2 Timothy 4 8

2 Timothy 4:8 kjv

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8 nkjv

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8 niv

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day?and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8 esv

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8 nlt

And now the prize awaits me ? the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

2 Timothy 4 verses

2 Timothy 4 8 Meaning

The Apostle Paul expresses his confident expectation of a future, heavenly reward: "a crown of righteousness." This crown is securely reserved for him, and it will be bestowed by the Lord Jesus Christ, who serves as the perfectly just judge, on "that day"—referring to the day of Christ's second coming and final judgment. Paul then broadens this hopeful promise, affirming that this glorious reward is not exclusively for him, but is assured for all believers who eagerly anticipate and genuinely love the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 4 8 Context

This verse stands as a triumphant declaration within Paul's final, poignant letter to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy. Situated towards the very end of his life, facing imminent martyrdom in a Roman prison, Paul views his life's work as nearly complete. He has delivered his charge to Timothy (2 Tim 4:1-5), encouraging him to faithfully preach the Word and fulfill his ministry despite coming times of apostasy. In the preceding verse (2 Tim 4:7), Paul makes a powerful retrospective summary of his ministry, affirming, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Verse 8 then shifts from past perseverance to future expectation, painting a vivid picture of the certain reward awaiting him and all who share his hope. This personal assurance serves not only as Paul's last testament of hope but also as a powerful encouragement to Timothy and future generations facing tribulation, to remain faithful to Christ's coming. The imagery of a "crown" draws from common Greco-Roman athletic games where victors received a perishable wreath (stephanos), a stark contrast to the imperishable, eternal "crown of righteousness" Christ bestows.

2 Timothy 4 8 Word analysis

• Henceforth (Gk. loipon): Literally "as for the rest," "finally," or "from now on." It marks a transition from Paul's earthly struggle and his completed ministry to his future expectation. It signals the logical consequence or summation of his life of faithful service.
• there is laid up (Gk. apokeitai): This is a perfect passive indicative verb, meaning "it has been stored away," "it is reserved," or "it awaits." The passive voice emphasizes that the crown's reservation is an action performed by God. It conveys a sense of certainty and security—the reward is already prepared and cannot be lost.
• for me: Paul expresses this as a personal certainty, reflecting his confidence in God's faithfulness to his service.
• a crown (Gk. stephanos): Not a royal diadem (diadēma), but a wreath or garland awarded to victorious athletes in ancient games or as a mark of civic honor. It symbolizes victory, honor, and reward for achieved excellence or successful completion of a task, rather than inherent kingly authority. Paul frequently used athletic metaphors, reinforcing this meaning.
• of righteousness (Gk. tēs dikaiosynēs): This genitive can be understood in several ways, all enriching the meaning:
  • A crown that is righteousness: The very reward itself consists of a perfect state of righteousness before God.
  • A crown for righteousness: It is given as a reward for a life lived righteously, characterized by faith and obedience to God's will.
  • A crown of God's righteousness: It is awarded according to God's just character, who faithfully rewards those who have pursued righteousness. It also highlights that the righteousness is ultimately a gift of God, appropriated by faith (Phil 3:9), yet manifested in righteous living.
• which the Lord: Refers unequivocally to Jesus Christ. Paul consistently attributes divine prerogatives, including judgment and reward, to Christ (cf. 2 Tim 4:1).
• the righteous judge (Gk. ho dikaios kritēs): This title emphasizes Christ's perfect impartiality and justice in His judgment. He assesses merits and demerits with absolute fairness, guaranteeing that the reward is justly deserved by grace through faith expressed in faithful service. This stands in stark contrast to the unjust human judges Paul likely encountered throughout his ministry.
• shall give me (Gk. apodōsei moi): Literally "will render to me," "will recompense," or "will reward." It's a future tense verb expressing a certainty of recompense from the righteous Judge.
• at that day (Gk. en ekeinē tē hēmerā): A well-established eschatological term referring to the Day of Judgment, the Day of Christ's return (the Parousia), or the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It marks the fixed point in time when Christ will return in glory to judge the living and the dead and usher in His eternal kingdom.
• and not to me only, but unto all them also: Paul broadens the scope of this hope, extending the promise from his unique apostleship to the entire community of believers. This assurance provides comfort and motivation to all faithful Christians.
• that love his appearing (Gk. tois ēgapēkosi tēn epiphaneian autou): This is the qualifying characteristic for receiving the crown.
  • love (Gk. ēgapēkosi): Perfect active participle of agapaō, signifying a settled, ongoing, and profound affection and commitment, rather than mere intellectual acknowledgment. It implies a lifestyle shaped by this love.
  • his appearing (Gk. tēn epiphaneian autou): Refers to the "manifestation" or "splendorous appearing" of Jesus Christ at His Second Coming. The perfect tense "love" suggests a past and continuing disposition that results in longing for Christ's return, influencing one's present conduct, priorities, and anticipation (Titus 2:13; 1 John 3:2-3). It suggests that those who truly love Him live lives of holiness and purpose in light of His impending return.

2 Timothy 4 8 Bonus section

• Significance of "love His appearing": This phrase highlights an eschatological mindset not just as intellectual belief, but as an affectionate longing. It's the opposite of indifference or even dread of Christ's return. Such a loving anticipation serves as a purifying agent in the believer's life, as one desires to be found blameless and actively serving upon His return (1 John 3:2-3).
• Polemical Implication: In a cultural context where worldly recognition and temporary triumphs were highly valued, Paul's focus on an imperishable, divine reward served as a profound contrast. It challenged believers to align their values with eternal realities, rather than transient earthly gains, directly countering a pagan worldview centered on immediate gratification or humanistic glory. It also contrasted with certain gnostic tendencies which often devalued the physical world and a future bodily resurrection.
• Paul's Exemplar: Paul, despite his suffering and imminent execution, models unwavering faith and a triumphant perspective. His confidence is rooted not in his own merit, but in Christ's justice and promises. This serves as a powerful encouragement for believers of all generations to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, knowing their labor in the Lord is never in vain.

2 Timothy 4 8 Commentary

2 Timothy 4:8 serves as a majestic climax to Paul's personal reflection on his life and ministry, transitioning from a report of past faithfulness to a declaration of future hope. Having depicted himself as a victorious athlete who has completed his race (v.7), Paul confidently asserts that his reward is certain and reserved for him by a perfectly just God. The "crown of righteousness" encapsulates both the nature of the reward—a state of divine approval and justified standing—and the grounds for its bestowal—a life lived by faith, aiming for righteousness, empowered by God's grace. It is Jesus Christ, the impartial "righteous judge," who will present this crown, solidifying its divine legitimacy and eternal value, a stark contrast to earthly accolades. Crucially, this glorious prospect is not exclusive to Paul; it extends universally to all who possess a genuine, active love and longing for Christ's Second Coming. This love for His appearing is more than a doctrinal assent; it implies a transformational hope that purifies one's present life, compels faithful service, and fuels patient endurance, making believers actively ready for that final "Day." Thus, the verse provides comfort in tribulation, motivation for faithful living, and certainty of ultimate triumph for all who genuinely fix their gaze on their returning Lord.