2 Timothy 2 12

2 Timothy 2:12 kjv

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

2 Timothy 2:12 nkjv

If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.

2 Timothy 2:12 niv

if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

2 Timothy 2:12 esv

if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;

2 Timothy 2:12 nlt

If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.

2 Timothy 2 verses

MeaningThis verse articulates a profound spiritual truth, serving as both an encouragement and a solemn warning. It promises that steadfast perseverance through trials and suffering for Christ will lead to a glorious participation in His future reign. Conversely, it warns that a conscious rejection or abandonment of Christ will result in Him disowning that individual. The verse underscores the critical link between present faithfulness and future eternal destiny, emphasizing the reality of commitment and consequence in Christian discipleship.

Cross References

ContextSecond Timothy is Paul's final known letter, written while he was imprisoned in Rome, awaiting execution. It serves as a personal charge to his spiritual son, Timothy, urging him to remain faithful to the gospel amidst increasing challenges, false teachings, and the threat of persecution. Chapter 2 focuses on Timothy's responsibility to be a strong and unashamed minister of the gospel, comparing him to a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer—all requiring discipline, endurance, and hard work. Verse 12 is part of a "trustworthy saying" (v. 11), a credal statement or hymn segment likely known to the early church. This saying (vv. 11-13) outlines the deep truths about identification with Christ, highlighting consequences based on faithfulness, setting the backdrop for Paul's appeal for steadfastness. Historically, Christians faced societal pressure, persecution, and even death for their faith, making the warnings against denial and promises for endurance highly relevant and urgent.

Word analysis

• "If we endure": (Greek: ei hypomenomen - εἰ ὑπομένομεν).

  • Ei (εἰ): "If," a conditional particle, suggesting a real possibility and presenting a premise for a consequence.
  • Hypomenomen (ὑπομένομεν): From hypomeno (ὑπομένω), meaning "to remain under," "to persevere," "to bear up under," "to stand firm," or "to patiently endure." It signifies active endurance and faithfulness through difficulty, rather than passive suffering. It speaks of holding ground, staying true, and not yielding under pressure or tribulation. In the context of early Christian persecution, it meant holding firm to faith in the face of suffering or even martyrdom. This active perseverance demonstrates genuine commitment to Christ.

• "we will also reign with him": (Greek: kai symbasileusomen - καὶ συμβασιλεύσομεν).

  • Kai (καὶ): "And," also acts as "also."
  • Symbasileusomen (συμβασιλεύσομεν): From symbasileuo (συμβασιλεύω), meaning "to reign together with," or "to share rule with." This term powerfully conveys a future sharing in Christ's royal authority and dominion in His Kingdom. It's a glorious eschatological promise, pointing to a real participation in Christ's rule, possibly over the earth (Rev 5:10; 20:4, 6), as judges (1 Cor 6:2-3), and as glorified beings in His eternal kingdom. This is the promised vindication and reward for steadfastness.

• "if we deny him": (Greek: ei arnesometha - εἰ ἀρνησόμεθα).

  • Arnesometha (ἀρνησόμεθα): From arneomai (ἀρνέομαι), meaning "to deny," "to disown," "to repudiate," "to reject," "to renounce." This can refer to various forms of apostasy: denying Christ verbally, denying Him through one's actions, or denying fundamental truths about Him. In Paul's context, it could particularly refer to a public renunciation of faith under pressure or the abandonment of orthodox doctrine. It implies a conscious, willful turning away from Christ.

• "he also will deny us": (Greek: kagkeinos arnesetai hemas - κἀκεῖνος ἀρνήσεται ἡμᾶς).

  • Kagkeinos (κἀκεῖνος): "And that one," meaning "He also" or "He himself."
  • Arnesetai (ἀρνήσεται): The future tense of arneomai. This indicates a future, certain act of rejection by Christ. This denial by Christ signifies a profound spiritual separation, where those who denied Him will be denied entry into His kingdom and acknowledged relationship with Him, echoing Matthew 7:23, "I never knew you." It underscores the eternal consequence of apostasy.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "If we endure, we will also reign with him": This clause sets forth a direct correlation between enduring faithfulness in this life and the ultimate privilege of sharing Christ's eternal sovereignty. It affirms that suffering with Christ is a prerequisite for glory with Him, aligning with a consistent New Testament theme. The reward is participation in the ultimate triumph of Christ.
  • "if we deny him, he also will deny us": This parallel clause serves as a grave warning. It establishes a reciprocal relationship between a person's present decision to deny Christ and Christ's future act of denying that person. It is not about casual lapses but a definitive turning away or public repudiation, the consequence of which is exclusion from Christ's salvation and eternal fellowship. The severe consequence emphasizes the gravity of a genuine and final abandonment of faith.

Commentary2 Timothy 2:12 encapsulates a vital tenet of Christian eschatology and discipleship: faithfulness yields glorious reward, while unfaithfulness leads to severe spiritual loss. As part of a "trustworthy saying" (vv. 11-13), this verse carries significant theological weight. It addresses the practical realities of Christian life—suffering and temptation—and links them to ultimate destiny. The promise to "reign with him" speaks to the incredible dignity and purpose of those who persevere. This is not merely metaphorical but implies a literal co-regency with Christ in His kingdom. Conversely, the warning "he also will deny us" is a stark reminder of the cost of apostasy. It implies that a genuine saving relationship with Christ is characterized by endurance, and a conscious rejection or abandonment of Him is not merely a failing but a fatal severing of that relationship. This verse both strengthens the weary believer by assuring a magnificent future and serves as a profound call to vigilance against all forms of spiritual compromise.

For example, when believers face ridicule or loss for their faith (enduring), this verse encourages them with the promise of future glory and vindication in Christ's presence. Alternatively, it warns against those who, when presented with a choice, publicly disavow their faith or betray Christ's teachings to avoid hardship, highlighting the ultimate spiritual peril of such actions.

Bonus sectionThis verse, particularly when read in conjunction with the subsequent verse, 2 Timothy 2:13 ("If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself"), presents a nuanced yet robust theological understanding. Verse 12 speaks to human responsibility and the consequences of our choices, especially concerning perseverance or apostasy. Verse 13, however, provides a profound assurance that Christ's faithfulness and character are independent of our shortcomings. It does not negate the warning of verse 12 but rather underscores Christ's immutable nature. His self-consistency means He must uphold both His promises (to the faithful) and His warnings (to the unfaithful). The "reigning with him" connects to the broader biblical themes of Christ's followers participating in His victory, His rule, and even judging with Him. It's an affirmation of the immense spiritual inheritance promised to the steadfast believer, a direct antithesis to the rejection faced by those who turn away. The very real risk of denial is placed against the certain reward of faithful endurance, emphasizing the seriousness of living a life truly committed to Christ.