Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

2 TIMOTHY 4:17KJV
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2 Timothy 4:17 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 4:17 mean?

2 Timothy 4:17 describes how the Lord stood by Paul and gave him strength so that he could fully proclaim the message and ensure that all the Gentiles heard it; Paul also says he was rescued from a great danger, which he calls "the mouth of the lion." Paul is expressing gratitude for divine help during a time when he felt alone and threatened, emphasizing that God's support allowed his mission to continue.

Paul is writing to Timothy from prison, reflecting on a time when others deserted him, but the Lord (Jesus) remained present and empowered him. The phrase about being delivered "out of the mouth of the lion" likely refers to a serious threat to Paul's life, possibly a legal trial or a metaphor for deadly danger, rather than a literal lion. Paul highlights that God's intervention was not just for his own sake, but so that the message about Jesus could reach non-Jewish people (the Gentiles).

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 4:17

  • κύριος (kyrios, "Lord"): This word points to Jesus as the one who stood by Paul, showing a personal relationship and active support rather than distant help.
  • ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō, "strengthened"): The Greek here means to empower or make strong, stressing that Paul's ability to keep preaching came from God's power, not his own.
  • κήρυγμα (kerygma, "preaching"): This word refers to the public proclamation of the gospel. Paul’s focus is on making the message fully known, not just sharing it in part.
  • ἐξέσωσα (exesōsa, "delivered"): The Greek word carries the sense of being rescued from real danger, underlining how close Paul came to harm and how complete the rescue was.

Why 2 Timothy 4:17 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that Paul’s ministry was successful because of his own strength or cleverness; Paul insists it was the Lord who enabled everything.
  • The verse emphasizes that the gospel was meant for all people, not just a select group, highlighting the importance of spreading the message to the Gentiles.
  • Paul’s mention of being rescued from "the mouth of the lion" connects his personal story to a broader theme of God’s faithfulness in times of trial, which is a comfort to anyone facing hardship.

Where else these words appear

“known” Greek G4135 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 1:1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
  • Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
  • Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

“strengthened” Greek G1743 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
  • 1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

“preaching” Greek G2782 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
  • Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

“lion” Greek G3023 · used in 9 verses

  • Hebrews 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
  • Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
  • Revelation 9:17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.