2 Timothy 4 13

2 Timothy 4:13 kjv

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:13 nkjv

Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come?and the books, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:13 niv

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:13 esv

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

2 Timothy 4:13 nlt

When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.

2 Timothy 4 verses

2 Timothy 4 13 Meaning

In 2 Timothy 4:13, Paul, writing from prison and facing his final moments, gives Timothy specific, practical instructions for his imminent visit. He requests that Timothy bring him two categories of items from Troas: a personal cloak for warmth and protection, and essential written materials—"the books" and "especially the parchments"—indicating his enduring need for study, comfort, and the tools necessary for continued work, even in confinement. This verse reveals Paul's human needs and his undiminished commitment to God's word despite his dire circumstances.

2 Timothy 4 13 Context

This verse appears within 2 Timothy, considered Paul's final epistle, written shortly before his martyrdom in Rome. The letter is a deeply personal and urgent message to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy, as Paul faces impending execution (2 Tim 4:6-8). The broader chapter emphasizes Paul's commission to Timothy to preach the word faithfully (2 Tim 4:1-5), his reflections on his own finished course, and practical instructions regarding ministry and various individuals. Against the backdrop of profound suffering and loneliness (2 Tim 4:9-12), Paul's request for specific items underscores his humanity and immediate needs, showing he still functions despite his severe circumstances. Historically, Paul was likely imprisoned in a cold, damp dungeon in Rome during winter, making a warm garment and valuable books critically important.

2 Timothy 4 13 Word analysis

• When you come: Expresses urgency and Paul's expectation of Timothy's timely arrival. This emphasizes Paul's isolation and his reliance on Timothy, as many others had abandoned him (2 Tim 4:9-10).
• bring: Greek pherō (φέρω). A direct command, implying necessity. It highlights Paul's dependence on Timothy for these crucial items.
• the cloak: Greek phelonēn (φελόνην/φαινόλην). This refers to a heavy, thick outer garment, often made of rough wool, used for warmth and protection from weather elements. In the context of a Roman prison, especially during winter, such a garment would have been vital for Paul's survival and comfort, revealing his dire physical conditions.
• that I left: Implies an intentional act by Paul, perhaps a hasty departure from Troas due to persecution (Acts 20:5-12, 2 Cor 2:12-13) or foreseeing arrest. The items were significant enough for him to deliberately arrange their keeping.
• with Carpus: A specific, reliable individual known to both Paul and Timothy, entrusted with valuable possessions. This suggests Paul's established network of trust and care. His identity remains largely unknown outside this verse, but he was clearly a trusted companion or host.
• at Troas: A significant port city in ancient Anatolia (modern Turkey), often visited by Paul during his missionary journeys. It was a place of previous ministry and likely, rapid departure (Acts 20:5-12). It highlights the geographical scope of Paul's work and his memory of previous locations.
• and the books: Greek biblia (βιβλία). General term for scrolls or written documents, possibly including Septuagint portions (Greek Old Testament), personal notes, or Christian writings circulated at the time. Their presence highlights Paul's continued commitment to study and learning, even facing death.
• especially: Greek malista (μάλιστα). This intensifier means "most of all," "above all," or "particularly." It stresses the paramount importance Paul placed on the subsequent items, the parchments, over the general books.
• the parchments: Greek membranas (μεμβράνας). This refers to more valuable and durable writing material, made from animal skins (like vellum or parchment), contrasting with the more common and fragile papyrus (biblia could be papyrus scrolls). These were typically used for important documents. For Paul, they likely included copies of Old Testament scriptures (his primary study text, vital for defense against false teachers), personal writings (such as earlier drafts of his own epistles or sermons), or legal documents pertinent to his trial. Their importance signifies Paul's dedication to the study of God's Word and possibly to preparing for his defense or final ministerial reflections.

Words-group analysis:

• "When you come, bring the cloak...and the books, especially the parchments.": This combination of physical necessities (cloak) and intellectual/spiritual tools (books/parchments) portrays a holistic picture of Paul's immediate needs in prison: physical comfort and continued intellectual/spiritual engagement. It illustrates that even in severe affliction, Paul's commitment to the study and communication of God's Word remained primary.

2 Timothy 4 13 Bonus section

• The practical request highlights Paul's humanity; he was a spiritual giant but also a man with physical needs, dispelling any notion of stoic detachment from suffering.
• The reference to "Troas" serves as a small anchor, grounding this final personal letter in the realities of Paul's extensive missionary journeys.
• Some scholars speculate the "parchments" could include Septuagint scrolls, given their importance to his theology, or possibly even earlier drafts of his epistles or an authoritative copy of a gospel or early apostolic teachings.
• Paul's continuing intellectual pursuit, even unto death, sets an example for ministers and believers to prioritize learning and the study of scripture throughout their lives. It's not just about what we know, but the active pursuit of God's revealed truth.

2 Timothy 4 13 Commentary

This terse request by Paul reveals profound theological and human insights. Though seemingly mundane, his desire for the cloak speaks to the harsh realities of imprisonment, acknowledging his physical vulnerability while underscoring God's power made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:9). The demand for "books, especially the parchments," is particularly revealing. Despite nearing the end of his life, facing execution, Paul retained an insatiable hunger for the Word of God. This was not idle curiosity, but a lifelong pattern of seeking truth (Acts 17:11; 2 Tim 3:16-17). The "parchments" were likely essential scriptural texts for ongoing study, meditation, and perhaps even for formulating his final defense or instructions for the churches. It provides a timeless example for believers: diligence in God's Word should characterize our lives to the very end, serving as a comfort, guide, and source of wisdom in all circumstances, even the most challenging. Paul teaches us that spiritual vitality is intertwined with continuous engagement with the scriptures.