King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 2:10 Mean?

2 Timothy 2:10 in the King James Version says “Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus wi... — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2 Timothy 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

9

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

10

Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This verse explains Paul's motivation for endurance. "Therefore" (dia touto, διὰ τοῦτο) connects to v. 9—because God's word isn't bound, Paul willingly endures. "I endure all things" (panta hypomenō, πάντα ὑπομένω) emphasizes comprehensive suffering: imprisonment, abandonment, hardship, impending execution.

Paul's motivation is "for the elect's sakes" (dia tous eklektous, διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς). The "elect" are God's chosen people whom He predestined for salvation (Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4-5). Paul's suffering serves their salvation—his preaching brings gospel to those God is calling. This doesn't contradict sovereign grace; rather, God ordains both ends (salvation of elect) and means (gospel proclamation).

The purpose is "that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (hina kai autoi sōtērias tychōsin tēs en Christō Iēsou meta doxēs aiōniou, ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ σωτηρίας τύχωσιν τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ μετὰ δόξης αἰωνίου). Salvation exists exclusively "in Christ Jesus"—no salvation apart from union with Him. This salvation includes "eternal glory"—final glorification when believers receive resurrection bodies and eternal inheritance (Romans 8:17-18).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The doctrine of election was foundational to Paul's theology and missionary strategy. God has chosen people from every nation whom He will effectually call through gospel proclamation. This motivated rather than discouraged missionary effort—Paul knew God had elect people in every city he entered (Acts 18:9-10). The concept wasn't innovation but rooted in Old Testament (Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Isaiah 43:20-21).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does believing in God's sovereign election encourage rather than discourage your evangelistic efforts?
  2. What sacrifices are you willing to endure so that others might hear the gospel and obtain salvation?
  3. How does keeping 'eternal glory' in view help you persevere through present sufferings and discouragements in ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
διὰ1 of 19

Therefore

G1223

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

τοῦτο2 of 19
G5124

that thing

πάντα3 of 19

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑπομένω4 of 19

I endure

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

διὰ5 of 19

Therefore

G1223

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

τῆς6 of 19

which

G3588

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

ἐκλεκτούς7 of 19
G1588

select; by implication, favorite

ἵνα8 of 19

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ9 of 19

also

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ10 of 19

they

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

σωτηρίας11 of 19

the salvation

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

τύχωσιν12 of 19

may

G5177

akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t

τῆς13 of 19

which

G3588

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

ἐν14 of 19

is in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ15 of 19

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ16 of 19

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

μετὰ17 of 19

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

δόξης18 of 19

glory

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

αἰωνίου19 of 19

eternal

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)


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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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