2 Timothy 1:18

The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

The Lord {G2962} grant {G1325} unto him {G846} that he may find {G2147} mercy {G1656} of {G3844} the Lord {G2962} in {G1722} that {G1565} day {G2250}: and {G2532} in how many things {G3745} he ministered unto me {G1247} at {G1722} Ephesus {G2181}, thou {G4771} knowest {G1097} very well {G957}.

May the Lord grant it to him to find mercy from Adonai on that Day. And you know very well how much he helped me in Ephesus.

May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.

(the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Timothy 1:18 (KJV)

This verse concludes Paul’s heartfelt prayer and commendation for Onesiphorus, a faithful brother who provided significant comfort and assistance to Paul during his imprisonment. It highlights Paul's desire for divine mercy upon Onesiphorus on the Day of Judgment, while also recalling his past devoted service.

Context

In the preceding verses (2 Timothy 1:16-17), Paul expresses profound gratitude for Onesiphorus, who was not ashamed of Paul's chains and diligently sought him out and refreshed him in Rome. Here in verse 18, Paul looks back to Onesiphorus's earlier, extensive service to him in Ephesus, a detail Timothy would have known very well. This underscores Onesiphorus's consistent and dedicated ministry. This letter, Paul's last, is written from a Roman prison, likely just before his execution, making his appreciation for loyal friends like Onesiphorus particularly poignant.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mercy: The central plea is for Onesiphorus to "find mercy of the Lord in that day." This phrase, "that day," typically refers to the Day of Judgment or the Lord's return, emphasizing the eternal significance of one's actions and the necessity of God's grace for salvation and reward.
  • Faithful Service: Paul commends Onesiphorus's past ministry, specifically mentioning "how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus." This highlights the value of practical, selfless service within the Christian community, especially towards those suffering for the Gospel.
  • Personal Testimony: Paul appeals to Timothy's personal knowledge ("thou knowest very well"), affirming the tangible and undeniable nature of Onesiphorus's contributions. This serves as a powerful endorsement of his character and actions.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "ministered" (διακονέω - diakoneō) implies active, practical service, often in the sense of waiting on tables or attending to needs. It's the root for "deacon" and speaks to humble, hands-on help. This wasn't merely moral support but tangible assistance, reflecting the active love and care of a servant.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to:

  • Show Hospitality and Support: Like Onesiphorus, we are called to actively support and refresh those who serve the Lord, especially those facing hardship or persecution (Romans 12:13).
  • Value Humble Service: God sees and remembers every act of kindness and service, no matter how small or hidden. Such faithful service is not forgotten but is stored up for "that day."
  • Pray for Mercy: We should regularly pray for ourselves and others to receive God's mercy, particularly in anticipation of the final judgment.
Onesiphorus serves as a powerful example of steadfast loyalty and practical love in action, a reminder that true discipleship involves costly, compassionate service.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 6:10

    For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

  • 2 Timothy 1:12

    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

  • 1 Timothy 1:3

    As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

  • 2 Timothy 1:16

    The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

  • Matthew 25:34

    Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

  • Matthew 25:40

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

  • Romans 9:15

    For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
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