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2 Timothy 1:4

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Timothy 1:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
2 Timothy 1:4 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Timothy 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day
4longing to see thee, remembering thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.
6For which cause I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands.
7For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
← 2 Timothy 1:32 Timothy 1:5 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Greatly desiring to see thee, etc.] In his former epistle he had desired him to stay at Ephesus, there being some work for him to do, which made it necessary he should continue; but now having answered the apostle's purpose, and he standing in need of him at Rome, being without any assistant there, some having left him, and others were left by him in other places, and others were sent by him elsewhere; and it having been some time since he saw Timothy, he longed for a sight of him: being mindful of thy tears; shed either at the afflictions and sufferings of the apostle, of which Timothy, being his companion, was an eyewitness, and he being of a truly Christian sympathizing spirit, wept with…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“desiring--Greek, "with yearning as for one much missed." mindful of thy tears--not only at our parting (Act 20:37), but also often when under pious feelings. that I may be filled with joy--to be joined with "desiring to see thee" (Rom 1:11-12; Rom 15:32).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Greatly desiring to see thee; - see 2 Timothy 4:9, 2 Timothy 4:21. It was probably on, account of this earnest desire that this Epistle was written. He wished to see him, not only on account of the warm friendship which he had for him, but because he would be useful to him in his present circumstances; see the introduction, Section 3. Being mindful of thy tears - Alluding probably to the tears which he shed at parting from him. The occasion to which he refers is not mentioned; but nothing is more probable than that Timothy would weep when separated from such a father and friend. It is not wrong thus to weep, for religion is not intended to make us stoics or savages. That I may be filled with…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Being mindful of thy tears - Perhaps frequently shed, as well as at the apostle's last parting with him. 2 Timothy 1:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:4 Paul begins urging Timothy to come to him (see study note on 1:5-14). • your tears: The two may have last parted when Paul was transferred to Rome under arrest (cp. Acts 20:37-38; 21:12-14).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“desiring: Ti2 4:9, Ti2 4:21; Rom 1:11, Rom 15:30-32; Phi 1:8, Phi 2:26; Th1 2:17-20, Th1 3:1 being: Act 20:19, Act 20:31, Act 20:37, Act 20:38; Rev 7:17, Rev 21:4 filled: Psa 126:5; Isa 61:3; Jer 31:13; Joh 16:22, Joh 16:24; Jo1 1:4 2 Timothy 1:5”
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Related study paths

Read 2 Timothy 1 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification