2 Timothy 4 10

2 Timothy 4:10 kjv

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4:10 nkjv

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica?Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4:10 niv

for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4:10 esv

For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4:10 nlt

Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4 verses

2 Timothy 4 10 Meaning

This verse conveys the departure of Demas from Paul, specifically stating it was motivated by a love for "this present world," leading him to Thessalonica. In contrast, it notes that Crescens went to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia, implying these were legitimate assignments for ministry, distinguishing their departures from Demas's regrettable abandonment.

2 Timothy 4 10 Context

This verse is found in Paul’s second letter to Timothy, written from a Roman prison during what is widely understood to be his final incarceration before his martyrdom. The tone of the letter is urgent and poignant, as Paul senses his impending death. He writes to encourage Timothy to remain steadfast in the faith, to persevere in sound doctrine and evangelism, and to guard against false teachings. Chapter 4, in particular, contains Paul's charge to Timothy for future ministry, his own reflection on finishing his race, and a somber account of personal circumstances and departures, leading directly into Demas's defection. The mention of companions, both those who remained and those who left, highlights the personal sacrifices and challenges of ministry, especially under duress.

2 Timothy 4 10 Word Analysis

• For Demas (Δημᾶς, Dēmas): An individual previously mentioned by Paul as a "fellow worker" in Col 4:14 and Philem 1:24. His name, possibly a short form of Demetrius, holds no specific theological meaning in itself. However, his previous association with Paul underscores the tragedy and significance of his departure. It reveals that even those closely associated with apostles could fall away.

• having loved (ἀγαπήσας, agapēsas): This is an aorist active participle, indicating a completed action with lasting consequences. The verb agapaō signifies a deep affection or settled preference, more than just casual fondness. It suggests Demas deliberately chose to embrace something. His love was not a momentary lapse but a fundamental shift in his heart's desire.

• this present world (τὸν νῦν αἰῶνα, ton nyn aiōna):

  • "this present" (τὸν νῦν, ton nyn): Emphasizes the transient, temporal nature of the world in contrast to eternity. It implies immediacy and something that can be seized in the here and now.
  • "world" (αἰῶνα, aiōna, from aiōn): Not the physical creation (κόσμος, kosmos), but rather the age or epoch, specifically the temporal world system with its values, customs, pleasures, pursuits, and opposition to God. It encompasses what is fleeting and opposes the eternal spiritual realities. This "age" stands in opposition to "the age to come" (Lk 18:30) and "the will of God" (Rom 12:2). Demas valued the earthly system's comforts or opportunities more than faithfulness to Christ and His eternal kingdom.

• has deserted me (ἐγκατέλιπεν, egkatelipen): From egkataleipō, a strong verb meaning "to leave behind," "abandon," "forsake," especially in a time of need or danger. It implies a sense of abandonment or betrayal, often in the face of difficulties or hostility. This is not simply moving on to a new ministry but a conscious act of desertion of a companion in his final hours. Paul had experienced similar desertion before (2 Tim 1:15), making this a particularly painful and weighty statement.

• and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. This second part contrasts Demas's departure with those of Crescens and Titus.

  • gone to Thessalonica: While Thessalonica was an important city, Demas's motivation for going there—"having loved this present world"—marks his journey as a flight from duty, possibly for personal comfort, safety, or opportunity available in a bustling city.
  • Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia: These phrases follow a parallel structure, but critically lack the accompanying negative motive found with Demas. This suggests their journeys were legitimate missionary or pastoral assignments. Titus, in particular, was a trusted co-worker often left by Paul to organize churches (e.g., in Crete, Tit 1:5). This subtle distinction highlights that Demas's fault was not merely departure, but the corrupt motive behind it. Paul is precise in his description, underlining the difference between necessary ministry travel and personal defection.

2 Timothy 4 10 Bonus section

The mention of Demas offers a cautionary tale that spiritual gifting and initial zeal do not guarantee lifelong faithfulness. His example powerfully illustrates that genuine commitment requires a continuous turning away from the temporal allure of the world towards Christ's enduring kingdom. The "love for this present world" is not necessarily a pursuit of gross sin, but often a subtle yet profound preference for ease, security, comfort, or status over the challenges and sacrifices inherent in following Christ and His commission. The context of Paul's impending death makes Demas's choice even more poignant, emphasizing the spiritual battle that ministers and believers face in remaining steadfast in their allegiance. This account, brief as it is, resonates with universal struggles concerning faith and compromise.

2 Timothy 4 10 Commentary

This concise verse paints a powerful picture of loyalty, apostasy, and the true cost of discipleship. Demas, once a faithful co-laborer with Paul, chose temporal security and worldly comfort over enduring hardship with the imprisoned apostle. His departure was not simply a change of ministry location but a regrettable abandonment rooted in his affections shifting from the eternal kingdom to "this present world" with its passing values and seductions. This serves as a stark warning: the love for earthly comforts and societal approval can easily draw away even those who have served alongside the most faithful. In contrast, Paul lists Crescens and Titus, whose departures were for necessary ministry assignments, highlighting the critical distinction between abandoning duty out of selfish desire and faithfully serving the Lord through varied endeavors. The verse underscores the enduring spiritual struggle against worldliness and the crucial importance of unreserved devotion to Christ, even unto death, a commitment that Paul himself exemplifies to the very end.