Bible Strands
2 Timothy 2:9
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy from prison, urging him to remember the gospel and prepare to endure hardship for the elect.
The words — κακοπαθῶ (kakopathō) means "I suffer hardship," and δεσμῶν (desmōn) translates to "chains," describing the physical restraint Paul accepts while proclaiming the message.
The thread — The pattern of gospel-linked suffering and unbound divine truth runs through 2 Timothy 1:8, Philippians 1:7, and Acts 28:31.
Why it lands — The text states that human imprisonment cannot restrict God's word, requiring the reader to endure hardship for the gospel without expecting physical or social freedom to guarantee its advance.
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
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Cross-references
- Acts 28:31 Boldly and freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.
- 2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.
- Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
- Colossians 4:3 as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
- Acts 9:16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
- 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.
- Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
- Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel.