Bible Strands
2 Timothy 1:16
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy from prison, contrasting Onesiphorus’s loyalty with the desertion of those in Asia (2 Timothy 1:15). The prayer for the household immediately follows this contrast and precedes the report that Onesiphorus had already arrived in Rome and found him (2 Timothy 1:17).
The words — The Greek δῴη (dōē) and ἔλεος (eleos) form the verb phrase "would grant mercy," directing a petition for divine compassion onto the οἴκῳ (oikō), or household, of Onesiphorus. The conjunction ὅτι (hoti) introduces the factual ground for this request: the man himself refreshes the apostle and οὐκ ἐπαισχὺνθη (ouk epaischynthē), "was not ashamed," of his chains.
The thread — The household’s continued presence appears in 2 Timothy 4:19, where Paul again commands greetings to them. The themes of refreshing and enduring chains connect to Philemon 1:20 and Acts 28:20.
Why it lands — The text records a concrete petition for God’s mercy on a specific family, grounded in documented acts of loyalty rather than abstract praise. It asks the reader to recognize that faithful service in hardship warrants divine compassion and to emulate that unashamed commitment to fellow believers.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus.
- Philemon 1:20 Yes, brother, let me have some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
- Acts 28:20 So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
- Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
- Philemon 1:7 I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
- Hebrews 10:34 You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, knowing that you yourselves had a better and permanent possession.
- Nehemiah 5:19 Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people.
- Nehemiah 13:14 Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my deeds of loving devotion for the house of my God and for its services.
- Nehemiah 13:22 Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.
- Nehemiah 13:31 I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.