King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 4:20 Mean?

2 Timothy 4:20 in the King James Version says “Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.”

2 Timothy 4:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

21

Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

22

The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.

Read 2 Timothy 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Paul updates Timothy on other coworkers. "Erastus abode at Corinth" (Erastos emeinen en Korinthō, Ἔραστος ἔμεινεν ἐν Κορίνθῳ). Menō (μένω) means remain, stay. Erastus, mentioned in Acts 19:22 and Romans 16:23 (possibly as Corinth's city treasurer), remained in Corinth, apparently on ministry assignment or personal responsibilities. His staying doesn't suggest unfaithfulness but legitimate reason for absence from Rome.

"Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick" (Trophimon de apēlipon en Milētō asthenounta, Τρόφιμον δὲ ἀπέλιπον ἐν Μιλήτῳ ἀσθενοῦντα). Apoleipō (ἀπολείπω) means leave behind. Astheneō (ἀσθενέω) means be sick, weak, ill. Trophimus, Ephesian Christian who traveled with Paul (Acts 20:4, 21:29), fell ill at Miletus and couldn't continue. Paul left him there to recover. This detail is significant for several reasons: (1) It shows Paul couldn't heal all illnesses at will—apostolic healing was sovereignly given by God, not on-demand power. (2) It reveals pastoral realism—ministry involves sickness, setbacks, and limitations. (3) It demonstrates care—Paul didn't abandon sick Trophimus but ensured he received care.

These mundane details humanize Paul and early Christianity. Ministry wasn't constant miracles and success but involved ordinary challenges: sickness, travel limitations, personnel constraints. Paul's matter-of-fact reporting without embellishment or excuse models healthy realism. Faithful servants work within human limitations while trusting God's sovereignty. The letter's preservation of these details encourages believers facing similar frustrations: sickness, limitations, and setbacks are normal Christian experience, not signs of faithlessness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Miletus was port city about 30 miles south of Ephesus. Paul had met Ephesian elders there during his final journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:15-38). Trophimus's illness occurred during Paul's travels between final imprisonment periods. The inability to heal Trophimus challenges claims that apostles could heal anyone anytime. Apostolic miracles were genuine but sovereignly distributed, not magician's tricks performed on demand. Early Christians accepted sickness as part of fallen existence, trusting God's purposes whether healing or allowing continued affliction. This balanced view avoids both cessationism (denying God's healing power) and health-wealth theology (demanding healing as entitlement).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when God doesn't heal sickness despite faithful prayer—with faith in His sovereignty or doubt about His goodness?
  2. What mundane limitations, setbacks, or frustrations are you facing that seem unspiritual but are actually normal aspects of faithful service?
  3. How can Trophimus's illness and Paul's realistic acceptance encourage you when ministry doesn't proceed smoothly or miraculously?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Ἔραστος1 of 10

“Erastus”

G2037

beloved; erastus, a christian

ἔμεινεν2 of 10

“abode”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἐν3 of 10

“at”

G1722

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

Κορίνθῳ4 of 10

“Corinth”

G2882

corinthus, a city of greece

Τρόφιμον5 of 10

“Trophimus”

G5161

nutritive; trophimus, a christian

δὲ6 of 10

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀπέλιπον7 of 10

“have I left”

G620

to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake

ἐν8 of 10

“at”

G1722

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

Μιλήτῳ9 of 10

“Miletum”

G3399

miletus, a city of asia minor

ἀσθενοῦντα10 of 10

“sick”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

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 4:20 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 4:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 20:4Philippians 2:26-27Acts 19:22Acts 21:29Romans 16:23Acts 20:15

Places in This Verse

CorinthSettlement · Modern: Corinth · 37.91°N, 22.88°E11 verses across 4 books
MiletusSettlement · Modern: Miletus · 37.53°N, 27.28°E3 verses across 2 books
View all places in 2 Timothy 4 →

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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