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2 Timothy 1:16
ESV May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,
NIV May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
NASB The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;
CSB May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
NLT May 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.
KJV The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
NKJV The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;

What does 2 Timothy 1:16 mean?

Paul again switches topics, this time from those who have deserted him to a person who had blessed him: Onesiphorus. This man is also mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:19; there it is suggested that he is with Timothy in Ephesus, along with Prisca and Aquila. Based on his name, Onesiphorus was likely a Gentile.

This verse notes several positive attributes of Onesiphorus. Not only has Onesiphorus not been "ashamed" to associate with a despised criminal like Paul, he has provided much-needed comfort and support. He likely brought food and drink to Paul, frequently visiting him in jail. His ministry was one of presence, focusing on encouragement to Paul during his most difficult days. As Paul taught earlier (2 Timothy 1:8, 12), Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's imprisonment.

If Paul's reference is literal, he was physically "chained" during this second imprisonment. This may have been similar to Peter's imprisonment in Acts 12:6–7. Paul also mentioned being in chains several times in Acts (Acts 21:33; 28:20), as well as his other letters (Ephesians 6:20; Colossians 4:18), and again in 2 Timothy 2:9.
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