Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

2 TIMOTHY 4:21KJV
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2 Timothy 4:21 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 4:21 mean?

2 Timothy 4:21 records Paul urging Timothy to make every effort to visit him before winter, and then passing along greetings from several people: Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers. The verse shows Paul's longing for Timothy’s presence and the sense of Christian community among his companions.

Paul is writing from prison in Rome to Timothy, his younger coworker and friend, likely knowing his own death is near. The mention of coming "before winter" is practical: travel would soon become difficult or impossible, so Paul is asking Timothy to hurry. The greetings from named individuals and "all the brethren" show that Paul is not alone, and that Timothy is remembered by the wider Christian group.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 4:21

  • The word for "diligence" is σπούδασον (spoudason), transliterated as spoudason (G4704), which often means to make haste or be zealous. Paul is not just asking Timothy to come, but to do so with urgency and care.
  • The word for "winter" is χειμών (cheimōn, G5494), which refers to the cold, stormy season when travel by sea or road was dangerous or impossible. This adds urgency to Paul's request.
  • The names Eubulus (Εὔβουλος, G2103), Pudens (Πούδης, G4227), Linus (Λίνος, G3044), and Claudia (Κλαυδία, G2803) are mentioned specifically, showing real people in the early Christian community who are sending their greetings.

Why 2 Timothy 4:21 matters

  • The verse highlights the practical realities faced by early Christians, such as travel limitations and the need for personal connection.
  • It shows Paul’s deep affection for Timothy and his desire for companionship in a difficult time.
  • The greetings from multiple individuals remind readers that the early church was a network of real people who cared for each other, not just a set of teachings or doctrines.

Where else these words appear

“winter” Greek G5494 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
  • Matthew 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
  • John 10:22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

“diligence” Greek G4704 · used in 11 verses

  • Galatians 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
  • Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
  • Romans 16:7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

“greeteth” Greek G782 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
  • Romans 16:8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
  • Philippians 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.