What does 2 Timothy 2:11 mean?

The phrase, "The saying is trustworthy," is unique to the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; Titus 3:8). In this context, the trustworthy saying is the poetical statement to follow in verses 11–13. These verses are set apart in many translations, since they appear to have been an early hymn or poem in the church. It may have originated with Paul in this letter. Or, it may have served as a reminder, with Paul quoting a known song from the early church.

The first part of this statement begins at the end of verse 11. Believers have died—to sin and the world—with Christ (Colossians 2:20; 3:1–3) and will also experience resurrection with Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). The two words translated "died" and "live" in this verse rhyme in the original Greek: synapethanomen and syzēsomen. The same rhyming pattern is found in the next verse as well. This creates an easily-remembered phrase which would have been easily passed along by early believers.