2 Timothy 1:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

(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

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul concludes his heartfelt commendation and prayer for Onesiphorus, a faithful brother who selflessly ministered to him during his imprisonment. Paul's earnest desire is that Onesiphorus may receive the Lord's mercy on the Day of Judgment, while simultaneously reminding Timothy of the extensive and dedicated service Onesiphorus rendered to Paul in Ephesus, a fact Timothy himself knew intimately. This verse underscores the eternal significance of compassionate service and the necessity of divine grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's effusive praise for Onesiphorus in [2 Timothy 1:16-17](/2_timothy/1-16-17 "Paul's Gratitude for Onesiphorus's Loyalty"). In those verses, Paul recounts how Onesiphorus, unlike others, was not ashamed of Paul’s chains but diligently sought him out in Rome and "refreshed" him. Verse 18 then shifts from Onesiphorus's recent actions in Rome to his past, consistent ministry in Ephesus, a detail Timothy, as a leader in that city, would have been very familiar with. This serves as a comprehensive testimony to Onesiphorus's character, highlighting both his recent courage and his long-standing faithfulness. The entire letter of [2 Timothy](/2_timothy "The Second Letter to Timothy") is Paul's poignant final testament, written from a Roman prison, likely just before his execution, making his appreciation for loyal friends like Onesiphorus particularly profound and urgent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing from a Roman prison, likely under Nero's persecution, a time when associating with Christians, especially an imprisoned apostle, was dangerous and could lead to severe consequences. Many had abandoned Paul (cf. [2 Timothy 1:15](/2_timothy/1-15 "Phygellus and Hermogenes abandon Paul")), making Onesiphorus's steadfastness all the more remarkable. Ephesus was a major metropolitan and religious center in Asia Minor, where Paul had spent considerable time establishing and nurturing the church ([Acts 19](/acts/19 "Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). Timothy, as Paul’s delegate, was leading the church there, giving him firsthand knowledge of the individuals and events Paul references. The cultural expectation of loyalty and hospitality within the early Christian community was high, and Onesiphorus exemplified these virtues in a challenging environment.
* **Key Themes:** The verse weaves together several crucial themes. Firstly, **Divine Mercy** is central, as Paul's prayer for Onesiphorus to "find mercy of the Lord in that day" points to the ultimate judgment and the necessity of God's grace for salvation and reward. This "day" is a significant eschatological reference throughout the New Testament, often referring to the [Day of Judgment](/2_timothy/4-8 "Paul's Hope for the Crown of Righteousness on That Day") or Christ's return. Secondly, **Faithful Service** is highlighted by Onesiphorus's extensive ministry to Paul in Ephesus. This underscores the value of practical, selfless service within the Christian community, especially towards those suffering for the Gospel. Finally, **Personal Testimony and Affirmation** is evident in Paul's appeal to Timothy's personal knowledge ("thou knowest very well"), which serves as a powerful, undeniable endorsement of Onesiphorus's consistent character and actions, reinforcing the importance of witness and reputation within the early church.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **grant (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies "to give" in a very wide application, encompassing bestowing, delivering, or yielding. In this context, it is a fervent prayer that the Lord would "give" or "bestow" mercy upon Onesiphorus. It highlights the divine initiative and sovereignty in granting grace and favor.
* **mercy (Greek, _éleos'_):** This term denotes compassion, whether human or divine, and specifically implies active compassion. It's not merely a feeling but a benevolent action, particularly God's active compassion towards humanity in its fallen state. Paul's prayer is for God's active, saving compassion to be extended to Onesiphorus on the day of reckoning.
* **ministered (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** Derived from the word for "deacon," this verb means "to be an attendant" or "to wait upon," implying active, practical service. It refers to humble, hands-on help, often in the sense of serving tables or attending to needs. This indicates that Onesiphorus's service in Ephesus was not merely moral support but tangible, practical assistance, reflecting a deep commitment to serving Paul and the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day:"** This clause is a profound prayer and an expression of Paul's deep spiritual concern for Onesiphorus. Paul invokes "the Lord" (likely referring to God the Father, though the term can also refer to Christ) to bestow mercy upon Onesiphorus. The repetition of "of the Lord" emphasizes the divine source of this mercy. The phrase "in that day" is an eschatological reference, pointing to the Day of Judgment or the Lord's return, when all deeds will be revealed and rewards or consequences meted out. Paul's prayer underscores the ultimate dependence on God's grace for eternal well-being, even for a faithful servant.
* **"and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well."** This part of the verse shifts from a future-oriented prayer to a past-oriented affirmation, appealing to Timothy's personal knowledge. Paul reminds Timothy of the extensive and multifaceted ways Onesiphorus had served him during his ministry in Ephesus. The phrase "how many things" suggests a broad range of services, indicating a consistent and comprehensive commitment. By stating "thou knowest very well," Paul not only validates Onesiphorus's past faithfulness but also implicitly encourages Timothy to remember and perhaps emulate such steadfast loyalty and practical support.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Prayer**, as the opening clause is an earnest petition to God for Onesiphorus's future well-being. This prayer is deeply personal and theological, highlighting Paul's pastoral heart. There is also a clear **Commendation**, where Paul publicly praises Onesiphorus's past actions, not only to God but also to Timothy, serving as an example of faithful service. The phrase "thou knowest very well" functions as a **Personal Appeal** or **Witness**, drawing Timothy into the affirmation and relying on his firsthand knowledge to underscore the truth and weight of Paul's words. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a subtle **Juxtaposition** between the past (Onesiphorus's earthly service in Ephesus) and the future (the Day of Judgment when divine mercy will be needed), connecting temporal faithfulness to eternal reward.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects the present reality of faithful service with the future hope of divine mercy. It teaches that while our good works are vital expressions of faith and love, ultimately, our standing before God on "that day" depends entirely on His sovereign mercy. Paul's prayer for Onesiphorus is not a suggestion that Onesiphorus's salvation is in doubt, but rather an acknowledgment that even the most dedicated servant requires God's grace for a favorable judgment and full reward. It highlights the New Testament tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, emphasizing that our service is a response to grace, and our ultimate hope rests in God's continuing compassion.

* [Psalm 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "God's Mercy and Recompense")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "The Judgment of the Nations - Service to the Least of These")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Will Not Forget Your Work and Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's prayer for Onesiphorus serves as a powerful model for our own intercessory prayers, reminding us to pray not only for the present needs of others but also for their eternal standing before God. It underscores the profound value God places on acts of humble, practical service, especially towards those who are vulnerable or suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Onesiphorus's willingness to identify with Paul in his chains, even when it was dangerous, challenges believers to consider the cost of discipleship and the importance of unwavering loyalty to Christ and His servants. We are called to be like Onesiphorus, actively seeking out and refreshing those in need, knowing that such service is seen and remembered by the Lord, and that our ultimate hope rests in His abundant mercy on "that day."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's prayer for Onesiphorus's mercy on "that day" shape your understanding of the Day of Judgment and the role of God's grace?**
* **In what practical ways can you "minister" to or "refresh" those who are serving the Lord, especially those facing hardship or persecution, as Onesiphorus did?**
* **What does Onesiphorus's example teach you about loyalty and steadfastness in the face of adversity or social pressure?**
* **How does knowing that God sees and remembers every act of service (even those "thou knowest very well") encourage you in your own quiet acts of faithfulness?**

### FAQ

**Who was Onesiphorus, and why was he so significant to Paul?**

Answer: Onesiphorus was a faithful Christian from Ephesus who distinguished himself by his unwavering loyalty and practical service to Paul. Unlike many who abandoned Paul during his imprisonment in Rome ([2 Timothy 1:15](/2_timothy/1-15 "Phygellus and Hermogenes abandon Paul")), Onesiphorus diligently sought Paul out, found him, and "refreshed" him, providing comfort and practical assistance. He had also ministered extensively to Paul in Ephesus previously. His significance lies in his courageous and compassionate example of true Christian fellowship and service, especially in a time of danger and desertion.

**What is meant by "that day" in this verse?**

Answer: "That day" is a common eschatological phrase in the New Testament, referring to the [Day of Judgment](/2_thessalonians/1-7-10 "The Day of the Lord's Revelation") or the day of Christ's return, when believers will stand before the Lord to give an account of their lives and receive their rewards ([Romans 14:10](/romans/14-10 "We Shall All Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ")). Paul's prayer for Onesiphorus to find mercy on "that day" underscores the ultimate importance of God's grace in the final assessment of one's life and service.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
This verse, while a prayer for a faithful servant, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ. The "mercy of the Lord" that Paul so earnestly desires for Onesiphorus is fully embodied and secured by Jesus Christ. It is through His atoning sacrifice that humanity can "find mercy" on the Day of Judgment, for He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, Onesiphorus's selfless "ministering" to Paul foreshadows Christ's own life of perfect service, for the Son of Man "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Jesus Came to Minister")). Jesus, as our great High Priest, continually intercedes for us, ensuring that we may "obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, Onesiphorus's example points us to the One who perfectly demonstrated mercy and service, and through whom all mercy is granted on "that day."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.