For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 TIMOTHY 1:12KJV
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2 Timothy 1:12 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 1:12 mean?

2 Timothy 1:12 shows Paul explaining that, even though he suffers for his faith, he is not ashamed because he trusts completely in Jesus and is convinced that Jesus can guard what Paul has entrusted to him until the final day. Paul’s confidence rests on his personal relationship with Christ and his belief in Christ’s power to keep him secure.

Paul is writing to Timothy from prison, facing hardship because of his work spreading the message about Jesus. In this verse, Paul points to his suffering as a result of his mission, but he also stresses his unshakable trust in Jesus. The verse highlights Paul’s certainty that what he has given over to Jesus—likely his life, mission, or faith—will be kept safe until the day of judgment or Christ’s return.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 1:12

  • "πεπίστευκα" (pepisteuka, "have believed"): This word means more than just intellectual agreement; it carries the sense of personal trust and reliance. Paul is not just saying he believes facts about Jesus, but that he has put his full trust in him.
  • "παραθήκην" (parathēkēn, "that which I have committed"): This word refers to something entrusted for safekeeping, like a deposit. Paul is saying he has entrusted something very valuable—his life, faith, or mission—to Jesus.
  • "φυλάξαι" (phylaxai, "to keep"): This verb means to guard or protect. Paul’s confidence is that Jesus is able to keep safe what Paul has entrusted to him, no matter the circumstances.

Why 2 Timothy 1:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s courage in suffering comes from his personal trust in Jesus, not from his own strength or circumstances.
  • The verse emphasizes the idea of entrusting one’s life or mission to Jesus, highlighting a relationship of deep trust rather than just belief in teachings.
  • In the context of the letter, Paul’s words encourage Timothy (and other readers) to remain faithful and unashamed, even when facing hardship, because of the security found in Christ.

Where else these words appear

“am” Greek G1870 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
  • Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
  • 2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

“cause” Greek G156 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
  • John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
  • Acts 25:18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

“keep” Greek G5442 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
  • John 17:12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
  • Galatians 6:13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

“able” Greek G1415 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
  • Luke 24:19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
  • Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.