2 Timothy 4:18

KJV

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the Lord {G2962} shall deliver {G4506} me {G3165} from {G575} every {G3956} evil {G4190} work {G2041}, and {G2532} will preserve {G4982} me unto {G1519} his {G846} heavenly {G2032} kingdom {G932}: to whom {G3739} be glory {G1391} for {G1519} ever {G165} and ever {G165}. Amen {G281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

American Standard Version

The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant culmination of his final recorded letter, the Apostle Paul articulates an unwavering declaration of faith and trust in God's sovereign power. Facing imminent martyrdom, he expresses profound confidence that the Lord will not only deliver him from every malevolent influence and action but also securely preserve him for entry into His glorious, eternal, heavenly kingdom, concluding with a fervent doxology that attributes everlasting glory to God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a triumphant and deeply personal climax to Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy, his beloved spiritual son and protégé. It immediately follows Paul's profound reflection on his completed ministry and impending death, where he famously declares, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" ([2 Timothy 4:7](/2_timothy/4-7 "Paul's declaration of finishing his course")). The preceding verses detail Paul's final charge to Timothy to preach the Word, his lament over those who deserted him, and his personal certainty regarding his "departure" ([2 Timothy 4:6](/2_timothy/4-6 "Paul's anticipation of his departure")). Despite the human failings and the grim reality of his situation, Paul's focus remains resolutely on God's faithfulness and ultimate victory, transforming what might be a final sigh into a resounding shout of praise and assurance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Written from a Roman prison, likely during the reign of Emperor Nero (circa A.D. 67-68), this letter is Paul's last will and testament. He was imprisoned for his Christian faith, a dangerous stance in an empire that increasingly viewed Christians with suspicion and hostility, often subjecting them to severe persecution and execution. Paul's reference to "every evil work" could encompass the malicious accusations, unjust legal proceedings, and the spiritual forces behind the Roman persecution, as well as the broader spiritual battle against sin and ungodliness. The concept of a "heavenly kingdom" stands in stark contrast to the earthly, temporal, and often brutal dominion of the Roman Empire, offering a profound theological counter-narrative to the prevailing worldly powers.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present throughout 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. It highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating Paul's absolute trust in God's control over all circumstances, even death. It underscores the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, acknowledging the reality of "evil work" but asserting God's ultimate triumph over it. Crucially, it emphasizes **Eternal Hope and Security**, shifting the focus from earthly suffering and physical death to the assured reality of the believer's future in God's "heavenly kingdom" ([2 Timothy 4:8](/2_timothy/4-8 "The crown of righteousness awaiting Paul")). Finally, the verse culminates in **Doxology**, a spontaneous overflow of worship and praise that acknowledges God's worthiness of all glory, reflecting Paul's consistent pattern of attributing all honor to God, as seen in passages like [Romans 11:36](/romans/11-36 "Paul's doxology to God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver (Greek, _rhýomai'_):** From G4506. This verb means to rush or draw (for oneself), implying a rescue or snatching away from danger. It suggests an active, powerful intervention by God to pull someone out of harm's way, not merely a passive protection but a dynamic act of salvation.
* **preserve (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** From G4982. To save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively); to heal, keep safe, or make whole. In this context, it signifies God's active role in safeguarding Paul's ultimate spiritual well-being and ensuring his secure arrival into his eternal destiny, beyond the reach of any earthly or spiritual threat.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** From G1391. This term refers to glory as something very apparent, encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. It is the visible manifestation of God's inherent excellence and majesty, and Paul's doxology attributes all such honor and praise to Him eternally.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work":** Paul expresses absolute confidence in the Lord's active intervention to rescue him from the full spectrum of malicious actions, spiritual attacks, and malevolent influences. This deliverance is not necessarily from physical death, which Paul clearly anticipates, but from anything that could ultimately corrupt his soul, compromise his faith, or prevent his ultimate salvation. It speaks to God's comprehensive protection against the spiritual and moral dangers of the world.
* **"and will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom":** This clause highlights God's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the believer's eternal destiny. The Lord's preservation ensures that Paul will not only be protected from evil but will also be securely brought into God's ultimate reign. The "heavenly kingdom" emphasizes the divine, spiritual, and eternal nature of God's ultimate dominion, a realm of perfect righteousness and peace, into which believers are irrevocably destined.
* **"to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.":** The verse culminates in a powerful doxology, a spontaneous outburst of praise and worship. Paul attributes all honor, majesty, and power to God, acknowledging His supreme sovereignty and faithfulness. The phrase "for ever and ever" (literally "unto the ages of the ages") underscores the eternal and unending nature of God's glory, affirming His everlasting dominion and worthiness of all praise. "Amen" serves as a solemn affirmation, "so be it," sealing Paul's declaration with profound conviction.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concluding statement. The most prominent is **Doxology**, as the verse culminates in a direct ascription of praise and glory to God, a common feature in Paul's epistles. There is also a strong sense of **Assurance** and **Confession**, as Paul confidently declares his trust in God's future actions, transforming a personal hope into a universal truth about God's character. The phrase "every evil work" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Totality**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's protective power against all forms of malevolence. Finally, there's an implicit **Antithesis** between the "evil work" of this present age and the secure reality of God's "heavenly kingdom," highlighting the ultimate triumph of divine good over earthly evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration in [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "Paul's final declaration of faith and trust") stands as a profound theological statement on God's unwavering faithfulness and the secure hope of believers. It underscores the doctrine of God's preserving grace, which not only delivers from immediate dangers but ultimately guarantees eternal salvation. This preservation is not a passive act but an active, divine work that ensures the believer's safe passage into the eschatological reality of God's kingdom. Even in the face of death, Paul's focus remains on the ultimate victory and the eternal glory of God, demonstrating that true Christian hope transcends earthly circumstances and finds its anchor in God's immutable character and promises. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that while believers may experience trials and persecution, their ultimate destiny is secure in God's hands, prompting a response of unceasing praise.

* [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' promise of eternal security for His sheep")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Paul's declaration that nothing can separate believers from God's love")
* [Jude 1:24-25](/jude/1-24-25 "Jude's doxology on God's power to keep and present blameless")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's final words in [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "Paul's enduring hope in God's preservation") offer immense comfort and a powerful model for believers in every generation. In a world often fraught with "evil work" – whether spiritual attacks, moral corruption, or societal injustice – Paul's unwavering confidence in the Lord's deliverance and preservation provides a vital anchor for our souls. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep, abiding trust in God's faithfulness, recognizing that His ultimate purpose for us extends far beyond our earthly circumstances, securing our place in His eternal kingdom. It challenges us to live with an eternal perspective, allowing the certainty of our heavenly destiny to shape our present priorities, actions, and reactions to adversity. Ultimately, it calls us to a life of continuous doxology, where our response to God's unfailing love and sovereign care is one of perpetual praise and glory, regardless of our trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's confidence in God's deliverance challenge my own anxieties about "evil work" in my life?**
* **In what ways does focusing on God's "heavenly kingdom" shift my perspective on earthly struggles and priorities?**
* **What specific "evil works" do I need to trust the Lord to deliver me from, whether external pressures or internal temptations?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent practice of giving "glory for ever and ever" to God in my daily life, even amidst difficulties?**

### FAQ

**Does "deliver me from every evil work" mean Paul expected to escape physical death or all suffering?**

Answer: No, Paul's expectation of deliverance from "every evil work" in [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "Paul's hope for ultimate deliverance") does not imply immunity from physical suffering or death. In fact, Paul explicitly states just two verses prior, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand" ([2 Timothy 4:6](/2_timothy/4-6 "Paul's anticipation of martyrdom")). Paul had already endured immense suffering throughout his ministry, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "Paul's list of sufferings"). Therefore, his prayer for deliverance is not for an earthly escape, but for ultimate spiritual and moral preservation. It signifies God's protection from anything that could truly harm his soul, compromise his faith, or negate his eternal salvation. It's a conviction that God would prevent evil from having the final word in his life, ensuring his secure arrival into the "heavenly kingdom," regardless of his physical fate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound hope expressed in [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "Paul's Christ-centered hope") finds its ultimate fulfillment and foundation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that believers are truly delivered "from every evil work," for He is the one who conquered sin, death, and the power of the devil. His atoning sacrifice on the cross secured our deliverance from the dominion of darkness and translated us "into the kingdom of the Son of His love" ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Deliverance from darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son")). Furthermore, Jesus is the one who "will preserve [me] unto his heavenly kingdom," for He is the Good Shepherd who promises that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "Jesus' promise of eternal security")). He has gone to prepare a place for us in His Father's house, promising to come again and receive us to Himself, that where He is, there we may be also ([John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "Jesus preparing a place for His followers")). Thus, the "heavenly kingdom" is not merely a destination but a realm established and ruled by Christ, into which He personally brings His redeemed. Therefore, the doxology "to whom be glory for ever and ever" is ultimately directed to God the Father through Christ, for it is the Lamb who is worthy "to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Worthy is the Lamb to receive glory and honor")). Paul's confidence is rooted in the finished work and ongoing intercession of Jesus, the King of the heavenly kingdom.

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

Psalms 121:7

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

Jude 1:24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

1 Peter 1:5

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.