2 Timothy 4

1 I fully testify, then, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is about to judge [the] living and dead at His appearing and His Kingdom—

I solemnly implore you, in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is about to judge the living and the dead, and by His Appearing and His Kingship:

2 preach the word; be earnest in season, out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all long-suffering and teaching,

proclaim God's message, be zealous in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with the utmost patience as a teacher.

3 for there will be a season when they will not endure the sound teaching, but they will heap up teachers according to their own desires—having an itching ear,

For a time is coming when they will not tolerate wholesome instruction, but, wanting to have their ears tickled, they will find a multitude of teachers to satisfy their own fancies;

4 and, indeed, they will turn away from hearing the truth, and they will be turned aside to the fables.

and will turn away from listening to the truth and will turn aside to fables.

5 But you—watch in all things; suffer evil; do the work of one proclaiming good news; make full assurance of your ministry,

But as for you, you must exercise habitual self-control, and not live a self-indulgent life, but do the duty of an evangelist and fully discharge the obligations of your office.

6 for I am already being poured out, and the time of my release has arrived;

I for my part am like a drink-offering which is already being poured out; and the time for my departure is now close at hand.

7 I have striven the good strife, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith.

8 from now on there is laid up for me the garland of righteousness that the LORD—the Righteous Judge—will give to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to all those loving His appearing.

From this time onward there is reserved 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 also to all who love the thought of His Appearing.

9 Be diligent to come to me quickly,

Make an effort to come to me speedily.

10 for Demas forsook me, having loved the present age, and went on to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia; (aiōn g165)

For Demas has deserted me--loving, as he does, the present age--and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. (aiōn g165)

11 only Lucas is with me; having taken Mark, bring [him] with you, for he is profitable to me for ministry;

Luke is the only friend I now have with me. Call for Mark on your way and bring him with you, for he is a great help to me in my ministry.

12 and I sent Tychicus to Ephesus;

Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

13 coming, bring the cloak that I left in Troas with Carpus and the scrolls—especially the parchments.

When you come, bring with you the cloak which I left behind at Troas at the house of Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; may the LORD repay to him according to his works,

Alexander the metal-worker showed bitter hostility towards me: the Lord will requite him according to his doings.

15 of whom you also beware, for he has greatly stood against our words;

You also should beware of him; for he has violently opposed our preaching.

16 no one stood with me in my first defense, but all forsook me (may it not be reckoned to them),

At my first defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.

17 but the LORD stood by me, and strengthened me, that the preaching might be fully assured through me, and all the nations might hear, and I was freed out of the mouth of a lion,

The Lord, however, stood by me and filled me with inward strength, that through me the Message might be fully proclaimed and that all the Gentiles might hear it; and I was rescued from the lion's jaws.

18 and the LORD will free me from every evil work, and will save [me]—to His heavenly kingdom; to whom [is] the glory through the ages of the ages! Amen. (aiōn g165)

The Lord will deliver me from every cruel attack and will keep me safe in preparation for His heavenly Kingdom. To Him be the glory until the Ages of the Ages! Amen. (aiōn g165)

19 Greet Prisca and Aquilas, and Onesiphorus’ household;

Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus remained in Corinth, and I left Trophimus ailing in Miletus;

Erastus stayed in Corinth; Trophimus I left behind me at Miletus, ill.

21 be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brothers.

Make an effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren.

22 The Lord Jesus Christ [is] with your spirit. The grace [is] with you! Amen.

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