2 Timothy 4:11 kjv
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 nkjv
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 niv
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 esv
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 nlt
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.
2 Timothy 4 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Tim 4:10 | ...Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. ... | Presence and desertion contrasted |
| 2 Tim 1:15 | ...All who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. | Other companions who abandoned Paul |
| Phil 2:19-22 | ...I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered by the news of you. ... | Timothy's anticipated visit, showing the desire for companionship |
| Phil 2:25 | ...I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, ... | Another example of a faithful minister |
| Acts 16:10 | And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought for readiness to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. | Start of Paul and Luke's joint ministry |
| Acts 20:5-6 | These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas, but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and rejoined them after five days. There we met with them and stayed for seven days. | Historical account of their travel together |
| Acts 27:1-2 | When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they handed Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. ... | Luke accompanying Paul on a sea voyage |
| Acts 28:11-16 | After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered at the island... And when we came to Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. | Continued companionship in Rome |
| Col 4:14 | Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. | Luke mentioned in another epistle |
| Phlm 1:24 | ...Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. | Luke listed as a fellow worker |
| 1 Cor 16:17-18 | I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for what was lacking in your earnestness for me. For they refreshed my spirit as yours did. ... | Importance of supportive fellow workers |
| Heb 12:1-3 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus... | Encouragement for endurance in ministry, contrasting with desertion |
| Josh 1:9 | Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. | God's presence as the ultimate support |
| Ps 27:10 | For my father and my mother forsake me, but the Lord receives me. | God's unfailing support when earthly support fails |
| Ps 55:12-14 | For it is not an enemy who taunts me— then I could bear it; it is not my hatred that raises its head against me— then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. | Experience of betrayal by close associates |
| Matt 10:37 | Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. | The call to prioritize Christ above all earthly relationships |
| Luke 9:23 | And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. | The cost of discipleship, including potential abandonment |
| 2 Tim 2:2-3 | and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. | The expectation of sharing in suffering as part of ministry |
| John 15:19 | If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. | The opposition believers can expect from the world |
| Acts 20:30-31 | and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw the disciples after themselves. Therefore keep watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish each of you with tears. | Warning about internal opposition |
| 1 Thess 2:18 | I wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. | The spiritual opposition faced in ministry |
2 Timothy 4 verses
2 Timothy 4 11 Meaning
This verse emphasizes Luke's singular faithfulness and presence with Paul, even during severe hardship. It highlights Luke as a dedicated companion and diligent worker in ministry.
2 Timothy 4 11 Context
This verse appears in Paul's second epistle to Timothy, written during Paul's final imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his execution. The immediate context is Paul's somber reflection on the state of ministry and the loyalty (or lack thereof) of his companions. Demas has deserted him due to his love for the present world, and others have turned away. Amidst this discouragement, Paul singles out Luke as his sole companion and helper. The chapter details Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding future ministry, the importance of sound doctrine, enduring hardship, and the reliability of God's Word, all against the backdrop of imminent death and a hostile environment.
2 Timothy 4 11 Word Analysis
Μόνος (Monos):
- Meaning: Only, alone, single.
- Significance: Emphasizes Luke's exclusive presence amidst the desertion of others. It highlights Luke’s singularity of faithfulness in this critical time.
Λουκᾶς (Loukas):
- Meaning: Luke.
- Significance: The name of the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, a physician, and a trusted companion of Paul.
Ἐμοὶ (Emoi):
- Meaning: To me, for me.
- Significance: Indicates possession or association, showing Luke's personal involvement with Paul.
Σὺν (Syn):
- Meaning: With, together with.
- Significance: Denotes close fellowship and joint action.
Τοῖς (Tois):
- Meaning: The (plural, dative).
- Significance: Refers to the people in the surrounding context (likely others in Rome).
Θεοῦ (Theou):
- Meaning: God.
- Significance: Points to God's involvement or purpose.
Λόγοις (Logois):
- Meaning: Words, speech, account.
- Significance: Likely refers to the preaching or teaching of God's Word.
Παραδέδωκεν (Paradēdōken):
- Meaning: Delivered, handed over, entrusted. (Perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing results).
- Significance: The Lord has entrusted the message or work to Paul. Luke is witnessing and possibly participating in this continued proclamation.
Words-Group Analysis: "Μόνος ἐμοὶ σὺν τοῖς τοῦ Θεοῦ λόγοις παραδέδωκεν" (Monos emoi syn tois tou Theou logois paradēdōken) can be understood as "He alone with me has delivered the words of God." This phrasing suggests that while others abandoned Paul, Luke remained with him, and together, in a shared capacity, they were delivering or entrusted with the words of God. This "togetherness" signifies a shared commitment to the Gospel ministry, even when facing immense pressure. It underscores a partnership in proclaiming God's truth despite the surrounding abandonment.
2 Timothy 4 11 Bonus Section
Luke's meticulous historical record-keeping, evident in the Gospel of Luke and Acts, likely stemmed from his close observation and participation in the events he described. His role as a physician might have contributed to his careful attention to detail and his compassion for those suffering, qualities that would have been invaluable to Paul during his imprisonment. The very fact that Paul mentions him as the "only" one with him emphasizes the stark contrast between Luke’s loyalty and the desertion by others, presenting a strong apologetic for Luke’s character and ministry. The phrase "entrusted with the words of God" suggests that Luke was not merely a passive observer but an active participant in the ministry of the Gospel.
2 Timothy 4 11 Commentary
Paul's commendation of Luke is a powerful testament to enduring loyalty in the face of adversity. While many others faltered, Luke stood firm, reflecting a deep commitment to Paul and the Gospel. This demonstrates that true fellowship in Christ often involves sacrifice and unwavering support, especially during times of testing and persecution. Luke's steadfastness stands in contrast to the spiritual wavering of others, underscoring the value of those who remain faithful when the pressure is on. His presence offered Paul comfort and practical assistance, a crucial lifeline during his final days.