The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
Parallel translations
- WEB (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well.
- BSB May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.
- NKJV The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.
- NASB the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
- NLT May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul prays that Onesiphorus may find the Lord's mercy on the last day, recalling all his service at Ephesus. Faithful service is remembered and will be met with mercy.
Overview
Paul commends Onesiphorus's earlier ministry in Ephesus, known well to Timothy, and asks God's mercy for him 'in that day' of judgment. Some debate whether Onesiphorus had died, since Paul prays for his household and for him personally, but Scripture does not settle this, and the verse should not be pressed beyond a heartfelt prayer for mercy. The emphasis falls on God's gracious remembrance of devoted service.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 20
- Heb 6:10For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
- 2 Tim 1:12For 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.
- 1 Tim 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
- 1 Pet 1:10Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
- 2 Tim 1:16The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
- 1 Kgs 17:20And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son?
- Rom 3:23–24For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
- 1 Cor 16:8But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
- Matt 25:34–40Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
- Luke 1:72To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;
- Rev 2:1Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
- Ps 130:3–4If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
- 2 Tim 4:12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
- 1 Th 2:19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
- Luke 8:3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
- Acts 19:1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
- Rom 9:15–23For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
- Luke 1:78Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
- 2 Cor 9:1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
- Eph 2:4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
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