King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 4:21 Mean?

2 Timothy 4:21 in the King James Version says “Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Timothy 4:21 · KJV

Context

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
Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. Paul repeats his urgent request (v. 9) with added detail: "before winter" (pro cheimōnos, πρὸ χειμῶνος). Cheimōn (χειμών) means winter, storm season. Mediterranean navigation typically ceased during winter (roughly November through March) due to dangerous storms. If Timothy delayed, he couldn't travel until spring—possibly too late to see Paul alive. The urgency is palpable: come now or never. This reveals Paul's realistic assessment—execution would occur soon, probably before spring.

Paul conveys greetings from Roman believers: "Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren" (Aspazetai se Euboulos kai Poudēs kai Linos kai Klaudia kai hoi adelphoi pantes, Ἀσπάζεταί σε Εὔβουλος καὶ Πούδης καὶ Λίνος καὶ Κλαυδία καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες). These Roman Christians, otherwise unknown except that church tradition identifies Linus as early bishop of Rome (possibly the Linus mentioned in apostolic father writings), demonstrated courage by associating with condemned Paul. Their greetings encouraged Timothy and showed faithful believers remained in Rome despite persecution.

These final personal notes reveal Paul's pastoral heart to the end: urging Timothy to hurry, conveying greetings from faithful saints, maintaining relational connections. Even facing imminent death, Paul thinks of others—encouraging, connecting, building up the body. The mundane details (weather concerns, travel logistics, personal names) remind readers that Scripture deals with real people in actual circumstances, not mythological heroes. Paul was flesh-and-blood human facing real death, yet faithful to the end.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Winter 67 was Paul's final winter before execution, traditionally placed in early 68. The urgency proved justified. Whether Timothy arrived in time is unknown, though tradition suggests he did. Linus, mentioned here, possibly became Rome's second bishop after Peter's martyrdom. Claudia's Roman name and Pudens's (possibly Latin senator name) suggest social diversity in Roman church—slaves and aristocrats worshiping together. Despite Neronian persecution that killed Peter, Paul, and countless others, Roman church survived and eventually flourished. The greetings from these courageous saints preserved their memory for eternity, honoring faithfulness during dark times.

Reflection Questions

  1. What urgent spiritual matters are you delaying that require immediate attention before it's too late?
  2. How can you maintain pastoral care and relational connections even amid personal crisis and suffering?
  3. Who are the faithful but unsung believers in your life whose courage and service deserve recognition and greeting?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Σπούδασον1 of 17

“Do thy diligence”

G4704

to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest

πρὸ2 of 17

“before”

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

χειμῶνος3 of 17

“winter”

G5494

akin to the base of 5490 through the idea of a channel), meaning a storm (as pouring rain); by implication, the rainy season, i.e., winter

ἐλθεῖν4 of 17

“to come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

Ἀσπάζεταί5 of 17

“greeteth”

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

σε6 of 17

“thee”

G4571

thee

Εὔβουλος7 of 17

“Eubulus”

G2103

good-willer; eubulus, a christian

καὶ8 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

Πούδης9 of 17

“Pudens”

G4227

modest; pudes (i.e., pudens), a christian

καὶ10 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

Λίνος11 of 17

“Linus”

G3044

linus, a christian

καὶ12 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

Κλαυδία13 of 17

“Claudia”

G2803

claudia, a christian woman

καὶ14 of 17

“and”

G2532

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

οἱ15 of 17
G3588

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

ἀδελφοὶ16 of 17

“the brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

πάντες17 of 17

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

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 4:21 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 4:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 4:9Philippians 4:222 John 1:132 Corinthians 13:132 Timothy 4:131 Corinthians 16:20

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 4 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes