindirect object (recipient)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/union)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of grace)Χριστός: the grace is bestowed only in union with Christ.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ
πρὸbeforepreposition + genitive (time)
χρόνωνtimesGenitiveobject of πρό (point before which)χρόνος: 'time, span'; πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων = 'before the ages began' — the grace antedates creation.
αἰωνίωνeternal/age-longGenitiveattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'age-long, eternal'; the timeless reach of God's purpose.
10
φανερωθεῖσαν δὲ νῦν διὰ τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καταργήσαντος μὲν τὸν θάνατον φωτίσαντος δὲ ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου,
but now made manifest through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
The grace once hidden in eternity is now disclosed: Christ's epiphany has nullified death and illumined life — the gospel's saving content.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
φανερωθεῖσανmade manifestAor Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · φανερόωattributive participle (modifies χάριν, v.9)→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'make visible, reveal'; the eternal grace stepped into history.
δὲbutadversative/contrastive particleδέ: marks the contrast between the hidden purpose (v.9) and its present manifestation.
νῦνnowadverb (time)νῦν: 'now'; the eschatological present over against 'before the ages.'
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἐπιφανείαςappearingGenitiveobject of διά (means of manifestation)ἐπιφάνεια: 'appearing, manifestation'; an imperial-cult word for a god's or sovereign's advent — here Christ's first coming.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σωτῆροςSaviorGenitiveattributive genitive (whose appearing)σωτήρ: 'savior, deliverer'; another title claimed by emperors, here ascribed to Christ.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveapposition to σωτῆρος
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition
καταργήσαντοςhaving abolishedAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · καταργέωattributive participle (modifies σωτῆρος)→ constative aoristκαταργέω: 'nullify, render powerless, abolish'; death is dethroned, stripped of its grip (cf. 1 Cor 15:26).
μὲνon the one handparticle (correlative w/ δέ)μέν: pairs with the following δέ — abolishing death / bringing life.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
θάνατονdeathAccusativedirect object of καταργήσαντοςθάνατος: 'death'; the last enemy, now annulled — the antithesis of the promised ζωή (v.1).
φωτίσαντοςhaving brought to lightAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · φωτίζωattributive participle (coordinate)→ constative aoristφωτίζω: 'illuminate, bring to light' (from φῶς, 'light'); the gospel floods life and immortality with light.
δὲand on the otherparticle (answers μέν)
ζωὴνlifeAccusativedirect object of φωτίσαντοςζωή: 'life'; the promised life of v.1 now illumined and offered.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀφθαρσίανimmortality/incorruptionAccusativedirect object (coordinate)ἀφθαρσία: 'incorruptibility, immortality' (alpha-privative + φθορά, 'decay'); freedom from death's perishing.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
εὐαγγελίουgospelGenitiveobject of διά (means of illumination)εὐαγγέλιον: 'gospel'; the instrument by which Christ's victory is published and applied.
11
εἰς ὃ ἐτέθην ἐγὼ κῆρυξ καὶ ἀπόστολος καὶ διδάσκαλος.
for which I was appointed a herald and apostle and teacher.
The gospel just described is the very thing for which Paul was set in office — a threefold designation that explains why he now suffers.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose/reference)
ὃwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εἰς; = gospel)
ἐτέθηνI was appointedAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · τίθημιmain verb→ constative aoristτίθημι: 'place, set, appoint'; the divine passive — God set Paul in this office (cf. 1 Tim 2:7).
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
κῆρυξheraldNominativepredicate nominative (appointed-as)κῆρυξ: 'herald, public crier'; one who proclaims the king's message — Paul announces the gospel.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀπόστολοςapostleNominativepredicate nominative (coordinate)ἀπόστολος: 'one sent'; the commissioned envoy with Christ's authority.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διδάσκαλοςteacherNominativepredicate nominative (coordinate)διδάσκαλος: 'teacher'; one who instructs in the apostolic doctrine.
12
δι' ἣν αἰτίαν καὶ ταῦτα πάσχω, ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐπαισχύνομαι, οἶδα γὰρ ᾧ πεπίστευκα, καὶ πέπεισμαι ὅτι δυνατός ἐστιν τὴν παραθήκην μου φυλάξαι εἰς ἐκείνην τὴν ἡμέραν.
For which reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard my deposit until that Day.
Paul models the very unashamed endurance he urges on Timothy: he suffers, yet without shame, resting on the trustworthy God who will keep what is entrusted to the Day.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
δι'forpreposition + accusative (cause)
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative adjective (modifies αἰτίαν)
αἰτίανreasonAccusativeobject of διά (δι' ἣν αἰτίαν = 'wherefore')αἰτία: 'cause'; resuming the idiom of v.6 — because of his appointment he suffers.
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object (the sufferings)οὗτος: 'these things'; Paul's present imprisonment and hardships.
πάσχωI sufferPres Act Indic 1 Sg · πάσχωmain verb→ present (ongoing)πάσχω: 'suffer, experience'; the ongoing affliction Paul endures for the gospel.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐπαισχύνομαιI am ashamedPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐπαισχύνομαιmain verb→ stative presentἐπαισχύνομαι: 'be ashamed'; Paul embodies the command of v.8 — suffering need not bring shame.
οἶδαI knowPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (causal)→ perfect-with-present-forceοἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present sense); a settled, personal knowledge of the One trusted.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ᾧwhomDativerelative pronoun (dat. w/ πεπίστευκα)ὅς: 'whom'; the object of faith is personal — not 'what' but 'whom.'
πεπίστευκαI have believedPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · πιστεύωmain verb (rel. clause)→ intensive perfect (settled trust)πιστεύω: 'believe, trust'; the perfect = an entrusting that abides in present confidence.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πέπεισμαιI am persuadedPerf Pass Indic 1 Sg · πείθωmain verb→ intensive perfect (settled conviction)πείθω (pass.): 'be convinced'; the same firm assurance ascribed to Timothy's faith (v.5).
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of persuasion)
δυνατόςableNominativepredicate adjectiveδυνατός: 'able, powerful'; God's power (vv.7–8) guarantees the safekeeping.
ἐστινhe isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, ὅτι clause)→ stative present
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παραθήκηνdepositAccusativeobject of φυλάξαιπαραθήκη: 'deposit, something entrusted' (a banking/safekeeping term); either what Paul entrusts to God, or the gospel God entrusts to Paul — the prized treasure to be kept.
μουmyGenitivegenitive (possession/objective)
φυλάξαιto guardAor Act Inf · φυλάσσωcomplementary infinitive (of δυνατός)→ constative aoristφυλάσσω: 'guard, keep watch over'; the verb of safe-keeping, anticipating Timothy's charge (v.14).
εἰςuntilpreposition + accusative (extent of time)
ἐκείνηνthatAccusativedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that'; 'that Day' is the eschatological day of Christ's appearing and judgment.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἡμέρανDayAccusativeobject of εἰς (terminus)ἡμέρα: 'day'; ἐκείνη ἡ ἡμέρα = 'that Day,' the day of the Lord's return and reward (cf. v.18; 4:8).
13
ὑποτύπωσιν ἔχε ὑγιαινόντων λόγων ὧν παρ' ἐμοῦ ἤκουσας ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ·
Hold the pattern of sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
A fresh imperative: Timothy is to keep the apostolic teaching as a normative model, held within the sphere of Christ-centered faith and love.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ὑποτύπωσινpatternAccusativedirect object of ἔχεὑποτύπωσις: 'pattern, outline, model' (a sketch to be copied); Paul's teaching is the normative template.
ἔχεholdPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (imperative)→ customary/durative presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; the present imperative — keep on holding fast as a continual habit.
ὑγιαινόντωνsound/healthyPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ὑγιαίνωattributive participle (modifies λόγων)→ present (ongoing quality)ὑγιαίνω: 'be healthy, sound' (cf. 'hygiene'); a Pastoral favorite — doctrine that is wholesome, not diseased.
λόγωνwordsGenitiveobjective/descriptive genitive (of ὑποτύπωσιν)λόγος: 'word, message'; the body of apostolic teaching.
ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (attracted to λόγων; object of ἤκουσας)ὅς: relative pronoun, by attraction in the genitive of its antecedent λόγων.
παρ'frompreposition + genitive (source)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of παρά (personal source)
ἤκουσαςyou heardAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀκούωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristἀκούω: 'hear'; the teaching Timothy received directly from Paul.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/sphere)
πίστειfaithDativedat. of manner (the holding's atmosphere)πίστις: 'faith'; the pattern is to be held believingly, not merely intellectually.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀγάπῃloveDativedat. of manner (coordinate)ἀγάπη: 'love'; sound teaching is to be held in love, never as cold orthodoxy.
τῇthe (which is)Dativearticle (substantizes the prep. phrase)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/union)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (source/sphere of faith & love)Χριστός: faith and love alike have their ground and home in union with Christ.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ
14
τὴν καλὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου τοῦ ἐνοικοῦντος ἐν ἡμῖν.
Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
The central charge, echoing v.12: Timothy must guard the entrusted gospel — not by his own strength but through the indwelling Spirit.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
καλὴνgoodAccusativeattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, fine, excellent'; the deposit is precious and noble, worth guarding.
παραθήκηνdepositAccusativedirect object of φύλαξονπαραθήκη: 'deposit, trust'; here the sound gospel entrusted to Timothy to keep intact (cf. v.12).
φύλαξονguardAor Act Impv 2 Sg · φυλάσσωmain verb (imperative)→ constative aorist (decisive charge)φυλάσσω: 'guard, keep'; the aorist imperative gives the command urgent, summary force.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means/agency)
πνεύματοςSpiritGenitiveobject of διά (enabling agency)πνεῦμα: the Holy Spirit; guarding the deposit is a Spirit-empowered task, not mere human vigilance.
ἁγίουHolyGenitiveattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy'; qualifying πνεῦμα as the Holy Spirit.
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἐνοικοῦντοςwho dwellsPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Neut · ἐνοικέωattributive participle (modifies πνεύματος)→ present (continuing indwelling)ἐνοικέω: 'dwell in, indwell'; the same verb as the faith 'dwelling' in v.5 — the Spirit makes his home in believers.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)
ἡμῖνusDativeobject of ἐν (dwelling-place)
15
Οἶδας τοῦτο, ὅτι ἀπεστράφησάν με πάντες οἱ ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ, ὧν ἐστιν Φύγελος καὶ Ἑρμογένης.
You know this, that all those in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
A sobering foil to the charge: a wave of desertion in Asia, with two named defectors — the shame of abandonment that Timothy must not imitate.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
Οἶδαςyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Sg · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect-with-present-forceοἶδα: 'know'; Timothy is already aware of the painful facts.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (anticipates ὅτι clause)οὗτος: 'this'; cataphoric, pointing forward to the ὅτι content.
ὅτιthatconjunction (epexegetical of τοῦτο)
ἀπεστράφησάνturned awayAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἀποστρέφωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ constative aoristἀποστρέφω: 'turn away, desert' (ἀπό + στρέφω); the passive used reflexively — they turned themselves from Paul.
μεmeAccusativeobject (accusative of separation)
πάντεςallNominativesubject (substantival adjective)πᾶς: 'all'; a sweeping, sorrowful generalization — the abandonment was widespread.
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes the phrase)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῇtheDativearticle
ἈσίᾳAsiaDativeobject of ἐν (place)Ἀσία: the Roman province of Asia (western Asia Minor), whose capital was Ephesus, Timothy's locale.
ὧνof whomGenitivepartitive genitive (relative pronoun)
ἐστινarePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (rel. clause)→ stative present
ΦύγελοςPhygelusNominativepredicate nominative (named example)Φύγελος: Phygelus, otherwise unknown — named here in his defection.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἙρμογένηςHermogenesNominativepredicate nominative (coordinate)Ἑρμογένης: Hermogenes ('born of Hermes'), likewise known only from this notice of desertion.
16
δῴη ἔλεος ὁ κύριος τῷ Ὀνησιφόρου οἴκῳ, ὅτι πολλάκις με ἀνέψυξεν καὶ τὴν ἅλυσίν μου οὐκ ἐπαισχύνθη,
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain,
Against the deserters stands Onesiphorus: a prayer-wish for mercy on his household, grounded in his repeated refreshment of Paul and his refusal to be ashamed of the chains.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
δῴηmay he grantAor Act Opt 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (optative of wish)→ volitive optative (prayer-wish)δίδωμι: 'give, grant'; the rare optative voices a prayer — 'may the Lord grant.'
ἔλεοςmercyAccusativedirect objectἔλεος: 'mercy'; the same word as the greeting (v.2), now sought for a faithful friend.
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the giver of the mercy invoked.
τῷtheDativearticle
Ὀνησιφόρουof OnesiphorusGenitivegenitive of possession (modifies οἴκῳ)Ὀνησίφορος: 'profit-bringer'; a loyal believer whose name fits his helpfulness — possibly already deceased (hence prayer for his house).
οἴκῳhouseholdDativeindirect object (recipient of mercy)οἶκος: 'house, household'; the family benefits from the man's faithfulness.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
πολλάκιςoftenadverb (frequency)πολλάκις: 'many times, often'; the repeated, habitual help of Onesiphorus.
μεmeAccusativedirect object of ἀνέψυξεν
ἀνέψυξενhe refreshedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναψύχωmain verb (causal clause)→ constative aoristἀναψύχω: 'refresh, revive' (ἀνά + ψύχω, 'cool'); like a cool breeze — Onesiphorus relieved Paul's distress.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἅλυσίνchainAccusativedirect object of ἐπαισχύνθηἅλυσις: 'chain, fetter'; the literal mark of Paul's imprisonment, a potential cause of shame to associates.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐπαισχύνθηhe was ashamedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἐπαισχύνομαιmain verb (coordinate)→ constative aoristἐπαισχύνομαι: 'be ashamed'; the leitmotif again (vv.8,12) — Onesiphorus embodies the unashamed loyalty Timothy is to show.
17
ἀλλὰ γενόμενος ἐν Ῥώμῃ σπουδαίως ἐζήτησέν με καὶ εὗρεν
but when he was in Rome he sought me out diligently and found me —
The proof of that loyalty: rather than avoiding the prisoner, Onesiphorus searched hard for Paul in Rome until he found him.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunctionἀλλά: contrasting Onesiphorus's eager search with any shame-driven avoidance.
γενόμενοςhaving come/beenAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · γίνομαιadverbial ptc. (temporal)→ constative aorist (antecedent)γίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; here 'having arrived/come to be in Rome.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ῬώμῃRomeDativeobject of ἐν (place)Ῥώμη: Rome, the imperial capital — where Paul was imprisoned awaiting trial.
σπουδαίωςdiligentlyadverb (manner)σπουδαίως: 'eagerly, diligently' (from σπουδή, 'haste, zeal'); the earnestness of the search.
ἐζήτησένhe soughtAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ζητέωmain verb→ constative aoristζητέω: 'seek, search for'; finding a particular prisoner in Rome took real effort.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὗρενhe foundAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὑρίσκωmain verb (coordinate)→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find'; the diligent search succeeded — loyalty rewarded with reunion.
18
δῴη αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ κυρίου ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ. καὶ ὅσα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ διηκόνησεν, βέλτιον σὺ γινώσκεις.
may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day! And how many things he served in Ephesus, you know very well.
The Onesiphorus section closes with a renewed prayer for eschatological mercy and a reminder that Timothy himself knows the full extent of the man's Ephesian service.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
δῴηmay he grantAor Act Opt 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (optative of wish)→ volitive optative (prayer-wish)δίδωμι: 'give, grant'; the prayer of v.16 renewed, now for the man himself.
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the giver of mercy — the doubled 'Lord ... from the Lord' is a solemn, perhaps liturgical fullness.
εὑρεῖνto findAor Act Inf · εὑρίσκωcomplementary infinitive (content of δῴη)→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find'; a deliberate echo — the one who 'found' Paul (v.17) may himself 'find' mercy.
ἔλεοςmercyAccusativeobject of εὑρεῖνἔλεος: 'mercy'; the eschatological compassion sought for Onesiphorus.
παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source)
κυρίουthe LordGenitiveobject of παρά (source of mercy)κύριος: 'Lord'; here perhaps distinguishing the Father as source, with Christ the Lord who grants.
ἐνin/onpreposition + dative (time)
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that'; 'that Day' once more (cf. v.12) — the day of judgment and reward.
τῇtheDativearticle
ἡμέρᾳDayDativedat. of time (when)ἡμέρα: 'day'; the appointed eschatological Day.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὅσαhow many thingsAccusativedirect object of διηκόνησεν (correlative)ὅσος: 'as much/many as'; the full extent of Onesiphorus's services.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ἘφέσῳEphesusDativeobject of ἐν (place)Ἔφεσος: Ephesus, the great city of Asia where Timothy ministered — scene of earlier service by Onesiphorus.
διηκόνησενhe served/ministeredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · διακονέωmain verb (rel./indir. clause)→ constative aoristδιακονέω: 'serve, minister' (cf. 'deacon'); practical service rendered to the church and to Paul.
βέλτιονvery well/betteradverb (comparative, elative force)βέλτιον: 'better' (comparative of εὖ); here elative, 'very well' — Timothy knows it best of all.
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
γινώσκειςyou knowPres Act Indic 2 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ stative presentγινώσκω: 'know (by experience)'; Timothy's firsthand acquaintance with Onesiphorus's Ephesian ministry.