King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 2:11 Mean?

2 Timothy 2:11 in the King James Version says “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Timothy 2:11 · KJV

Context

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:

13

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Read 2 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. Paul introduces a trustworthy creedal formula with "It is a faithful saying" (pistos ho logos, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος)—marking reliable, authoritative teaching worthy of full acceptance. What follows is likely an early Christian hymn or confession used in baptism or Lord's Supper, containing four conditional statements about union with Christ.

The first condition: "if we be dead with him" (ei gar synapethanomen, εἰ γὰρ συναπεθάνομεν) uses aorist tense indicating definitive past event. Believers died with Christ at conversion—identified with His death, sharing His crucifixion (Romans 6:3-8, Galatians 2:20). This isn't gradual process but completed reality. The prefix syn (σύν, "together with") emphasizes union—we died together with Christ when He died.

The promise: "we shall also live with him" (kai syzēsomen, καὶ συζήσομεν). Future tense points to resurrection life and eternal glory. Those united with Christ in His death will certainly share His resurrection life (Romans 6:8, Philippians 3:10-11). This isn't universal salvation but specific promise for those genuinely united to Christ by faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christian hymns and creedal formulas preserved essential theology before New Testament completion. Churches recited these during worship, baptism, and Lord's Supper, reinforcing core doctrines. This particular formula likely accompanied baptism, which symbolized dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). The four-fold structure (vv. 11-13) creates memorable poetry reinforcing union with Christ—the central reality of Christian existence.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you see your Christian life as genuine union with Christ in both His death and resurrection life?
  2. How does knowing you 'died with Christ' at conversion affect your response to sin's appeals and the world's attractions?
  3. What practical difference does believing you will 'live with him' eternally make in facing present trials and fears?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
πιστὸς1 of 8

“It is a faithful”

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὁ2 of 8
G3588

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

λόγος·3 of 8

“saying”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

εἰ4 of 8

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ5 of 8

“For”

G1063

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

συναπεθάνομεν6 of 8

“we be dead with”

G4880

to decease (literally) in company with, or (figuratively), similarly to

καὶ7 of 8

“also”

G2532

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

συζήσομεν·8 of 8

“him we shall”

G4800

to continue to live in common with, i.e., co-survive (literally or figuratively)

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 2:11 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 2:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 6:8Colossians 3:3-4Romans 6:51 Timothy 1:15John 14:192 Corinthians 4:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 2 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes