2 Timothy 4:6

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Timothy 4:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.
2 Timothy 4:6 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Timothy 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For I am now ready to be offered, etc.] Or poured out, as a libation, or a drink offering; or as the blood was poured out at the bottom of the altar; which is expressive of martyrdom, and shows that the apostle knew what death he should die; for which he was habitually ready; and this sacrifice of himself was not to atone for sin, his own, or others; Christ's death was the only sacrifice for sin, and that is a complete one, and needs no other to be added to it; but this was in the cause of Christ, and for the confirmation of the Gospel, and the faith of the saints in it: so covenants have been confirmed by libations or drink offerings of wine; and this was an offering acceptable unto God, in…”
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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
“Greek, "For I am already being offered"; literally, as a libation; appropriate to the shedding of his blood. Every sacrifice began with an initiatory libation on the victim's head (compare Note, see on Phi 2:17). A motive to stimulate Timothy to faithfulness--the departure and final blessedness of Paul; it is the end that crowns the work [BENGEL]. As the time of his departure was indicated to Peter, so to Paul (Pe2 1:14). my departure--literally, "loosing anchor" (see on Phi 1:23). Dissolution.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For I am now ready to be offered - This conviction of the apostle that he was about to die, is urged as a reason why Timothy should be laborious and faithful in the performance of the duties of his office. His own work was nearly done. He was soon to be withdrawn from the earth, and whatever benefit the world might have derived from his experience or active exertions, it was now to be deprived of it. He was about to leave a work which he much loved, and to which he had devoted the vigor of his life, and he was anxious that they who were to succeed him should carry on the work with all the energy and zeal in their power. This expresses the common feeling of aged ministers as death draws near.…”
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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
“The time of my departure is at hand - So undoubtedly God had shown him. I am ready to be offered up - Literally, to be poured out, as the wine and oil were on the ancient sacrifices. 2 Timothy 4:8”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:6-8 Paul’s faithfulness, vindication, and reward are a model and a challenge to others—particularly Timothy—to follow Paul’s example after he is gone. 4:6 Paul pictures his death as a drink offering that is poured out . . . to God (see Exod 29:40-41; Lev 23:13; Num 28:7; Phil 2:17); this offering participates in Christ’s own sacrifice (see Col 1:24; see also Rom 12:1).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I am: Phi 2:17 and: Gen 48:21, Gen 50:24; Num 27:12-17; Deu 31:14; Jos 23:14; Phi 1:23; Pe2 1:14, Pe2 1:15 2 Timothy 4:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification