Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
Parallel translations
- WEB longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
- KJV Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
- NKJV greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy,
- NASB longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.
- NLT I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
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 longs to see Timothy again, recalling his tears at their parting, so that reunion would bring him joy. Genuine affection binds these gospel partners.
Overview
The memory of Timothy's tears, likely from a previous separation, reveals the depth of their relationship. Paul, facing death, yearns for the comfort of his friend's presence. Such love between believers reflects the bonds the gospel creates and shows that godly ministry is deeply personal, not merely official.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 18
- 2 Tim 4:9Make every effort to come to me quickly,
- 1 Th 2:17Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.
- Phil 1:8God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
- 2 Tim 4:21Make every effort to come to me before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
- John 16:24Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
- John 16:22So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
- Rev 21:4‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
- Acts 20:37–38They all wept openly as they embraced Paul and kissed him.
- Acts 20:31Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
- Jer 31:13Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.
- Rom 15:30–32Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
- Isa 61:3to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
- 1 Jn 1:4We write these things so that our joy may be complete.
- Rev 7:17For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
- Rom 1:11For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,
- Acts 20:19I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.
- Ps 126:5Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
- Phil 2:26For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Christ Jesus 'abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel' — the risen Lord whose word and kingdom endure to the end.
How 2 Timothy 1:4 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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