Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

2 TIMOTHY 2:10KJV
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2 Timothy 2:10 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 2:10 mean?

2 Timothy 2:10 describes how Paul willingly endures all kinds of hardship for the sake of those God has chosen, so that they too may receive salvation through Christ Jesus and share in everlasting glory. Paul’s suffering has a purpose: helping others come to faith and experience the full blessings found in Jesus.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger co-worker, while Paul is imprisoned and facing great difficulty. Paul wants Timothy to understand that his endurance is not just personal grit, but is motivated by love for others—specifically, for the "elect," a term often understood as those God has chosen. The verse highlights Paul’s deep commitment to the gospel and his willingness to suffer if it means others can know Christ and the eternal glory that comes with salvation.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 2:10

  • "Endure" (ὑπομένω, hypomenō) means to remain under or persevere through difficulty. Paul is not just passively suffering; he is actively choosing to stay faithful despite hardship.
  • "Elect" (ἐκλεκτός, eklektos) refers to those chosen or selected. In this context, it emphasizes that Paul’s efforts are for the benefit of those whom God has called.
  • "Obtain" (τυγχάνω, tynchano) carries the sense of attaining or receiving something. Paul’s goal is that the elect may actually come into possession of salvation, not just hear about it.
  • "Salvation" (σωτηρία, sōtēria) here points to rescue or deliverance, specifically the eternal rescue found in Christ Jesus, which comes with "eternal glory" (δόξα, doxa)—a lasting honor and splendor that is not temporary.

Why 2 Timothy 2:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Paul’s suffering is not pointless; it is directly connected to the mission of helping others receive salvation, showing a selfless motivation.
  • The mention of "the elect" and "eternal glory" ties this verse to larger biblical themes about God’s calling and the ultimate hope for believers, connecting personal sacrifice to a much bigger story.
  • It encourages readers to see hardship in ministry or faith as meaningful when it serves the good of others and the spread of the gospel, rather than as something to avoid or resent.

Where else these words appear

“may” Greek G5177 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 10:30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
  • Acts 26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
  • 1 Corinthians 15:37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:

“endure” Greek G5278 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.
  • Romans 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
  • Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

“for” Greek G1588 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
  • Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“salvation” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 11:11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;