2 Timothy 1 16

2 Timothy 1:16 kjv

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 Timothy 1:16 nkjv

The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;

2 Timothy 1:16 niv

May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.

2 Timothy 1:16 esv

May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,

2 Timothy 1:16 nlt

May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.

2 Timothy 1 verses

2 Timothy 1 16 Meaning

In this verse, the Apostle Paul offers a fervent prayer for divine mercy upon the household of Onesiphorus. His supplication stems from Onesiphorus's exceptional and consistent kindness shown to Paul during a time of extreme vulnerability – his imprisonment. Onesiphorus actively provided physical and spiritual refreshment to Paul, a contrast to others, and notably, he demonstrated unwavering courage by not being ashamed of Paul's imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel. This highlights the value of selfless service and loyalty in the face of hardship, evoking God's promised blessing for such faithfulness.

2 Timothy 1 16 Context

The Epistle of 2 Timothy is Paul's last known letter, written from a Roman prison likely during his final imprisonment before martyrdom. It serves as a personal charge to Timothy, his protégé, to remain steadfast in faith, endure suffering for the Gospel, and guard the sound doctrine against false teachings. In chapter 1, Paul reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage and urges him to rekindle the gift of God within him. He contrasts the desertion of some (1:15) with the loyalty of others. It is in this light of loyalty amidst desertion that Paul singles out Onesiphorus for special commendation and prayer. Onesiphorus's actions represent the true commitment Paul is exhorting Timothy to embody – unwavering devotion to the Gospel and its suffering proponents, despite personal risk or social stigma associated with imprisonment for Christ.

2 Timothy 1 16 Word analysis

• The Lord (Ὁ Κύριος - Ho Kyrios): This typically refers to Jesus Christ in the New Testament, though it can also refer to God the Father. In this prayer, it signifies the divine authority and power to grant the requested mercy. It acknowledges God as the source of all compassion and blessing.

• grant (δῴη - doē): This is an optative verb, expressing a strong wish, desire, or prayer. It highlights the sincerity and earnestness of Paul's supplication, rather than a mere statement. It reflects a reliance on God's benevolent will.

• mercy (ἔλεος - eleos): Refers to compassion or pity that manifests in active help for those in need. It's more than just a feeling; it's a demonstration of gracious help towards the unfortunate. God's mercy is often coupled with His grace, bringing unmerited favor.

• to the household (τῷ οἴκῳ - tō oikō): "Household" (oikos) refers to the entire family unit, including dependents and perhaps even servants. The prayer extending to the whole household is significant, especially if Onesiphorus himself was deceased or unavailable at the time Paul wrote (a strong implication when compared with 2 Tim 4:19 where only his household is greeted, not him personally). It indicates God's blessing and recompense can extend generationally and collectively.

• of Onesiphorus (Ὀνησιφόρου - Onēṣiphorou): Onesiphorus means "profit-bringing" or "helpful," which aligns perfectly with his actions towards Paul. He stands as a faithful counter-example to those who deserted Paul (like Phygelus and Hermogenes in 2 Tim 1:15).

• for he (ὅτι αὐτὸς - hoti autos): "For" introduces the reason for Paul's prayer. This specific, personal commendation highlights the exemplary nature of Onesiphorus's actions.

• often (πολλάκις - pollakis): Emphasizes the consistent and repeated nature of Onesiphorus's acts of kindness and assistance. It was not a one-off favor but a sustained effort, demonstrating genuine commitment and care.

• refreshed me (με ἀνέψυξεν - me anapsyxen): The verb anapsychō literally means "to cool off," "to revive," "to restore breath." Metaphorically, it means to comfort, cheer up, invigorate. Paul was likely physically and emotionally weary from imprisonment, and Onesiphorus provided both physical aid (perhaps bringing provisions, visiting him) and emotional encouragement that revived his spirit.

• and was not ashamed of my chains (καὶ τὴν ἅλυσίν μου οὐκ ἐπαισχύνθη - kai tēn halysin mou ouk epaiskhynthē):

  • chains (ἅλυσιν - halysin): Refers to Paul's physical fetters as a prisoner. These chains were a visible sign of his legal disgrace, connecting him with criminals. To associate with a prisoner in chains, especially one seen as an enemy of the Roman state, carried social stigma and potential danger.
  • was not ashamed (οὐκ ἐπαισχύνθη - ouk epaiskhynthē): This is a powerful declaration. While many would have distanced themselves from Paul due to the disgrace of his imprisonment and the associated risk, Onesiphorus demonstrated bold loyalty and unwavering identification with Paul's suffering for Christ. His courage contrasted sharply with those who found Paul's predicament an embarrassment or a danger to avoid.

• Words-group: "The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus": This phrase encapsulates Paul's intercessory prayer, seeking divine favor and blessing for an entire family unit. It signifies a profound hope that the loving-kindness demonstrated by one member will be reciprocated and multiplied upon all associated with him by God's gracious hand. It implies that good deeds done in the Lord's service accrue divine merit and bring benefit beyond the immediate recipient.

• Words-group: "for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains": This explains the justification for Paul's prayer. These actions highlight Onesiphorus's Christ-like character: practical compassion in providing refreshment and unwavering courage in associating with Paul's disgraceful imprisonment. This was a costly commitment, signifying his faith and loyalty to Paul, and implicitly, to the Gospel message for which Paul suffered. It underlines the theme of sacrificial service.

2 Timothy 1 16 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on Onesiphorus's household (here and in 2 Tim 4:19) but the absence of a greeting to Onesiphorus himself has led many scholars to suggest that Onesiphorus might have been deceased by the time Paul wrote this letter. If so, Paul's prayer for mercy on his "household" becomes even more poignant, a prayer for God's grace and comfort upon those left behind by a faithful servant. This demonstrates Paul's conviction in ongoing divine care for the families of those who serve the Lord sacrificially. Furthermore, Onesiphorus's courageous act serves as a direct contrast to those Paul mentions earlier who "turned away" from him (2 Tim 1:15). He stands as an example of counter-cultural loyalty, echoing the call throughout 2 Timothy for believers to not be ashamed of the Gospel or its suffering proponents.

2 Timothy 1 16 Commentary

2 Timothy 1:16 beautifully illustrates the reciprocal nature of divine grace and human faithfulness. Paul, deeply appreciative of Onesiphorus's sacrificial kindness, petitions the ultimate source of mercy, the Lord, to pour out blessing upon his household. Onesiphorus's actions were twofold: providing concrete physical and spiritual "refreshment" (practical hospitality and encouragement) and demonstrating profound courage by not being "ashamed" of Paul's chains, which were a symbol of disgrace and danger. In a time when Paul faced isolation and abandonment (as alluded to in 2 Tim 1:15), Onesiphorus's loyalty stood out as a beacon of true discipleship. His willingness to associate with a prisoner of the Gospel, despite social stigma or personal risk, embodied the spirit of enduring affliction for the sake of Christ. This verse thus serves as a powerful commendation of courageous and consistent practical ministry, assuring that such faithfulness will be remembered and blessed by God.

Practical usage:

• Example 1: When a fellow believer is struggling with social stigma for their faith, actively reaching out to them and offering support, rather than shying away.
• Example 2: Providing practical care (a meal, a visit, an encouraging word) to someone undergoing a difficult period, embodying "refreshment."