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2 Timothy 1:4

2 Timothy 1:4 in Multiple Translations

Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

Desiring to see you, keeping in my memory your weeping, so that I may be full of joy;

I remember how you cried, and I so want to see you! That would make me really happy.

Desiring to see thee, mindefull of thy teares, that I may be filled with ioy:

desiring greatly to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that with joy I may be filled,

longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy,

While I am thanking God for you, I very much want to see you because I remember how you cried [MTY] when we separated. I want to see you in order that I may be ◄filled with joy/very happy►.

I remember that you cried the last time we left each other, so now I really want to see you again so that I will be happy.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Timothy 1:4

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Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

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2 Timothy 1:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK επιποθων σε ιδειν μεμνημενος σου των δακρυων ινα χαρας πληρωθω
επιποθων epipotheō G1971 to long for Verb-PAP-NSM
σε su G4771 you Pron-2AS
ιδειν horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AAN
μεμνημενος mimnēskō G3403 to remember Verb-RPP-NSM
σου su G4771 you Pron-2GS
των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPN
δακρυων dakru, dakruon G1144 teardrop Noun-GPN
ινα hina G2443 in order that/to Conj
χαρας chara G5479 joy Noun-GSF
πληρωθω plēroō G4137 to fulfill Verb-APS-1S
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 2 Timothy 1:4

επιποθων epipotheō G1971 "to long for" Verb-PAP-NSM
To long for something or someone deeply, as in Romans 1:11 where Paul expresses his desire to visit the Roman church. This word conveys a strong yearning or craving. It can also describe a strong emotional attachment.
Definition: ἐπι-ποθέω, -ῶ [in LXX for יָאַב, אָרַג, כָּסַף hi., etc. ;] to long for, desire: with inf., Rom.1:11, 2Co.5:2, 1Th.3:6, 2Ti.1:4, Php.2:26 (WH, [txt.]); with accusative of thing(s), 1Pe.2:2; with accusative of person(s), 2Co.9:14, Php.1:8 2:26 (WH, mg); absol., Jas.4:5 (see Mayor, in l).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: (earnestly) desire (greatly), (greatly) long (after), lust See also: 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Timothy 1:4; James 4:5.
σε su G4771 "you" Pron-2AS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
ιδειν horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AAN
This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.
Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.
μεμνημενος mimnēskō G3403 "to remember" Verb-RPP-NSM
To remember means to recall something to mind, like Jesus remembering the scriptures in Matthew 5:23 and Luke 24:8.
Definition: μιμνήσκω (Bl., -ῄ-, § 3, 3), [in LXX chiefly for זָכַר ;] to remind: mid, and pass.; __(a) reflexive, to remind oneself of, hence, to remember: with genitive of thing(s), Mat.26:75, Luk.1:54, 72 24:8, Act.11:16, 2Pe.3:2, Ju 17; with neg., of sins, = to forgive, Heb.8:12 10:17" (LXX) ; with genitive of person(s), Luk.23:42; before ὅτι, Mat.5:23 27:63, Luk.16:25, Jhn.2:17, 22 12:16; ὡς, Luk.24:6; pf., μέμνημι, in Pres. sense (cl.), with genitive of person(s) (of thing(s)), 1Co.11:2, 2Ti.1:4; pres., μιμνήσκομαι (only in late writers), with genitive of person(s), in sense of caring for, Heb.2:6 (LXX) Heb.13:3; __(b) in passive sense, to be remembered, aor., ἐμνήσθην : before ἐνώπιον, with genitive of person(s) (cf. Eze.18:22), Act.10:31, Rev.16:19 (cf. ἀνα-, ἐπ-ανα-, ὑπο- μιμνήσκω. The tenses of this verb are from the older μνάομαι).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 23 NT verses. KJV: be mindful, remember See also: 1 Corinthians 11:2; John 12:16; Hebrews 2:6.
σου su G4771 "you" Pron-2GS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPN
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
δακρυων dakru, dakruon G1144 "teardrop" Noun-GPN
A teardrop is a drop of liquid that falls from the eye as a result of emotion, like when the father in Mark 9:24 was overcome with emotion. Tears are a sign of sadness or joy.
Definition: δάκρυον (poët. form δάκρυ), -ου, τό, [in LXX for דִּמְעָה ;] a tear: Mrk.9:24 (WH, txt., R, txt. omit), Act.20:19, 31, 2Co.2:4, 2Ti.1:4, Heb.5:7 12:17, Rev.7:17 21:4; metaphorically, dative pl., δάκρυσι (La 2:11, Thuc., vii, 75; Bl., § 9, 3), Luk.7:38, 44.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: tear See also: 2 Corinthians 2:4; Hebrews 12:17; Hebrews 5:7.
ινα hina G2443 "in order that/to" Conj
This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.
Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.
χαρας chara G5479 "joy" Noun-GSF
Joy, or chara, means a deep and lasting happiness, like the joy felt by the shepherds in Luke 1:14 when they heard about Jesus' birth.
Definition: χαρά, -ᾶς, ἡ (χαίρω), [in LXX for שִׂמְחָה, שָׂשׂוֹן, etc. ;] joy, delight: Luk.1:14 15:7, 10, Jhn.15:11 16:22, 24 17:13, Act.8:8, 2Co.1:24 7:13 8:2, Gal.5:22, Col.1:11, Php.2:2, 1Jn.1:4, 2Jn.12; opposite to κατήφεια, Jas.4:9; to λύπη, Jhn.16:20; χ. τῆς πίστεως, Php.1:25; ἀγαλλιᾶσθαι (χαίρειν, which see), χαρᾷ, Jhn.3:29, 1Pe.1:8; χ. ἔχειν, Phm 7; πληροῦν (-οῦσθαι) χαρᾶς, Act.13:52, Rom.15:13, 2Ti.1:4; ποιεῖν χ. μεγάλην, Act.15:3; ἀπὸ τῆς χ., Mat.13:44, Luk.24:41, Act.12:14; ἐν χ., Rom.15:32; μετὰ χαρᾶς, Mat.13:20 28:8, Mrk.4:16, Luk.8:13 10:17 24:52, Php.1:4 2:29, Heb.10:34 13:17; id. beforeπνεύματος ἁγίου, 1Th.1:6; χ. ἐν π. ἁ, Rom.14:17; χ. ἐπί, 2Co.7:4; διά, 1Th.3:9; ὅτι, Jhn.16:21; ἵνα, III Jn 4 By meton., of the cause or occasion of joy: Luk.2:10, 2Co.1:15, WH, txt., R, mg., Php.4:1, 1Th.2:19-20, Heb.12:2, Jas.1:2; ἡ χ. τ. κυρίου, Mat.25:21, 23.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 57 NT verses. KJV: gladness, X greatly, (X be exceeding) joy(-ful, -fully, -fulness, -ous) See also: 1 John 1:4; John 15:11; 1 Peter 1:8.
πληρωθω plēroō G4137 "to fulfill" Verb-APS-1S
This verb means to fulfill or make something complete, like filling a net or satisfying a need, as in Matthew 13:48 and Philippians 4:19, where it talks about filling every need.
Definition: πληρόω, -ῶ [in LXX chiefly for מָלֵא ;] __1. to fill, make full, fill to the full, with accusative; __(a) of things : pass. (σαψήνη, φάραγξ), Mat.13:48, Luk.3:5" (LXX) ; figuratively, Mat.23:32; but chiefly of immaterial things: πᾶσαν χρείαν, Php.4:19; ἦχος ἐλήρωσε τ. οἶκον, Act.2:2; with genitive of thing(s) (cl.), Act.5:28; pass., before ἐκ, Jhn.12:3 (cf. B1., § 36, 4); π. τ. καρδίαν, Jhn.16:6, Act.5:3; metaphorically, of the all-pervading activity of Christ, Eph.4:10; mid., Eph.1:23; __(b) of persons: to fill with, cause to abound in : with genitive of thing(s) (cl.), Act.2:28 (LXX), Rom.15:13; pass., to be filled with, abound in: Eph.3:19, Php.4:18; with genitive of thing(s) (cl.), Act.13:52, Rom.15:14, 2Ti.1:4; with dative (Æsch., al.), Luk.2:40 (with genitive, T), Rom.1:29, 2Co.7:4; with accusative (so in π., see MM, xx), Php.1:11, Col.1:9; before ἐν, Eph.5:18, Col.2:10. __2. to complete; __(a) to complete, fulfil: of number, Rev.6:11, WH, tat.; of time (MM, xx), Mrk.1:15, Luk.21:24, Jhn.7:8, Act.7:23, 30 9:23 24:27; ἐυδοκίαν, 2Th.1:11; τ. χαράν, Php.2:2; pass., Jhn.3:29 15:11 16:24 17:13, 1Jn.1:4, 2Jn.12; τ. ἔργα, Rev.3:2; ἡ ὑπακυή, 2Co.10:6; τ. πάσχα, Luk.22:16; __(b) to execute, accomplish, carry out to the full: Mat.3:15, Luk.7:1 9:31, Act.12:25 13:25 14:26 19:21, Rom.8:4 13:8 15:19, Gal.5:14, Col.1:25 4:17, Rev.6:11, T, WH, R, mg.; __(with) of sayings, prophecies, etc., to bring to pass, fulfil: Mat.1:22 2:15, 17 2:23 4:14 5:17 8:17 12:17 13:35 21:4 26:54, 56 27:9, Mrk.14:49 15:28 (WH, R, txt. om.), Luk.1:20 4:21 24:44, Jhn.12:38 13:18 15:25 17:12 18:9, 32 19:24, 36, Act.1:16 3:18 13:27, Jas.2:23 (cf. Lft., Col., 255 ff.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 88 NT verses. KJV: accomplish, X after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply See also: 1 John 1:4; John 18:9; James 2:23.

Study Notes — 2 Timothy 1:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Timothy 4:9 Make every effort to come to me quickly,
2 Philippians 1:8 God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
3 1 Thessalonians 2:17–1
4 2 Timothy 4:21 Make every effort to come to me before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
5 Acts 20:31 Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
6 Acts 20:19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.
7 Revelation 21:4 ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
8 Acts 20:37–38 They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him. They were especially grieved by his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.
9 Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ”
10 John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

2 Timothy 1:4 Summary

In 2 Timothy 1:4, the apostle Paul is expressing his deep love and concern for Timothy, recalling his tears and longing to see him again. This verse shows us the importance of empathy and compassion in our relationships, just as Jesus demonstrated in Matthew 9:36, when He saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Paul's desire to see Timothy is not just about reunification, but about being filled with joy, which is a fruit of the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:22. By prioritizing meaningful relationships and showing genuine care for one another, we can experience this kind of joy and build each other up in our faith, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of recalling Timothy's tears in 2 Timothy 1:4?

The apostle Paul is expressing his deep emotional connection with Timothy, whom he considers a beloved child, and his tears likely represent Timothy's sorrow and struggles in ministry, as seen in 2 Timothy 1:8, where Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel.

How does Paul's desire to see Timothy relate to his joy?

Paul's joy is deeply tied to the well-being and faithfulness of his spiritual children, like Timothy, as seen in Philippians 4:1, where he expresses his joy in the faith of the Philippian believers, and in 2 Timothy 1:4, he longs to see Timothy to be filled with joy, indicating a mutual joy in their relationship and ministry.

What does this verse reveal about Paul's relationship with Timothy?

This verse highlights the paternal and affectionate relationship between Paul and Timothy, as Paul calls Timothy his 'beloved child' in 2 Timothy 1:2, and expresses a deep longing to see him, demonstrating a strong emotional bond and concern for Timothy's spiritual well-being, similar to the relationship between Jesus and his disciples, as seen in John 13:1.

How can we apply the principle of recalling each other's tears in our own relationships?

We can apply this principle by being genuinely concerned about the emotional and spiritual well-being of our brothers and sisters in Christ, as seen in Galatians 6:2, where we are called to bear one another's burdens, and in Romans 12:15, where we are encouraged to weep with those who weep, demonstrating empathy and compassion in our relationships.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can show empathy and compassion to my fellow believers, just as Paul did with Timothy?
  2. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of joy in my relationships with others, particularly in my spiritual community?
  3. What are some tears or struggles that I have experienced in my own life, and how can I trust God to use them for my good and His glory, as seen in Romans 8:28?
  4. In what ways can I prioritize building strong, meaningful relationships with others, just as Paul did with Timothy, and how can I invest in their spiritual growth and well-being?

Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 1:4

Greatly desiring to see thee,.... In his former epistle he had desired him to stay at Ephesus, there being some work for him to do, which made it necessary he should continue; but now having answered

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 1:4

Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; Desiring , [ epipothoon (G1971)] - 'with yearning as for one much missed.' Mindful of thy tears - under pious feelings.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 1:4

There was a great brotherly love amongst primitive Christians, so as the apostle often expresseth his desire to see such Christians as were at a distance from him, ; but he expresseth aparticular reason of his desire to see Timothy, remembering the tears he shed at his parting from him and the rest, ,38; besides the desire he had by his presence to satisfy him, and give him occasion of joy, with which he also should be filled; unless he speaketh of the joy he promised himself when he saw Timothy, upon his seeing the improvement he had made both of his graces and gifts in the ministerial office.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 1:4

4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; Ver. 4. Being mindful of thy tears] Timothy was a man of many tears, so was David, Paul, Luther, Bradford, of whom it is said, that he did seldom eat but be bedewed his trencher with tears, and that few days passed him without plenty of tears shed before he went to bed:-Αγαθοιδαριδακρυεςανδρες.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 1:4

(4) Greatly desiring to see thee.—In view of that violent death which, at this time a close prisoner, he saw was imminent, the memory, too, of the tears of his friend made him long yet more earnestly to see him once again on earth. Being mindful of thy tears.—Shed probably by Timothy when his aged master had last taken leave of him. It is likely that the clouds of danger which were gathering thickly round St. Paul towards the close of his career had oppressed the brave-hearted Apostle with a foreboding of coming evil, and had invested the last parting with Timothy with circumstances of unusual solemnity. St. Paul had affected others besides Timothy with the same great love, so that tears were shed by strong men when he bade them farewell. (See the account of the leave-taking of the Ephesian elders at Miletus, Acts 20:37-38—“And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more.”) There is no necessity for Hofmann’s singular, but rather far-fetched, theory here that the tears were simply an expression for Timothy’s intense sorrow at hearing of the Apostle’s arrest and close imprisonment, which sorrow St. Paul was made acquainted with in a letter. The tears, according to Hofmann, were those “welche Timotheus brieflich geweint hat.” That I may be filled with joy.—When he meets Timothy again.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 1:4

Verse 4. Being mindful of thy tears] Whether the apostle refers to the affecting parting with the Ephesian Church, mentioned Acts 20:37, or to the deep impressions made on Timothy's heart when he instructed him in the doctrine of Christ crucified, or to some interview between themselves, it is not certainly known. The mention of this by the apostle is no small proof of his most affectionate regards for Timothy, whom he appears to have loved as a father loves his only son.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 1:4

4. being mindful of thy tears] At the close we must suppose of the visit paid him by St Paul in accordance with the intention expressed 1 Timothy 3:14. It seems very awkward to insert this clause as a subordinate parenthesis ‘with a faint causal force,’ ‘longing to see thee, as I remember thy tears in order that I may be filled with joy’; but this must be the effect of R.V. rendering. And again there is difficulty in either rendering of the participle in 2 Timothy 1:5 with this construction; (1) A.V. ‘when I call to remembrance’ present, whereas we ought to read the aorist (2) R.V. ‘having been reminded,’ implying that there had been some occasion or messenger to give such news, of which we have at least no other hint. It is better to follow Drs Westcott and Hort in putting a comma after ‘tears’ and joining 2 Timothy 1:4-5 thus, ‘that I may be filled with joy in being reminded.’ The thought underlying this phrase ‘to be filled with joy,’ ‘to have one’s joy fulfilled,’ is, as Dr Westcott puts it in 1 John 1:4, that the fulfilment of Christian joy depends upon the realisation of fellowship. This fellowship may be with bodily presence, as 2 John 1:12; John 3:29; or without, as John 15:11; John 16:24; John 17:13; 1 John 1:4, ‘these things we write that our joy may be fulfilled.’ The joy of the apostle is secured by his ‘little children’ realising full fellowship. Similarly the thought here is an echo of St Paul’s feelings expressed 5 or 6 years before to his Philippian ‘beloved ones,’ and the expressions are an echo too. Through that letter ran the theme ‘gaudeo: gaudete’; in that, with a wonderful tenderness and delicacy St Paul shews them that ‘unity,’ ‘brotherly love,’ is ‘the one thing lacking’ to perfect their joy: the one thing that to hear of or see in them will fulfil his too. Compare Philippians 1:3-8; Philippians 2:1-2; Philippians 4:4. Through this letter runs the theme ‘fidem servavi: serva’; and with the same considerate love St Paul makes the appeal to his timid son to be ‘strong in the faith’ turn first on the fulfilment of his own joy which will result.The final conjunction ‘in order that’ depends then formally on ‘I give thanks in my supplications,’ really on the whole affectionate yearning and praying spirit of 2 Timothy 1:3-4.

Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 1:4

Greatly desiring to see thee; - see 2 Timothy 4:9, 2 Timothy 4:21. It was probably on, account of this earnest desire that this Epistle was written.

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 1:4

4. Mindful of—That is, recollecting thy tears, shed some time since, probably when Paul first left him at Ephesus to depart to Macedonia. 1 Timothy 1:3. That I refers back to see thee.

Sermons on 2 Timothy 1:4

SermonDescription
Watchman Nee Among the Workers by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of local churches and the spiritual unity among workers in the body of Christ. He explains that while churches in Scripture are independent a
St. John Chrysostom Philippians 1:8-11 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of love, discernment, and sincerity in the Christian life. He emphasizes the need for love to abound more and more, rooted in knowledg
Daniel Steele St. Paul's Love to His Enemies Perfect in Kind. by Daniel Steele Daniel Steele preaches on the concept of Christian perfection, emphasizing that love for one's enemies is the essence and evidence of Christian perfection, as demonstrated by Paul'
Joe Brice On Fire for Jesus by Joe Brice Joe Brice preaches about the importance of enthusiasm and passion in religion, contrasting the reserved nature often associated with piety to the fiery devotion seen in New Testame
Darrell Stetler Be Ye Holy by Darrell Stetler In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of holiness and sanctification in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God's command to be holy is clear and definite in
Steve Gallagher Paul Arrives in Europe by Steve Gallagher This sermon delves into the transformation of Paul from a self-righteous Pharisee filled with disdain and hatred for others to a man filled with God's love and compassion. It empha
Watchman Nee The Flesh and Salvation by Watchman Nee In the sermon 'Lusts', the preacher delves into the concept of epithumia, a term used in the Bible to describe strong desires or impulses, both good and evil, directed towards an o

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