2 Timothy 4:8

From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul, writing to Timothy from prison and likely facing execution, names what awaits him immediately after summarizing his life in the preceding verse.

The words — ἀποκέειται (apokeitai) is a compound of ἀπό + κεῖμαι, literally "is laid apart," evoking a treasure stored in a vault rather than something earned in the moment. στέφανος (stephanos) is the victor's wreath, not a royal crown, marking this as a prize for a race finished.

The thread — James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10 both pair endurance with a "crown of life" tied to Christ's coming; 1 Peter 5:4 names it a "crown of glory" received when the Chief Shepherd appears.

Why it lands — The reward extends to "all who crave His appearing," which means the verse tests whether a reader's hope is oriented toward that appearing or toward something else.

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

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Cross-references

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Revelation 2:10 Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Matthew 6:19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
1 Peter 1:4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
2 Timothy 1:12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
Colossians 1:5 the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel
Psalms 31:19 How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!
2 Timothy 2:5 Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.