2 Timothy 4:11
New International Version
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.

New Living Translation
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry.

English Standard Version
Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.

Berean Standard Bible
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.

Berean Literal Bible
Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring him with you, for he is useful to me for the ministry.

King James Bible
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

New King James Version
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

New American Standard Bible
Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

NASB 1995
Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

NASB 1977
Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

Legacy Standard Bible
Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

Amplified Bible
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very helpful to me for the ministry.

Christian Standard Bible
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.

American Standard Version
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is useful to me for ministering.

Contemporary English Version
Only Luke has stayed with me. Mark can be very helpful to me, so please find him and bring him with you.

English Revised Version
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is useful to me for ministering.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you. He is useful to me in my work.

Good News Translation
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he can help me in the work.

International Standard Version
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.

Majority Standard Bible
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.

NET Bible
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry.

New Heart English Bible
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

Webster's Bible Translation
Luke only is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Weymouth New Testament
Luke is the only friend I now have with me. Call for Mark on your way and bring him with you, for he is a great help to me in my ministry.

World English Bible
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
only Lucas is with me; having taken Mark, bring [him] with you, for he is profitable to me for ministry;

Berean Literal Bible
Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring him with you, for he is useful to me for the ministry.

Young's Literal Translation
Lukas only is with me; Markus having taken, bring with thyself, for he is profitable to me for ministration;

Smith's Literal Translation
Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring with thyself: for he is useful for the service.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Luke alone is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you; for he is useful to me in the ministry.

New American Bible
Luke is the only one with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is helpful to me in the ministry.

New Revised Standard Version
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful in my ministry.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you: for he is suitable to me for the ministry.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Only Luqa is with me. Take Marcus and bring him with you, because he is suitable to me for the ministry.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for the ministry.

Godbey New Testament
Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring him with you: for he is useful unto me for the ministry.

Haweis New Testament
Luke alone is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee; for he is very useful to me in the ministry.

Mace New Testament
only Luke is with me, take Mark and bring him with you; because he will be useful to me in the ministry.

Weymouth New Testament
Luke is the only friend I now have with me. Call for Mark on your way and bring him with you, for he is a great help to me in my ministry.

Worrell New Testament
Only Luke is with me. Taking Mark, bring him with you; for he is useful to me for ministering.

Worsley New Testament
Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is useful to me in the ministry.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Personal Concerns
10because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry. 12Tychicus, however, I have sent to Ephesus.…

Cross References
Acts 15:37-39
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark. / But Paul thought it best not to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work. / Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,

Colossians 4:10
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him.

Philemon 1:24
as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

Acts 13:13
After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.

Acts 12:12
And when he had realized this, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered together and were praying.

Acts 12:25
When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark.

Acts 19:22
He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia.

Acts 20:4
Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.

Colossians 4:14
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings.

Luke 10:1
After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of Him to every town and place He was about to visit.

Mark 1:1
This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

1 Peter 5:13
The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark.

Acts 16:1-3
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. / The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. / Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, so he took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

Philippians 2:20-22
I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs. / For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. / But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel.

Romans 16:21
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.


Treasury of Scripture

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

Only.

2 Timothy 1:15
This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Luke.

Acts 16:10
And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Colossians 4:14
Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Philemon 1:24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Mark.

Acts 12:12,25
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying…

Acts 15:39
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

for.

Matthew 19:30
But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Luke 13:30
And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

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Alone Friend Great Help Helpful Luke Mark Markus Ministering Ministration Ministry Pick Profitable Service Serviceable Serving Thyself Use Useful Way Work
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2 Timothy 4
1. He exhorts him to preach the Word with all care and diligence;
6. certifies him of the nearness of his death;
9. wills him to come speedily unto him, and to bring Marcus with him;
14. warns him to beware of Alexander the metalworker.
16. informs him what had befallen him at his first answering;
19. and soon after he concludes.














Only Luke is with me
The word "only" (Greek: μόνος) emphasizes the solitude Paul experiences during his imprisonment. Luke, the beloved physician and author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, remains steadfast. This highlights the loyalty and dedication of Luke, who is not only a companion but also a fellow laborer in the Gospel. Historically, Luke's presence signifies the importance of companionship and support in ministry, especially during trials. His unwavering presence is a testament to the Christian virtue of faithfulness.

Get Mark
The instruction to "get" (Greek: ἄγε) Mark is significant. Mark, also known as John Mark, had previously deserted Paul and Barnabas on a missionary journey (Acts 13:13), leading to a sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37-39). However, this request indicates reconciliation and forgiveness, showcasing the transformative power of grace and the restoration of relationships within the Christian community. It serves as a reminder that past failures do not disqualify one from future service in God's kingdom.

and bring him with you
The phrase "bring him with you" underscores the urgency and importance Paul places on Mark's presence. It suggests that Mark has matured and proven himself valuable to Paul. This reflects the Christian principle of redemption and the belief that individuals can grow and become effective in ministry despite previous shortcomings. The act of bringing Mark also symbolizes the unity and cooperation needed in the body of Christ.

because he is useful to me
The term "useful" (Greek: εὔχρηστος) conveys the idea of being beneficial or profitable. Paul recognizes Mark's gifts and contributions to the ministry, highlighting the importance of recognizing and utilizing the diverse talents within the church. This acknowledgment serves as an encouragement to believers that everyone has a role to play in the mission of the church, and their contributions are valuable.

in the ministry
The word "ministry" (Greek: διακονία) refers to service, particularly in the context of spreading the Gospel. This emphasizes the collaborative nature of Christian work and the shared mission of proclaiming Christ. Historically, the early church faced numerous challenges, and the call to ministry required dedication and sacrifice. Paul's reference to ministry underscores the eternal significance of their work and the collective effort required to fulfill the Great Commission.

(11) Only Luke is with me.--The "writer" of the Third Gospel, the Gospel which, as has been stated above, was very possibly the work of St. Paul--"my Gospel." Luke, "the beloved physician" of Colossians 4:14, of all St. Paul's companions, seems to have been most closely associated with the Apostle. Most likely this close intimacy and long-continued association was owing to the Apostle's weak and infirm health--to that dying body--the noble Paul ever bore about with him. Luke was with St. Paul, we know, in his second missionary journey, and again in his third missionary journey; he accompanied him to Asia, and then to Jerusalem; was with him during the captivity time of Caesarea, and subsequently of Rome, the first time St. Paul was imprisoned in the capital (Acts 18). After St. Paul's death, Epiphanius speaks of him as preaching chiefly in Gaul; a very general tradition includes him among the martyrs of the first age of the Church. The name is probably a contraction of Lucanus. (See Introduction to the Acts of the Apostles.)

Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.--"But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them . . . and went not with them to the work" (Acts 15:38). There is something strangely touching in this message of the aged master to Timothy to bring with him on that last solemn journey one whom, some quarter of a century before, St. Paul had judged so severely, and on whose account he had separated from his old loved friend, Barnabas the Apostle. Since that hour when the young missionary's heart had failed him in Pamphylia, Mark had, by steady, earnest work, won back his place in St. Paul's heart. Barnabas, we know, when his brother Apostle rejected him, took him with him to Cyprus. After some twelve years, we find him, during the first imprisonment, with St. Paul at Rome (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24). He is mentioned (1Peter 5:13) by the endearing term of "my son," and the unanimous traditions of the ancient Christian writers represent him as the secretary or amanuensis of St. Peter. It was his office to commit to writing the orally delivered instructions and narrations of his master. These, in some revised and arranged form, probably under the direction of Peter himself, were given to the Church under the title of St. Mark's Gospel. A later and uncertain tradition says he subsequently became first Bishop of Alexandria, and there suffered martyrdom. . . .

Verse 11. - Useful for profitable, A.V.; ministering for the ministry, A.V. Luke; probably a shortened form of Lucanus. Luke was with St. Paul in his voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1; Acts 28:11, 16), and when he wrote the Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:4), having doubtless composed the Acts of the Apostles during St. Paul's two years' imprisonment (Acts 28:30). How he spent his time between that date and the mention of him here as still with St. Paul, we have no knowledge. But it looks as if he may have been in close personal attendance upon him all the time. if he had been permitted to write a supplement to the Acts, perhaps the repeated "we" would have shown this. Take Mark. Mark had apparently been recently reconciled to St. Paul when he wrote Colossians 4:10, and was with him when he wrote Philemon 1:24. We know nothing more of him till we learn from this passage that he was with or near to Timothy, and likely to accompany him to Rome in his last visit to St. Paul. He is mentioned again in 1 Peter 5:13, as being with St. Peter at Babylon. The expression, "take" (ἀναλαβών), seems to imply that Timothy was to pick him up on the way, as the word is used in Acts 20:13, 14; and, though less certainly, in Acts 23:31. He is useful to me, etc. (εὔχρηστος); as ch. 2:21 (where see note). This testimony to Mark's ministerial usefulness, at a time when his faithfulness and courage would be put to a severe test, is very satisfactory. For ministering (εἰς διακονίαν). It may be doubted whether διακονία here means "the ministry," as in the A.V. and 1 Timothy 1:12, or, as in the R.V., more generally "for ministering," i.e. for acting as an assistant to me in my apostolic labours. The words, "to me," favour the latter rendering. The sense would then be the same as that of the verb in Acts 19:22, where we read that Timothy and Erastus "ministered unto him," i.e. to St. Paul, and that of ὑπηρέτης applied to Mark in Acts 13:5.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Only
μόνος (monos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3441: Only, solitary, desolate. Probably from meno; remaining, i.e. Sole or single; by implication, mere.

Luke
Λουκᾶς (Loukas)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3065: Lucas, Luke, Christian physician and writer of the Third Gospel and Acts. Contracted from Latin Lucanus; Lucas, a Christian.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

me.
ἐμοῦ (emou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Get
ἀναλαβὼν (analabōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 353: To take up, raise; I pick up, take on board; I carry off, lead away. From ana and lambano; to take up.

Mark
Μᾶρκον (Markon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3138: Of Latin origin; Marcus, a Christian.

[and] bring [him]
ἄγε (age)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

you,
σεαυτοῦ (seautou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4572: Of yourself.

because
γάρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he is
ἔστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

useful
εὔχρηστος (euchrēstos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2173: Useful, serviceable, very profitable. From eu and chrestos; easily used, i.e. Useful.

to me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] ministry.
διακονίαν (diakonian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.


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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:11 Only Luke is with me (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
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