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2 Timothy 4:8

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Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Henceforth {G3063} there is laid up {G606} for me {G3427} a crown {G4735} of righteousness {G1343}, which {G3739} the Lord {G2962}, the righteous {G1342} judge {G2923}, shall give {G591} me {G3427} at {G1722} that {G1565} day {G2250}: and {G1161} not {G3756} to me {G1698} only {G3440}, but {G235} unto all them {G3956} also {G2532} that love {G25} his {G846} appearing {G2015}.

All that awaits me now is the crown of righteousness which the Lord, “the Righteous Judge,” will award to me on that Day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for him to appear.

From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV)

In 2 Timothy 4:8, the Apostle Paul delivers a powerful declaration of hope and assurance, written from a Roman prison cell as he anticipates his imminent death. This verse serves as a triumphant capstone to his ministry, following his assertion in the preceding verses that he has "fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."

Context

This verse is situated near the very end of Paul's final letter, 2 Timothy, which he wrote to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy. Paul is facing martyrdom, and his words are imbued with the wisdom and conviction of a life wholly dedicated to Christ. He is passing on his spiritual legacy, exhorting Timothy to remain steadfast in the faith and to continue the work of the gospel. Amidst the personal farewells and instructions, Paul pauses to reflect on the eternal reward that awaits him, and indeed, all faithful believers.

Key Themes

  • The Crown of Righteousness: Paul speaks of a "crown of righteousness," which is not a royal diadem (*diadema*) but a victor's wreath (*stephanos* in Greek). This signifies an award for triumph in a spiritual contest, much like the wreaths given to athletes in ancient games. It is a reward for a life lived in conformity to God's will and for faithfulness to the gospel. The crown itself is characterized by righteousness, indicating that it is either given for righteousness or that it *is* righteousness, the perfect consummation of a righteous life in Christ.
  • The Righteous Judge: The assurance of this reward comes from "the Lord, the righteous judge." This highlights God's perfect justice and faithfulness. He is not capricious but will justly recompense those who have served Him. This title emphasizes His unwavering commitment to uphold His promises and to reward those who diligently seek Him.
  • "At That Day": This phrase points to an eschatological hope, referring to the day of Christ's return, the Day of Judgment, or the day when believers will receive their eternal rewards. It underscores the future-oriented nature of Christian hope and the certainty of divine reckoning.
  • Loving His Appearing: Crucially, this crown is promised not only to Paul but "unto all them also that love his appearing." This condition is profound. It's not merely intellectual belief in Christ's second coming, but a deep, affectionate longing and anticipation for it. Such a love shapes one's present life, motivating holiness, perseverance, and dedication, as believers eagerly await "the blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ."

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "crown" here is stephanos (στέφανος), referring to a wreath or garland awarded to winners in athletic contests or public festivals, symbolizing honor and victory. This contrasts with diadema (διάδημα), which denotes a royal crown. Paul uses this imagery frequently, drawing parallels between the Christian life and a race or a fight (e.g., 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
  • The term dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη), translated as "righteousness," encompasses both God's imputed righteousness (His gift to believers) and the practical righteousness that flows from a transformed life. The crown is tied to this divine standard.
  • Epiphaneia (ἐπιφάνεια), translated as "appearing," specifically denotes a manifestation or glorious appearing, consistently used in the New Testament to refer to the Second Coming of Christ.

Practical Application

2 Timothy 4:8 offers immense encouragement and challenge to believers today. It assures us that our faithful service, perseverance through trials, and commitment to living righteously are not in vain. A just and faithful God will indeed reward those who love and serve Him. This verse calls us to cultivate a genuine longing for Christ's return, allowing that hope to purify our lives and motivate us to live in a manner worthy of His calling. Like Paul, we are to run the race with endurance, knowing that a glorious and eternal reward awaits all who faithfully anticipate His coming.

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Cross-References

  • James 1:12 (38 votes)

    Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

  • Revelation 2:10 (19 votes)

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast [some] of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

  • 1 Peter 5:4 (16 votes)

    And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

  • 1 Peter 1:4 (13 votes)

    To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

  • Matthew 6:19 (12 votes)

    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

  • Matthew 6:20 (12 votes)

    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

  • 2 Timothy 1:12 (11 votes)

    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.