Bible Strands
2 Timothy 1:4
Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy during a period of physical separation, recalling Timothy’s past tears and expressing a direct desire to meet. The statement follows Paul’s nightly prayers for Timothy and precedes a reminder of the sincere faith passed from Lois and Eunice.
The words — The text highlights ἐπιποθῶν (epipothōn) as "longing" and μεμνημένος (memnēmenos) as "having recalled." These terms anchor the verse’s declaration that Paul’s joy depends on physically seeing Timothy.
The thread — This motif of apostolic longing for physical presence runs through 2 Timothy 4:9, Philippians 1:8, and 1 Thessalonians 2:17. Each passage records a similar desire to close the distance between the author and the recipient.
Why it lands — The text states that personal presence serves as the vehicle for shared spiritual joy and remembered faith. It asks the reader to treat relational proximity as a practical means of strengthening conviction, not merely an emotional preference.
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
Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 4:9 Make every effort to come to me quickly,
- Philippians 1:8 God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.
- 2 Timothy 4:21 Make every effort to come to me before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
- Psalms 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
- Isaiah 61:3 to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
- Jeremiah 31:13 Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.
- John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
- John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
- Acts 20:19 I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews.