2 Timothy 4:22

KJV

The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit. Grace [be] with you. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

The Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} be with {G3326} thy {G4675} spirit {G4151}. Grace {G5485} be with {G3326} you {G5216}. Amen {G281}. The second {G1208} epistle unto {G4314} Timotheus {G5095}, ordained {G5500} the first {G4413} bishop {G1985} of the church {G1577} of the Ephesians {G2180}, was written {G1125} from {G575} Rome {G4516}, when {G3753} Paul {G3972} was brought before {G3936} Nero {G3505}{G2541} the second {G1537}{G1208} time {G2540}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

Berean Standard Bible

The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

American Standard Version

The Lord be with thy spirit. Grace be with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul concludes his final inspired letter to Timothy with a profound and tender benediction, encapsulating the core spiritual realities that sustain Christian life and ministry. This verse serves as a heartfelt prayer and a powerful theological statement, invoking the intimate presence of the Lord Jesus Christ with Timothy's spirit and the sustaining power of divine grace upon him and, by extension, the entire community of believers. It is a solemn affirmation of God's faithfulness and the enduring source of strength in the face of adversity, expressed through Paul's final, poignant "Amen."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the concluding words of Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy, a letter widely considered to be Paul's last canonical writing. The preceding chapters are filled with Paul's earnest exhortations to Timothy to remain steadfast in sound doctrine, to endure hardship, to preach the Word, and to guard the deposit of faith against false teachers. Chapter 4, in particular, intensifies this urgency, as Paul charges Timothy "before God and the Lord Jesus Christ" to fulfill his ministry [2 Timothy 4:1-5](/2_timothy/4-1-5 "2 Timothy 4:1-5 - Paul's Solemn Charge to Timothy"). Paul then reflects on his own impending death, declaring his readiness to be "poured out as a drink offering" and affirming his faithful completion of the race [2 Timothy 4:6-8](/2_timothy/4-6-8 "2 Timothy 4:6-8 - Paul's Anticipation of Death and Reward"). The verse immediately before this benediction contains Paul's final personal greetings and instructions, emphasizing his loneliness and desire for Timothy's presence, along with practical requests [2 Timothy 4:9-21](/2_timothy/4-9-21 "2 Timothy 4:9-21 - Paul's Personal Requests and Greetings"). Thus, [2 Timothy 4:22](/2_timothy/4-22 "2 Timothy 4:22 - Paul's Final Benediction") serves as a deeply personal and spiritually resonant farewell, a final blessing from a spiritual father to his beloved son in the faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote 2 Timothy from a Roman prison, likely during his second and final imprisonment under Emperor Nero. This period was marked by intense persecution of Christians following the Great Fire of Rome in A.D. 64, for which Nero scapegoated the Christians. Paul was awaiting trial, and his tone throughout the letter indicates his awareness that his execution was imminent [2 Timothy 4:6](/2_timothy/4-6 "2 Timothy 4:6 - Paul's Imminent Departure"). Timothy, on the other hand, was a younger leader, possibly prone to timidity [2 Timothy 1:7](/2_timothy/1-7 "2 Timothy 1:7 - The Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control"), and was facing significant challenges in Ephesus, including the rise of false teachers [2 Timothy 2:16-18](/2_timothy/2-16-18 "2 Timothy 2:16-18 - Avoid Godless Chatter") and the general pressures of leading the church in a hostile pagan environment. The cultural context demanded courage, steadfastness in the face of suffering, and unwavering commitment to the truth of the Gospel. Paul's benediction, therefore, is not merely a polite closing but a powerful spiritual endowment, providing Timothy with the ultimate source of strength and comfort in a perilous time.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching themes of 2 Timothy include the **preservation and proclamation of sound doctrine** [2 Timothy 1:13-14](/2_timothy/1-13-14 "2 Timothy 1:13-14 - Guard the Good Deposit"), **endurance in suffering for the Gospel** [2 Timothy 2:3](/2_timothy/2-3 "2 Timothy 2:3 - Endure Hardship as a Good Soldier"), **faithfulness in ministry** [2 Timothy 4:5](/2_timothy/4-5 "2 Timothy 4:5 - Fulfill Your Ministry"), and the **divine enablement through God's grace**. This final verse powerfully synthesizes these themes. The wish for "The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit" speaks directly to the theme of divine presence and empowerment, essential for Timothy to withstand the pressures and fulfill his calling. The desire for "Grace [be] with you" underscores that all effective ministry and steadfastness flow from God's unmerited favor and enabling power, not human strength or merit. The concluding "Amen" serves as a solemn affirmation of the truth and efficacy of these spiritual realities, reinforcing the letter's emphasis on the certainty of God's promises and the ultimate triumph of His will, even in the face of Paul's impending martyrdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term (G2962) signifies supreme authority and control, often used as a respectful title for a master or, most significantly, for God Himself. In the context of "The Lord Jesus Christ," it emphasizes Jesus' divine sovereignty and His rightful position as the ultimate authority over all things, including Timothy's life and ministry. It underscores that the presence invoked is not merely a comforting thought, but the active, authoritative presence of the resurrected Christ.
* **Spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** The word (G4151) refers to a current of air, breath, or breeze, but figuratively and most importantly here, it denotes the rational soul, the vital principle, or the innermost being of a human. In a theological sense, it can refer to the Holy Spirit or the human spirit. Here, "thy spirit" points to Timothy's deepest inner self, the core of his being where communion with God occurs. Paul's prayer is for Christ's intimate, indwelling presence to permeate and empower Timothy's spiritual life, not just his external circumstances.
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term (G5485) signifies graciousness, favor, or a gift, especially the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in life. It encompasses God's unmerited favor, His benevolent power, and the spiritual strength He provides. In this benediction, it is a comprehensive blessing for divine enablement, reminding Timothy and the church that their endurance, service, and very salvation are sustained by God's undeserved kindness and empowering presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit":** This opening clause is a profound and deeply personal benediction. It is not merely a wish for external protection or success, but for the intimate, indwelling presence of Jesus Christ within Timothy's innermost being—his spirit. This emphasizes the spiritual nature of the Christian life and ministry, where strength, comfort, and guidance are derived from a living, personal relationship with the risen Lord. It highlights the reality of Christ's active communion with the believer at the deepest level, providing an internal source of power and resilience for the challenges Timothy faced.
* **"Grace [be] with you":** This second clause expands the blessing beyond Timothy's individual spirit to encompass him more broadly ("you," plural, implying Timothy and those with him, or the church he served). "Grace" here signifies God's unmerited favor, His divine enablement, and the spiritual resources necessary for life and ministry. It is a comprehensive blessing that acknowledges human weakness and dependence on God's benevolent power. This grace is the foundation for salvation, the strength for endurance, and the empowerment for effective service, reminding believers that all their efforts are sustained by God's generous provision.
* **"Amen":** This concluding word, transliterated from Hebrew, functions as a solemn affirmation, meaning "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." It expresses Paul's heartfelt sincerity, his confidence in the truth of his blessing, and his fervent prayer that these spiritual realities—Christ's presence and God's grace—would indeed be manifested in Timothy's life and in the lives of the believers. It serves as a powerful seal, underscoring the certainty and divine authority of the preceding benediction.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise benediction. The primary device is **Benediction**, a formal blessing or invocation of divine favor, which is characteristic of Pauline epistles' closings. This specific benediction is deeply **Personal** and **Intimate**, as evidenced by the address to "thy spirit," highlighting the profound spiritual bond between Paul, Timothy, and Christ. The use of **Repetition** of "be with" (implied in the KJV, explicit in Greek) emphasizes the desired presence of Christ and grace. The concluding "Amen" serves as a powerful **Affirmation** and **Seal**, lending solemnity and certainty to the prayer. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a form of **Apostolic Blessing**, where Paul, as an apostle, imparts spiritual good and invokes divine power upon his spiritual son and the church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concluding benediction in [2 Timothy 4:22](/2_timothy/4-22 "2 Timothy 4:22 - Paul's Final Benediction") profoundly connects to foundational Christian theology. The invocation of "The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit" speaks directly to the doctrine of the indwelling Christ and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the personal and intimate relationship between God and the believer. It underscores that true spiritual strength and guidance come not from external circumstances or human wisdom, but from the internal presence of the divine. The prayer for "Grace [be] with you" highlights the centrality of God's unmerited favor as the sole basis for salvation, sanctification, and ministry. It reminds us that all our spiritual vitality and capacity for service are entirely dependent on God's benevolent power, freely given. This grace is the wellspring of endurance, hope, and faithfulness, particularly crucial in times of trial and persecution. The "Amen" serves as a theological affirmation of God's faithfulness to His promises and the certainty of His active involvement in the lives of His people.

* [Philippians 4:23](/philippians/4-23 "Philippians 4:23 - The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ Be with You All")
* [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ Be with You")
* [Hebrews 13:25](/hebrews/13-25 "Hebrews 13:25 - Grace Be with You All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's final words to Timothy in [2 Timothy 4:22](/2_timothy/4-22 "2 Timothy 4:22 - Paul's Final Benediction") offer timeless encouragement and a profound model for Christian living and ministry today. In an age often marked by self-reliance and external validation, this verse powerfully reorients our focus to the internal and divine sources of strength. It reminds us that our deepest battles are fought and won in the spiritual realm, sustained by the intimate presence of the Lord Jesus Christ within our spirits. This presence is not a passive comfort but an active, empowering force that enables us to face challenges, endure suffering, and faithfully fulfill our callings. Furthermore, the emphasis on "grace" underscores our absolute dependence on God's unmerited favor for every aspect of our lives—from salvation to daily perseverance and effective service. We are called to live in constant awareness of and reliance upon this divine grace, recognizing that our abilities and accomplishments are ultimately gifts from God. This verse serves as a beautiful benediction for personal prayer, communal worship, and farewells, invoking the essential blessings of Christ's presence and God's sustaining grace upon all believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the idea of "The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit" deepen your understanding of Christ's indwelling presence in your life?**
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you most need to rely on God's "grace" for strength and enablement?**
* **How can you more intentionally cultivate an awareness of Christ's intimate presence and God's sustaining grace in your daily walk?**
* **What does Paul's concluding "Amen" teach us about the certainty and power of prayer and divine blessing?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul specifically pray for Christ to be "with thy spirit" rather than just "with you"?**

Answer: Paul's specificity in praying for Christ to be "with thy spirit" (Greek: *pneûma*) highlights the deeply personal and internal nature of the divine-human relationship. The "spirit" in this context refers to the innermost part of a person, the core of their being where they commune with God and where the Holy Spirit indwells. It emphasizes that the strength, comfort, and guidance Timothy needed were not merely external circumstances or superficial blessings, but a profound, animating presence within his very spiritual essence. This distinguishes it from a general blessing for well-being, focusing instead on the source of spiritual vitality and resilience, which is crucial for enduring hardship and faithfully fulfilling ministry, as Paul had exhorted throughout [2 Timothy](/2_timothy "2 Timothy - Paul's Second Letter to Timothy").

**What is the significance of the word "Amen" at the end of Paul's letter?**

Answer: The word "Amen" (G281, from Hebrew) is a powerful and fitting conclusion to Paul's final letter. It is not merely a polite closing but a solemn affirmation, meaning "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." In this context, it serves several significant purposes: First, it expresses Paul's heartfelt sincerity and earnestness in his benediction, underscoring that his prayer for Christ's presence and grace is deeply genuine. Second, it functions as a confirmation of the truth and certainty of the spiritual realities he has invoked; Paul is confident that God will indeed grant these blessings. Third, it acts as a seal on the entire letter, affirming the divine authority and truthfulness of all the instructions, warnings, and theological insights contained within [2 Timothy](/2_timothy "2 Timothy - Paul's Second Letter to Timothy"). It invites the reader, including Timothy, to concur with the truth and efficacy of the preceding words.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The benediction in [2 Timothy 4:22](/2_timothy/4-22 "2 Timothy 4:22 - Paul's Final Benediction") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prayer for "The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit" points directly to the New Covenant reality of Christ's indwelling presence, made possible through His atoning death, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself promised His disciples, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Promise"), and He assured them of the coming Helper, the Spirit of Truth, who would abide with them forever [John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"). This intimate, spiritual presence of Christ, mediated by the Holy Spirit, is the very source of the believer's strength, comfort, and ability to live a godly life. Furthermore, the emphasis on "Grace [be] with you" is profoundly Christ-centered, for Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's grace. "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ"). It is through His sacrifice that we receive unmerited favor, forgiveness of sins [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"), and access to God's empowering presence [Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Access by Faith into Grace"). Thus, Paul's final blessing is a powerful declaration of the Christian's complete reliance on Christ—His presence for inner vitality and His grace for all spiritual enablement—a truth fully realized in the finished work of the Savior.

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

Philemon 1:25

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.

Galatians 6:18

Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.

Colossians 4:18

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you. Amen.

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 22:21

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.

Ephesians 6:24

Grace [be] with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

1 Peter 5:14

Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace [be] with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.