for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
Parallel translations
- WEB in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained.
- KJV Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
- NKJV for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
- NASB for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.
- NLT And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.
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 suffers in chains like a criminal for this gospel, yet declares that God's word is not chained. Human opposition cannot imprison the advancing message of God.
Overview
Though Paul is bound, the gospel remains free and unstoppable. His suffering is real, even shameful by worldly standards, but it cannot hinder God's purposes. This triumphant note assures Timothy and every persecuted believer that the word of God continues to spread despite imprisoned messengers.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 17
- Acts 28:31Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Tim 1:8So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
- Phil 1:7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
- Eph 6:19–20Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
- Col 4:3as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
- 2 Tim 4:17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
- 1 Pet 2:12Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
- Col 4:18This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
- Acts 9:16I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
- 2 Th 3:1Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.
- 2 Tim 1:12For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
- Eph 3:1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
- 1 Pet 4:15Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.
- 1 Pet 3:16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.
- Phil 1:12–14Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.
- 1 Pet 2:14or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.
- 2 Tim 1:16May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
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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 2:9 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
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.