King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 4:6 Mean?

2 Timothy 4:6 in the King James Version says “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

2 Timothy 4:6 · KJV

Context

4

And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. make: or, fulfil

6

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

7

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

8

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Read 2 Timothy 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. Paul explains the urgency behind his charge—his life is ending. "For I am now ready to be offered" (egō gar ēdē spendomai, ἐγὼ γὰρ ἤδη σπένδομαι). Spendō (σπένδω) means pour out as drink offering—sacrificial language from Levitical worship where wine was poured out on altar (Numbers 15:1-10). Paul views his impending martyrdom as sacrifice offered to God. Present tense with ēdē (ἤδη, "already") indicates the pouring has begun—his life is being offered up.

"The time of my departure is at hand" (ho kairos tēs emeēs analyseōs ephestēken, ὁ καιρὸς τῆς ἐμῆς ἀναλύσεως ἐφέστηκεν). Kairos (καιρός) means appointed time, decisive moment. Analusis (ἀνάλυσις) means departure, release, loosing—used of ships loosing anchor to sail, soldiers breaking camp, prisoners being released. Paul views death not as annihilation but departure to better destination. Perfect tense ephestēken (ἐφέστηκεν) means has arrived and stands ready—execution is imminent.

This verse reveals Paul's perspective on martyrdom: peaceful acceptance, not bitter resignation. He doesn't rage against injustice or lament wasted potential but embraces death as sacrificial offering and joyful departure. This peace stems from confidence in resurrection (Philippians 1:21-23). Paul models Christian dying—viewing death as enemy conquered by Christ, gateway to glory, not ultimate tragedy. His calm testimony encouraged countless martyrs throughout church history.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul writes from Roman prison circa AD 67, during Neronian persecution. Nero blamed Christians for Rome's fire (AD 64), initiating systematic persecution including torture and public executions. Paul, as Roman citizen, would face beheading rather than crucifixion or burning. Tradition places his martyrdom on Ostian Way outside Rome. The drink offering imagery resonated with readers familiar with temple sacrifices. Paul had earlier used same metaphor (Philippians 2:17), but there speculatively; here with certainty. His imminent death makes the letter's urgency understandable—final words of dying apostle.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's peaceful acceptance of impending martyrdom challenge or encourage your own attitude toward suffering and death?
  2. Do you view death as enemy to fear or as 'departure' to be with Christ, which is 'far better' (Philippians 1:23)?
  3. How can viewing life as offering poured out to God change your daily priorities and willingness to suffer for Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Ἐγὼ1 of 11

“I”

G1473

i, me

γὰρ2 of 11

“For”

G1063

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

ἤδη3 of 11

“now”

G2235

even now

σπένδομαι4 of 11

“am”

G4689

to pour out as a libation, i.e., (figuratively) to devote (one's life or blood, as a sacrifice) ("spend")

καὶ5 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ6 of 11
G3588

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

καιρὸς7 of 11

“the time”

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

τῆς8 of 11
G3588

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

ἐμῆς9 of 11

“of my”

G1699

my

ἀναλύσεώς10 of 11

“departure”

G359

departure

ἐφέστηκεν11 of 11

“is at hand”

G2186

to stand upon, i.e., be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal)

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 4:6 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 4:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 1:23Philippians 2:17Joshua 23:142 Peter 1:14-15Numbers 27:12-17Genesis 48:21

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