2 Timothy 4:13

KJV

The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring [with thee], and the books, [but] especially the parchments.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When you come, bring the coat which I left with Carpus in Troas, also the scrolls and especially the parchments.

Berean Standard Bible

When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

American Standard Version

The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 4:13, the Apostle Paul, writing from the confines of a Roman prison and anticipating his imminent martyrdom, issues a deeply personal and practical request to his trusted disciple Timothy. This verse offers a poignant glimpse into the physical hardships and intellectual priorities of a seasoned apostle in his final days, revealing his need for warmth and his unwavering commitment to ongoing study and engagement with sacred texts, even as his earthly ministry drew to a close.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding remarks of Paul's final epistle, often regarded as his spiritual last will and testament to Timothy. The preceding verses in [2 Timothy 4](/2_timothy/4 "2 Timothy 4 - Paul's Final Charge") reveal Paul's profound awareness of his approaching death, declaring that he is "already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come" ([2 Timothy 4:6](/2_timothy/4-6 "2 Timothy 4:6 - Paul's Imminent Departure")). He has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith ([2 Timothy 4:7](/2_timothy/4-7 "2 Timothy 4:7 - Paul's Triumphant Declaration")). His requests in verse 13, therefore, are not for comfort in a long retirement, but for essential items to sustain him in his final, challenging moments, underscoring the immediate and pressing nature of his circumstances. The passage then transitions into warnings about false teachers and commendations of faithful co-workers, grounding Paul's personal needs within the broader context of his pastoral concerns.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is likely imprisoned in Rome for a second time, probably during the Neronian persecution (c. AD 64-68). This imprisonment was far more severe than his previous house arrest, as indicated by his request for a cloak, suggesting a cold, damp, and uncomfortable dungeon, possibly the Mamertine Prison. Travel in the ancient world was arduous and often required leaving belongings in various locations. Troas was a significant port city in Asia Minor, a place where Paul had ministered previously, notably during his second and third missionary journeys ([Acts 16:8-11](/acts/16-8-11 "Acts 16:8-11 - Paul's Vision and Journey to Macedonia") and [Acts 20:5-12](/acts/20-5-12 "Acts 20:5-12 - Paul's Ministry in Troas")). Carpus was evidently a trusted Christian brother in Troas with whom Paul had left these items. The mention of "books" and "parchments" highlights the value of written materials in a time before printing presses, where scrolls (books) and more durable, expensive animal-skin documents (parchments) were crucial for study, teaching, and legal defense.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Timothy](/2_timothy "2 Timothy - Paul's Final Charge to Timothy") and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the **reality of suffering in ministry**, even for an apostle of Paul's stature. Despite his spiritual strength, Paul remained a human being with physical needs, reminding us that even the most devoted servants of God are not immune to hardship. Second, it powerfully illustrates the **enduring value of God's Word and continuous learning**. Paul's urgent request for his "books" and "parchments" in his final moments emphasizes the indispensable role of Scripture and theological reflection in sustaining faith and ministry, even unto death. This echoes his earlier charge to Timothy to "give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" ([1 Timothy 4:13](/1_timothy/4-13 "1 Timothy 4:13 - Paul's Exhortation to Timothy on Public Reading")). Finally, it subtly highlights the **importance of Christian fellowship and practical support**, as Paul relies on Timothy to fulfill this personal, yet vital, request, demonstrating the interdependency within the body of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cloke (Greek, _phelónēs'_):** This term refers to a heavy outer garment, often a thick cloak or mantle, worn for protection against cold or rain. Its importance to Paul in a cold, damp Roman prison is evident, signifying a basic human need for warmth and comfort in severe conditions.
* **with (Greek, _pará'_):** Properly meaning "near," this preposition indicates proximity or association. In this context, it specifies that Paul's cloak and other items were left "with" Carpus, implying they were in his care or possession at Troas.
* **books (Greek, _biblíon'_):** A diminutive of _bíblos_, this word refers to a roll or scroll, typically made of papyrus. These "books" likely encompassed various written materials, possibly Old Testament scrolls, personal notes, or other theological treatises that Paul found valuable for study and reflection.
* **especially (Greek, _málista'_):** This adverb, derived from a superlative, means "most (in the greatest degree)" or "particularly." Its use here emphasizes the heightened importance Paul placed on the "parchments" above the general "books," indicating their unique value or necessity to him.
* **parchments (Greek, _membrána'_):** Of Latin origin, this word denotes a "membrane" or a written sheep-skin. Parchments were more durable and expensive than papyrus scrolls, often reserved for more significant or authoritative texts, such as copies of the Old Testament Scriptures, personal theological notes, or perhaps even drafts of his own letters or a defense brief for his trial.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus":** Paul identifies a specific item, a heavy outer garment, and its precise location and custodian. This detail speaks to Paul's itinerant missionary life, where he would leave belongings in trusted hands as he traveled. The request for the cloak underscores his physical discomfort and need for warmth in his harsh prison environment.
* **"when thou comest, bring [with thee]":** This is a direct command and an urgent plea for Timothy to come to Paul, bringing these specific items. The immediacy of "when thou comest" suggests Paul's awareness of his limited time and his pressing need for these articles. It highlights the personal nature of their relationship and Paul's reliance on Timothy.
* **"and the books, [but] especially the parchments":** Beyond physical comfort, Paul's intellectual and spiritual needs are paramount. He requests "the books," likely papyrus scrolls containing various writings, but he specifically emphasizes "especially the parchments." This distinction suggests the parchments held particular significance—perhaps more valuable copies of Scripture, personal notes, or documents crucial for his defense or continued theological work. This reveals Paul's unwavering commitment to study and the Word of God, even in the shadow of death.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several **literary devices** that enrich its meaning. **Metonymy** is evident in "the cloke," which stands not merely for a garment but for Paul's physical needs, his vulnerability, and the harsh realities of his imprisonment. Similarly, "the books" and "the parchments" function as **symbols** of intellectual and spiritual sustenance, representing Paul's enduring commitment to the study of God's Word and theological reflection, even in his final hours. The specific mention of "Troas" and "Carpus" adds a layer of **verisimilitude**, grounding the narrative in concrete details that lend authenticity to Paul's personal circumstances. Furthermore, the entire request, coming from a man facing execution, evokes **pathos**, drawing the reader into Paul's human experience of suffering and his profound dedication to his calling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly mundane request from Paul carries profound theological weight, revealing the holistic nature of human existence, even for a spiritual giant. It reminds us that while our ultimate hope is spiritual, our physical needs are real and legitimate, and God cares for the whole person. More significantly, Paul's prioritization of "the books, but especially the parchments" underscores the supreme value of God's inspired Word. Even facing martyrdom, Paul's desire was not for worldly comforts or escape, but for continued engagement with the Scriptures, demonstrating their indispensable role in sustaining faith, providing wisdom, and equipping for ministry until the very end. This highlights the enduring truth that spiritual vitality is intrinsically linked to diligent study and meditation on divine revelation.

* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - The Word as a Lamp and Light")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Inspiration and Profit of Scripture")
* [Romans 15:4](/romans/15-4 "Romans 15:4 - Lessons from Scripture for Our Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's final request to Timothy offers a powerful and multifaceted lesson for believers today. It grounds the lofty spiritual aspirations of the Christian life in the very real, often uncomfortable, realities of human existence. We learn that it is not unspiritual to acknowledge and address our physical needs, even amidst profound spiritual challenges or suffering. More profoundly, Paul's unwavering commitment to his "books" and "parchments" serves as a timeless paradigm for prioritizing God's Word. In an age of distraction and fleeting information, Paul's example calls us to a deep, abiding, and lifelong engagement with Scripture, recognizing it as the wellspring of truth, wisdom, and spiritual sustenance. His life, even in its twilight, was one of continuous learning and dependence on divine revelation, urging us to cultivate a similar hunger for God's truth, regardless of our circumstances or stage of life. Furthermore, this verse subtly reminds us of the profound privilege and responsibility of Christian community, where we are called to bear one another's burdens and meet practical needs, just as Timothy was called to serve Paul.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's request for a "cloke" challenge or affirm your understanding of the relationship between physical needs and spiritual devotion?**
* **What does Paul's urgent desire for "the books, but especially the parchments" teach you about the value of Scripture in your own life, particularly during times of hardship or uncertainty?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper hunger for God's Word and commit to lifelong learning, following Paul's example?**
* **How can you practically support fellow believers in their physical or spiritual needs, mirroring Timothy's role in this passage?**

### FAQ

**What was the "cloke" Paul requested, and why was it important?**

Answer: The "cloke" (Greek: _phelónēs_) was a heavy outer garment, likely made of thick wool or leather, similar to a poncho or a large cape. It was essential for protection against cold, rain, and the elements. Paul's request for it, especially from a Roman prison, indicates his physical suffering and the harsh, cold, and damp conditions he endured. It highlights his very real human vulnerability despite his spiritual strength and impending martyrdom.

**What were the "books" and "parchments" Paul wanted, and why the distinction?**

Answer: The "books" (Greek: _biblíon_) likely referred to papyrus scrolls, which were common writing materials of the time. These could have included various texts, such as copies of Old Testament scriptures, other Christian writings, or personal notes. The "parchments" (Greek: _membrána_) were more durable and expensive documents made from animal skins (vellum). Paul's emphasis on "especially the parchments" suggests they held particular significance. They might have contained more authoritative or personally valuable texts, such as his own theological notes, drafts of his letters, or perhaps even copies of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) that he frequently quoted and studied. This distinction underscores their greater value and importance to Paul for his continued study, reflection, or even for preparing a legal defense.

**Why did Paul, near death, still want these items for study?**

Answer: Paul's desire for his "books" and "parchments" in his final moments reveals his unwavering commitment to God's Word and continuous learning. Even facing martyrdom, he sought to remain engaged with Scripture, perhaps for personal spiritual nourishment, for continued theological reflection, or to prepare for his final defense before Roman authorities. This demonstrates that for Paul, the study of God's Word was not merely a task for ministry, but a lifelong pursuit essential for spiritual vitality and perseverance, even unto death. It powerfully illustrates the truth that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - The Inspiration of Scripture")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's poignant request in [2 Timothy 4:13](/2_timothy/4-13 "2 Timothy 4:13 - Paul's Request to Timothy") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in the material items themselves, but in the profound example of reliance and suffering that points directly to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul's physical need for a "cloke" in his cold prison foreshadows the physical vulnerability and suffering of Christ, who "had nowhere to lay his head" ([Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus' Lack of a Home")) and endured the ultimate physical agony on the cross ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). Yet, just as Paul found solace and strength in the written Word, Christ himself, though the living Word, consistently drew upon the Scriptures to fulfill His mission, declaring, "It is written" ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus' Response to Temptation")). Paul's enduring commitment to the "books" and "parchments" even unto death mirrors Christ's unwavering obedience to the Father's will, which was always in perfect alignment with the divine plan revealed in the Old Testament Scriptures ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). Ultimately, Paul's life, marked by suffering and sustained by the Word, becomes a powerful testimony to the Christ who suffered for us, who is the Living Word, and who promises to sustain His followers through every trial, even to the very end ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

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

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.