King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 1:8 Mean?

2 Timothy 1:8 in the King James Version says “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflicti...” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;”

2 Timothy 1:8 · KJV

Context

6

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

8

Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

9

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began ,

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:

Read 2 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. Paul commands Timothy not to be "ashamed" (epaischynthēs, ἐπαισχυνθῇς) of Christ's testimony or Paul's imprisonment. In honor-shame culture, association with a convicted criminal brought shame and social stigma. The gospel's "scandal of the cross" (1 Corinthians 1:23)—proclaiming a crucified Messiah—was foolishness to Greeks and stumbling block to Jews. Cultural pressure to distance oneself from disreputable associations was intense.

"The testimony of our Lord" (to martyrion tou kyriou, τὸ μαρτύριον τοῦ κυρίου) is the gospel message about Jesus—His deity, incarnation, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, exclusive claim as only way to God. This testimony inevitably provokes opposition from a world that hates Christ (John 15:18-20). The term martyrion connects to "martyr"—faithful witnesses often suffered death for testimony.

Paul calls Timothy to "be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel" (sygkakopathēson, συγκακοπαθήσον)—"suffer hardship together with the gospel." Christian ministry isn't career advancement but costly identification with Christ's sufferings (Philippians 3:10). However, this suffering isn't in human strength but "according to the power of God" (kata dynamin theou, κατὰ δύναμιν θεοῦ).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Shame was a powerful social force in the ancient world. Honor and reputation determined social standing, business opportunities, and family status. Association with criminals or executed persons brought profound shame affecting one's entire household. Paul's imprisonment wasn't house arrest but harsh confinement as condemned criminal awaiting execution. Roman citizens convicted of capital crimes were typically beheaded. The gospel's shame came from multiple directions. Jews considered executed criminals cursed by God (Deuteronomy 21:23). Romans viewed crucifixion as shameful slave punishment. Sophisticated Greeks considered resurrection absurd (Acts 17:32).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what situations are you tempted to downplay your Christian identity or soften gospel truth to avoid shame or rejection?
  2. How does viewing Christian ministry as partnership in Christ's sufferings rather than career success change your expectations?
  3. What would it look like to rely on "the power of God" rather than human wisdom when facing hostility to the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
μὴ1 of 20

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

οὖν2 of 20

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐπαισχυνθῇς3 of 20

“Be”

G1870

to feel shame for something

τὸ4 of 20
G3588

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

μαρτύριον5 of 20

“of the testimony”

G3142

something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)

τοῦ6 of 20
G3588

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

κυρίου7 of 20

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν8 of 20

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

μηδὲ9 of 20

“nor”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

ἐμὲ10 of 20

“of me”

G1691

me

τὸν11 of 20
G3588

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

δέσμιον12 of 20

“prisoner”

G1198

a captive (as bound)

αὐτοῦ13 of 20

“his”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀλλὰ14 of 20

“but”

G235

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

συγκακοπάθησον15 of 20

“be thou partaker of the afflictions”

G4777

to suffer hardship in company with

τῷ16 of 20
G3588

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

εὐαγγελίῳ17 of 20

“of the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

κατὰ18 of 20

“according to”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

δύναμιν19 of 20

“the power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

θεοῦ20 of 20

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 1:16Mark 8:381 Peter 4:13-152 Timothy 4:5Revelation 12:112 Timothy 2:9

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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