Bible Strands
2 Timothy 4:6
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Timothy near the conclusion of his earthly ministry, immediately following his charge to remain sober and fulfill his evangelistic work. He speaks as a condemned prisoner aware that his execution is imminent.
The words — ἤδη (ēdē) translates literally to "already," marking the present onset of his death. σπένδομαι (spendomai) means "am being poured out," employing the exact language of a liquid ritual sacrifice.
The thread — The pouring out metaphor reappears in Philippians 2:17, where Paul offers his life alongside the sacrifice of others' faith. The motif of impending departure and the end of one's earthly course also appears in Philippians 1:23 and Joshua 23:14.
Why it lands — The text states that death is an active, present reality rather than a future abstraction. It requires the reader to treat remaining time as urgent and to measure life by completed obedience rather than prolonged duration.
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
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Cross-references
- Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.
- Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- Joshua 23:14 Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.
- 2 Peter 1:14 because I know that this tent will soon be laid aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
- Genesis 48:21 Then Israel said to Joseph, “Look, I am about to die, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers.
- Numbers 27:12 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go up this mountain of the Abarim range and see the land that I have given the Israelites.
- Genesis 50:24 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die, but God will surely visit you and bring you up from this land to the land He promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”
- Deuteronomy 31:14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time of your death is near. Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, so that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting.