16At my first defense no one stood by me — all deserted me. May it not be counted against them. [4:17] But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation would be fully accomplished and all the Gentiles would hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. [4:18] The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
2TI 4:16-18
The Lord Remains Faithful
In the world it was spoken into
In the first-century Roman legal system, an was a formal defense speech delivered in court, often before a magistrate or judge. The speaker’s reference to being deserted during his defense highlights the precarious nature of Roman trials, where support from patrons or friends could determine the outcome. The mention of being delivered 'out of the mouth of the lion' evokes imagery of mortal danger, possibly referencing Nero’s persecution or the broader hostility faced by early Christians. The , or proclamation, aligns with the role of a herald in Greco-Roman society, emphasizing the public and authoritative nature of the speaker’s mission. The phrase 'all the Gentiles' underscores the universal scope of this proclamation, targeting non-Jewish audiences in the Roman world. The assurance of being brought safely into the heavenly kingdom reflects the eschatological hope common in early Christian thought, contrasting with the earthly dangers faced. The closing doxology, attributing glory to God 'unto the ages of the ages,' mirrors Jewish liturgical practices adapted into Christian worship.
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How other translations render this
2TI 4:16
- KJV
- At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
- BSB
- At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.
- Koinōnos
- At my first defense no one stood by me — all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.
2TI 4:17
- KJV
- Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
- BSB
- But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
- Koinōnos
- But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation would be fully accomplished and all the Gentiles would hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2TI 4:18
- KJV
- And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- BSB
- And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
- Koinōnos
- The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory unto the ages of the ages. Amen.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
2TI 4:16
- defense:The word translated 'defense' refers to a formal legal defense, a speech given in court to argue one's case against accusations, rather than a general act of self-protection.
2TI 4:17
- proclamation:The term translated 'proclamation' evokes the public announcement made by a herald, a formal and authoritative declaration meant to be heard by all.
- may be fully accomplished,:The phrase translated 'may be fully accomplished' carries the sense of being brought to full measure or complete fulfillment, implying thoroughness and completion.
- Gentiles,:The word translated 'Gentiles' literally means 'nations' or 'peoples,' often referring to those outside of a specific group, in this context, non-Israelites.