King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 2:8 Mean?

2 Timothy 2:8 in the King James Version says “Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Timothy 2:8 · KJV

Context

6

The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. that: or, labouring first, must be partaker of the fruits

7

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.

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.

Read 2 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel. Paul grounds his exhortations in gospel core truth. The command "Remember" (mnēmoneue, μνημόνευε) means continually call to mind, keep before consciousness. Gospel truth must constantly shape thinking, not remain abstract theology. Paul specifies two crucial facts about Jesus Christ: His humanity ("of the seed of David") and His resurrection ("raised from the dead").

"Of the seed of David" (ek spermatos Dauid, ἐκ σπέρματος Δαυίδ) affirms Jesus's genuine humanity and Messianic identity. The Davidic covenant promised an eternal King from David's line (2 Samuel 7:12-16), fulfilled in Jesus. This counters proto-Gnostic denials of Jesus's real humanity and establishes His legitimacy as Israel's Messiah. "Raised from the dead" (egēgermenon ek nekrōn, ἐγηγερμένον ἐκ νεκρῶν) uses perfect passive participle—Christ has been raised and remains in resurrection life.

Paul calls this "my gospel" (to euangelion mou, τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου)—not that he invented it, but that he personally received it by revelation (Galatians 1:11-12) and faithfully proclaimed it. His imprisonment resulted from preaching this gospel. Remembering Christ's resurrection emboldens suffering—if Christ conquered death, present afflictions lose terror.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The resurrection was Christianity's most distinctive and controversial claim. Jewish Sadducees denied resurrection entirely. Greeks considered bodily resurrection absurd—they prized soul over body, viewing physical existence as inferior prison. Paul's preaching at Athens provoked mockery when he mentioned resurrection (Acts 17:32). Yet resurrection was non-negotiable gospel core (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Early Christians faced intense pressure to compromise this "offensive" doctrine.

Reflection Questions

  1. How regularly do you meditate on Christ's resurrection as present reality, not merely past historical event?
  2. How does remembering that Jesus was truly human ('seed of David') help you relate to Him in your sufferings and temptations?
  3. In what practical ways does believing Christ conquered death change your response to fears about persecution, suffering, or martyrdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Μνημόνευε1 of 13

“Remember”

G3421

to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse

Ἰησοῦν2 of 13

“that Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστὸν3 of 13

“Christ”

G5547

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

ἐγηγερμένον4 of 13

“was raised”

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ἐκ5 of 13

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

νεκρῶν6 of 13

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐκ7 of 13

“from”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

σπέρματος8 of 13

“the seed”

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

Δαβίδ,9 of 13

“of David”

G1138

david, the israelite king

κατὰ10 of 13

“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)

τὸ11 of 13
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιόν12 of 13

“gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

μου13 of 13

“my”

G3450

of me

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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:24Romans 2:162 Thessalonians 2:141 Corinthians 15:11-20Matthew 1:1Romans 1:3-4

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