The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 TIMOTHY 1:16KJV
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2 Timothy 1:16 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 1:16 mean?

2 Timothy 1:16 describes Paul asking the Lord to show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus because Onesiphorus often encouraged Paul and was not embarrassed by Paul's imprisonment. Paul highlights the kindness and loyalty Onesiphorus showed during a difficult time.

Paul is writing this letter to Timothy from prison, reflecting on those who supported him when others turned away. Onesiphorus is singled out as someone who visited and refreshed Paul, even though Paul was in chains. Paul’s prayer for mercy on Onesiphorus’s household shows deep gratitude for practical help and unashamed friendship in hardship.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 1:16

  • ἔλεος (eleos, G1656): This word means "mercy" or "compassion." Paul is not just wishing good things for Onesiphorus’s family, but specifically asking for God’s compassionate care.
  • οἶκος (oikos, G3624): This means "house" or "household," indicating Paul’s prayer is for Onesiphorus’s entire family, not just the man himself.
  • ἀνεψύξεν (anepseuxen, G404): Translated as "refreshed," this word carries the sense of reviving or cheering up. It suggests Onesiphorus didn’t just visit, but truly lifted Paul’s spirits.
  • ἅλυσιν (halysin, G254): This means "chain," referring to Paul’s literal imprisonment. Onesiphorus was not ashamed to be associated with Paul, even though Paul was a prisoner.

Why 2 Timothy 1:16 matters

  • The verse clears up any idea that everyone abandoned Paul; it highlights that some, like Onesiphorus, remained loyal and caring.
  • Paul’s prayer for Onesiphorus’s household, not just Onesiphorus himself, shows the value placed on family and shared support in the early Christian community.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by contrasting Onesiphorus’s courage and kindness with others’ fear or shame, emphasizing the importance of steadfast friendship and encouragement.

Where else these words appear

“Onesiphorus” Greek G3683 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Timothy 4:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

“was” 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 1:12 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.

“chain” Greek G254 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 5:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
  • Acts 12:6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

“oft” Greek G4178 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 17:15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
  • Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you,(but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
  • Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: