1
Διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, τοῦ μέλλοντος κρίνειν ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς, καὶ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ·
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:
Asyndeton launches the letter's climactic charge. The verb is front-loaded and the witnesses heaped up — God, the judging Christ, his appearing, his kingdom — to give the coming imperative maximal gravity.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ΔιαμαρτύρομαιI solemnly chargePres Mid Indic 1 Sg · διαμαρτύρομαιmain verb (performative)→ performative present (the charge is enacted in the saying)διαμαρτύρομαι: 'testify solemnly, adjure' (διά-intensive of μαρτύρομαι); a quasi-legal verb invoking witnesses — the most weighty term for a charge.
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (presence)ἐνώπιον: 'in the sight of, before'; sets the charge in the courtroom of the divine presence.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (witness)θεός: God; the first and supreme witness to the charge.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (coordinate witness)Χριστός: 'Anointed,' Messiah; here as name-title for Jesus, the second witness and the coming Judge.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to Χριστοῦ
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
μέλλοντοςwho is aboutPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · μέλλωattributive participle (modifies Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ)→ futuristic present (imminent certainty)μέλλω: 'be about to, be destined to'; with the infinitive it marks the judgment as certain and impending.
κρίνεινto judgePres Act Inf · κρίνωcomplementary infinitive (with μέλλοντος)→ present infinitive (the appointed judging)κρίνω: 'judge, decide'; the eschatological judgment that frames all ministry.
ζῶνταςlivingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · ζάωsubstantival participle (object of κρίνειν)→ present (those then alive)ζάω: 'live'; 'the living' — one half of the merism for all humanity (cf. Acts 10:42).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
νεκρούςdeadAccusativesubstantival adj. (object of κρίνειν)νεκρός: 'dead (one)'; 'the dead' — the other half of the merism: none escapes the Judge.
καὶand (by)conjunction (adds objects of adjuration)καί: here the charge swings from the witnesses to that by which one is adjured — 'and (I charge you by) his appearing.'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐπιφάνειανappearingAccusativeaccusative of adjuration (that by which one is charged)ἐπιφάνεια: 'appearing, manifestation'; an imperial advent-word — Christ's royal coming, the great pastoral horizon (cf. v.8; 1 Tim 6:14).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
βασιλείανkingdomAccusativeaccusative of adjuration (coordinate)βασιλεία: 'kingdom, reign'; the realm into which Christ's appearing ushers his own — the second object of adjuration.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
2
κήρυξον τὸν λόγον, ἐπίστηθι εὐκαίρως ἀκαίρως, ἔλεγξον, ἐπιτίμησον, παρακάλεσον, ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ.
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all patience and teaching.
The content of the adjuration, delivered in a staccato chain of five aorist imperatives. The first names the task (herald the word); the rest unfold its urgency and range, capped by the manner-phrase 'with all patience and teaching.'
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
κήρυξονpreach/heraldAor Act Impv 2 Sg · κηρύσσωimperative (the central command)→ ingressive/urgent aorist imperativeκηρύσσω: 'proclaim as a herald' (κῆρυξ, the public crier); not to debate but to announce the King's message with authority.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονwordAccusativedirect objectλόγος: 'word, message'; here the gospel word/Scripture just commended (3:15–16) — the fixed content of the proclamation.
ἐπίστηθιbe ready/stand byAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐφίστημιimperative→ urgent aorist imperativeἐφίστημι: 'stand over/by, be at hand, be ready'; the herald keeps his post, pressing forward whether or not the moment seems opportune.
εὐκαίρωςin seasonadverb (time/opportunity)εὐκαίρως: 'opportunely, in good time' (εὖ + καιρός); the favorable moment.
ἀκαίρωςout of seasonadverb (asyndeton, antithetical pair)ἀκαίρως: 'inopportunely, out of season' (ἀ- + καιρός); the asyndetic pair forms a merism — 'whether convenient or not, always.'
ἔλεγξονreproveAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐλέγχωimperative→ urgent aorist imperativeἐλέγχω: 'expose, convict, reprove'; to bring sin to light and prove it, aiming at correction (cf. 3:16).
ἐπιτίμησονrebukeAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐπιτιμάωimperative→ urgent aorist imperativeἐπιτιμάω: 'rebuke, censure, warn sharply'; a stronger, more confrontational word than ἐλέγχω.
παρακάλεσονexhort/encourageAor Act Impv 2 Sg · παρακαλέωimperative→ urgent aorist imperativeπαρακαλέω: 'call alongside, exhort, encourage, comfort'; the positive counterpart that completes the triad of pastoral speech.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all, every'; 'all patience' — the full, unstinting measure required.
μακροθυμίᾳpatience/longsufferingDativedat. of manner (governs all three verbs)μακροθυμία: 'longsuffering, forbearance' (μακρός + θυμός, 'long-tempered'); the temper that reproves and rebukes without harshness or haste.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διδαχῇteachingDativedat. of manner (coordinate)διδαχή: 'teaching, instruction'; rebuke must be wedded to patient doctrine, never mere scolding — the content that gives correction its substance.
3
ἔσται γὰρ καιρὸς ὅτε τῆς ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας οὐκ ἀνέξονται, ἀλλὰ κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισωρεύσουσιν διδασκάλους κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν,
For a time will come when they will not endure sound teaching, but according to their own desires they will heap up teachers for themselves, having itching ears,
γάρ grounds the relentless charge of v.2 in a coming crisis: a future 'season' (answering εὐκαίρως ἀκαίρως) when sound teaching will be refused and self-chosen teachers multiplied to scratch itching ears.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἔσταιthere will beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'be'; the future tense announces an approaching, certain era of declension.
γὰρforexplanatory/causal conjunction
καιρὸςa time/seasonNominativesubjectκαιρός: 'appointed time, season'; not mere chronology but a charged epoch — here a season of apostasy.
ὅτεwhentemporal adverb (introduces rel. clause)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ὑγιαινούσηςsound/healthyPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Fem · ὑγιαίνωattributive participle (modifies διδασκαλίας)→ present (durative quality)ὑγιαίνω: 'be healthy, sound' (cf. 'hygiene'); a Pastorals favorite — doctrine that produces spiritual health, opposed to the diseased teaching of the false.
διδασκαλίαςteaching/doctrineGenitivegenitive object of ἀνέξονταιδιδασκαλία: 'instruction, doctrine'; the body of apostolic teaching they will refuse to bear.
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἀνέξονταιthey will endure/put up withFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀνέχομαιmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureἀνέχομαι: 'bear with, tolerate, endure'; takes the genitive — they will not 'hold up under' healthy doctrine.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunctionἀλλά: strong adversative — sets the self-willed alternative against sound teaching.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/norm)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἰδίαςtheir ownAccusativeattributive adjective (emphatic)ἴδιος: 'one's own, private'; underscores that the norm is self, not truth — desire becomes the canon.
ἐπιθυμίαςdesires/cravingsAccusativeobject of κατά (the governing norm)ἐπιθυμία: 'desire, craving, lust'; here the appetites that select teachers to flatter rather than form.
ἑαυτοῖςfor themselvesDativedat. of advantage (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive 'themselves'; the self-serving dative — they gather teachers to gratify themselves.
ἐπισωρεύσουσινthey will heap upFut Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπισωρεύωmain verb (coordinate to ἀνέξονται)→ predictive futureἐπισωρεύω: 'pile up, accumulate' (ἐπί + σωρεύω, 'heap'); a vivid hapax — they amass teacher upon teacher to suit every whim.
διδασκάλουςteachersAccusativedirect objectδιδάσκαλος: 'teacher'; here pejorative — purveyors of what the ears wish to hear.
κνηθόμενοιitching/having itchedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · κνήθωadverbial participle (cause/manner)→ present (ongoing condition)κνήθω: 'scratch, tickle'; passive 'have an itch.' A striking metaphor — ears that crave the agreeable scratch of novelty.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀκοήνear/hearingAccusativeaccusative of respect (the part itched)ἀκοή: 'hearing, the ear'; the accusative of the affected part — 'itching as to the ear.'
4
καὶ ἀπὸ μὲν τῆς ἀληθείας τὴν ἀκοὴν ἀποστρέψουσιν, ἐπὶ δὲ τοὺς μύθους ἐκτραπήσονται.
and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and turn aside to myths.
The itching-ears diagnosis resolves into a double, balanced movement (μέν … δέ): a turning away from truth and a turning aside to myths — a swerve neatly chiasmic with v.3's refusal of sound teaching.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
μὲνon the one handparticle (μέν, correlative with δέ)μέν: sets up the first member of the balanced antithesis — away from truth … toward myths.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἀληθείαςtruthGenitiveobject of ἀπό (separation)ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; the gospel reality from which they avert their hearing.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀκοὴνear/hearingAccusativedirect object of ἀποστρέψουσινἀκοή: 'hearing, ear'; picks up v.3 — the same ears now actively turned from truth.
ἀποστρέψουσινthey will turn awayFut Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀποστρέφωmain verb→ predictive futureἀποστρέφω: 'turn away, avert' (ἀπό + στρέφω); a deliberate aversion of the ear from the truth.
ἐπὶto/towardpreposition + accusative (direction)
δὲon the other handparticle (δέ, answers μέν)δέ: completes the antithesis — the turn away is matched by a turn toward.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
μύθουςmyths/fablesAccusativeobject of ἐπί (the new object of attention)μῦθος: 'tale, fable, myth'; the empty speculations and legends the Pastorals repeatedly oppose (1 Tim 1:4; 4:7; Titus 1:14).
ἐκτραπήσονταιthey will turn aside/be divertedFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐκτρέπωmain verb→ predictive futureἐκτρέπω: 'turn aside, deviate'; the passive ('be diverted') with a middle sense — they swerve off the road onto myth.
5
σὺ δὲ νῆφε ἐν πᾶσιν, κακοπάθησον, ἔργον ποίησον εὐαγγελιστοῦ, τὴν διακονίαν σου πληροφόρησον.
But as for you, be sober in all things, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
The emphatic σὺ δέ ('but you') sharply sets Timothy over against the apostates of vv.3–4. Four crisp imperatives re-press the charge — sobriety, endurance, evangelism, completion — returning the discourse to the main line.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic, contrastive)σύ: emphatic 'you' — Timothy singled out against the drifting crowd.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
νῆφεbe sober/clear-headedPres Act Impv 2 Sg · νήφωimperative→ customary present imperative (a settled habit)νήφω: 'be sober, self-controlled, watchful'; abstaining from the intoxication of error — clear-eyed vigilance.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πᾶσινall thingsDativesubstantival adj. (dat. of sphere)πᾶς: 'all'; 'in everything' — no area of life or ministry exempt from sober watchfulness.
κακοπάθησονendure hardship/sufferingAor Act Impv 2 Sg · κακοπαθέωimperative→ constative aorist imperativeκακοπαθέω: 'suffer evil/hardship' (κακός + πάσχω); accept the affliction the ministry entails (cf. 1:8; 2:3, 9).
ἔργονworkAccusativedirect object (fronted)ἔργον: 'work, task'; the labor proper to the gospel herald.
ποίησονdoAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ποιέωimperative→ constative aorist imperativeποιέω: 'do, make, accomplish'; carry out fully the evangelist's task.
εὐαγγελιστοῦof an evangelistGenitivegenitive of description/relationshipεὐαγγελιστής: 'evangelist, bringer of good news'; one of only three NT uses (Acts 21:8; Eph 4:11) — the gospel-spreading function Timothy must embody.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
διακονίανministry/serviceAccusativedirect objectδιακονία: 'service, ministry'; the whole stewardship entrusted to him.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
πληροφόρησονfulfill/discharge fullyAor Act Impv 2 Sg · πληροφορέωimperative (climactic)→ constative aorist imperative (bring to full measure)πληροφορέω: 'fill up, fulfill completely, accomplish fully' (πλήρης + φέρω); carry the ministry to its full term — the climactic charge that mirrors Paul's own finished course (vv.6–7).
6
Ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤδη σπένδομαι, καὶ ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἀναλύσεώς μου ἐφέστηκεν.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.
γάρ grounds the urgency of v.5 in Paul's imminent death: the emphatic Ἐγώ ('I, for my part') marks the hand-off — as the apostle is poured out and departs, Timothy must fulfill the ministry that outlives him.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἘγὼINominativesubject (emphatic)ἐγώ: emphatic 'I'; balances the σύ of v.5 — Paul's exit answered by Timothy's continuation.
γὰρforexplanatory/causal conjunction
ἤδηalready/nowadverb (time)ἤδη: 'already, now'; the process of departure has begun — not future but present.
σπένδομαιI am being poured outPres Pass Indic 1 Sg · σπένδωmain verb→ progressive present (the offering underway)σπένδω: 'pour out a libation'; the drink-offering image (cf. Phil 2:17) — his lifeblood poured as a sacrificial libation over the sacrifice of faith.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
καιρὸςtimeNominativesubjectκαιρός: 'appointed time, moment'; the destined hour of his departure.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἀναλύσεώςdeparture/loosingGenitivegenitive (epexegetical/of definition)ἀνάλυσις: 'departure, unloosing' (cf. ἀναλύω, of weighing anchor or striking a tent); a serene euphemism for death as a setting-out (cf. Phil 1:23).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐφέστηκενhas come/is at handPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐφίστημιmain verb→ intensive perfect (a present settled imminence)ἐφίστημι: 'stand by, be at hand, be imminent'; the perfect — 'has arrived and now stands present.' Note the echo of ἐπίστηθι (v.2): the same word now of his departure.
7
τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα ἠγώνισμαι, τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα, τὴν πίστιν τετήρηκα·
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Asyndeton, with three fronted objects and three perfect verbs in rising parallelism — the apostle's settled, finished verdict on his own course. The athletic-military imagery looks back over a completed life of fidelity.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
καλὸνgood/nobleAccusativeattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, noble, fine'; not merely successful but honorable — the contest worth contending (cf. 1 Tim 6:12).
ἀγῶναfight/contestAccusativedirect object (cognate w/ ἠγώνισμαι)ἀγών: 'contest, struggle' (cf. 'agony'); the athletic or military struggle of the Christian course.
ἠγώνισμαιI have fought/contendedPerf Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἀγωνίζομαιmain verb→ intensive perfect (completed with abiding result)ἀγωνίζομαι: 'struggle, contend, compete'; the cognate verb — 'I have contended the contest,' the striving now done.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
δρόμονrace/courseAccusativedirect objectδρόμος: 'running, course' (cf. δραμεῖν, 'to run'); the appointed track of life and ministry (cf. Acts 20:24).
τετέλεκαI have finished/completedPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · τελέωmain verb→ intensive perfect (finished and standing finished)τελέω: 'complete, finish, bring to the goal'; the race run to its very end — nothing left undone.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πίστινfaithAccusativedirect objectπίστις: 'faith, faithfulness, the faith'; both his personal trust kept and the deposit of 'the faith' guarded (cf. 1:14) — 'kept faith' was also an idiom of an oath honored.
τετήρηκαI have kept/guardedPerf Act Indic 1 Sg · τηρέωmain verb→ intensive perfect (guarded intact to the end)τηρέω: 'keep, guard, watch over'; the deposit preserved unbroken — the pledge faithfully maintained.
8
λοιπὸν ἀπόκειταί μοι ὁ τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος, ὃν ἀποδώσει μοι ὁ κύριος ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ, ὁ δίκαιος κριτής, οὐ μόνον δὲ ἐμοὶ ἀλλὰ καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ἠγαπηκόσι τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day — and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
λοιπόν ('for the rest, henceforth') turns from the finished race to the awaiting prize. The crown is reserved, the awarding certain, the Judge righteous — and the prospect is generously widened to all who love Christ's appearing, closing the loop with v.1.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
λοιπὸνhenceforth/finallyadverbial accusative (transition)λοιπόν: 'for the rest, henceforth, finally'; marks the turn from retrospect to what now remains in store.
ἀπόκειταίis laid up/reservedPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀπόκειμαιmain verb→ stative present (a standing reservation)ἀπόκειμαι: 'be laid away, be reserved/stored up'; the prize already set aside and waiting (cf. Col 1:5).
μοιfor meDativedat. of advantage
ὁtheNominativearticle
τῆςofGenitivearticle
δικαιοσύνηςrighteousnessGenitivegenitive (apposition/result; debated)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; the crown that consists of, or is bestowed upon, righteousness — the reward answering the righteous Judge.
στέφανοςcrown/wreathNominativesubjectστέφανος: the victor's wreath of the games (not a royal διάδημα); the laurel awarded the winning athlete — fitting after the δρόμος of v.7.
ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἀποδώσει)
ἀποδώσειwill award/renderFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, render, pay what is due' (ἀπό + δίδωμι); the prize given as a just recompense, not a gratuity merely.
μοιto meDativeindirect object
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubject (of rel. clause)κύριος: 'Lord'; the risen Christ as the one who confers the crown.
ἐνon/inpreposition + dative (time)
ἐκείνῃthatDativedemonstrative (attributive)ἐκεῖνος: 'that'; 'that Day' — the well-known day of Christ's appearing and judgment (cf. 1:12, 18).
τῇtheDativearticle
ἡμέρᾳDayDativedat. of time (when)ἡμέρα: 'day'; the eschatological Day of reckoning and reward.
ὁtheNominativearticle
δίκαιοςrighteousNominativeattributive adjectiveδίκαιος: 'righteous, just'; the Judge whose verdict is unfailingly right — guarantee that the crown is justly given.
κριτήςJudgeNominativeapposition to ὁ κύριοςκριτής: 'judge'; the same Lord who judges living and dead (v.1) now named the righteous Judge who rewards.
οὐnotnegative particle
μόνονonlyadverb (οὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί)μόνον: 'only'; part of the 'not only … but also' construction that widens the hope beyond Paul.
δὲand/butconjunction (continuative)
ἐμοὶto meDativedat. of advantage (emphatic pronoun)ἐγώ: emphatic 'me'; the crown is not Paul's private trophy.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
πᾶσινallDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the prize broadened to the whole company of the faithful.
τοῖςthoseDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἠγαπηκόσιwho have loved/longed forPerf Act Ptc · Dat Pl Masc · ἀγαπάωsubstantival participle (dat. of advantage)→ intensive perfect (a settled, abiding love)ἀγαπάω: 'love'; the perfect marks a love now fixed as a standing disposition — those whose hearts are set on Christ's return.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐπιφάνειανappearingAccusativedirect object of ἠγαπηκόσιἐπιφάνεια: 'appearing, manifestation'; the same advent-word as v.1 — the longed-for royal coming of the Lord.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
9
Σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν πρός με ταχέως·
Do your best to come to me soon.
Asyndeton opens the letter's personal close. The blunt imperative 'hurry to come' frames the remaining verses — a lonely apostle's heartfelt summons, repeated in v.21.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
Σπούδασονmake every effort/hastenAor Act Impv 2 Sg · σπουδάζωimperative→ urgent aorist imperativeσπουδάζω: 'be eager, make haste, do one's best' (cf. σπουδή, 'zeal'); urgency and earnest effort combined — 'lose no time.'
ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιcomplementary infinitive→ constative aorist infinitiveἔρχομαι: 'come, go'; the action Timothy is urged to hasten.
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
μεmeAccusativeobject of πρός
ταχέωςsoon/quicklyadverb (manner/time)ταχέως: 'quickly, soon'; the haste underscored — perhaps with winter and death both pressing (vv.6, 21).
10
Δημᾶς γάρ με ἐγκατέλιπεν ἀγαπήσας τὸν νῦν αἰῶνα, καὶ ἐπορεύθη εἰς Θεσσαλονίκην, Κρήσκης εἰς Γαλατίαν, Τίτος εἰς Δαλματίαν·
For Demas, having loved the present age, deserted me and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
γάρ supplies the reason for the summons: the apostle is increasingly alone. Demas's defection is told with pathos (the participle names its cause — love of this age), then a terse list of those scattered abroad.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ΔημᾶςDemasNominativesubjectΔημᾶς: Demas, once a fellow worker (Col 4:14; Phlm 24); here the tragic apostate of the list.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ἐγκατέλιπενdeserted/abandonedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐγκαταλείπωmain verb→ constative aoristἐγκαταλείπω: 'forsake, abandon, leave in the lurch' (ἐν + κατά + λείπω); a weighty word — the same verb of v.16 and of Ps 22:1 (cf. Matt 27:46).
ἀγαπήσαςhaving lovedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀγαπάωadverbial participle (cause)→ constative aorist (the choice that explains the act)ἀγαπάω: 'love'; a pointed contrast with the ἠγαπηκόσι of v.8 — Demas loved the present age, not the appearing.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
νῦνpresent/nowadverb used attributively (with αἰῶνα)νῦν: 'now'; 'the now age' — the present world-order opposed to the age to come.
αἰῶναage/worldAccusativedirect object of ἀγαπήσαςαἰών: 'age, world-era'; the transient present order whose love draws a man from the eternal.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐπορεύθηwent/journeyedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · πορεύομαιmain verb→ constative aoristπορεύομαι: 'go, travel, journey'; deponent — Demas took himself off to Thessalonica.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ΘεσσαλονίκηνThessalonicaAccusativeobject of εἰς (destination)Θεσσαλονίκη: Thessalonica, the chief Macedonian city — perhaps Demas's home.
ΚρήσκηςCrescensNominativesubject (verb ἐπορεύθη implied)Κρήσκης: Crescens, otherwise unknown; the second named departure (whether dispatched or defected is unstated).
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ΓαλατίανGalatiaAccusativeobject of εἰςΓαλατία: Galatia (or Gaul, in some readings); a Roman province in central Asia Minor.
ΤίτοςTitusNominativesubject (verb implied)Τίτος: Titus, the trusted delegate (Galatians, 2 Corinthians, the letter to Titus); here on mission, not in defection.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ΔαλματίανDalmatiaAccusativeobject of εἰςΔαλματία: Dalmatia, the southern region of Illyricum on the Adriatic coast.
11
Λουκᾶς ἐστιν μόνος μετ' ἐμοῦ. Μᾶρκον ἀναλαβὼν ἄγε μετὰ σεαυτοῦ, ἔστιν γάρ μοι εὔχρηστος εἰς διακονίαν.
Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
Two short sentences: the poignant note that only Luke remains, then a request — fetch Mark, the one-time cause of estrangement (Acts 15:37–39), now prized as useful. The γάρ grounds the request in Mark's restored worth.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ΛουκᾶςLukeNominativesubjectΛουκᾶς: Luke, the beloved physician (Col 4:14) and evangelist, the loyal companion who alone remains at Paul's side.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
μόνοςalone/onlyNominativepredicate adjectiveμόνος: 'alone, only'; the lonely emphasis — of all the circle, Luke alone is present.
μετ'withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of μετά
ΜᾶρκονMarkAccusativedirect object (fronted)Μᾶρκος: John Mark, once the occasion of Paul's split with Barnabas (Acts 15), now restored and commended (cf. Col 4:10; Phlm 24).
ἀναλαβὼνtaking up/picking upAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀναλαμβάνωadverbial participle (attendant circumstance)→ constative aorist (antecedent to ἄγε)ἀναλαμβάνω: 'take up, fetch, pick up'; gather Mark on the way and bring him along.
ἄγεbringPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ἄγωimperative→ customary present imperativeἄγω: 'lead, bring'; the main charge — escort Mark to Paul.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
σεαυτοῦyourselfGenitiveobject of μετά (reflexive)σεαυτοῦ: reflexive 'yourself'; bring him in your own company.
ἔστινhe isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
μοιto meDativedat. of advantage/reference
εὔχρηστοςuseful/serviceableNominativepredicate adjectiveεὔχρηστος: 'useful, serviceable' (εὖ + χρηστός); the same word used of the restored vessel in 2:21 — Mark is now profitable for service.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
διακονίανministry/serviceAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)διακονία: 'service, ministry'; the practical help Mark can render — and the gospel work itself.
12
Τυχικὸν δὲ ἀπέστειλα εἰς Ἔφεσον.
Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.
A passing item of news, perhaps explaining how this letter reaches Timothy (Tychicus as bearer) and freeing him to leave his post — δέ simply links it to the surrounding personal notices.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
ΤυχικὸνTychicusAccusativedirect object (fronted)Τυχικός: Tychicus, a trusted courier of Paul's letters (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; Titus 3:12), here sent to Ephesus — perhaps to relieve Timothy.
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
ἀπέστειλαI sentAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀποστέλλωmain verb→ constative aorist (possibly epistolary)ἀποστέλλω: 'send out (with a commission)'; perhaps an epistolary aorist — 'I am sending,' from the reader's standpoint.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ἜφεσονEphesusAccusativeobject of εἰς (destination)Ἔφεσος: Ephesus, the great city of Asia and the locale of Timothy's ministry (1 Tim 1:3).
13
τὸν φαιλόνην ὃν ἀπέλιπον ἐν Τρῳάδι παρὰ Κάρπῳ ἐρχόμενος φέρε, καὶ τὰ βιβλία, μάλιστα τὰς μεμβράνας.
When you come, bring the cloak I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments.
A touchingly concrete request: a cloak against the coming winter (v.21), and the books and parchments — the apostle still wants his texts. The vivid detail authenticates the letter's setting in a cold cell.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
φαιλόνηνcloakAccusativedirect object (fronted) of φέρεφαιλόνης (= φαινόλης, Lat. paenula): a heavy traveling cloak or mantle; the practical need of a prisoner facing winter.
ὃνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἀπέλιπον)
ἀπέλιπονI leftAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀπολείπωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristἀπολείπω: 'leave behind'; Paul left the cloak in transit at Troas.
ἐνin/atpreposition + dative (place)
ΤρῳάδιTroasDativedat. of placeΤρῳάς: Troas, the Aegean port near ancient Troy (cf. Acts 16:8; 20:6).
παρὰwith/besidepreposition + dative (in the keeping of)
ΚάρπῳCarpusDativeobject of παρά (custodian)Κάρπος: Carpus, an otherwise unknown host at Troas with whom the cloak was left.
ἐρχόμενοςcoming/as you comePres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιadverbial participle (temporal)→ present (concurrent with φέρε)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; 'as you come' — Timothy is to collect the items en route.
φέρεbringPres Act Impv 2 Sg · φέρωimperative→ customary present imperativeφέρω: 'bear, bring, carry'; the main request — carry these along.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰtheAccusativearticle
βιβλίαbooks/scrollsAccusativedirect object (coordinate)βιβλίον: 'book, scroll'; probably papyrus rolls — Paul's working library, perhaps Scriptures.
μάλισταespeciallyadverb (superlative of degree)μάλιστα: 'most of all, especially'; singles out the parchments as the most prized.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
μεμβράναςparchmentsAccusativedirect object (in apposition / specifying)μεμβράνα (Lat. membrana): vellum/parchment leaves; perhaps the more durable copies of Scripture or Paul's own notes — a Latin loanword, hapax in the NT.
14
Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ χαλκεὺς πολλά μοι κακὰ ἐνεδείξατο· ἀποδώσει αὐτῷ ὁ κύριος κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ·
Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will repay him according to his works.
Asyndeton introduces a named adversary. The wrong is stated, then committed to the Lord's just recompense — ἀποδώσει deliberately echoes v.8: the same Judge who awards the crown repays evil works.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ἈλέξανδροςAlexanderNominativesubjectἈλέξανδρος: Alexander, a common name; here a determined opponent (perhaps the figure of 1 Tim 1:20).
ὁtheNominativearticle
χαλκεὺςcoppersmith/metalworkerNominativeapposition (identifying trade)χαλκεύς: 'worker in metal, smith' (χαλκός, 'copper/bronze'); the trade-tag distinguishes this Alexander from others.
πολλάmany/muchAccusativeattributive adjective (with κακά)πολύς: 'much, many'; the extent of the injuries done.
μοιto meDativedat. of disadvantage
κακὰevils/harmAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)κακός: 'bad, evil'; 'many evil things' — the harm Alexander inflicted.
ἐνεδείξατοdid/displayedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐνδείκνυμιmain verb→ constative aoristἐνδείκνυμι: 'show forth, display, do' (mid.); 'he showed me much evil' — exhibited his malice in deeds.
ἀποδώσειwill repay/renderFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb→ predictive future (committal to God)ἀποδίδωμι: 'pay back, render'; deliberately the same verb as v.8 — vengeance left to the righteous Judge (cf. Rom 12:19; Ps 62:12).
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the just Judge who alone will requite — Paul renounces personal retaliation.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἔργαworks/deedsAccusativeobject of κατά (measure)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; the standard of recompense — repayment by deeds, an OT formula (Ps 62:12; Prov 24:12).
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
15
ὃν καὶ σὺ φυλάσσου, λίαν γὰρ ἀντέστη τοῖς ἡμετέροις λόγοις.
Guard yourself against him too, for he strongly opposed our message.
The relative ὅν links back to Alexander as a present danger. A direct caution to Timothy (σύ emphatic), grounded by γάρ in Alexander's vehement resistance to the apostolic message.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of φυλάσσου)
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive — 'you too')
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic)σύ: emphatic 'you'; Timothy too must beware.
φυλάσσουguard yourself/bewarePres Mid Impv 2 Sg · φυλάσσωimperative (middle/reflexive)→ customary present imperative (ongoing vigilance)φυλάσσω: 'guard, watch'; middle 'be on your guard against' — keep continual watch.
λίανgreatly/stronglyadverb (degree)λίαν: 'exceedingly, greatly'; the intensity of Alexander's hostility.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἀντέστηhe opposed/withstoodAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνθίστημιmain verb→ constative aoristἀνθίστημι: 'set oneself against, resist, withstand' (ἀντί + ἵστημι); active opposition to the gospel proclamation (cf. 3:8).
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ἡμετέροιςourDativepossessive adjective (attributive)ἡμέτερος: 'our'; the message shared by Paul and Timothy — 'our words,' i.e. the apostolic preaching.
λόγοιςwords/messageDativedat. object of ἀντέστηλόγος: 'word, message'; here the gospel teaching Alexander resisted.
16
Ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ μου ἀπολογίᾳ οὐδείς μοι παρεγένετο, ἀλλὰ πάντες με ἐγκατέλιπον· μὴ αὐτοῖς λογισθείη·
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me; may it not be charged against them.
Asyndeton opens the account of the first hearing. The bleak fact — total abandonment (ἐγκατέλιπον, echoing Demas in v.10) — is met not with bitterness but with a Christlike prayer of pardon (cf. Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60).
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
Ἐνat/inpreposition + dative (time)
τῇtheDativearticle
πρώτῃfirstDativeattributive adjectiveπρῶτος: 'first'; the first (preliminary) hearing of his case — the prima actio of a Roman trial.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀπολογίᾳdefenseDativedat. of time (occasion)ἀπολογία: 'defense, speech in reply' (cf. 'apology'); the formal legal defense before the court (cf. Phil 1:7, 16).
οὐδείςno oneNominativesubject (negative)οὐδείς: 'no one, nobody'; the stark loneliness of the dock.
μοιme/by meDativedat. of association (with παρεγένετο)
παρεγένετοcame to support/stood byAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · παραγίνομαιmain verb→ constative aoristπαραγίνομαι: 'come, arrive, appear (alongside)'; here a legal sense — 'no one came forward as my supporter/advocate.'
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
πάντεςallNominativesubjectπᾶς: 'all'; the universal desertion.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ἐγκατέλιπονdeserted/abandonedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐγκαταλείπωmain verb→ constative aoristἐγκαταλείπω: 'forsake, abandon'; the same verb as v.10 (Demas) — now all forsook him, as Christ too was forsaken.
μὴnotnegative particle (with optative)μή: the negative used with the optative of wish.
αὐτοῖςagainst themDativedat. of disadvantage
λογισθείηmay it be charged/reckonedAor Pass Opt 3 Sg · λογίζομαιmain verb (optative of wish)→ voluntative optative (a prayer)λογίζομαι: 'reckon, count, charge to account'; the optative of wish — 'may it not be reckoned against them,' a prayer for their forgiveness.
17
ὁ δὲ κύριός μοι παρέστη καὶ ἐνεδυνάμωσέν με, ἵνα δι' ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ καὶ ἀκούσωσιν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, καὶ ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος.
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished and all the nations might hear; and I was rescued from the lion's mouth.
δέ pivots from human desertion to the Lord's faithfulness: though all left, the Lord stood by. The ἵνα clause gives the purpose — the proclamation completed and the nations reached — and the rescue 'from the lion's mouth' caps the deliverance.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ὁtheNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative conjunctionδέ: the great contrast — over against 'all deserted me' stands 'the Lord stood by me.'
κύριόςLordNominativesubject (emphatic)κύριος: 'Lord'; the faithful Advocate present when human advocates failed.
μοιby me/to meDativedat. of association (with παρέστη)
παρέστηstood by/supportedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παρίστημιmain verb→ constative aoristπαρίστημι: 'stand by, come to aid, present oneself beside'; the legal supporter no human supplied (cf. v.16) the Lord himself became.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνεδυνάμωσένstrengthened/empoweredAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐνδυναμόωmain verb→ constative aoristἐνδυναμόω: 'make strong, empower' (ἐν + δύναμις); the inward enabling for the witness (cf. 2:1; Phil 4:13).
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ἵναso thatconjunction (introduces purpose clause)
δι'throughpreposition + genitive (agency)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of διά (intermediate agent)
τὸtheNominativearticle
κήρυγμαproclamation/messageNominativesubject of πληροφορηθῇκήρυγμα: 'proclamation, the thing preached' (cf. κηρύσσω, v.2); the gospel announcement made full even in the courtroom.
πληροφορηθῇmight be fully accomplishedAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · πληροφορέωsubjunctive (purpose, ἵνα)→ constative aorist subjunctiveπληροφορέω: 'fulfill, accomplish fully' (cf. v.5); the proclamation brought to its full measure through Paul's defense — his trial itself a pulpit.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀκούσωσινmight hearAor Act Subj 3 Pl · ἀκούωsubjunctive (purpose, ἵνα)→ ingressive aorist subjunctiveἀκούω: 'hear'; the Gentile audience reached through this very witness before Rome.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the comprehensive scope of the gospel's hearers.
τὰtheNominativearticle
ἔθνηnations/GentilesNominativesubject of ἀκούσωσινἔθνος: 'nation'; τὰ ἔθνη = the Gentiles — the apostle to the nations bears witness even at the imperial center.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐρρύσθηνI was rescued/deliveredAor Pass Indic 1 Sg · ῥύομαιmain verb→ constative aoristῥύομαι: 'rescue, deliver, draw to oneself out of danger'; the divine passive — God delivered him.
ἐκfrom/out ofpreposition + genitive (separation)
στόματοςmouthGenitiveobject of ἐκστόμα: 'mouth'; 'the lion's mouth' — a vivid figure of mortal peril (cf. Ps 22:21; Dan 6).
λέοντοςof a lionGenitivegenitive of possession (figurative)λέων: 'lion'; metaphor for deadly danger — perhaps the emperor (Nero), Satan (cf. 1 Pet 5:8), or death itself.
18
ῥύσεταί με ὁ κύριος ἀπὸ παντὸς ἔργου πονηροῦ καὶ σώσει εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐπουράνιον· ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων, ἀμήν.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Past deliverance (v.17) becomes settled confidence: the Lord 'will rescue' (same verb) — but now the rescue is ultimate, into the heavenly kingdom, not merely from death. The thought overflows into a spontaneous doxology, sealing the section.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
ῥύσεταίwill rescue/deliverFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ῥύομαιmain verb→ predictive future (confident assurance)ῥύομαι: 'rescue, deliver'; the future picks up ἐρρύσθην (v.17) — past rescue grounds future hope, now eschatological.
μεmeAccusativedirect object
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; the same faithful Lord of v.17, now the guarantor of final salvation.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
παντὸςeveryGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'every, all'; no evil deed will finally thwart the Lord's keeping.
ἔργουdeed/workGenitiveobject of ἀπόἔργον: 'deed, work'; 'every evil deed/attack' — not necessarily death, but every assault that would harm his soul.
πονηροῦevilGenitiveattributive adjectiveπονηρός: 'evil, wicked, malignant'; active, harmful wickedness.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
σώσειwill bring safely/saveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · σῴζωmain verb→ predictive futureσῴζω: 'save, rescue, bring safely through'; here the final, saving deliverance into glory.
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
βασιλείανkingdomAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)βασιλεία: 'kingdom, reign'; the same kingdom invoked in v.1 — now Paul's destination.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (repeated, attributive position)
ἐπουράνιονheavenlyAccusativeattributive adjective (modifies βασιλείαν)ἐπουράνιος: 'heavenly, in the heavens' (ἐπί + οὐρανός); the kingdom is not earthly deliverance but the heavenly home.
ᾧto whomDativerelative pronoun (dat. of recipient in doxology)
ἡtheNominativearticle
δόξαgloryNominativesubject of implied ἔστω/εἴη (doxology)δόξα: 'glory, honor'; the ascription of praise — the natural overflow of confident hope.
εἰςfor/untopreposition + accusative (extent of time)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
αἰῶναςagesAccusativeobject of εἰς (extent of time)αἰών: 'age'; 'unto the ages of the ages' — a Semitic superlative for unending eternity.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
αἰώνωνagesGenitivegenitive (Semitic superlative)αἰών: the doubled genitive intensifies — 'forever and ever.'
ἀμήνamenliturgical affirmation (Hebrew loanword)ἀμήν: 'truly, so be it'; the Hebrew אָמֵן — the assenting seal of the doxology.
19
Ἄσπασαι Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν καὶ τὸν Ὀνησιφόρου οἶκον.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
Asyndeton opens the final salutations. Three named recipients — the faithful missionary couple and the loyal household already commended (1:16–18) — anchor the warm, personal close.
Word-by-word analysis· 8 words
ἌσπασαιgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιimperative→ constative aorist imperativeἀσπάζομαι: 'greet, salute, embrace'; the standard verb of epistolary greetings.
ΠρίσκανPriscaAccusativedirect objectΠρίσκα: Prisca (Priscilla), the tentmaker and teacher, wife of Aquila (Acts 18; Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈκύλανAquilaAccusativedirect object (coordinate)Ἀκύλας: Aquila, Prisca's husband, a fellow tentmaker and longtime co-worker of Paul.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
Ὀνησιφόρουof OnesiphorusGenitivegenitive of possession (with οἶκον)Ὀνησίφορος: Onesiphorus, who often refreshed Paul and sought him out in Rome unashamed of his chains (1:16–18); the greeting to his household may hint he himself had died.
οἶκονhouseholdAccusativedirect objectοἶκος: 'house, household'; the family and dependents of Onesiphorus.
20
Ἔραστος ἔμεινεν ἐν Κορίνθῳ, Τρόφιμον δὲ ἀπέλιπον ἐν Μιλήτῳ ἀσθενοῦντα.
Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.
Two brief travel notes (μέν-less δέ contrasting the two men): Erastus stayed behind, Trophimus was left ill. The detail that Paul could not heal him quietly attests that the age of indiscriminate miracle was not his to command.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἜραστοςErastusNominativesubjectἜραστος: Erastus, a companion of Paul (Acts 19:22; perhaps the Corinthian city treasurer of Rom 16:23).
ἔμεινενremained/stayedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · μένωmain verb→ constative aoristμένω: 'remain, stay, abide'; Erastus stayed on at Corinth, not in defection but by circumstance or assignment.
ἐνin/atpreposition + dative (place)
ΚορίνθῳCorinthDativedat. of placeΚόρινθος: Corinth, the major Achaian city on the isthmus.
ΤρόφιμονTrophimusAccusativedirect object (fronted)Τρόφιμος: Trophimus, an Ephesian companion (Acts 20:4; 21:29); here left behind sick.
δὲbutadversative/contrastive conjunction
ἀπέλιπονI leftAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀπολείπωmain verb→ constative aoristἀπολείπω: 'leave behind' (cf. v.13); Paul left Trophimus en route, unable to take the sick man further.
ἐνin/atpreposition + dative (place)
ΜιλήτῳMiletusDativedat. of placeΜίλητος: Miletus, the Ionian port south of Ephesus (cf. Acts 20:15–17).
ἀσθενοῦνταbeing sick/ailingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἀσθενέωadverbial/circumstantial participle (modifies Τρόφιμον)→ present (concurrent condition)ἀσθενέω: 'be weak, be ill' (ἀ- + σθένος, 'strength'); Trophimus was left because of illness — a humanly realistic note.
21
Σπούδασον πρὸ χειμῶνος ἐλθεῖν. Ἀσπάζεταί σε Εὔβουλος καὶ Πούδης καὶ Λίνος καὶ Κλαυδία καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες.
Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia, and all the brothers.
The summons of v.9 returns, now pinned to a deadline — 'before winter,' when sea travel closes. Then a roll of those sending greetings, binding Timothy to the Roman fellowship that still stands by Paul.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
Σπούδασονmake every effort/hastenAor Act Impv 2 Sg · σπουδάζωimperative→ urgent aorist imperativeσπουδάζω: 'be eager, hasten, do one's best' (cf. v.9); the plea renewed and sharpened by a season's deadline.
πρὸbeforepreposition + genitive (time)
χειμῶνοςwinterGenitiveobject of πρό (time)χειμών: 'winter, stormy season'; once winter closed the sea-lanes, Timothy could not sail until spring — perhaps too late (cf. v.6).
ἐλθεῖνto comeAor Act Inf · ἔρχομαιcomplementary infinitive→ constative aorist infinitiveἔρχομαι: 'come'; the action urged before the season closes.
ἈσπάζεταίgreetsPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (sg., agreeing with first subject)→ customary presentἀσπάζομαι: 'greet'; the verb stands singular before a compound subject, agreeing with the nearest.
σεyouAccusativedirect object
ΕὔβουλοςEubulusNominativesubjectΕὔβουλος: Eubulus, an otherwise unknown Roman believer.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΠούδηςPudensNominativesubject (coordinate)Πούδης: Pudens (a Latin name); one of the Roman company greeting Timothy.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΛίνοςLinusNominativesubject (coordinate)Λίνος: Linus; early tradition names a Linus as a leader of the Roman church after the apostles.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΚλαυδίαClaudiaNominativesubject (coordinate)Κλαυδία: Claudia (a Latin name); a Roman believer among those greeting Timothy.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
ἀδελφοὶbrothersNominativesubject (coordinate, summarizing)ἀδελφός: 'brother'; the wider Christian family at Rome — Paul is not, after all, wholly alone.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjective (with ἀδελφοί)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole brotherhood joins the greeting.
22
Ὁ κύριος μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματός σου. ἡ χάρις μεθ' ὑμῶν.
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
The letter closes with a twofold blessing: a personal word to Timothy ('your spirit,' singular) and a final grace to the whole congregation ('you,' plural) — the last lines of Paul's last letter, widening from the one to the many.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ὉtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubject of implied optative (εἴη)κύριος: 'Lord'; the personal benediction invokes the Lord's nearness to Timothy.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
πνεύματόςspiritGenitiveobject of μετάπνεῦμα: here Timothy's own spirit — 'with your spirit,' an intimate, personal blessing.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession (sg., to Timothy)σύ: 'your' (singular) — addressed to Timothy alone.
ἡtheNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject of implied optative (εἴη)χάρις: 'grace, favor'; the customary Pauline closing benediction — God's grace upon the church.
μεθ'withpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
ὑμῶνyou allGenitiveobject of μετά (pl., to the church)σύ: 'you' (plural); the close widens from Timothy to the whole gathered church — the letter was meant to be heard by all.