front:intro s7fk 0 # Introduction to 2 Timothy\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\n### Outline of the book of 2 Timothy\n\n1. Paul greets Timothy and encourages him to endure hardship as he serves God (1:1–2:13).\n2. Paul gives general instructions to Timothy (2:14–26).\n3. Paul warns Timothy about future events and instructs him about how to carry out his service to God (3:1–4:8).\n4. Paul makes personal remarks (4:9–22).\n\n### Who wrote the book of 2 Timothy?\n\nPaul wrote 2 Timothy. He was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.\n\nThis book is the second letter Paul wrote to Timothy. Timothy was his disciple and close friend. Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. Paul would die soon after writing this letter.\n\n### What is the book of 2 Timothy about?\n\nPaul had left Timothy in the city of Ephesus to help the believers there. Paul wrote this letter to instruct Timothy about various matters. The topics he addressed include warnings about false teachers and advice about enduring difficult situations. This letter also shows how Paul was training Timothy to be a leader among the churches.\n\n### How should the title of this book be translated?\n\nTranslators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, “2 Timothy” or “Second Timothy.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy” or “The Second Letter to Timothy.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])\n\n## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts\n\n### Who were the false teachers?\n\n### What is the soldier imagery in 2 Timothy?\n\nAs Paul waited in prison, knowing he would die soon, he spoke of being a soldier of Jesus Christ. Soldiers have to obey to their leaders. In the same way, Christians have to obey Jesus. As “soldiers” of Christ, believers are to obey his commands, even if they die as a result.\n\n### What does it mean that God inspired Scripture?\n\nGod is the true author of Scripture. He inspired the human authors who wrote the books. That means God in some way caused the people to write what they wrote. This is why the Bible is also referred to as God’s word. This implies several things about it. First, everything that the Bible teaches is free from error and can be trusted. Second, God will always preserve his Scripture for every generation of people. Third, God’s word should be translated into all the world’s languages.\n\n## Part 3: Important Translation Issues\n\n### Singular and plural “you”\n\nIn this book, the word “I” refers to Paul. Here the word “you” is almost always singular and refers to Timothy. The exception to this is 4:22. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])\n\n### Inclusive and exclusive “we” and “us”\n\nIn this book, “we” and “us” include the writer, Paul, the recipient, Timothy, and all believers. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])\n\n### What did Paul mean by the expressions “in Christ,” “in the Lord,” etc.?\n\nPaul meant to express the idea of a very close union between Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.\n\n### What are the major textual issues in the text of the book of 2 Timothy?\n\nFor the following verses, the oldest Greek manuscripts differ from later Greek manuscripts. Modern translations may also differ depending on the Greek manuscript that they translate from. The ULT text translates the Greek from the oldest manuscripts, and puts the differences from later manuscripts in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible already exists in the general region, translators should consider following the decision in that translation. If not, translators are advised to follow the oldest Greek manuscripts as reflected in the ULT text.\n* “Because of this, I was a
1:intro p5lf 0 # 2 Timothy 1 General Notes\n\n## Structure and Formatting\n\n1. Paul greets Timothy and encourages him to endure hardship as he serves God (1:1–2:13)\n * Letter opening (1:1–2)\n * Paul thanks God for Timothy and encourages him (1:3–7)\n * Paul commands Timothy not to be ashamed and to preserve the gospel (1:8–14)\n * Paul condemns those who abandoned him (1:15)\n * Paul blesses Onesiphorus (1:16–18)\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### Timothy’s “gift”\n\nIn [1:6](../01/06.md), Paul speaks about the “gift” that Timothy received. He received it when Paul laid his hands on Timothy to commission him. It is clear from the context that this “gift” is a special skill or ability that Timothy had. Most likely, this skill or ability enabled Timothy to teach and lead believers well. Since Paul does not state or even imply what the “gift” was, you should use a general word or phrase that refers to a special skill or ability.\n\n### The “deposit”\n\nIn [1:12](../01/12.md) and [1:14](../01/14.md), Paul refers to a “deposit.” These two uses of the word “deposit”can be understood in two ways:\n1. In verse 12, Paul is referring to something he “deposits” with God, which would be his life or his eternal blessings. In verse 14, Paul is referring to something that God has “deposited” with Timothy, which would be the gospel or his ministry.\n2. In verse 12 and in verse 14, Paul is referring to something that God has “deposited” with himself and Timothy, which would be the gospel or their ministries.\n\nSee the notes on these verses for more information and translation options.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### Spiritual children\n\nIn [1:2](../01/02.md), Paul calls Timothy a “beloved child.” He means that Timothy is like a son to him in the context of their faith in Jesus. The phrase implies that Paul is a mentor to Timothy and that Timothy is a good student. Since the use of family language for fellow believers is an important metaphor in the New Testament, if possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1:1 ha4l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Παῦλος, ἀπόστολος 1 In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, referring to themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “From Paul. I am an apostle”\n
1:1 vl2g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns διὰ θελήματος Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **will**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because that is what God wanted” or “because of what God decided”
1:1 e1lg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit κατ’ 1 Here, the phrase **according to** could indicate: (1) that the purpose for which Paul is an **apostle** is to tell others about **the promise of life**. Alternate translation: “for the purpose of declaring” (2) that the reason why Paul is an **apostle** is **the promise of life**. Alternate translation: “because of” (3) that God’s **will** contains or includes **the promise of life**. Alternate translation: “which will contains”
1:1 o2st rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ἐπαγγελίαν ζωῆς 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **promise** that promises **life**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the promise that guarantees life”
1:1 m9kv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ζωῆς τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe **life** that can only be experienced when someone is in union with **Christ Jesus**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that this **life** can only be experienced when people are united to **Christ Jesus**. Alternate translation: “of life that is received in union with Christ Jesus” or “of life that is gained when people are united to Christ Jesus”
1:1 e201 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ζωῆς τῆς 1 Here Paul is referring to new, eternal **life** with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of eternal life that is” or “of new life with God that is”
1:1 diuh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ζωῆς τῆς 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **life**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “about living forever, which people do”
1:2 rp5u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person Τιμοθέῳ 1 In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would name those to whom they sent the letter, referring to them in the third person. If that is confusing in your language, you could use the second person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the recipient of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “This letter is for you, Timothy”\n
1:2 ey7g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀγαπητῷ τέκνῳ 1 Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Timothy were his **beloved child**. Paul means that he is Timothy’s spiritual father, and Paul loves Timothy in the way a father loves his child. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is like a beloved child to me” or “a beloved spiritual son”\n
1:2 e1cp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀγαπητῷ τέκνῳ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was Paul. Alternate translation: “child whom I love”
1:2 w43q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing χάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη, ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 After stating his name and the name of the person to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing for Timothy. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” or “I pray that grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord will always be with you”\n
1:2 p003 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns χάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **Grace**, **mercy**, and **peace**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “May you be treated graciously, mercifully, and peacefully by God the Father and by Christ Jesus our Lord”\n
1:2 ub7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Θεοῦ Πατρὸς 1 **Father** is an important title for God the **Father** that describes his relationship with **Jesus**, his Son.\n
1:2 dcr3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive ἡμῶν 1 In this book, unless otherwise noted, the words **we**, **us**, and **our** refer to Paul (the writer of this letter), Timothy (the one to whom this letter is written), and, by extension, all believers.
1:3 p004 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns χάριν ἔχω 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **gratitude**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I am grateful” or “I am thankful”\n
1:3 tvb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ᾧ λατρεύω ἀπὸ προγόνων 1 Here Paul means that he serves God in the same way that his **ancestors** did. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whom I serve in the way I received from my ancestors” or “whom my ancestors served and I serve as well”
1:3 ha9d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει 1 A **conscience** that is **pure** is one that does not convict a person of doing anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with a clean conscience” or “with a conscience that is not guilty”\n
1:3 rz7s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὡς ἀδιάλειπτον ἔχω τὴν περὶ σοῦ μνείαν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **remembrance**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as I remember you constantly” or “as I think about you constantly”
1:3 p005 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular σοῦ 1 The word **you** is singular here and throughout the book, since Paul is addressing Timothy. A note will discuss the one exception in [4:22](../04/22.md).
1:3 pa6q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας 1 Here, the phrase **night and day** indicates that Paul prays during both the day and the night. This means that he was praying very often every day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “during every day and every night”\n
1:4 p006 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μεμνημένος σου τῶν δακρύων 1 Here Paul implies that Timothy shed **tears** when Paul had to leave Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “remembering your tears when we separated” or “remembering your tears when I said goodbye to you”
1:4 kk82 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy σου τῶν δακρύων 1 Here, the word **tears** represents the act of shedding **tears**, that is, crying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your weeping” or “your sadness”\n
1:4 gu8c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor χαρᾶς πληρωθῶ 1 Paul speaks of himself as if he were a container that could be **filled with joy**. He means that he will experience very much **joy**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I may have very much joy” or “I may rejoice a lot”
1:4 p007 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive χαρᾶς πληρωθῶ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “joy may fill me”
1:4 n24s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns χαρᾶς πληρωθῶ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **joy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “may become joyful”
1:5 ayl4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ὑπόμνησιν λαβὼν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **remembrance**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “having remembered” or “having been reminded”
1:5 buc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῆς ἐν σοὶ ἀνυποκρίτου πίστεως, ἥτις ἐνῴκησεν πρῶτον 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that you sincerely believe, which was true first”
1:5 p008 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῆς ἐν σοὶ ἀνυποκρίτου πίστεως 1 Here Paul speaks of **faith** as if it were an object inside of Timothy. He means that Timothy truly has this **faith**, not that people are trusting in Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of your genuine faith” or “of your faith that is genuine”
1:5 vgz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἥτις ἐνῴκησεν πρῶτον ἐν τῇ μάμμῃ σου, Λωΐδι, καὶ τῇ μητρί σου, Εὐνίκῃ; πέπεισμαι δὲ ὅτι καὶ ἐν σοί 1 Here Paul speaks as if Timothy, **Lois**, and **Eunice** were houses that faith has **dwelt** in. He means that they all truly have faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “which your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice had, and I am persuaded that you also have it”
1:5 p009 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship τῇ μάμμῃ σου 1 Paul does not indicate whether this **grandmother** is the mother of Timothy’s father or mother. If you must specify, the connection with Timothy’s mother might imply that she was the mother of Timothy’s mother. Alternate translation: “your maternal grandmother”
1:5 l8wc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Λωΐδι & Εὐνίκῃ 1 The words **Lois** and **Eunice** are the names of women.
1:5 swa6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive πέπεισμαι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am sure” or “I am confident”
1:6 j58k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν 1 Here, the phrase **which reason** refers back to the fact of Timothy’s sincere faith (see [1:5](../01/05.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because of which sincere faith”
1:6 h6eq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀναζωπυρεῖν τὸ χάρισμα 1 Here Paul speaks of Timothy’s **gift** as if it were a fire that he needed **to rekindle**. He could mean that: (1) Timothy needs to use his **gift** more than he has in the past. Alternate translation: “to make use even more of the gift” (2) Timothy needs to start using his **gift** again, with the implication being that he has stopped using it consistently. Alternate translation: “to be eager once more to use the gift”
1:6 p010 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ 1 Paul speaks of Timothy as if he were a container that could hold **the gift of God**. He means that Timothy has this gift. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the gift of God that you have”\n
1:6 s6vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὅ ἐστιν ἐν σοὶ 1 Here Paul implies that this **gift** is a specific ability or skill that **God** had given Timothy for his ministry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the skill that you have as a gift from God” or “the gift of God in you, your special ability,”\n
1:6 i977 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction διὰ τῆς ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν μου 1 Here Paul is speaking of a ceremony during which he put his **hands** on Timothy. When he did that, he was commissioning Timothy to use his gift and to proclaim the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a comparable action in your culture, or you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “through the laying on of my hands to commission you” or “once I authorized you by laying my hands on you”\n
1:7 u8vl rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** introduces a reason why Timothy should rekindle his gift ([1:6](../01/06.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for an exhortation, or you could leave **For** untranslated. Alternate translation: “You should do that because” or “I remind you of that because”
1:7 h1z3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πνεῦμα δειλίας, ἀλλὰ δυνάμεως, καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ 1 Here, the word **spirit** could refer to: (1) the **spirit** of a person, which refers to the inner life of a person, that is, how that person thinks, feels, and makes decisions. Alternate translation: “an attitude of fear but of power and of love and of disposition” or “a heart of fear but a heart of power and of love and of disciple” (2) the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit to make us cowardly but to make us powerful and loving and self-controlled”\n
1:7 p011 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns δειλίας, ἀλλὰ δυνάμεως, καὶ ἀγάπης, καὶ σωφρονισμοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **fear**, **power**, **love**, and **self-control**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “that makes us cowardly but one that makes us powerful, loving, and self-controlled”\n
1:7 k6g7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit σωφρονισμοῦ 1 Here, the word **self-control** could refer to: (1) the ability to control or restrain one’s desires. Alternate translation: “of moderation” or “of personal restraint” (2) the ability to make wise decisions. Alternate translation: “of prudence” or “of clear thinking”
1:8 pjby rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result οὖν 1 Here, the word **Therefore** includes an exhortation that is based on what Paul said in the previous verse about having power, love, and self-control instead of fear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an exhortation based on a previous statement. Alternate translation: “So then” or “Because you have that spirit”
1:8 hlks rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive μὴ & ἐπαισχυνθῇς τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, μηδὲ ἐμὲ, τὸν δέσμιον αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “do not let the testimony of our Lord, nor me, his prisoner, shame you”
1:8 fk9z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe **testimony** that is about **our Lord**. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the testimony concerning our Lord” or “testifying about our Lord”
1:8 blk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸν δέσμιον αὐτοῦ 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe himself as a **prisoner** because of how he serves Jesus. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “a prisoner for his sake” or “a prisoner because I serve the Lord”
1:8 ry82 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit συνκακοπάθησον 1 Here, the phrase **suffer together** could indicate that Timothy should suffer with: (1) Paul. Alternate translation: “suffer together with me” (2) all Christians who suffer. Alternate translation: “suffer together with other believers”
1:8 xa86 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ 1 Here Paul implies that Timothy should be willing to suffer as he believes in and proclaims **the gospel**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “as you preach the gospel” or “for the sake of believing and proclaiming the gospel”
1:8 hi9a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns κατὰ δύναμιν Θεοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **power**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as God empowers you” or “which God will make you able to do”
1:9 ld55 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy κλήσει ἁγίᾳ 1 Here, the phrase **holy calling** could refer to: (1) the result of being called, which is to be **holy**. Alternate translation: “to be holy people” (2) the way in which God called, which is a **holy** way. Alternate translation: “with a holy calling” “by means of a holy calling”
1:9 lmas rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns οὐ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα ἡμῶν, ἀλλὰ κατὰ ἰδίαν πρόθεσιν καὶ χάριν, τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **works**, **purpose**, or **grace**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “not according to the things we do, but according to what he decided ahead of time and graciously did, which he did for us”
1:9 kyr5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys κατὰ ἰδίαν πρόθεσιν καὶ χάριν 1 Here, the words **purpose** and **grace** could: (1) refer to two separate things **according to** which God saved and called believers. Alternate translation: “according to both his own purpose and his grace” (2) refer to one thing described with two words connected by **and**. This is called hendiadys. Alternate translation: “according to his own gracious purpose”\n
1:9 p012 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὴν δοθεῖσαν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “which God gave”
1:9 pq1z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων 1 Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with **Christ Jesus**. In this case, being **in Christ Jesus**, or united to Christ, is the only way in which believers are given grace. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that the grace is given to believers as part of their union with **Christ Jesus**. Alternate translation: “before eternal times in union with Christ Jesus” or “before eternal times as part of being united to Christ Jesus”
1:9 zq7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom πρὸ χρόνων αἰωνίων 1 Here Paul is indicating that God did this **before** God made the world and before time began to be counted. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “before time began” or “before God made anything”
1:10 p013 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive φανερωθεῖσαν δὲ νῦν 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “which now God has revealed” or “which now God has allowed people to know”
1:10 h5e5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit διὰ τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here, the word **appearance** refers to when Jesus became a human being, lived on earth, died, and rose again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “through how our Savior Christ Jesus became a man and lived, died, and rose again” or “through the incarnation of our Savior Christ Jesus”
1:10 r489 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns καταργήσαντος μὲν τὸν θάνατον 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **death**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “both having enabled dead people to be dead no longer”
1:10 i3wl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor φωτίσαντος δὲ ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου 1 Here Paul speaks as if Jesus used **the gospel** to shine a **light** on **life and immortality**. He means that, by using **the gospel**, Jesus revealed how people can have **life and immortality**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and having taught us about life and immortality through the gospel” or “and having revealed life and immortality through the gospel”
1:10 a1n7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **life** and **immortality**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “being able to live and be immortal”
1:10 l871 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν 1 The two words **life** and **immortality** express a single idea. The word **immortality** describes what kind of **life** Paul is speaking about. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “immortal life”
1:10 y25j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ζωὴν 1 Here Paul is referring to new, eternal life with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “eternal life” or “new life with God”
1:11 clpw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns εἰς ὃ 1 Here, the pronoun **which** refers back to “the gospel” in the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to “the gospel” more directly. Alternate translation: “for which gospel”
1:11 tb9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐτέθην ἐγὼ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “God appointed me”\n
1:11 p014 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown κῆρυξ 1 A **herald** is someone who is sent out to announce a message. If your readers would not be familiar with a person who performs this kind of task, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translations: “an announcer” or “a messenger”\n
1:11 p015 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants διδάσκαλος 1 Many ancient manuscripts read **a teacher**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “a teacher of the Gentiles.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
1:12 j37g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit δι’ ἣν αἰτίαν 1 Here, the phrase which reason refers back to the fact that Paul was appointed to be a herald, apostle, and teacher (see [1:11](../01/11.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “because of which appointment” or “and so”\n
1:12 y8l4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ ταῦτα πάσχω 1 Here Paul does not mention the specific **things** that he is suffering, but from the context of the letter, Timothy would have known that he was referring to suffering as a prisoner (see [2:9](../02/09.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “I also suffer as a prisoner” or “I also suffer while I am in jail”
1:12 t22w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὐκ ἐπαισχύνομαι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be the things that Paul is suffering. Alternate translation: “that does not shame me”
1:12 y2nj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ᾧ 1 The pronoun **whom** could refer: (1) to God generally. Alternate translation: “God, in whom” (2) to Jesus specifically. Alternate translation: “Jesus, in whom”
1:12 td39 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive πέπεισμαι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am confident” or “I know”\n
1:12 hhu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὴν παραθήκην μου φυλάξαι 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **deposit** that could be: (1) something that Paul has entrusted to God. Alternate translation: “to guard the deposit from me” (2) something that God has entrusted to Paul. Alternate translation: “to guard the deposit given to me”
1:12 p6pi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν παραθήκην μου φυλάξαι 1 Here Paul speaks as if God were guarding a **deposit** of money or goods. He means that God will protect or preserve the **deposit**. What the **deposit** represents depends on what you chose in the previous note about who gave the **deposit** to whom. If the **deposit**: (1) was given by Paul to God, then it could represent Paul himself, the rewards he will receive, or his resurrection life. Alternate translation: “to protect my true life” or “to preserve me” (2) was given by God to Paul, then it could represent the gospel or Paul’s ministry. Alternate translation: “to protect the gospel given to me” or “to preserve my ministry”\n
1:12 qcu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐκείνην τὴν ἡμέραν 1 Here Paul is referring to the exact moment when Jesus will return to this world, which will also be the end of the current time period. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “that day when Jesus will return” or “Jesus’ second coming”\n
1:13 x27w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὑποτύπωσιν ἔχε 1 Here Paul indicates that he wants Timothy to maintain the basic form and content of the **healthy words**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Maintain the form” or “Preserve the core content”
1:13 h1qd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὑγιαινόντων λόγων 1 Here Paul speaks as if **words** could be **healthy**. He means that these **words** are good and reliable in every way and have no defect or corruption. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of words that are like healthy food” or “of correct words”\n
1:13 p016 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὑγιαινόντων λόγων 1 Here, **words** represents things spoken using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of healthy statements” or “of healthy declarations”\n
1:13 p017 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **faith** and **love**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “believing and loving, which you can do in Christ Jesus”\n
1:13 b2ld rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here, the phrase **in Christ Jesus** could describe: (1) both **faith** and **love**. Alternate translation: “that are both in Christ Jesus” (2) just **love**. Alternate translation: “that is in Christ Jesus”\n
1:13 ix6w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being **in Christ Jesus**, or united to **Christ Jesus**, explains how Timothy can have **faith** and **love**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Timothy can have **faith** and **love** as one who has been united to **Christ Jesus**. Alternate translation: “that are in union with Christ Jesus” or “that come from being united to Christ Jesus”\n
1:14 i5g5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὴν καλὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον 1 Here, the phrase **good deposit** refers to something that has been entrusted to Timothy and that he must **Guard**. More specifically, the **good deposit** is the gospel, which God entrusted to Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “guard the good deposit of the gospel” or “guard the good gospel, which God entrusted to you,”\n
1:14 a3v2 διὰ Πνεύματος Ἁγίου 1 Alternate translation: “with the help of the Holy Spirit”
1:14 cb5q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τοῦ ἐνοικοῦντος ἐν ἡμῖν 1 Here Paul speaks as if believers were buildings that the **Holy Spirit** were **dwelling in**. He means that the Holy Spirit is with believers in a special way and empowers them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is always with us as if he were dwelling in us” or “the one who is with us to give us power”
1:15 h6z2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo οἶδας τοῦτο, ὅτι 1 Here, the word **this** refers directly ahead to the phrase **all the ones in Asia turned away from me**. Paul expresses the idea in this way because it was powerful in his language. If using the word **this** to refer to what someone is about to say would be redundant in your language, you could omit the redundant information and make the expression powerful in another way. Alternate translation: “You surely know that”\n
1:15 p018 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole πάντες οἱ ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ 1 Paul says **all** here as an overstatement to emphasize how many believers turned away from him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “most of the people who believe in Asia”
1:15 orui rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οἱ ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ 1 Here, the phrase **the ones in Asia** could refer to: (1) believers who are living in **Asia**. Alternate translation: “the believers living in Asia” (2) believers who are from **Asia** but who were with Paul where he was imprisoned, which was probably Rome. Alternate translation: “the believers from Asia” or “the ones who came with me from Asia”
1:15 p6f4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀπεστράφησάν με 1 Here Paul speaks of people who stopped listening to him and helping him as if they had **turned away from** him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “turned their backs on me” or “abandoned me”
1:15 p020 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀπεστράφησάν με 1 Here Paul implies that these people **turned away** because Paul was accused of doing what was wrong and put in jail. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “turned away from me when I was accused” or “turned away from me because I am in prison”\n
1:15 x6cc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Φύγελος & Ἑρμογένης 1 The words **Phygelus** and **Hermogenes** are the names of men.
1:16 izk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing δῴη ἔλεος ὁ Κύριος τῷ Ὀνησιφόρου οἴκῳ 1 Here Paul asks God to bless the family of **Onesiphorus**. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “I ask the Lord to give mercy to the household of Onesiphorus” or “I pray that the household of Onesiphorus will have mercy from the Lord”
1:16 a78q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns δῴη ἔλεος ὁ Κύριος 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **mercy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May the Lord be merciful”
1:16 e6hl rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ὀνησιφόρου 1 The word **Onesiphorus** is the name of a man.
1:16 zz44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τὴν ἅλυσίν μου οὐκ ἐπησχύνθη 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my chain did not shame him”
1:16 td1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν ἅλυσίν μου 1 Here, **chain** represents imprisonment, or being in jail. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my imprisonment” or “me being in prison”
1:17 xfg1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast ἀλλὰ 1 Here, the word **but** introduces what Onesiphorus did instead of being ashamed of Paul. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave **but** untranslated. Alternate translation: “but instead,” or “and rather,”\n
1:17 ayef rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν Ῥώμῃ 1 Here Paul implies that he was in prison in **Rome**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in Rome, where I am,”
1:18 x0eo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure (δῴη αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος, εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ), καὶ ὅσα ἐν Ἐφέσῳ διηκόνησεν, βέλτιον σὺ γινώσκεις 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since the second sentence continues to describe what Onesiphorus did, as the previous verse does. Alternate translation: “And as much as he served in Ephesus, you know very well. May the Lord give to him to find mercy from the Lord in that day”
1:18 p3di rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing δῴη αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος, εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου 1 Here Paul again asks God to bless Onesiphorus. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. See how you translated the similar blessing in [1:16](../01/16.md). Alternate translation: “I ask the Lord to give to him to find mercy from the Lord” or “I pray that he will have mercy from the Lord”\n
1:18 x2dk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου 1 Here Paul speaks of **mercy** as if it were an object that Onesiphorus could **find**. He means that he wants Onesiphorus to experience **mercy**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to receive mercy from the Lord”
1:18 r54t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εὑρεῖν ἔλεος παρὰ Κυρίου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **mercy**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be treated mercifully by the Lord”
1:18 f3ep rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 Here Paul is referring to the exact moment when Jesus will return to this world, which will also be when he judges everyone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “on that day when Jesus will return” or “at the final judgment”\n
1:18 p025 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὅσα & διηκόνησεν 1 Here Paul could be implying that Onesiphorus **served**: (1) Paul specifically. Alternate translation: “as much as he served me” (2) believers in general. Alternate translation: “as much as he served believers”
2:intro k3zn 0 # 2 Timothy 2 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n1. Paul greets Timothy and encourages him to endure hardship as he serves God (1:1–2:13)\n * Paul instructs Timothy in how to serve Jesus (2:1–7)\n * Paul and the gospel he preaches (2:8–10)\n * A trustworthy saying (2:11–13)\n2. Paul gives general instructions to Timothy (2:14–26)\n * Paul instructs Timothy to teach what is right and avoid false teaching (2:14–19)\n * God’s people as a house (2:20–21)\n * Paul explains the traits that should characterize Timothy (2:22–26)\n\nIn [2:11–13](../02/11.md), Paul either quotes a poetic hymn or composes his own poetry. Because these verses are poetry, the ULT sets each line farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. Consider how you might express these verses as poetry in your language.\n\n## Special Concepts in this Chapter\n\n### False teaching\n\nIn [2:16–18](../02/16.md), Paul refers to false teaching. He describes the teaching as “profane empty sayings” that lead to ungodliness. He further indicates that the false teaching can spread like an infectious disease and destroy people’s faith in Jesus. Finally, in [2:23](../02/23.md), Paul refers to “foolish and uneducated controversies” that cause debates and divisions within the church. However, Paul writes very little about the content of this false teaching. The only information he gives is that two men who are false teachers say that the resurrection has already happened (see [2:18](../02/18.md)). This could mean that everyone already has their resurrected bodies, that there is only a spiritual resurrection, or that people who are on earth have somehow missed the resurrection. Paul does not give enough information to know which of these options is what the false teachers were saying. So, it is best to refer to the false teaching in very general terms, as Paul does, without including any information that might be implied.\n\n## Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter\n\n### The three illustrations in [2:4–6](../02/04.md)\n\nIn these three verses, Paul describes a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. He describes these people as illustrations for how Timothy should behave as a leader and teacher in the church. Since Paul tells Timothy to think carefully about these illustrations so that he can understand them (see [2:7](../02/07.md)), it is best not to explain the illustrations in your translation. However, if it would be helpful in your language, you could include footnotes that explain what the illustrations might mean. Here are likely interpretations:\n1. The soldier avoids becoming involved in matters of regular life. That way, he can please his commander. In the same way, Timothy should focus on pleasing Jesus. To do so, he will need to avoid becoming involved in many things that most people care about.\n2. The athlete can only be declared the winner if he or she competes according to the rules. In the same way, Timothy must do what God has required. Only then will he successfully lead and teach other believers.\n3. The farmer who works hard should receive a share of the crop before anyone else does. In the same way, if Timothy works hard to serve Jesus, he deserves to receive a reward. This reward could be payment and support from the believers he leads, or it could be the rewards that God will give him at the final judgment.\n\n### A house and the containers in it\n\nIn [2:19–21](../02/19.md), Paul speaks about a house and the containers within it in order to teach Timothy about the church. In [2:19](../02/19.md), Paul indicates that “the firm foundation of God” stands, despite the false teachers. The firm foundation could represent the gospel, which is the basis for the church, or it could represent the church itself. In [2:20](../02/20.md), Paul refers to “containers”that are found within “a great house.” The implication is that this “great house” is built on the “firm foundation” and so represents God’s people, th
2:1 tajf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result σὺ οὖν 1 Here, the word **therefore** could introduce: (1) an inference from [1:15–18](../01/15.md). In this case, Paul wants Timothy to act like Onesiphorus and not like Phygelus and Hermogenes. Alternate translation: “Like those who have not abandoned me, you too” or “In contrast to Phygelus and Hermogenes, you” (2) an inference from most or all of chapter 1. Alternate translation: “Given all that, you” (3) further exhortation to Timothy that is not based on anything specific. Alternate translation: “Now you”
2:1 bll5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τέκνον μου 1 Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Timothy were his **child**. Paul means that he is Timothy’s spiritual father, and Paul loves Timothy in the way a father loves his child. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who are like a child to me” or “my spiritual son”\n
2:1 p026 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐνδυναμοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, you could indicate that it is: (1) God. Alternate translation: “let God strengthen you” (2) Timothy himself. Alternate translation: “strengthen yourself”
2:1 e6ex rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐν τῇ χάριτι τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **grace**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in the way that God acts graciously toward you in Christ Jesus”
2:1 fc41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν τῇ χάριτι 1 Here, the word **in** could introduce: (1) the circumstance in which Timothy is **strengthened**. Alternate translation: “while you experience the grace” (2) the means by which Timothy is **strengthened**. Alternate translation: “by the grace”
2:1 di28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with Christ Jesus. In this case, being **in Christ Jesus**, or united to **Christ Jesus**, is the way in which Timothy is given **grace**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that the **grace** is given to Timothy as part of his union with **Christ Jesus**. Alternate translation: “that is given in union with Christ Jesus” or “that you have because you are united to Christ Jesus”
2:2 ig9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit διὰ πολλῶν μαρτύρων 1 Here, the phrase **through many witnesses** could indicate that: (1) many people have witnessed or testified to the truth of what Paul has taught Timothy. Alternate translation: “that many witnesses have affirmed” (2) Timothy has been taught by Paul in the presence of many people who can witness or testify to what Paul said. Alternate translation: “in the presence of many witnesses”\n
2:2 kv1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ταῦτα παράθου 1 Paul speaks of his teachings as if they were objects that Timothy could physically **place** before other people. He means that Timothy should give these people the same teachings that Paul gave to Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translations: “pass these things on to” or “speak these things to”\n
2:2 p027 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations πιστοῖς ἀνθρώποις 1 Although the term **men** is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “to faithful men and women”
2:3 yc1j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit συνκακοπάθησον 1 Here, the phrase **Suffer together** could indicate that Timothy should suffer with: (1) Paul. Alternate translation: “Suffer together with me” (2) all Christians who suffer. Alternate translation: “Suffer together with other believers”\n
2:3 juu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὡς καλὸς στρατιώτης Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 Here Paul speaks as if Timothy were a **soldier** who fights for and serves **Jesus Christ**. A **good soldier** is one who obeys his commander even if that means suffering and pain. So, Timothy will be like **a good soldier** when he obeys Jesus even if that means that he will **Suffer together** with Paul. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as if you were a good soldier and Jesus Christ were your commander” or “as someone who faithfully serves Jesus Christ no matter what happens”
2:4 a4x7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor οὐδεὶς στρατευόμενος ἐμπλέκεται ταῖς τοῦ βίου πραγματίαις, ἵνα τῷ στρατολογήσαντι ἀρέσῃ 1 Here Paul continues to speak about a **soldier** to help Timothy understand how to behave. Just as a soldier focuses on pleasing his commander, so Timothy should focus on pleasing Jesus. To do so, he will have to avoid becoming **entangled in the affairs of life**. Since Paul tells Timothy in [2:7](../02/07.md) to think carefully about the examples that he gives in this verse and in [2:5–6](../02/05.md), you should not explain the meaning of this metaphor here. However, if it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Paul is using a metaphor or giving an example. Alternate translation: “Imagine that you are a soldier. No one serving as a soldier is entangled in the affairs of life, so that he may please the one having enlisted him”
2:4 p7n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐμπλέκεται ταῖς τοῦ βίου πραγματίαις 1 Paul speaks of **the affairs of life** as if they were a net that could trap people and keep them from being able to move freely. He means that **the affairs of life** would prevent a soldier from doing what he is supposed to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is trapped by the affairs of life” or “is distracted by the affairs of life”
2:4 p028 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐμπλέκεται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “entangles himself”
2:4 p029 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ταῖς τοῦ βίου πραγματίαις 1 Here, the phrase **the affairs of life** refers to the normal things that people who are not soldiers do and care about, including having a job and owning a home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to those things more explicitly. Alternate translation: “in the normal tasks of everyday life” or “in the everyday jobs of civilian life”
2:5 e7ru rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ καὶ 1 Here, the phrase **But also** introduces another example or metaphor that Paul uses to explain how Timothy should serve Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces another example, or you could leave **But also** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further” or “Similarly”
2:5 d483 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐὰν & ἀθλῇ τις, οὐ στεφανοῦται, ἐὰν μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ 1 Here Paul speaks about an athlete who **competes** in a sport. He speaks about this to help Timothy understand how to behave. Just as an athlete will only receive the crown given to the winner if he competes **lawfully**, so Timothy will only be rewarded if he serves Jesus **lawfully**, that is, as Jesus desires. Since Paul tells Timothy in [2:7](../02/07.md) to think carefully about the examples that he gives in this verse and in [2:4](../02/04.md) and [2:6](../02/06.md), you should not explain the meaning of this metaphor here. However, if it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Paul is using a metaphor or giving an example. Alternate translation: “imagine that you are an athlete. If anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned if he has not competed lawfully”\n
2:5 p031 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo ἐὰν & ἀθλῇ τις, οὐ στεφανοῦται, ἐὰν μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ 1 Here Paul uses an imaginary situation to show what happens when athletes do not compete **lawfully**. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “suppose an someone did not compete lawfully. In that case, he would not be crowned”
2:5 p032 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀθλῇ 1 Here, the word **competes** refers specifically to competing in an athletic event. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “competes in an athletic event” or “competes as an athlete”
2:5 xbn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives οὐ στεφανοῦται, ἐὰν μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning in positive form. Alternate translation: “he can only be crowned is he has competed lawfully”
2:5 p033 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive οὐ στεφανοῦται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be the officials or referees who were judging the competition. Alternate translation: “the officials will not crown him”
2:5 lea8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown οὐ στεφανοῦται 1 In Paul’s culture, when athletes won competitions, they were **crowned** with wreaths made from the leaves of plants. If your readers would not be familiar with this custom, you could refer to how athletes are recognized as winners in your culture, or you could use a more general statement. Alternate translation: “he is not given an award” or “he is not declared the winner”
2:5 reg6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ 1 Here Paul refers to the rules that governed a competition. The athletes had to obey the rules or they would be removed from the competition and not have an opportunity to win. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he has not competed according to the rules of the competition”
2:6 wz35 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν κοπιῶντα γεωργὸν δεῖ πρῶτον τῶν καρπῶν μεταλαμβάνειν 1 Here Paul speaks about a **farmer** who is **hardworking**. He speaks about this to help Timothy understand how to behave. Just as this kind of **farmer** should be **first to share in the fruits**, so Timothy will be **first** to receive rewards if he works hard to serve Jesus. Since Paul tells Timothy in [2:7](../02/07.md) to think carefully about the examples that he gives in this verse and in [2:4–5](../02/04.md), you should not explain the meaning of this metaphor here. However, if it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that indicates that Paul is using a metaphor or giving an example. Alternate translation: “Now imagine that you are a farmer. It is necessary for the hardworking farmer first to share in the fruits”\n
2:6 s6bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun τὸν κοπιῶντα γεωργὸν 1 The word **farmer** represents farmers in general, not one particular farmer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “any hardworking farmer”
2:6 p035 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πρῶτον τῶν καρπῶν μεταλαμβάνειν 1 Here Paul implies that other people will **share in the fruits**, but the farmer is one who should **share in** them **first**. In other words, he is the one who deserves to receive the benefits of his work before anyone else does. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to share in the fruits before anyone else does” or “to receive the first share of the fruits”
2:7 bdk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit νόει ὃ λέγω 1 Here Paul means that Timothy should **Think about** what Paul has written about soldiers, athletes, and farmers ([2:4–6](../02/04.md)). He wants Timothy to apply these examples to himself as he serves Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Think about the examples I have given” or “Think about what I have said about soldiers, athletes, and farmers”\n
2:7 p036 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns δώσει & σοι & σύνεσιν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **understanding**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “will help you to understand”\n
2:7 a22q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν πᾶσιν 1 Here, the phrase **in everything** could refer to: (1) everything related to the three examples that Paul has given to Timothy in the previous verses. Alternate translation: “about everything that I have just said” or “about all those examples” (2) everything that Timothy needs to know to serve Jesus well. Alternate translation: “about everything that you need to know” or “about all things related to serving him”
2:8 rwlv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μνημόνευε 1 Here, the word **Remember** indicates that Timothy should think consistently about **Jesus Christ**. It does not imply that Timothy might completely forget about **Jesus Christ**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Concentrate on” or “Consistently think about”\n
2:8 y6ff rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events ἐγηγερμένον ἐκ νεκρῶν, ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυείδ 1 Jesus was born **from the seed of David** before he was **raised from the dead**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses to express the ideas in sequential order. Alternate translation: “from the seed of David, having been raised from the dead”
2:8 wt31 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐγηγερμένον 1 Here, the word **raised** refers to someone who died coming back to life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable idiom or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having been restored to life”\n
2:8 p038 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐγηγερμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, Paul implies that God did it. Alternate translation: “whom God has raised”\n
2:8 ssfl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ἐκ νεκρῶν 1 Paul is using the adjective **dead** as a noun in order to refer to people who are **dead**. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “from among the dead people” or “from the corpses”
2:8 mh1k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυείδ 1 Here Paul speaks as if Jesus were a plant that grew from a **seed** that came from **David**. He means that Jesus is a descendant of **David**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is descended from David”
2:8 s4vh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe the **gospel** that God gave to him to preach. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “according to the gospel message that I preach” or “according to the gospel that was given to me”
2:9 t2ax rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy μέχρι δεσμῶν 1 Here, **chains** represents imprisonment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even to imprisonment” or “even up to being imprisoned”
2:9 p039 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς κακοῦργος 1 Paul is saying that he is being treated **like a criminal** because he has been put in jail with those who break laws. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “like someone who has committed crimes” or “like someone who has disobeyed the government”\n
2:9 pc6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐ δέδεται 1 Here Paul speaks as if **the word of God** could have been **bound**, as Paul has been. However, even when Paul is in jail and cannot preach the gospel in many places, **the word of God** cannot be restrained or contained in one place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the word of God cannot be restrained as a prisoner can be restrained by chains” or “nothing is holding back the message from God”
2:9 p040 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ οὐ δέδεται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “nothing has bound the word of God” or “nobody has bound the word of God”
2:9 c3qb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **word** that comes from God. Alternate translation: “the word that comes from God”
2:9 p041 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος 1 Here, **word** represents the gospel, which people speak using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the gospel”
2:10 uywb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns διὰ τοῦτο, πάντα ὑπομένω 1 The pronoun **this** could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse about how God’s word is not bound. Alternate translation: “Because God’s word has not been bound, I endure all things” (2) what Paul is about to say about **the elect** and their **salvation**. Alternate translation: “Here is why I endure all things:”
2:10 p042 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole πάντα ὑπομένω 1 Paul says **all** here as an overstatement to emphasize that he endures every bad thing that happens to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I endure all of these sufferings” or “I endure many things”
2:10 aa1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς 1 Paul is using the adjective **elect** as a noun to mean people whom God has chosen. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the elect people” or “those who have been chosen”
2:10 p043 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns καὶ αὐτοὶ σωτηρίας τύχωσιν τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **salvation**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “they also may be saved, which happens in Christ Jesus”
2:10 j2bk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor **in Christ Jesus** to describe the union of believers with **Christ Jesus**. In this case, being **in Christ Jesus**, or united to **Christ Jesus**, is the only way in which believers **obtain salvation**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that believers **obtain salvation** as part of their union with **Christ Jesus**. Alternate translation: “that is received in union with Christ Jesus” or “that they have because they are united to Christ Jesus”\n
2:10 sehs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit μετὰ δόξης αἰωνίου 1 Here, the phrase **with eternal glory** could refer to **glory**: (1) that goes along with salvation. Alternate translation: “along with eternal glory” (2) that characterizes salvation. Alternate translation: “salvation that has eternal glory”
2:10 el68 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns μετὰ δόξης αἰωνίου 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **glory**, you could express the same idea in another way. Be sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “and they will live gloriously forever” or “along with being eternally great”
2:11 nr7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy πιστὸς ὁ λόγος 1 Here, **word** represents what Paul is about to write using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What I am about to write is trustworthy” or “The following words are trustworthy”\n
2:11-13 p045 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks εἰ γὰρ συναπεθάνομεν, καὶ συνζήσομεν & εἰ ὑπομένομεν, καὶ συνβασιλεύσομεν; εἰ ἀρνησόμεθα, κἀκεῖνος ἀρνήσεται ἡμᾶς & εἰ ἀπιστοῦμεν, ἐκεῖνος πιστὸς μένει; ἀρνήσασθαι γὰρ ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται 1 These words are the **word** that Paul shares with Timothy. To indicate this, the ULT and UST put quotation marks around these words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use quotation marks or another form to indicate which words are the ones that Paul introduces as the word.\n
2:11 g6e4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases γὰρ 1 Here, the word **For** could: (1) be part of the **word** that Paul quotes here. In this case, **For** does not connect directly with anything that Paul has previously said. Alternate translation: “In fact,” (2) introduce the **word** as the reason for what Paul has said in the previous verses about remembering Jesus and enduring in suffering. Alternate translation: “We should endure because” or “Remember Christ Jesus because”
2:11 a1k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact εἰ & συναπεθάνομεν 1 Paul speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that this does certainly happen. If your language does not state something as a condition if it does happen, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “when we died with him”
2:11 in38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor συναπεθάνομεν 1 Here Paul refers to how believers, in their union with Christ, share in Christ’s death. In this way, they too have died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “we died, as it were, with him” or “we participated in the Messiah’s death”\n
2:11 p046 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit καὶ συνζήσομεν 1 Here Paul refers to the new life that believers receive in their union with Christ. This new life can be experienced now, but Paul seems especially to be speaking about the eternal life that believers will have after Jesus comes back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “we will also experience new life with him” or “we will also have eternal life with him”\n
2:12 flds rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὑπομένομεν 1 Here Paul implies that believers must **endure** suffering and persecution. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “we endure suffering” or “we endure persecution”
2:12 p048 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀρνησόμεθα 1 Here Paul refers to people denying that they know and believe in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “we deny that we believe in him”
2:12 p049 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit κἀκεῖνος ἀρνήσεται ἡμᾶς 1 Here Paul implies that at the final judgment Jesus **will deny** that these people know him and believe in him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “he also will deny that we believe in him” or “he also will deny at the final judgment that we are his followers”
2:13 ke4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀπιστοῦμεν 1 Here, the word **unfaithful** could refer to: (1) failing to be loyal to Jesus and disobeying him. Alternate translation: “we disobey Jesus” or “we are disloyal to Jesus” (2) failing to believe in Jesus. Alternate translation: “we stop believing in Jesus” or “if we no longer trust Jesus”\n
2:13 p050 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐκεῖνος πιστὸς μένει 1 Here, the word **faithful** could indicate that: (1) Jesus remains loyal to these people. In other words, he still does what he said he would, even if they do not. Alternate translation: “he continues to do what he said he would” or “he remains true to them” (2) Jesus consistently acts based on who he is. In this case, Jesus will be **faithful** to his promise to deny those who deny him. Alternate translation: “he remains consistent and will deny them” or “he is true to himself and will judge them”
2:13 ihd4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀρνήσασθαι & ἑαυτὸν οὐ δύναται 1 Here, the phrase **deny himself** refers to a person choosing not to do what they would naturally do. Here, then, Paul means that Jesus is able to do only what he would naturally do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he is not able to stop doing what he does” or “he will always do what fits with who he is”\n
2:14 u661 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ὑπομίμνῃσκε 1 Here Paul implies that Timothy should **Remind** the believers who are with him and over whom he has responsibility. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Remind the believers there of”
2:14 j3i5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ταῦτα 1 Here, the phrase **these things** refer to what Paul has previously written. This includes the trustworthy word in [2:11–13](../02/11.md) and perhaps also [2:1–10](../02/01.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “what I have written” or “the things I have just said”
2:14 p051 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula διαμαρτυρόμενος ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Here Paul wants Timothy to put the believers under oath, or make them swear by **God**, that they will do what Timothy tells them to do. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “making them swear before God” or “requiring that they solemnly promise God”\n
2:14 r5lq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 Many ancient manuscripts read **God**. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the Lord.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.
2:14 g6p7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μὴ λογομαχεῖν 1 Here Paul refers to arguments about what **words** mean as if they were battles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not to dispute about words”\n
2:14 ywty rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **destruction**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and it destroys the ones hearing”
2:14 x7gx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων 1 Here Paul implies that battling about words damages the faith **of the ones hearing** and stops their spiritual growth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to the destruction of the faith of the ones hearing” or “to the ruin of the spiritual growth of the ones hearing”
2:15 m3vy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom σπούδασον σεαυτὸν, δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ Θεῷ 1 Here Paul means that Timothy should **Strive** to be the kind of person who is **approved** by **God**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Work hard so that God approves of you” or “Do your best to please God”
2:15 rj6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐργάτην 1 Here Paul speaks as if Timothy were a skilled **worker**. He means that Timothy works for God as a teacher and leader. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like a craftsman” or “someone who works for God and is”
2:15 app2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀνεπαίσχυντον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say what would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be his work. Alternate translation: “without shame” or “whose work does not shame him”
2:15 xgz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας 1 Paul refers to **the word of truth** as if it were wood or cloth that Timothy should cut **straight**. He means that Timothy should understand and teach **the word of truth** carefully and properly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “teaching the word of truth rightly as if it were a piece of cloth that you were cutting straight” or “instructing others properly in the word of truth”\n
2:15 u349 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας 1 Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a **word** that could be: (1) true. Alternate translation: “the word that is true” (2) that is about something that is true. Alternate translation: “the word about what is true”
2:15 p053 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **truth**, you could express the same idea in another way. Be sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “the true word”
2:15 p052 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον 1 Here, **word** represents the gospel, which people speak using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the gospel”\n
2:16 r8k0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces how Timothy should treat **profane empty sayings** in contrast with how he should treat “the word of truth”([2:15](../02/15.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”
2:16 oww8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὰς & βεβήλους κενοφωνίας 1 Here Paul implies that the **sayings** are **empty** of useful or true information. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the profane sayings that have no meaning”
2:16 ke4v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns προκόψουσιν 1 The pronoun **they** could refer to: (1) the people who speak and listen to the **profane empty sayings**. When Paul refers to “their word” in [2:17](../02/17.md), he seems to be speaking about these people. Alternate translation: “the people who indulge in them will advance” or “those who speak and listen to them will advance” (2) the **profane empty sayings** themselves. In this case, Paul means that the **sayings** become more and more ungodly as people use them. Alternate translation: “these sayings will advance”
2:16 e27q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐπὶ πλεῖον & προκόψουσιν ἀσεβείας 1 Here Paul speaks of people who speak the **profane empty sayings** as if they could physically **advance further** or progress in a certain direction, and he speaks of **ungodliness** as that direction. He means that these people become more and more ungodly as they speak these **sayings**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have even more ungodliness” or “they will be characterized by even more ungodliness”\n
2:16 pxdn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἀσεβείας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **ungodliness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in being ungodly”
2:17 p054 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ὁ λόγος αὐτῶν 1 Here, **word** represents what people say using words. In this case, Paul is referring specifically to the “profane empty sayings” to which he referred in [2:16](../02/16.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their sayings” or “their message”
2:17 i73t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile ὡς γάγγραινα νομὴν ἕξει 1 Paul is saying that profane empty sayings will spread **like gangrene** because both these sayings and **gangrene** spread quickly and are dangerous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “will spread quickly and destroy things, just as gangrene does”
2:17 p055 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown γάγγραινα 1 The word **gangrene** refers to a type of tissue death caused by infection or lack of blood circulation. The type of **gangrene** that Paul is referring to can spread quickly through a person’s body and can lead to death. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of infection, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “a contagious infection” or “a deadly disease”
2:17 x2k6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ὑμέναιος, καὶ Φίλητος 1 The words **Hymenaeus** and **Philetus** are names of men.
2:18 fi9z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν 1 Paul speaks as if **the truth** were a mark or target that these two men have **missed**. Paul means that these men have failed to maintain **the truth**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have not remained in the truth” or “have ceased to have the truth”\n
2:18 p057 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **truth**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “concerning what is true”\n
2:18 pu22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἀνάστασιν ἤδη γεγονέναι 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **resurrection**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that people have already resurrected”
2:18 ura5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀνατρέπουσιν τήν τινων πίστιν 1 Here Paul speaks of **faith** as if it were an object that these two men could **overturn**. He means that they are disrupting or destroying people’s faith in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who tear down the faith of some” or “who cause some to lose their faith”
2:18 fj45 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τήν τινων πίστιν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **faith**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how some believed” or “some who used to believe”
2:19 ir1z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ & στερεὸς θεμέλιος τοῦ Θεοῦ ἕστηκεν 1 Here Paul speaks of a **firm foundation** that **stands** to indicate that something that **God** has established is secure and will remain. Paul could be referring to: (1) God’s people, the church. In this case, God has established his people as a **firm foundation**, and no false teaching can make them stop believing. Alternate translation: “the church of God stands like a firm foundation” (2) the gospel. In this case, God has established the gospel as a **firm foundation**, and no false teaching can corrupt it. Alternate translation: “the gospel of God stands like a firm foundation”\n
2:19 p058 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἔχων τὴν σφραγῖδα ταύτην 1 Here Paul speaks as if the **foundation** had a **seal** on it. He means that God has made official statements about the **foundation**. These official statements guarantee that the **foundation** is valid and belongs to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “having these official statements from God which are like a seal” or “about which God has officially said”
2:19 p059 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations ἔγνω Κύριος τοὺς ὄντας αὐτοῦ, καί, ἀποστήτω ἀπὸ ἀδικίας πᾶς ὁ ὀνομάζων τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου 1 Here Paul introduces a quotation and a summary that both come from the Old Testament scriptures. The first quotation is from [Numbers 16:5](../num/16/05.md). Paul quotes these words from an ancient translation into Timothy’s language. The second quotation is a summary of many verses in the Old Testament. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words as quotations, as the ULT and UST do, and you could include information about the quotations in a footnote.
2:19 ntoh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Κύριος & Κυρίου 1 Here, the word **Lord** could refer to: (1) Jesus specifically. Alternate translation: “Jesus the Lord … of Jesus the Lord” (2) God generally. Alternate translation: “The Lord God … of the Lord God”
2:19 ifmm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense ἔγνω 1 Here the author of the quotation uses the past tense to refer to something that is always true. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever tense is natural for stating a general truth. Alternate translation: “has known”
2:19 qi40 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀποστήτω ἀπὸ & πᾶς ὁ ὀνομάζων τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου 1 Here Paul speaks of **unrighteousness** if it were a location from which people should **depart**. He means that these people should stop doing what is unrighteous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord avoid” or “Let everyone naming the name of the Lord reject”
2:19 sd6m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p ἀποστήτω & πᾶς ὁ ὀνομάζων τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου 1 If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Everyone naming the name of the Lord should depart”
2:19 nd7t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ὁ ὀνομάζων τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου 1 Here, the phrase **naming the name of the Lord** refers to claiming that one serves and believes in **the Lord**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who claims to follow the Lord” or “who claims to believe in the Lord”
2:19 y3bc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἀπὸ ἀδικίας 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **unrighteousness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from acting unrighteously”
2:20 mvjp rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Here, the word **Now** introduces the next thing that Paul wants to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave **Now** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,”
2:20 p060 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor ἐν μεγάλῃ & οἰκίᾳ, οὐκ ἔστιν μόνον σκεύη χρυσᾶ καὶ ἀργυρᾶ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ξύλινα καὶ ὀστράκινα; καὶ ἃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν, ἃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν 1 To teach Timothy, Paul speaks of the church as if it were **a great house** that contained **containers**, which represent people who are part of the church. This is an important figure of speech that Paul continues in the next verse, so you should preserve it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a form that introduces an illustration or example. Alternate translation: “here is an illustration: in a great house, there are not only gold and silver containers, but also wood and clay, and some for honor and some for dishonor”\n
2:20 j75l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit σκεύη 1 The word translated as **container** is a general term for items that people use when they are performing household duties. These items include bowls and pots but also tools such as knives and shovels. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a general word that refers to this kind of item, or you could list several examples. Alternate translation: “bowls, knives, and similar items”
2:20 p061 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἀλλὰ καὶ ξύλινα καὶ ὀστράκινα 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “but there are also wood and clay containers”
2:20 vefb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν, ἃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν 1 Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “some are made for honor and some are made for dishonor”
2:20 mt5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἃ μὲν εἰς τιμὴν, ἃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **honor** and **dishonor**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “some for being used in honorable ways and some for being used in dishonorable ways”
2:21 jm3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor ἐὰν & τις ἐκκαθάρῃ ἑαυτὸν ἀπὸ τούτων, ἔσται σκεῦος εἰς τιμήν, ἡγιασμένον εὔχρηστον τῷ Δεσπότῃ, εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἡτοιμασμένον 1 Here Paul continues to speak of believers as if they were each a **container**. In this verse, Paul gives some explanation of this figure of speech. When people cleanse themselves, they become like clean containers that can be used in honorable ways and that are useful to the **master** of the house, who represents God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form to explain the figure of speech. Alternate translation: “if someone has cleansed himself from these, he will be like a container for honor. Like such a container, he will be sanctified and useful to God, who is like the master of the house. He will be prepared for every good work”
2:21 deyt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τούτων 1 Here, the word **these** could refer to: (1) what Paul has said in [2:16–18](../02/16.md) about what the false teachers do and say. The particular focus, then, is on ungodliness and false teaching. Alternate translation: “from ungodliness and false teaching” or “these ungodly things” (2) the vessels for dishonor that Paul mentioned in [2:20](../02/20.md). In this case, the focus could be on the vessels or the dishonor. Alternate translation: “these vessels for dishonor” or “that dishonor”
2:21 gi36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἑαυτὸν & ἔσται 1 Although the terms **himself** and **he** are masculine, Paul is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “himself or herself … he or she will be”
2:21 p062 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εἰς τιμήν 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **honor**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that is used in honorable ways”
2:21 p063 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἡγιασμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “having become holy” or “one that God has sanctified”
2:21 p065 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἡτοιμασμένον 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: “being ready” or “one that God has prepared”
2:22 bnph rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces the next thing that Paul wants to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”
2:22 h9p6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor φεῦγε 1 Paul speaks of **youthful lusts** as if they were things a person could physically run away from. He means that Timothy should always avoid these **lusts**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “make sure that you do not have”\n
2:22 p066 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὰς & νεωτερικὰς ἐπιθυμίας 1 Here Paul is referring to **lusts** that generally characterize **youthful** people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the lusts that youthful people often have”
2:22 hg99 δίωκε & δικαιοσύνην, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, εἰρήνην, μετὰ τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν Κύριον ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας 1 Here, the phrase **with the ones calling on the Lord from a pure heart** could modify: (1) **pursue**. In this case, Timothy is supposed to **pursue** these good qualities along with the people who are **calling on the Lord from a pure heart**. Alternate translation: “pursue, with the ones calling on the Lord from a pure heart, righteousness, faith, love, peace” (2) **peace**. In this case, the people with whom Timothy should have peace are those **calling on the Lord from a pure heart**. Alternate translation: “pursue righteousness, faith, and love, and pursue peace with the ones calling on the Lord from a pure heart”\n
2:22 srb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor δίωκε 1 Paul speaks of **righteousness** and other good qualities as if they were things that a person could run after and catch. He means that Timothy should try very hard to be characterized by these good things. Alternate translation: “seek to acquire” or “work hard to be characterized by”\n
2:22 p067 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns δικαιοσύνην, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, εἰρήνην 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for some or all of the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “becoming more righteous, believing, loving, peaceful”\n
2:22 bp8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πίστιν 1 Here, the word **faith** could refer to: (1) belief in Jesus. Alternate translation: “faith in Jesus” (2) faithfulness in doing what God requires. Alternate translation: “faithfulness”
2:22 gl3q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom τῶν ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν Κύριον 1 The phrase **calling on the Lord** refers to worshiping and praying to **the Lord**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the ones praying to the Lord”\n
2:22 as17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τὸν Κύριον ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας 1 Here, the phrase **from a clean heart** could be: (1) another description of these people. Alternate translation: “the Lord who have a pure heart” (2) a description of how they are **calling on the Lord**. Alternate translation: “the Lord, which they do with a pure heart”
2:22 p068 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας 1 In Paul’s culture, the **heart** is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate **heart** by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “from a pure mind” or “from pure thoughts”\n
2:23 tmf7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces how Timothy should treat **foolish and uneducated questions** in contrast to how he should “pursue” the good qualities that Paul listed in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”
2:23 f5vb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τὰς & μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους ζητήσεις 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of controversies, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “debating about foolish and ignorant things”
2:23 p069 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους 1 The terms **foolish** and **uneducated** mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very foolish” or “completely uneducated”
2:23 kh6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor γεννῶσι 1 Here Paul speaks of the **controversies** as if they were women giving birth to children, the **battles**. He means that these **controversies** cause the **battles**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they cause”
2:23 p070 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μάχας 1 Here Paul speaks of strife and quarrels within a community as if they were **battles**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “quarrels that are like battles” or “strife”
2:24 ux2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces how **a slave of the Lord** acts in contrast to how the “controversies” that Paul mentioned in the previous verse cause people to act. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,”
2:24 u2mp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun δοῦλον & Κυρίου 1 The word **slave** represents any person who is a **slave of the Lord**, not one particular person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “each slave of the Lord”
2:24 p071 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor δοῦλον & Κυρίου 1 Here Paul speaks of people who worship and obey **the Lord**, and especially leaders in the church, as if they were each **a slave of the Lord**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who worship and obey the Lord” or “people who do what the Lord commands”
2:24 p072 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐ & μάχεσθαι 1 Here Paul speaks of arguing and quarreling in a community as if it were battling. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar figure of speech in [2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “not to quarrel, which is like fighting in a battle” or “not to cause strife”
2:24 s78b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj πάντας 1 Paul is using the adjective **all** as a noun to mean all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “everyone”
2:25 un9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns ἐν πραΰτητι 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **meekness**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “meekly” or “in a meek way”
2:25 u6rp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit τοὺς ἀντιδιατιθεμένους 1 Here Paul could be implying that these people are **opposing**: (1) the “slave of the Lord” ([2:24](../02/24.md)). Alternate translation: “the ones opposing him” (2) the gospel. Alternate translation: “the ones opposing the gospel”
2:25 jt1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μήποτε δώῃ αὐτοῖς ὁ Θεὸς μετάνοιαν 1 Here Paul speaks of **repentance** as if it were an object that God could give people. He means that God may enable these people to have **repentance**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God may perhaps cause them to have repentance”
2:25 u8dy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns μήποτε δώῃ αὐτοῖς & μετάνοιαν εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of **repentance**, **knowledge**, and **truth**, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “may perhaps cause them to repent so that they can know the true teaching”
2:26 ql9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-events ἀνανήψωσιν ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος, ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα 1 These people must have been **captured** by the devil before they can **become sober again from the trap of the devil**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses to express the ideas in sequential order. Alternate translation: “having in the past been captured by the devil for the will of that one, they may become sober again from the trap of the devil”
2:26 p073 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀνανήψωσιν ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος 1 Here Paul implies that being **sober again** also means escaping **from the trap of the devil**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “they may become sober again and escape from the trap of the devil”
2:26 ef3q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀνανήψωσιν 1 Here Paul speaks of being able to think clearly about what is true as if it were becoming **sober again**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they may be able to reason properly again”
2:26 mql8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ τῆς τοῦ διαβόλου παγίδος, ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 Here Paul speaks of how the devil has gained power or control over these people as if he had **captured** them in a **trap**. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from what is like a trap of the devil, in which they have been captured like animals by him” or “from the power of the devil, having been dominated by him”\n
2:26 p074 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐζωγρημένοι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he having captured them”
2:26 sawl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα 1 Here Paul uses the pronoun **him** and the phrase **that one**. He could be: (1) using both terms to refer to the devil. Alternate translation: “the devil for the devil’s own will” (2) be using the word **him** to refer to the devil and the phrase **that one** to refer to God. In this case, the phrase **for the will of that one** gives the result of these people becoming sober again. Alternate translation: “the devil, but now they can do the will of God”
2:26 dj4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εἰς τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα 1 If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of **will**, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for what that one desires”
3:intro k2cr 0 # 2 Timothy 3 General Notes\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\nMany scholars understand the **last days** to mean the entire time from when Jesus first came to when he will return, which includes Paul’s time. If so, then what Paul teaches in this chapter about being persecuted applies to all believers. But some scholars understand the **last days** to mean a time in the future just before Jesus returns. If that is the meaning, then Paul is prophesying in verses 1–9 and 13 about those days. If possible, translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate these verses. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lastday]])
3:1 dtw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases δὲ 1 Here, the word **But** introduces the next thing that Paul wants to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave **But** untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”
3:1 k9xi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo τοῦτο & γίνωσκε, ὅτι 1 The expression **know this, that** contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in some languages. If this is true of your language, you could shorten the expression. Alternate translation: “know that”\n
3:1 g65r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐν ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις 1 Here, the phrase **last days** refers to the period of time before Jesus comes back. Christians have different understandings about whether Paul believed that this time period had already begun or would begin sometime in the future. If possible, your translation should refer to this time period without indicating whether it had already begun. Alternate translation: “during the time before Jesus’ second coming” or “in the final time period”
3:1 n7gs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐνστήσονται καιροὶ χαλεποί 1 Here Paul implies that the **times** will be **difficult** for believers because of what other people do and say that may harm or injure them (see [3:2–5](../03/02.md)). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “believers will face difficult situations” or “believers will be in danger”
3:2 p075 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations οἱ ἄνθρωποι 1 Here Paul is using the term **men** in a generic sense that includes all people. Alternate translation: “people”
3:2 jb27 φίλαυτοι 1 Here, **self-loving** refers to loving oneself more than loving family or friends with a natural human love. This is not the kind of love that comes from God. Alternate translation: “self-centered”
3:3 u3n7 ἄστοργοι 1 The term **unloving** means that they will not love other people whom they should love. Alternate translation: “they will not love their own families”
3:3 r2uv ἄσπονδοι 1 The term **irreconcilable** means they will not agree to make peace with others and will insist on living in a state of conflict in order to have their own way. Alternate translation: “they will not agree with anyone” or “they will not live in peace with anyone”
3:3 ks9y ἀφιλάγαθοι 1 The phrase **not good-loving** could be translated by removing the negative **not** and replacing **loving** with the opposite term “hating.” Alternate translation: “They will hate what is good”
3:4 dw5z προπετεῖς 1 The adjective **reckless** conveys the idea of doing things without thinking about the negative things that could happen as a result. Alternate translation: “heedless of consequences”
3:4 d6ng rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τετυφωμένοι 1 The expression **puffed up** is a metaphor for being proud and considering oneself better than others. Alternate translation: “haughty” or “conceited”
3:4 p076 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive τετυφωμένοι 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “haughty” or “conceited”
3:5 k5dc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἔχοντες μόρφωσιν εὐσεβείας 1 The expression **a form of** indicates that their **godliness** is not genuine or true. Alternate translation: “appearing to have godliness” or “appearing to honor God”
3:5 p077 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result καὶ 1 Paul uses the word **And** to introduce the results of what the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “So”
3:5 p078 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj τούτους ἀποτρέπου 1 The term **these** is a demonstrative adjective that refers to the people who show the ungodly qualities that Paul lists in the previous verses. Paul is using the term as a noun. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can add the word “people” in your translation. Alternate translation: “avoid these people” or “avoid such people”
3:5 xm1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τούτους ἀποτρέπου 1 The expression **turn away** is a metaphor for avoiding someone. Alternate translation: “avoid these people” or “avoid such people”
3:6 gu4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor αἰχμαλωτίζοντες 1 Here Paul uses the term **captivating** to mean greatly influencing someone by the use of deception. Alternate translation: “manipulating”
3:6 u9m5 γυναικάρια 1 The term **foolish women** refers to women who are spiritually weak and immature. They allow these men into their homes and listen to them because they are weak, idle, and have many sins. Alternate translation: “women who are spiritually weak”
3:6 e9ex rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σεσωρευμένα ἁμαρτίαις 1 Paul speaks of these **sins** as if they were heaped up on the backs of these women. Paul is explaining why these men can easily influence these women. This could mean: (1) these women sin often or even continually. Alternate translation: “who sin often” (2) these women feel terrible guilt because they sin. Alternate translation: “who feel terrible guilt for their sins”
3:6 p079 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive σεσωρευμένα ἁμαρτίαις 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “who sin often” or “who feel terrible guilt for their sins”
3:6 p080 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀγόμενα ἐπιθυμίαις ποικίλαις 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “various desires lead them away”
3:6 izz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ἀγόμενα ἐπιθυμίαις ποικίλαις 1 Paul speaks about these **various desires** as if they could physically lead a person away. He means that the women decide to do evil things in order to satisfy their desires. Alternate translation: “they decide to sin in various ways”
3:7 p082 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μηδέποτε εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν δυνάμενα 1 Paul speaks of the **knowledge of the truth** as if it were a destination at which people could arrive. Alternate translation: “never able to understand the truth”
3:8 b8el rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἰάννης καὶ Ἰαμβρῆς 1 **Jannes** and **Jambres** are names of men.
3:8 p084 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit Ἰάννης καὶ Ἰαμβρῆς 1 Paul assumes that Timothy will know that he is referring here to the magicians in Pharaoh’s court who tried to duplicate the miracles that Moses was doing. The Bible does not record their names, but according to Jewish tradition their names were Jannes and Jambres. These men wanted to show that Pharaoh did not have to listen to Moses or obey Yahweh. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could identify them more explicitly. Alternate translation: “Jannes and Jambres, Pharaoh’s magicians,”
3:8 p085 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj οὗτοι 1 As in [3:5](../03/05.md), the term **these** is a demonstrative adjective that refers to the people who show the ungodly qualities that Paul has described. Paul is using the term as a noun. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can add the word “people” in your translation. Alternate translation: “these people”
3:8 p086 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ ἀληθείᾳ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **truth** with an adjective. Alternate translation: “what is true”
3:8 g4kk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἄνθρωποι κατεφθαρμένοι τὸν νοῦν 1 Paul uses the word **mind** to refer to the way these evil men think. Alternate translation: “men who cannot think rightly”
3:8 p087 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἄνθρωποι κατεφθαρμένοι τὸν νοῦν 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “men who cannot think rightly”
3:8 pfh1 ἀδόκιμοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν 1 Paul uses the adjective **unapproved** to convey the idea that these men have been tested regarding how well they trust in Christ and obey him, and they have failed the test because their faith is not real. Alternate translation: “without sincere faith” or “whose faith is not genuine”
3:8 sppy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀδόκιμοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could start a new sentence here and say who does not approve of these men. Alternate translation: “God does approve of these men because they do not have a genuine faith in Jesus”
3:9 x9kx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἀλλ’ 1 The word **But** indicates a contrast between this verse and the previous idea from [3:6](../03/06.md) that these men were able to sneak into homes and persuade people to believe wrong things. If you need to make this contrast clear, you could remind your readers of the previous idea here. Alternate translation: “But even though they have persuaded some people to believe wrong things”
3:9 c6xx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor οὐ προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ πλεῖον 1 Paul uses an expression about physical movement to mean that the false teachers will not continue to have much success among the believers. Alternate translation: “they will not be able to continue teaching falsely”
3:9 mv4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole ἡ & ἄνοια αὐτῶν ἔκδηλος ἔσται πᾶσιν 1 The word **all** is a generalization. Paul has just said that these men will have a little success in deceiving some people. But ultimately their foolishness will become widely apparent, as happened to Jannes and Jambres, who were publicly discredited when they were not able to equal the powerful miracles of Moses. Alternate translation: “their foolishness will become widely apparent”
3:9 z4fu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ἐκείνων 1 The term **those** is a demonstrative adjective that refers to Jannes and Jambres. Paul is using the term as a noun. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can supply the names of the two men. Alternate translation: “of Jannes and Jambres”
3:10 vw42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor σὺ & παρηκολούθησάς 1 Paul speaks of giving close attention to the things he lists in this verse as if one were physically following them as they moved. The idea is that Timothy is giving close attention to these things and imitating them. Alternate translation: “you have observed” or “you have paid close attention to”
3:10 wma6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns μου τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **teaching** with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “what I have taught others to do”
3:10 lq3v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ ἀγωγῇ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **conduct** with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I live my life”
3:10 p088 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ προθέσει 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **purpose** with a verbal clause. Alternate translation: “what I try to do with my life”
3:10 p089 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ πίστει 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **faith** with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “what I believe”
3:10 p091 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ μακροθυμίᾳ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **patience** with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I am patient with others”
3:10 p090 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ ἀγάπῃ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **love** with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I love others”
3:10 l4pp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns τῇ ὑπομονῇ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **endurance** with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “how I endure when I suffer”
3:11 p093 οἵους διωγμοὺς ὑπήνεγκα 1 Paul is reminding Timothy that he knows of the various ways in which Paul suffered and how he endured until God rescued him. Alternate translation: “how I endured various persecutions”
3:11 r9vk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐκ πάντων, με ἐρρύσατο ὁ Κύριος 1 Paul speaks as if God had physically removed him from a situation of danger. Alternate translation: “the Lord preserved me through them all”
3:12 xm9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive διωχθήσονται 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “people will persecute”
3:13 p094 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ἄνθρωποι 1 Here Paul is using the term **men** in a generic sense that can include both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”
3:13 xo4q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys πονηροὶ & ἄνθρωποι καὶ γόητες 1 This is probably a hendiadys, and the **evil men and impostors** are not two groups of people, but one group of people. Alternate translation: “evil people who only pretend to follow Jesus”
3:13 s7f2 γόητες 1 The term **impostors** refers here to a person who wants other people to think he is a true Christian when he is not. Alternate translation: “people who are pretending to be believers”
3:13 imc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον 1 Paul speaks of evil people and their character as something that moves forward physically, making gradual progress in a direction. Alternate translation: “will become worse and worse” or “will become even more evil”
3:13 p095 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον 1 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “worse and worse”
3:13 eyx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι 1 The expression **leading astray** uses the image of physically taking a person to a place that he didn’t think he was going to. This is a figurative reference to persuading someone to believe something that is not true. Alternate translation: “teaching lies and believing lies”
3:13 p096 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “teaching lies and believing lies”
3:14 ytg9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor μένε ἐν οἷς ἔμαθες 1 Paul speaks of biblical instruction as if it were a place in which Timothy could stay. Alternate translation: “continue doing what you have learned” or “continue believing what you have learned”
3:14 p097 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπιστώθης 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “are confident about”
3:15 w9l5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification τὰ δυνάμενά σε σοφίσαι 1 Paul speaks of the Scriptures as if they were a teacher who could instruct people and help them become **wise**. It may be convenient in your translation to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “By studying them you can become wise”
3:15 p098 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns εἰς σωτηρίαν διὰ πίστεως τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **salvation** with a verb such as “save.” Alternate translation: “so that you will know enough to trust Christ Jesus to save you”
3:16 s274 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor πᾶσα Γραφὴ θεόπνευστος καὶ 1 The term **God-breathed** uses the image of breathing to indicate that the Scriptures come directly from God through his Spirit. Characteristically in the Bible, the breath of God represents the Spirit of God. Alternate translation: “God produced all Scripture as his Spirit directed people what to write, and it”
3:16 hvr1 πᾶσα Γραφὴ θεόπνευστος 1 By **All Scripture**, Paul is referring to every part of Scripture, which, at that time, was what we know as the Old Testament. If it is confusing to refer to all of the books of the Old Testament with the singular word **Scripture**, you could change it to a plural word as in the UST and make the verbs plural. Alternate translation: “All of the Holy Writings are God-breathed”
3:16 uv35 ὠφέλιμος 1 Paul refers to the Scripture as **profitable** to convey the idea that Timothy and all believers will benefit when they use the Scripture to teach, reprove, correct, and train. Alternate translation: “you will benefit from it as you use it” or “it benefits everyone when we use it”
3:16 vl2n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns πρὸς ἐλεγμόν 1 Paul instructs Timothy to use the Scriptures as the standard for knowing what is right and wrong and showing people that they are wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **reproof** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “for showing people that they are wrong” or “for helping us to know when we are wrong”
3:16 e5h9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns πρὸς ἐπανόρθωσιν 1 Paul instructs Timothy to use the Scriptures as the standard for showing people how to make something right. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **correction** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “for showing people how to make things right” or “for showing us how to fix errors”
3:16 y1hf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns πρὸς παιδείαν τὴν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ 1 Paul instructs Timothy to use the Scriptures as the standard for training people how to live lives that are right with God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **righteousness** with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “and for training people how to do what is right” or “and for training us to do what is right”
3:17 nb12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος 1 Paul is using the word **man** here in a generic sense that includes all believers in God, whether male or female. Of course, Paul also intends for Timothy to apply this to himself. Alternate translation: “the person who serves God”
3:17 p099 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐξηρτισμένος 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “and have everything he needs”
4:intro k2xa 0 # 2 Timothy 4 General Notes\n\n## Structure and formatting\n\n1. Paul gives a solemn charge to Timothy (4:1–8)\n2. Paul tells Timothy how he is doing (4:9–18)\n3. Paul sends personal greetings (4:19–22)\n\n## Special concepts in this chapter\n\n### “I adjure you”\n\nWith these words Paul challenges Timothy in the most serious way possible to do what he is telling him to do. It is a way of commanding Timothy, not by Paul’s own authority, but by the authority that he then refers to, that of God and Jesus Christ. In other words, Paul is saying that God and Jesus Christ are commanding Timothy through Paul.\n\n### Crown\n\nScripture uses the image of a crown to represent different things. In this chapter, Paul describes Christ as awarding a crown to believers as a metaphor for the reward that Christ will give them for having lived rightly on this earth.
4:1 eh3x διαμαρτύρομαι 1 The word translated **adjure** is used to place someone under a serious and binding obligation. Think about the words that you use to do this in your language. This could refer to: (1) placing someone under an oath to do something. Alternate translation: “I place you under an oath” or “I hereby obligate you” (2) solemnly commanding someone with great authority. Alternate translation: “I solemnly urge you”
4:1 cb15 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 Here the word **before** means “in front of,” that is, “in the presence of.” The implication is that God and Christ Jesus will witness and approve this command or oath. Alternate translation: “in the presence of God and Christ Jesus” or “with God and Christ Jesus as the witnesses”
4:1 u32g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς 1 Paul refers to **the living** and **the dead** together to mean all people, whether they are alive at the time of judgment or have died. Alternate translation: “those who are still alive and those who have died”
4:1 p100 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς 1 The terms **living** and **dead** are adjectives that Paul is using as nouns to refer to groups of people. If your language does not use adjectives in that way, you can translate these terms with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “those who are still alive and those who have died”
4:1 lwt2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy καὶ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ 1 Paul refers to Christ’s return by association to the fact that he will appear once again to people on earth when he returns, and he refers to Christ’s rule as king by association to the **kingdom** that he will rule. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and on Christ’s return and on his rule as king”
4:1 anqh καὶ τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ 1 This can be understood in two different ways, depending on if Paul is placing Timothy under an oath or giving Timothy a command. (1) If Paul is placing Timothy under an oath, then he is saying that these are the things that Timothy would be denying if he fails to fulfill the oath. Alternate translation: “with an oath as strong as your desire for Christ’s return and for his rule as king” (2) If Paul is introducing a command in this verse, then Paul is appealing to these things to strengthen his command. Alternate translation: “and as surely as Christ will return and rule as king”
4:2 j2z7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν λόγον 1 Paul is using the term **word** to refer to the whole message about Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “the Gospel message” or “the Good News”
4:2 zzh4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism εὐκαίρως, ἀκαίρως 1 Paul uses the opposite words **opportunely** and**inopportunely** to say that Timothy should be ready to preach about Jesus when it seems like a good time to do so and also when it does not seem like a good time. He is using the two types of occasions together to indicate all occasions. Alternate translation: “when it is convenient and when it is not convenient” or “at all times”
4:2 g7ax rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἔλεγξον 1 The command to **reprove** implies that the action is directed toward people who have done something wrong and are in need of correction. Alternate translation: “correct those who have sinned”
4:2 p101 ἐπιτίμησον 1 The word **rebuke** involves telling someone that they have done something wrong and warning them not to do it again. Alternate translation: “tell them not to sin”
4:2 p102 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ 1 Here, **patience and teaching** is a hendiadys, with **patience** modifying **teaching**. Alternate translation: “do these things by teaching very patiently” or “always do these things by teaching patiently”
4:2 g5r0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ 1 The implication is that this is how Timothy should preach, reprove, rebuke, and exhort. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “do these things by teaching very patiently” or “always do these things by teaching patiently”
4:2 p103 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole ἐν πάσῃ μακροθυμίᾳ καὶ διδαχῇ 1 Here, **all** could mean: (1) Timothy should always be patient when he teaches. Alternate translation: “always teaching patiently” (2) a generalization for emphasis, meaning that Timothy should be very patient. Alternate translation: “by teaching very patiently”
4:3 ilx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit οὐκ ἀνέξονται 1 The context indicates that **they** means people who are a part of the community of believers. Alternate translation: “some believers will no longer listen patiently to”
4:3 fyl3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τῆς ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας 1 The expression **healthy teaching** means “correct teaching” by association, since a healthy mind would recognize that correct teaching was reasonable. Alternate translation: “correct teaching”
4:3 e5t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor κατὰ τὰς ἰδίας ἐπιθυμίας, ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισωρεύσουσιν διδασκάλους 1 Paul speaks of how people will obtain many teachers as if they were putting them into a heap or pile. They will want many teachers, but not value these teachers for how they live godly lives or how accurately they teach. Alternate translation: “they will gather many teachers for themselves who will teach what they want”
4:3 s375 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν 1 Paul speaks of people badly wanting to hear something as if their ears itched and could only be relieved if they found many teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear. Alternate translation: “because they want to hear it so badly”
4:3 p104 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν 1 Paul uses the **ear** to mean hearing. Alternate translation: “because they want to hear it so badly”
4:4 rh2i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀπὸ μὲν τῆς ἀληθείας τὴν ἀκοὴν ἀποστρέψουσιν 1 Paul speaks about people no longer paying attention as if they were physically turning their ears away so that they could not hear. Alternate translation: “will no longer pay attention to the truth”
4:4 p105 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἀπὸ μὲν τῆς ἀληθείας τὴν ἀκοὴν ἀποστρέψουσιν 1 Paul uses the **ear** to mean listening. Listening, in turn, means paying attention. Alternate translation: “will no longer pay attention to the truth”
4:4 xrv7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐπὶ & τοὺς μύθους ἐκτραπήσονται 1 Paul speaks about people starting to pay attention to **myths** as if someone were getting them to wander off in the wrong direction. Alternate translation: “these teachers will get them to pay attention to stories that are not true”
4:4 p106 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐπὶ & τοὺς μύθους ἐκτραπήσονται 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can express this with an active form, and you can state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “these teachers will get them to pay attention to stories that are not true”
4:5 ehz7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor νῆφε 1 Paul wants his readers to think correctly about everything, and so he speaks as if he wanted them to **be sober** rather than drunk. Alternate translation: “think clearly”
4:5 tv3k εὐαγγελιστοῦ 1 Alternate translation: “of a person who proclaims the good news about Jesus”
4:6 p107 ἐγὼ & ἤδη σπένδομαι 1 While Paul speaks of his death as **already** happening, he means that it is an event that will happen soon. Alternate translation: “I will soon be poured out”
4:6 sh23 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐγὼ & ἤδη σπένδομαι 1 Paul speaks of himself as if he were wine in a cup that was **being poured out** as a sacrifice to God. Alternate translation: “the sacrifice of my life to God will soon be complete”
4:6 p108 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐγὼ & ἤδη σπένδομαι 1 If your language does not use this passive form, you can express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “My life will soon end as a sacrifice to God”
4:6 fb7l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἀναλύσεώς μου ἐφέστηκεν 1 Paul refers to his death as a **departure**. This is a polite way of referring to something unpleasant. Alternate translation: “soon I will die and leave this world”
4:7 d9ts rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα ἠγώνισμαι 1 Paul speaks of himself as if he has been competing in an athletic contest. Here, **good** could mean: (1) the kind of effort Paul has made. Alternate translation: “I have done my best” (2) Paul has pursued a worthwhile endeavor. Alternate translation: “I have worked hard for what really matters”
4:7 kq83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὸν δρόμον τετέλεκα 1 Paul speaks of his life of service to God as if he had been running a **race** on foot. Alternate translation: “I have completed what I needed to do”
4:7 vk2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τὴν πίστιν τετήρηκα 1 Paul speaks of **the faith**, by which he means his trust in Christ and his obedience to God, as if they were valuable objects that he has kept safe in his possession. This could mean: (1) Paul was faithful to do what God told him to do. Alternate translation: “I have remained faithful in doing my ministry” (2) Paul was faithful to teach the truth. Alternate translation: “I have preserved the teachings from any error”
4:8 ujg5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἀπόκειταί μοι ὁ τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “God has reserved the crown of righteousness for me”
4:8 hg8i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor τῆς δικαιοσύνης στέφανος 1 Here, the **crown** could: (1) represent the reward that God gives to people who have lived the right way. Alternate translation: “the reward for the righteous” (2) represent righteousness itself. Just as the judge of a race gives a crown to the winner, when Paul finishes his life, God will declare that Paul is righteous. Alternate translation: “the reward that is righteousness”
4:8 dwn6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown στέφανος 1 See how you translated **crown** in [2:5](../02/05.md). The **crown** that Paul is using as an illustration of the future award from God was a wreath made of laurel tree leaves that was given to winners of athletic contests. You can use a word in your language that would refer to a prize for winning a contest.
4:8 n3k8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ἐν, ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ 1 As in [1:12](../01/12.md), this refers to the **day** when Jesus returns to judge people. Alternate translation: “on the day of judgment”
4:8 p109 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ 1 See how you translated **his appearing** in [4:1](../04/01.md). Paul is referring to Christ’s return by association with the fact that he will appear once again to people on earth when he returns. Alternate translation: “his return”
4:10 e4xx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Δημᾶς & Κρήσκης & Τίτος 1 **Demas**, **Crescens**, and **Titus** are names of men.
4:10 ji2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν νῦν αἰῶνα 1 The expression **the present age** refers to worldly things as opposed to the things of God. Paul refers to these worldly things by association with the present time when people generally desire them, as opposed to the future time when the things of God will be established throughout the earth. Alternate translation: “the temporary comforts of this world”
4:10 u2qb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis Κρήσκης εἰς Γαλατίαν, Τίτος εἰς Δαλματίαν 1 Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. He means that like Demas, **Crescens** and **Titus** have left him. However, he is probably not saying that they did this because they also “loved this present age” like Demas. It is more likely that they are traveling to help the churches. Alternate translation: “Crescens has left me and gone to Galatia, and Titus has left me and gone to Dalmatia”
4:10 gs61 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Γαλατίαν & Δαλματίαν 1 This are the names of parts of the Roman empire. **Galatia** is an official Roman province and **Dalmatia** is an area in the southern part of the province of Illyricum.
4:11 w21u μοι εὔχρηστος εἰς διακονίαν 1 This could mean: (1) Mark is **useful** in helping Paul to take care of his personal needs. Alternate translation: “he can help take care of my needs” (2) Mark is **useful** in helping Paul minister to others, especially by preaching and teaching. Alternate translation: “he is helpful to me in my ministry”
4:12 y60r ἀπέστειλα 1 Timothy is at Ephesus when he receives this letter. It may be that Tychicus is the one who carried this letter to Timothy at Ephesus. If so, then Paul is writing from Timothy’s perspective, who would view Paul’s sending of Tychicus as a past event. If this is confusing in your language and you want to include this possibility, you may need to change the tense of the verb to future. Alternate translation: “soon I will be sending”
4:13 d5rw rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown φελόνην 1 The term **cloak** refers to a heavy garment worn over clothes. Alternate translation: “coat”
4:13 v9b6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Κάρπῳ 1 **Carpus** is the name of a man.
4:13 k6tj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown τὰ βιβλία 1 The term **books** refers to scrolls. A scroll was a type of book made of a long sheet of papyrus or leather. After writing on a scroll or reading it, people would roll it up using rods on the ends. Alternate translation: “the scrolls”
4:13 e395 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown μάλιστα τὰς μεμβράνας 1 The term **parchments** may refer to a specific type of scroll. Alternate translation: “especially those made from animal skins”
4:14 un4v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ χαλκεὺς 1 The term **coppersmith** refers to a person who worked with things made of copper and other metals. Alternate translation: “Alexander, who works with metal”
4:14 kv94 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἀλέξανδρος 1 **Alexander** is the name of a man.
4:14 wbx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἀποδώσει αὐτῷ ὁ Κύριος κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ 1 Paul speaks of punishment as if it were repayment. Alternate translation: “the Lord will give him the right punishment for what he has done”
4:15 i4aj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ἀντέστη τοῖς ἡμετέροις λόγοις 1 The term **words** refers to the message that Paul and Timothy and their co-workers teach. Alternate translation: “he … opposed the message that we teach”
4:16 v847 ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ μου ἀπολογίᾳ 1 Paul is referring to the opening session of his trial. By writing **first**, he is likely indicating that he will have to appear in court again. Alternate translation: “At the opening session of my trial” or “When I first appeared in court and explained my actions”
4:16 f2c3 οὐδείς μοι παρεγένετο 1 Paul explains to Timothy that he had to go to court alone, without any supporters. Alternate translation: “no one testified on my behalf”
4:16 rm2t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive μὴ αὐτοῖς λογισθείη 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “May God not hold it against them” or “I pray that God does not punish those believers for deserting me”
4:17 t1fw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ὁ & Κύριός μοι παρέστη 1 Paul is speaking as if **the Lord** had physically **stood** with him. Alternate translation: “the Lord helped me”
4:17 y69m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἵνα δι’ ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. This could mean: (1) at his trial, Paul was able to explain the entire message God had given him to proclaim. Alternate translation: “so that I was able to proclaim all of the Lord’s message” (2) Paul was able to continue proclaiming God’s message right through to this time when he expected to lose his life. Alternate translation: “so that I was able to continue proclaiming the Lord’s message right to the end”
4:17 p113 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole καὶ ἀκούσωσιν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη 1 Here, **all** could be: (1) a figurative generalization. Alternate translation: “so that as many Gentiles as possible could hear it” (2) a reference to all the Gentiles in the court. Alternate translation: “so that all the Gentiles who were there might hear”
4:17 gsr8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor ἐρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος 1 Paul speaks as if he had been in danger of being killed by a **lion** at his court appearance. He could mean the physical danger of being sentenced to execution, or the spiritual danger of being tempted not to speak boldly for Jesus, or both. It would probably be best to leave both possibilities open in your translation. Alternate translation: “I was rescued from great danger”
4:17 p114 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ἐρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος 1 If your language does not use passive verbal forms, you can use an active form to express this same idea. Alternate translation: “God rescued me from great danger”
4:18 p115 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων 1 This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “forever and ever”
4:19 n4zc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy τὸν Ὀνησιφόρου οἶκον 1 See how you translated this phrase in [1:16](../01/16.md). The word **household** refers to **Onesiphorus** and all the people in his family, possibly even his servants. Alternate translation: “Onesiphorus and everyone who lives with him”
4:19 mef8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ὀνησιφόρου 1 **Onesiphorus** is the name of a man. See how you translated this name in [1:16](../01/16.md).
4:20 lie9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Ἔραστος & Τρόφιμον 1 **Erastus** and **Trophimus** are the names of men.
4:20 wp9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Μιλήτῳ 1 **Miletus** is the name of a city to the south of Ephesus.
4:21 eh95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit πρὸ χειμῶνος 1 The implication is that Timothy should try to come to Paul before the cold weather arrives and makes travel difficult or even impossible. If **winter** is the warm season in your area and summer is the cold season, or if your area does not have a cold season but a rainy season, you could use a more general expression. Alternate translation: “before the cold weather makes travel difficult” or “before the weather changes and makes travel difficult”
4:21 z1j9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis ἀσπάζεταί σε Εὔβουλος, καὶ Πούδης, καὶ Λίνος, καὶ Κλαυδία, καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ 1 Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would need in many languages in order to be complete. To make sure that the meaning is clear, you could supply these words. The people listed after Eubulus are also greeting Timothy. Eubulus is not greeting them. Alternate translation: “Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the believers here”
4:21 p7px rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Εὔβουλος & Πούδης & Λίνος 1 **Eubulus**, **Pudens**, and **Linus** are the names of three men.
4:21 er77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names Κλαυδία 1 **Claudia** is the name of a woman.
4:21 mk26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations οἱ ἀδελφοὶ 1 The word **brothers** means all believers, whether male or female. Alternate translation: “all the believers here”
4:22 tx26 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you ὁ Κύριος μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματός σου 1 Paul ends his letter with a blessing for Timothy. Here, **you** is singular and refers to Timothy. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord makes your spirit strong”
4:22 p119 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche ὁ Κύριος μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματός σου 1 Paul describes Timothy as a whole person by reference to his **spirit**, perhaps because he is wishing particularly for Timothy to receive spiritual strengthening. Alternate translation: “I pray that the Lord makes you strong” or “I pray that the Lord will strengthen you spiritually”
4:22 k85y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 Paul ends his letter with a second blessing. The **you** here is plural and refers to all of the believers who are with Timothy. Alternate translation: “May grace be with all of you there”
4:22 p120 ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 If it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly who Paul wishes will make this happen. Alternate translation: “May God give grace to all of you”
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