King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 4:17 Mean?

2 Timothy 4:17 in the King James Version says “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all...” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

2 Timothy 4:17 · KJV

Salvation

Context

15

Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. our words: or, our preachings

16

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19

Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

Read 2 Timothy 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Though humans abandoned Paul, God remained faithful. "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me" (ho de kyrios moi parestē, ὁ δὲ κύριος μοι παρέστη). Paristēmi (παρίστημι) means stand beside, stand with—same verb describing humans who didn't stand with Paul (v. 16). While people failed, the Lord stood faithfully. This recalls God's promises to never leave nor forsake (Hebrews 13:5).

"And strengthened me" (kai enedynamōsen me, καὶ ἐνεδυνάμωσέν με)—endynamoō (ἐνδυναμόω) means empower, make strong, invigorate. God supplied supernatural strength enabling Paul to testify boldly despite opposition. The purpose: "that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear" (hina di' emou to kērygma plērophorēthē kai akousōsin panta ta ethnē, ἵνα δι᾿ ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ καὶ ἀκούσωσιν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη). Paul's trial became platform for gospel proclamation before Roman officials representing nations. God used persecution to advance witness.

"And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion" (kai errysthēn ek stomatos leontos, καὶ ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος). Ryomai (ῥύομαι) means rescue, deliver. "Mouth of the lion" likely metaphorical for imminent death or Satan (1 Peter 5:8), though some suggest literal deliverance from arena execution. Paul was delivered from immediate execution at preliminary hearing, though he knows final execution approaches (v. 6). God's timing is sovereign—He delivered Paul temporarily to fulfill further purposes, but ultimate deliverance awaited through martyrdom into glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman trials were public spectacles where defendants could address officials and onlookers. Paul used his trial as evangelistic opportunity, proclaiming gospel before Gentile authorities who otherwise wouldn't hear. His boldness despite abandonment and chains demonstrated gospel power. Similar pattern occurred throughout Acts: arrests and trials became witnessing opportunities (Acts 24-26). Early Christians saw persecution not as defeat but as providence—God strategically using opposition to spread truth. The "lion's mouth" imagery recalled Daniel's deliverance (Daniel 6), Psalm 22:21, and biblical metaphors for deadly danger. Paul experienced similar supernatural rescue.

Reflection Questions

  1. When people abandon you, do you recognize and rely on the Lord's faithful presence and strengthening?
  2. How can you view opposition, persecution, or trials as opportunities for gospel witness rather than mere suffering to endure?
  3. In what areas do you need to trust God's sovereign timing—delivering sometimes, allowing suffering other times, always accomplishing His purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ὁ1 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

“Notwithstanding”

G1161

but, and, etc

κύριός3 of 24

“the Lord”

G2962

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

μοι4 of 24

“with me”

G3427

to me

παρέστη5 of 24

“stood”

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

καὶ6 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

ἐνεδυνάμωσέν7 of 24

“strengthened”

G1743

to empower

με8 of 24

“me”

G3165

me

ἵνα9 of 24

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δι'10 of 24

“by”

G1223

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

ἐμοῦ11 of 24

“me”

G1700

of me

τὸ12 of 24
G3588

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

κήρυγμα13 of 24

“the preaching”

G2782

a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself)

πληροφορηθῇ14 of 24

“might be fully known”

G4135

to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e., completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish

καὶ15 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

ἀκούσῃ16 of 24

“might hear”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

πάντα17 of 24

“that all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ18 of 24
G3588

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

ἔθνη19 of 24

“the Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

καὶ20 of 24

“and”

G2532

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

ἐῤῥύσθην21 of 24

“I was delivered”

G4506

compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue

ἐκ22 of 24

“out of”

G1537

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

στόματος23 of 24

“the mouth”

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

λέοντος24 of 24

“of the lion”

G3023

a "lion"

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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:8Philippians 1:12-14Psalms 22:211 Samuel 17:37Daniel 6:22Acts 9:15

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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