The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring [with thee], and the books, [but] especially the parchments.
The cloke {G5341} that {G3739} I left {G620} at {G1722} Troas {G5174} with {G3844} Carpus {G2591}, when thou comest {G2064}, bring {G5342} with thee, and {G2532} the books {G975}, but especially {G3122} the parchments {G3200}.
When you come, bring the coat which I left with Carpus in Troas, also the scrolls and especially the parchments.
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.
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Acts 16:8
And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. -
Acts 16:11
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next [day] to Neapolis; -
1 Corinthians 4:11
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; -
2 Corinthians 11:27
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. -
Acts 20:5
These going before tarried for us at Troas. -
Acts 20:12
And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
In 2 Timothy 4:13, the Apostle Paul, writing from Roman imprisonment and anticipating his impending death (2 Timothy 4:6), makes a very personal and poignant request to his beloved disciple Timothy. This verse offers a unique glimpse into the practical needs and intellectual pursuits of a man nearing the end of his extraordinary ministry.
Context
This verse comes near the conclusion of Paul's final letter, often considered his spiritual will and testament to Timothy. Paul is likely in a cold, damp Roman prison, possibly the Mamertine, facing execution. His request for a "cloke" (or cloak) speaks to his physical discomfort and need for warmth. The mention of "Troas" and "Carpus" refers to a specific location and individual where Paul had previously ministered and left these belongings. This detail underscores the reality of Paul's nomadic missionary life and his reliance on the kindness of others, even in his dire circumstances.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV translates phailonēs as "cloke." This refers to a heavy outer garment, often made of thick wool or leather, worn for protection against cold or rain. Its importance in a cold prison environment is evident. The distinction between "books" (Greek: biblia, likely papyrus scrolls) and "parchments" (Greek: membranas, from which we get 'membrane,' referring to vellum or animal skin scrolls) indicates a hierarchy of value or content. The parchments were more expensive and durable, suggesting they held content of particular significance to Paul, perhaps his own writings or more authoritative scriptural texts.
Practical Application
This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers today: