2 Timothy 4 1

2 Timothy 4:1 kjv

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Timothy 4:1 nkjv

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

2 Timothy 4:1 niv

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:

2 Timothy 4:1 esv

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom:

2 Timothy 4:1 nlt

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:

2 Timothy 4 verses

2 Timothy 4 1 Meaning

2 Timothy 4:1 is a solemn charge from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a binding adjuration made in the direct presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. It emphasizes Christ's ultimate authority as the future Judge of all humanity, both those living at His return and those who have died. This profound truth of His certain appearing and establishment of His eternal Kingdom serves as the bedrock for the urgent commands that follow in the chapter. It highlights the profound accountability every believer, especially those in ministry, holds before Christ's coming judgment.

2 Timothy 4 1 Context

2 Timothy 4:1 is located in Paul's final letter, often considered his last will and testament, written shortly before his martyrdom. This letter, written from prison, serves as an urgent charge and exhortation to Timothy, Paul's beloved spiritual son and trusted fellow worker. Chapters 1-3 recall Paul's faithfulness, urge Timothy to guard the good deposit, endure hardship, hold fast to sound doctrine, and expect increasing evil in the last days. The verse itself stands as the direct preface to Paul's central, most pressing command to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the word." It elevates this command to the highest possible level of solemnity and accountability, framing it within the ultimate eschatological realities of Christ's future judgment and eternal kingdom. The entire chapter 4 is permeated with Paul's personal example of perseverance and his strong conviction about the work Timothy must continue. Historically, it reflects the precarious position of early Christian leaders facing persecution and the rising tide of false teachings, making the solemn charge particularly weighty.

2 Timothy 4 1 Word analysis

• I charge you therefore (Διαμαρτύρομαι οὖν - Diamartyromai oun):
  • Diamartyromai: A very strong, solemn verb meaning "to adjure," "to earnestly warn," "to bear witness solemnly." It implies an appeal or declaration made with great earnestness, often implying an oath or a binding obligation. It's more than just a request; it's a formal and serious command or testimony, emphasizing the speaker's authority and conviction. Paul frequently uses this word when conveying a weighty injunction.
  • Oun (therefore): Connects this solemn charge directly to the preceding arguments about the reality of apostasy and the divine inspiration of Scripture (2 Tim 3:1-17), making the upcoming command an urgent and logical necessity.
• before God (ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ - enōpion tou Theou):
  • Enōpion: Means "in the presence of," "in the sight of," "before the face of." It conveys the idea of an open and public witness. The charge is not made privately but as if God Himself is present, hearing, and sanctioning the command, and also witnessing Timothy's response. It imbues the charge with ultimate divine authority.
• and the Lord Jesus Christ (καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ - kai Kyriou Iēsou Christou):
  • Kyriou Iēsou Christou: "Lord" (Kurios) denotes absolute authority and deity. Paul invokes the co-witness of Christ, equating His divine presence with God the Father. This emphasizes the unity within the Godhead in authorizing this command and the sacredness of the occasion.
• who will judge (τοῦ μέλλοντος κρίνειν - tou mellontos krinein):
  • Tou mellontos krinein: "The one about to judge" or "the one who is going to judge." This phrase uses a participle conveying certainty and immediacy regarding Christ's future role as Judge. It highlights the absolute certainty and inevitability of Christ's future judgment. This is a foundational theological truth.
• the living and the dead (ζῶντας καὶ νεκρούς - zōntas kai nekrous):
  • This phrase indicates the universal scope of Christ's judgment. It leaves no one outside the realm of His authority. All humanity, regardless of their physical state at the time of His return, will stand before Him.
• at His appearing (τὴν ἐπιφάνειαν αὐτοῦ - tēn epiphaneian autou):
  • Epiphaneian: Refers to an "appearing" or "manifestation." In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, it is a technical term referring specifically to the glorious, visible Second Coming of Christ, His public and authoritative manifestation to the world. It is the counterpoint to His first, more humble "appearing."
• and His kingdom (καὶ τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ - kai tēn basileian autou):
  • Basileian: Refers to Christ's kingly reign or domain. The judgment and appearing are directly linked to the establishment and full manifestation of Christ's sovereign rule. The Kingdom is not merely a spiritual concept but involves a future, complete, and universal rule where Christ's authority is absolute. This ties the future judgment directly to Christ's sovereign reign and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

2 Timothy 4 1 Bonus section

• The solemn adjuration (diamartyromai) underscores the forensic setting. Paul is essentially placing Timothy under oath, using the highest possible form of attestation, much like calling upon divine witnesses in a court of law. This elevates the spiritual weight of the charge given.
• The coupling of "God and the Lord Jesus Christ" affirms Christ's deity and co-equality with God the Father in judicial authority, a consistent theme in Paul's theology.
• The concept of judging "the living and the dead" highlights the universality and inclusiveness of Christ's authority. No one is exempt from His judgment, underscoring His sovereignty over all time and eternity.
• The sequence – appearing (Christ's visible presence), judgment (His action), and kingdom (His established reign) – emphasizes the culmination of God's redemptive plan and Christ's supreme authority as Lord of all.
• This verse serves as the immediate foundation for the subsequent imperative: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (2 Tim 4:2). The judgment of Christ is the ultimate incentive for ministerial faithfulness.

2 Timothy 4 1 Commentary

2 Timothy 4:1 is a profoundly solemn preamble, lending immense gravity to Paul's subsequent instructions. It grounds the urgent necessity of Timothy's faithful ministry in the absolute certainty of Christ's return and final judgment. Paul doesn't just ask Timothy to fulfill his duties; he binds him to it by appealing to the ultimate authority in the universe—God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ, in their very presence. The "appearing" (epiphany) of Christ signifies His glorious Second Coming, not a secret rapture but a visible manifestation. At this time, His "kingdom" will be fully revealed and asserted, and He will render judgment on all, living and dead, with divine impartiality and ultimate justice. This verse provides an unparalleled motivation for obedience and faithfulness: not just a temporal reward or earthly approval, but accountability before the eternal, judging King. It highlights that all ministerial work, and indeed all life, must be lived with a view toward that impending divine audit, pressing believers to faithfully live out the Word until Christ's manifestation.