2 Timothy 4:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

NIV: For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.

NASB: For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.

CSB: For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close.

NLT: As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near.

KJV: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

NKJV: For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.

In this verse, Paul turns from commands for Timothy back to reflecting upon his own life. The "drink offering" refers to a cup of wine a Jewish priest poured out beside the altar following the offering of a ram, lamb, or bull in the temple (Numbers 15:1–10; 28:4–7). Just as the drink offering symbolized the end of the offering, Paul's life was about to come to an end. He is writing these words under Roman imprisonment and expects to be executed before too long. Paul has already made one courtroom appearance during this imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:16), but does not expect to be given another opportunity.

Paul uses the metaphor of dissolving or departing, from the Greek word analys󠅍eōs, referring to a ship which has untied itself from the dock and is about to set sail. This is the same word Paul uses in Philippians 1:23, saying his desire was to die or "depart and be with Christ, for that is far better." The same concept of "departure," using other Greek terms, was often used as a metaphor for death, such as those of Jesus (Luke 9:31) and Peter (2 Peter 1:15).

Second Timothy 4:1–8 contains Paul's last ministry instructions to Timothy. Paul knows that he will not survive his current imprisonment. So, he clearly and boldly charges Timothy—commands him—to hold to the faith he has seen and lived. He can do this knowing that Paul has faithfully served God, expecting the heavenly rewards given to all of God's followers. The poignant tone of this passage is made even more bittersweet by the long friendship these two men have shared.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.

Accessed 5/5/2024 2:53:37 PM