King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 1:12 Mean?

2 Timothy 1:12 in the King James Version says “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am p...” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. believed: or, trusted”

2 Timothy 1:12 · KJV

Faith

Context

10

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

11

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12

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. believed: or, trusted

13

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

14

That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

Read 2 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The phrase "for the which cause" connects Paul's suffering directly to his gospel ministry and Gentile mission. His imprisonment isn't random misfortune but consequence of faithful proclamation. Yet Paul declares "I am not ashamed" (ouk epaischynomai, οὐκ ἐπαισχύνομαι)—present tense indicating ongoing attitude. Despite chains, isolation, and impending execution, Paul feels no shame regarding his gospel ministry or imprisonment for Christ.

Paul's confidence rests on personal knowledge: "I know whom I have believed" (oida gar hō pepisteuka, οἶδα γὰρ ᾧ πεπίστευκα). The verb "know" (oida, οἶδα) indicates certain, experiential knowledge—not mere intellectual assent but intimate personal acquaintance with Christ. Paul's faith isn't in abstract doctrines but in a Person he knows. The perfect tense "have believed" indicates completed action with ongoing results—Paul placed faith in Christ years ago, and that faith continues.

Paul is "persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (parathēkēn mou phylaxai, παραθήκην μου φυλάξαι). The noun parathēkē (παραθήκη) means "deposit" or "trust"—something valuable entrusted for safekeeping. Paul has entrusted his soul, eternal destiny, and life's work to Christ's keeping. "That day" refers to Christ's return and final judgment—Paul's confidence extends beyond death to resurrection and reward.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient banking and commercial practices involved entrusting valuable deposits to reliable guardians. Wealthy individuals deposited money, jewelry, or documents with trusted associates for safekeeping, relying on the guardian's faithfulness and ability to protect the deposit. Failure to return deposits intact brought severe legal and social consequences. Paul uses this familiar metaphor to express confidence that Christ will faithfully preserve what Paul has committed to Him—his salvation, ministry, and eternal reward. This metaphor would have resonated powerfully with original readers familiar with deposit customs.

Reflection Questions

  1. What causes you to feel ashamed of Christ or your Christian identity, and how can Paul's example inspire shameless faithfulness despite opposition?
  2. Can you say "I know whom I have believed" based on personal, experiential relationship with Christ, not merely intellectual knowledge about Him?
  3. What specific aspects of your life, future, and eternal destiny have you fully entrusted to Christ's keeping, and what are you still trying to protect or control yourself?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
δι'1 of 26

“For”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ᾧ2 of 26

“the which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

αἰτίαν3 of 26

“cause”

G156

a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)

καὶ4 of 26

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ταῦτα5 of 26

“these things”

G5023

these things

πάσχω·6 of 26

“I”

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ἀλλ'7 of 26

“nevertheless”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

οὐκ8 of 26

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐπαισχύνομαι9 of 26

“I am”

G1870

to feel shame for something

οἶδα10 of 26

“I know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

γὰρ11 of 26

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ᾧ12 of 26

“the which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

πεπίστευκα13 of 26

“I have believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

καὶ14 of 26

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πέπεισμαι15 of 26

“am persuaded”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

ὅτι16 of 26

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δυνατός17 of 26

“able”

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

ἐστιν18 of 26

“he is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὴν19 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραθήκην20 of 26

“have committed unto him”

G3866

a deposit, i.e., (figuratively) trust

μου21 of 26

“that which I”

G3450

of me

φυλάξαι22 of 26

“to keep”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

εἰς23 of 26

“against”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

ἐκείνην24 of 26

“that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

τὴν25 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέραν26 of 26

“day”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Timothy 1:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Timothy 1:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 1:8Jude 1:241 Peter 4:192 Timothy 4:8Hebrews 7:251 Timothy 6:20

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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