The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

2 TIMOTHY 1:18KJV
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2 Timothy 1:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 1:18 mean?

2 Timothy 1:18 is Paul’s prayer that the Lord will show mercy to a man named Onesiphorus on the final day of judgment, because of the many ways Onesiphorus helped Paul, especially during his time in Ephesus. Paul reminds Timothy that he personally knows how much Onesiphorus did for him there.

Paul is writing this letter to Timothy, his younger coworker and friend, while Paul is imprisoned. Onesiphorus had gone out of his way to support Paul when others abandoned him. Paul’s words highlight both his gratitude for Onesiphorus’s kindness and his hope that God will reward such faithfulness in the future.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 1:18

  • ἔλεος (eleos, “mercy”): This word means compassion or kindness shown to someone in need. Paul is not just wishing Onesiphorus well but specifically asking for God’s compassionate favor for him.
  • ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ (en ekeinē tē hēmera, “in that day”): This phrase often refers to the final day of judgment or the time when God will set things right. Paul’s prayer is forward-looking, asking for mercy not just now but at the ultimate time of reckoning.
  • διακόνησεν (diēkonēsen, “ministered”): This word means to serve or care for someone, often in practical ways. Paul is highlighting Onesiphorus’s active, hands-on support, not just good intentions.

Why 2 Timothy 1:18 matters

  • 2 Timothy 1:18 shows that Paul valued practical acts of kindness and remembered those who stood by him, even when others did not.
  • The verse connects personal loyalty and service to the hope of God’s mercy, suggesting that faithfulness in this life is not overlooked by God.
  • By mentioning Timothy’s own knowledge of Onesiphorus’s actions, Paul encourages Timothy (and readers) to appreciate and imitate such genuine support within the Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“Ephesus” Greek G2181 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
  • Acts 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

“mercy” Greek G1656 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

“me” Greek G1247 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
  • Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
  • Romans 15:25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

“things” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;