2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Preach {G2784} the word {G3056}; be instant {G2186} in season {G2122}, out of season {G171}; reprove {G1651}, rebuke {G2008}, exhort {G3870} with {G1722} all {G3956} longsuffering {G3115} and {G2532} doctrine {G1322}.

proclaim the Word! Be on hand with it whether the time seems right or not. Convict, censure and exhort with unfailing patience and with teaching.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Commentary

2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV): "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."

Context

This verse is part of Paul's final, solemn charge to his young protégé, Timothy, as Paul faces imminent death (see 2 Timothy 4:6). Having warned Timothy about the challenges and apostasy of the last days (2 Timothy 3), Paul emphasizes the absolute necessity and urgency of proclaiming God's truth. This instruction serves as a core mandate for Christian ministers and, in principle, for all believers called to share their faith.

Key Themes

  • The Centrality of the Word: The primary command is to "Preach the word," highlighting that the message must be grounded in and derived from Scripture itself, not human wisdom or popular opinion.
  • Urgency and Readiness: "Be instant in season, out of season" means to be ready and diligent to preach, teach, and apply the Word at all times, regardless of convenience, favorable circumstances, or personal feelings. It signifies a constant state of preparedness.
  • Methods of Ministry: The verse outlines different approaches required:
    • Reprove: To convict or correct concerning specific faults.
    • Rebuke: To sternly warn against sin and error.
    • Exhort: To encourage, comfort, and urge towards righteous living.
  • Essential Qualities: These tasks must be carried out with "all longsuffering and doctrine." Longsuffering (patience) is crucial when dealing with difficult people or slow progress. Doctrine (sound teaching) ensures that correction and encouragement are based on biblical truth.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "instant" is ephistēmi, meaning "to stand by," "to be present," or "to be ready at hand." It conveys a sense of being prepared and urgent. "Doctrine" comes from didachē, which simply means "teaching." The emphasis is on teaching that is sound and aligns with God's revealed truth.

Reflection and Application

This verse remains a foundational command for those who teach or preach the Bible today. It stresses the vital importance of basing all ministry on God's Word (Hebrews 4:12) and being consistently ready to share it, even when it is unpopular or difficult. It also reminds us that effective ministry involves both confronting error (reprove, rebuke) and building up believers (exhort), always done with patience and rooted firmly in sound biblical teaching.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (21 votes)

    Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

  • 1 Timothy 4:15 (21 votes)

    Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

  • 1 Timothy 4:16 (21 votes)

    Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

  • 1 Timothy 4:13 (18 votes)

    Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

  • Titus 2:15 (18 votes)

    ¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

  • Revelation 3:19 (17 votes)

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Titus 1:13 (16 votes)

    This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;