What does 2 Timothy 4:9 mean?

This short verse expresses some urgency. Paul not only asks for a visit, but one soon, and with Timothy's best efforts. Paul deeply desired for Timothy to visit him before his death. Paul will also request that Timothy bring Mark with him (2 Timothy 4:11), as well as Paul's cloak, books, and parchments (2 Timothy 4:13). Paul was all alone at this time with the exception of Luke (2 Timothy 4:11) and longed for friends to visit.

The time of this writing was likely in the fall. This can be determined since Paul was asking for his cloak (2 Timothy 4:13) and urged Timothy to come before winter (2 Timothy 4:21). Since Timothy would need to sail in the Mediterranean to come to Paul, it meant he needed to leave before sailing became too difficult in winter weather, usually late October. A time frame of early fall, in the last year of Paul's life, most likely AD 65, is the probable time Paul offered these important words.