New International VersionMay the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
New Living TranslationMay the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains.
English Standard VersionMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,
Berean Standard BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
Berean Literal BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he refreshed me often, and he was not ashamed of my chain.
King James BibleThe Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
New King James VersionThe Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
New American Standard BibleThe Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;
NASB 1995The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;
NASB 1977The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains;
Legacy Standard BibleThe Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,
Amplified BibleThe Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and showed me kindness [comforting and reviving me like fresh air] and he was not ashamed of my chains [for Christ’s sake];
Christian Standard BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
Holman Christian Standard BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
American Standard VersionThe Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
Contemporary English VersionI pray that the Lord will be kind to the family of Onesiphorus. He often cheered me up and wasn't ashamed of me when I was put in jail.
English Revised VersionThe Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationMay the Lord be merciful to the family of Onesiphorus. He often took care of my needs and wasn't ashamed that I was a prisoner.
Good News TranslationMay the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he cheered me up many times. He was not ashamed that I am in prison,
International Standard VersionMay the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, for he often took care of me and was not ashamed that I was a prisoner.
NET BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my imprisonment.
New Heart English BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
Webster's Bible TranslationThe Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Weymouth New TestamentMay the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus; for many a time he cheered me and he was not ashamed of my chain. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
World English BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionmay the LORD give kindness to the house of Onesiphorus, because he refreshed me many times, and was not ashamed of my chain,
Berean Literal BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he refreshed me often, and he was not ashamed of my chain.
Young's Literal Translation may the Lord give kindness to the house of Onesiphorus, because many times he did refresh me, and of my chain was not ashamed,
Smith's Literal TranslationMay the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; for many times he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my perplexity: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus: because he hath often refreshed me, and hath not been ashamed of my chain:
Catholic Public Domain VersionMay the Lord have mercy on the house of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me, and he has not been ashamed of my chains.
New American BibleMay the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus because he often gave me new heart and was not ashamed of my chains.
New Revised Standard VersionMay the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet our LORD grant mercy to the house of On-e-siph’o-rus; for he has often refreshed me, and he was not ashamed of the chains of my imprisonment:
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishMay our Lord give compassion to the house of Onesiphorus, who many times has refreshed me and was not ashamed of the chains of my bondage; NT Translations Anderson New TestamentMay the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Godbey New TestamentMay the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because frequently he refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
Haweis New TestamentThe Lord grant mercy unto the household of Onesiphorus because he frequently was a refreshment to my soul, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Mace New Testamentthe Lord be favourable to the family of Onesiphorus; for he often reliev'd me, and was not asham'd of my chains:
Weymouth New TestamentMay the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus; for many a time he cheered me and he was not ashamed of my chain.
Worrell New TestamentThe Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; because he ofttimes refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
Worsley New TestamentThe Lord shew mercy to the family of Onesiphorus; for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: but when he was at Rome,
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Hold to Sound Teaching… 15You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May theLordgrantmercyto thehouseholdof Onesiphorus,becausehe has often refreshedmeandwas unashamed ofmychains.17Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me.…
Cross References Matthew 5:7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Hebrews 6:10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
Proverbs 11:25A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Romans 12:13Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Galatians 6:10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
Philemon 1:7I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
1 Peter 4:9Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
1 John 3:17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
Acts 9:39So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
Philippians 4:14-16Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. / And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.
1 Thessalonians 5:11Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
2 Corinthians 9:12-13For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. / Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.
Luke 6:38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
James 2:13For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Isaiah 58:7Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Treasury of Scripture The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: Lord. 2 Timothy 1:18 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. Nehemiah 5:19 Think upon me, my God, for good,according to all that I have done for this people. Nehemiah 13:14,22,31 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof… the house. 2 Timothy 4:19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. refreshed. 1 Corinthians 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. Philemon 1:7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. and was. 2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; my. Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to seeyou, and to speak withyou: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Jump to Previous AshamedChainChainsCheeredFeelingFrequentlyGrantHelpHouseHouseholdMercyOftOftenOnesiphorusOnesiph'orusRefreshRefreshedShameShowTimeTimesJump to Next AshamedChainChainsCheeredFeelingFrequentlyGrantHelpHouseHouseholdMercyOftOftenOnesiphorusOnesiph'orusRefreshRefreshedShameShowTimeTimes2 Timothy 1 1.Paul's love to Timothy, and unfeigned confidence in Timothy himself, his mother, and grandmother.6.He is exhorted to stir up the gift of God which was in him;8.to be steadfast and patient in persecution;13.and to persist in the form and truth of that doctrine which he had learned of him.15.Phygellus and Hermogenes, and such like, are noted, and Onesiphorus is highly commended.May the Lord grant mercy to the household of OnesiphorusThis phrase highlights the importance of intercessory prayer and the communal nature of early Christian life. Onesiphorus is mentioned as a faithful supporter of Paul, suggesting a strong bond between them. The request for mercy upon his household indicates the value placed on family units within the early church. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's mercy, as seen in passages like Psalm 103:8, where God is described as merciful and gracious. The mention of a household also underscores the communal aspect of early Christian communities, where entire families often converted together, as seen in Acts 16:31-34 with the Philippian jailer. because he has often refreshed me
The act of refreshing Paul suggests physical, emotional, and spiritual support. In the context of Paul's imprisonment, this could include providing food, companionship, or encouragement. The Greek word used here for "refreshed" implies a repeated action, indicating Onesiphorus's consistent support. This reflects the Christian virtue of hospitality and service, as encouraged inRomans 12:13. The support of fellow believers was crucial for Paul, who often faced isolation and hardship, as seen in his other epistles. and was unashamed of my chains
This phrase highlights Onesiphorus's courage and loyalty. In the Roman world, association with a prisoner, especially one like Paul who was imprisoned for his faith, could lead to social stigma or even danger. Onesiphorus's lack of shame contrasts with others who may have abandoned Paul, as mentioned in2 Timothy 1:15. This reflects the biblical theme of not being ashamed of the Gospel, as Paul writes inRomans 1:16. Onesiphorus's actions exemplify the call to bear one another's burdens, as instructed inGalatians 6:2, and to stand firm in faith despite persecution. Persons / Places / Events 1. OnesiphorusA Christian from Ephesus who showed kindness and support to Paul during his imprisonment. His actions are highlighted as exemplary in the early Christian community. 2. PaulThe apostle who wrote the letter to Timothy. At this time, he was imprisoned in Rome, facing hardship and awaiting trial. 3. TimothyThe recipient of the letter, a young pastor and close companion of Paul, who was leading the church in Ephesus. 4. EphesusA significant city in the early Christian world, where Timothy was ministering and where Onesiphorus was from. 5. RomeThe place of Paul's imprisonment, where Onesiphorus sought him out to provide support. Teaching Points The Importance of Christian FellowshipOnesiphorus's actions remind us of the vital role fellowship plays in the Christian life. Supporting one another, especially in times of trial, is a tangible expression of Christ's love. Courage in the Face of ShameOnesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chains. As Christians, we are called to stand by our brothers and sisters, even when it might bring us shame or discomfort. The Blessing of RefreshmentJust as Onesiphorus refreshed Paul, we are encouraged to be a source of refreshment and encouragement to others, offering kindness and support. Legacy of FaithfulnessOnesiphorus's household is blessed because of his faithfulness. Our actions can have lasting impacts on our families and communities. Seeking Out Opportunities to ServeOnesiphorus actively sought out Paul in Rome. We should be proactive in looking for ways to serve and support others, even when it requires effort and sacrifice. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 1:16?
2.How can we show mercy to others like Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:16?
3.What does "refreshed me" teach about Christian fellowship and support?
4.How does Onesiphorus' example connect with Jesus' teachings on serving others?
5.In what ways can we seek to "not be ashamed" of our faith?
6.How can we apply Onesiphorus' dedication to our own ministry efforts today?
7.What does 2 Timothy 1:16 reveal about the nature of Christian hospitality and kindness?
8.How does 2 Timothy 1:16 challenge our understanding of God's mercy in daily life?
9.In what ways does 2 Timothy 1:16 emphasize the importance of community support among believers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 1?
11.How has the Bible been preserved over time?
12.What are Timothy's key contributions in the Bible?
13.If 2 Timothy 4:6 suggests Paul’s imminent death, how do we reconcile this with later traditions claiming he continued his ministry longer?
14.Who was Onesiphorus in the Bible?What Does 2 Timothy 1:16 Mean May the Lord grant mercyPaul opens with an intercession: “May the Lord grant mercy….” This is no vague wish; it is a confident request to the sovereign Lord who delights to show compassion (Luke 6:36;Hebrews 4:16). Mercy encompasses forgiveness, relief, and lovingkindness—everything a struggling believer’s household might need. Paul’s prayer echoes his greeting in the same letter, “Grace, mercy, and peace” (2 Timothy 1:2), underscoring that divine mercy remains the bedrock of Christian endurance (Psalm 103:17;Lamentations 3:22-23).
to the household of OnesiphorusPaul singles out an entire family, not just one man. Scripture consistently shows God’s favor extending beyond individuals to their homes—think of Rahab (Joshua 6:25), Cornelius (Acts 10:2, 24), and the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:31-34). Timothy is urged later, “Greet Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus” (2 Timothy 4:19), affirming their ongoing faithfulness. When believers serve Christ’s body, their relatives often taste the blessing, fulfillingProverbs 11:21, “The descendants of the righteous will be delivered.”
because he has often refreshed me“Refreshed” suggests repeated acts of practical care—food, lodging, companionship, advocacy. Similar language appears in1 Corinthians 16:17-18 andPhilemon 1:7, where Paul thanks others who “refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Onesiphorus’s service wasn’t a one-time gesture; it was habitual (“often”). Such ministry mirrors Jesus’ promise that whoever gives even “a cup of cold water” in His name will not lose his reward (Matthew 10:42). It also fulfillsProverbs 11:25, “Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
and was unashamed of my chainsIn Rome, association with a condemned apostle could invite ridicule or danger, yet Onesiphorus “was unashamed.” Paul earlier urges Timothy, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner” (2 Timothy 1:8). Onesiphorus embodies that charge, much like Epaphroditus who risked his life to aid Paul (Philippians 2:29-30). By honoring a chained apostle, he honors Christ Himself (Matthew 25:36, 40). His courage contrasts those who deserted Paul in fear (2 Timothy 1:15). The chain might bind Paul’s wrists, but “the word of God is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:9); Onesiphorus’s bold loyalty testifies to that truth.
summaryPaul’s brief prayer in2 Timothy 1:16 highlights three timeless lessons: God’s mercy is abundant and available; faithful service to Christ’s servants brings blessing on entire households; and courageous, repeated acts of refreshment for the imprisoned and persecuted delight the Lord. Onesiphorus stands as a model disciple—loyal, compassionate, and unashamed—showing how everyday faithfulness secures eternal commendation from the God who loves to grant mercy. (16) The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus.--In striking contrast to those false friends who turned away from him was one, also well known to Timothy, probably an Ephesian merchant. Onesiphorus, to whose house the Apostle prays the Lord to give mercy, had, early in this last imprisonment of St. Paul, arrived in Rome on matters connected probably with business. There he heard of the arrest of that great master whom he had known well in Asia, and sought him out in his prison. There is but little doubt that when St. Paul wrote this Epistle Onesiphorus' death must have recently taken place, both from the terms of this verse--where mercy is prayed, not for him, but for his house--and also from the expression "in that day," used in 2Timothy 1:18. There is something strangely touching in this loving memory of "one" who, in his trouble, did not forsake him, but whose devotion was rather increased by his danger, and this one faithful friend would never be able again to show his love to the prisoner, for God had called him home. For he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.--"He oft refreshed me" does not imply that he ministered only to the Apostle's bodily needs when he was in prison, though the word, no doubt, includes this. But "he refreshed" him by frequent visits, by, no doubt, much anxious forethought in the matter of St. Paul's deliverance from prison and bonds, by a noble disregard of the personal danger which he incurred by his open intimacy with a prisoner charged, as St. Paul must have been, with treason against the empire. "He was not ashamed of my chain." (SeeActs 28:20, where "the chain" of another captivity is mentioned.) Verse 16. - Grant for give, A.V. Grant mercy ( δώη ἔλεος). This connection of the words is only found here. The house ofOnesiphorus. It is inferred from this expression, coupled with that in 2 Timothy 4:19, that Onesiphorus himself was no longer living; and hence ver. 18 (where see note) is thought by some to be an argument for prayers for the dead. The inference, further strengthened by the peculiar language of ver. 18, though not absolutely certain, is undoubtedly probable. The connection between this and the preceding verse is the contrast between the conduct of Phygelus and Hermogenes and that of Onesiphorus. They repudiated all acquaintance with the apostle in his day of trial; he, when he was in Rome, diligently sought him and with difficulty found him. and oft refreshed him with Christian sympathy and communion, acting with no less courage than love. He was no longer on earth to receive a prophet's reward ( Matthew 10:41), but St. Paul prays that he may receive it in the day of Christ, and that meanwhile God may requite to his family the mercy he had showed to St. Paul. Refreshed me ( ἀνεψυξε); literally, revived me. Only here in the New Testament, but comp. Acts 3:19. Chain ( ἅλυσιν); in the singular, as Ephesians 6:20; Acts 28:20 (where see note).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek {May} theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.LordΚύριος(Kyrios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.grantΔῴη(Dōē)Verb - Aorist Optative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325:To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.mercyἔλεος(eleos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1656:Pity, mercy, compassion. Of uncertain affinity; compassion.to theτῷ(tō)Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.householdοἴκῳ(oikō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3624:A dwelling; by implication, a family.of Onesiphorus,Ὀνησιφόρου(Onēsiphorou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3683:From a derivative of oninemi and phoros; profit-bearer; Onesiphorus, a Christian.becauseὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.he has often refreshedἀνέψυξεν(anepsyxen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 404:To refresh, revive, comfort. From ana and psucho; properly, to cool off, i.e. relieve.meμε(me)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.was unashamed ofἐπαισχύνθη(epaischynthē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1870:To be ashamed, be ashamed of. From epi and aischunomai; to feel shame for something.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.chains.ἅλυσίν(halysin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 254:A (light) chain, bond. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle.
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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) |
