2 Timothy 4:2
New International Version
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

New Living Translation
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

English Standard Version
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Berean Standard Bible
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

Berean Literal Bible
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; convict, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and instruction.

King James Bible
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

New King James Version
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

New American Standard Bible
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction.

NASB 1995
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

NASB 1977
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.

Legacy Standard Bible
preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and teaching.

Amplified Bible
preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

Christian Standard Bible
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.

American Standard Version
preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Contemporary English Version
to preach God's message. Do it willingly, even if it isn't the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins. But also cheer them up, and when you instruct them, always be patient.

English Revised Version
preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Be ready to spread the word whether or not the time is right. Point out errors, warn people, and encourage them. Be very patient when you teach.

Good News Translation
to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience.

International Standard Version
to proclaim the message. Be ready to do this whether or not the time is convenient. Refute, warn, and encourage with the utmost patience when you teach.

Majority Standard Bible
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

NET Bible
Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.

New Heart English Bible
proclaim the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.

Webster's Bible Translation
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

Weymouth New Testament
proclaim God's message, be zealous in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with the utmost patience as a teacher.

World English Bible
preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
preach the word; be earnest in season, out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all long-suffering and teaching,

Berean Literal Bible
Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; convict, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and instruction.

Young's Literal Translation
preach the word; be earnest in season, out of season, convict, rebuke, exhort, in all long-suffering and teaching,

Smith's Literal Translation
Proclaim the word; keep fixed seasonably, and unseasonably; refute, censure, beseech, in all longsuffering and teaching.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine.

Catholic Public Domain Version
that you should preach the word urgently, in season and out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke, with all patience and doctrine.

New American Bible
proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

New Revised Standard Version
proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Preach the word; and stand by it zealously in season and out of season, rebuke, reprove, through all patience and teaching.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Preach the word and stand with diligence, in season and out of season; reprove and rebuke with all long-suffering and teaching.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and teaching.

Godbey New Testament
preach the word: be instant in season and out of season; convict, exhort, rebuke, with all longsuffering and teaching.

Haweis New Testament
preach the word, be urgent, in season, out of season; reprove, enjoin, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Mace New Testament
to preach the word with assiduity upon all occasions: reprove, censure, exhort, with the most tender persuasions.

Weymouth New Testament
proclaim God's message, be zealous in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, encourage, with the utmost patience as a teacher.

Worrell New Testament
preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.

Worsley New Testament
preach the word, be instant both in season and out of season; convince, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and instruction.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Preach the Word
1I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom: 2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.…

Cross References
Matthew 28:19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

1 Corinthians 9:16
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

Acts 20:27-28
For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. / Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Colossians 1:28
We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:13
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.

Romans 10:14-15
How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? / And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

Titus 2:15
Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Ephesians 6:19-20
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, / for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.

Jeremiah 1:7-8
But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:11
so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.

Ezekiel 3:17-19
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me. / If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself.

Proverbs 1:23
If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.

Isaiah 58:1
“Cry aloud, do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram’s horn. Declare to My people their transgression and to the house of Jacob their sins.


Treasury of Scripture

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.

Preach.

Psalm 40:9
I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Isaiah 61:1-3
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; …

Jonah 3:2
Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

See on

Colossians 1:25,28
Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; …

be.

Luke 7:4,23
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: …

Acts 13:5
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

Romans 12:12
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

in.

John 4:6-10,32-34
Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour…

Acts 16:13,31-33
And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither

Acts 20:7,18-21
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight…

reprove.

Colossians 1:28,29
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: …

1 Thessalonians 2:11,12
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, …

1 Thessalonians 5:14
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

exhort.

1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

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Careful Comfort Convince Correct Doctrine Encourage Exhort God's Great Instant Longsuffering Message Patience Preach Preaching Prepared Proclaim Protests Ready Rebuke Reprove Season Sharp Teacher Teaching Times Unfailing Urgent Utmost Waiting Word Words Zealous
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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.














Preach the word
The phrase "Preach the word" is a direct and powerful command. The Greek word for "preach" is "kērussō," which means to proclaim or herald. In the historical context of the early church, this was a call to publicly declare the message of the Gospel with authority and urgency. The "word" refers to the divine message of Scripture, the truth of Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the apostles. This command emphasizes the importance of staying true to the biblical message, especially in a world that often distorts or rejects it. For Timothy, and for all believers, it is a reminder to prioritize the dissemination of God's truth above all else.

be prepared in season and out of season
The instruction to "be prepared in season and out of season" suggests readiness and perseverance. The Greek word "eukairōs" (in season) and "akairōs" (out of season) imply that the proclamation of the Gospel should not be limited by circumstances or convenience. Historically, this reflects the challenges faced by early Christians who had to be ready to share their faith regardless of persecution or societal acceptance. For modern believers, it is a call to be vigilant and steadfast, sharing the Gospel whether it is popular or opposed, ensuring that the message of Christ is consistently and faithfully communicated.

reprove
The term "reprove" comes from the Greek "elegchō," which means to expose or convict. This involves correcting false teachings and sinful behaviors, both within the church and in the broader community. In the scriptural context, reproving is an act of love and concern, aiming to bring about repentance and restoration. It requires discernment and courage, as it often involves confronting uncomfortable truths. For Timothy, it was a necessary part of his pastoral duty, ensuring that the church remained aligned with the teachings of Christ.

rebuke
"Rebuke" is translated from the Greek "epitimaō," which means to admonish or charge sharply. This is a stronger form of correction than reproof, often used when there is a need for immediate and decisive action against sin or false doctrine. In the early church, rebuking was essential to maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity. For contemporary Christians, it serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability within the body of Christ.

encourage
The word "encourage" is derived from the Greek "parakaleō," which means to exhort, comfort, or console. This aspect of ministry focuses on building up the faith of believers, offering hope and support. Encouragement is vital for spiritual growth and perseverance, especially in times of trial or discouragement. In the historical context, it was crucial for sustaining the early church amidst persecution. Today, it remains a central component of Christian fellowship, fostering unity and strength within the community of faith.

with great patience and instruction
The phrase "with great patience and instruction" underscores the manner in which these tasks should be carried out. "Patience" (Greek "makrothumia") implies long-suffering and endurance, essential qualities for dealing with resistance or slow spiritual growth. "Instruction" (Greek "didachē") refers to teaching and guiding others in the truth of Scripture. This combination highlights the need for a balanced approach, where truth is communicated with love and persistence. For Timothy, it was a call to remain steadfast and compassionate, ensuring that his ministry was both effective and reflective of Christ's character.

(2) Preach the word.--The language of the original here is abrupt and emphatic, written evidently under strong emotion and with intense earnestness. St. Paul charged his friend and successor with awful solemnity, as we have seen, "preach," or proclaim. loudly and publicly, as a herald would announce the accession of his king. The exact opposite to what St. Paul would urge on Timothy is described by Isa. (Isaiah 56:10), when he speaks of God's watchmen as "dumb dogs, who cannot bark, sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber."

Be instant in season, out of season.--Some difference exists between commentators respecting the exact meaning to be given to the Greek word translated "be instant." Some would give it the sense of drawing nigh to, and as it is not specified in the text to whom Timothy should draw nigh, they supply from the context "the brethren," those to whom the word is preached: "draw near to Christian assemblies." It seems, however, best to understand this rather difficult word as an injunction to Timothy to be earnest and urgent generally in the whole work of his ministry: "Press on, in season, out of season."

In season, out of season.--In other words, "For thy work, set apart no definite and fixed hours, no appointed times. Thy work must be done at all hours, at all times. Thy work has to be done not only when thou art in church, not merely in times of security and peace, but it must be carried on, in the midst of dangers, even if thou art a prisoner and in chains, even if death threaten thee."

So Chrysostom--who also uses St. Paul's words here as an urgent call to ministers to labour on in spite of discouragement and apparent failure--telling them in his own bright, eloquent way, how fountains still flow on, though no one goes to them to draw water, and rivers still run on, though no one drinks at them.

Augustine asks and answers the question to whom "in season" and to whom "out of season" refers: "in season" to those willing, "out of season" to the unwilling. This, however, only touches a portion of the thought of St. Paul, who urges on God's true servants a restless, sleepless earnestness, which struggles on with the Master's work in spite of bodily weakness and discouragement, in face of dangers and the bitterest opposition.

Reprove.--Not merely those erring in doctrine, but generally those who are blameworthy: "Was tadelnswerthist."

Rebuke.--A sharper and more severe word than the preceding. It is used by St. Jude 1:9, in his report of the words addressed by St. Michael to the devil: "The Lord rebuke thee." It frequently occurs in the Gospels. (See, for instance, Matthew 17:18, "And Jesus rebuked the devil.") . . .

Verse 2. - Teaching for doctrine, A.V. Preach the Word (κήρυξον τὸν λόγον). It is impossible to exaggerate the dignity and importance here given to preaching by its being made the subject of so solemn and awful an adjuration as that in ver. 1 (compare the designation of κήρυξ which St. Paul gives to himself in 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11). Be instant (ἐπίστηθι). The force of the exhortation must be found, not in the verb itself taken alone, but by coupling εὐκαίρως ἀκαίρως closely with it. Be at your work, attend to it always, in and out of season; let nothing stop you; be always ready, always at hand. Reprove (ἔλεγξον); see 2 Timothy 3:16, note (comp. Matthew 18:15; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20). Generally with the idea of bringing the fault home to the offender. Rebuke (ἐπιτίμησον); a stronger word than ἔλεγξον, implying more of authority and less of argument (Matthew 8:26: 17:18; Luke 19:39; Jude 1:9, etc.). Exhort (παρακάλεσον). Sometimes the sense of "exhort," and sometimes that of "comfort," predominates (see 1 Timothy 2:1; 1 Timothy 6:2, etc.). Every way of strengthening and establishing souls in the fear and love of God is to be tried, and that with all long suffering and teaching. (For μακροθυμία, see ch. 3:10, note.) For "teaching" or "doctrine" (διδαχή), St. Paul more frequently uses διδασκαλία in the pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Timothy 4:6, 13, 16; 1 Timothy 5:17; ch. 3:10, 16, etc.); but there does not seem to be any great difference of meaning. Possibly διδαχή points more to the act of teaching. The use of it here, coupled with "long suffering," directs that the man of God, whether he preaches, reproves, rebukes, or exhorts, is always to be a patient teacher of God's Word and truth.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Preach
κήρυξον (kēryxon)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2784: To proclaim, herald, preach. Of uncertain affinity; to herald, especially divine truth.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

word;
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

be prepared
ἐπίστηθι (epistēthi)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2186: To stand by, be urgent, befall one (as of evil), be at hand, impend. From epi and histemi; to stand upon, i.e. Be present.

in season
εὐκαίρως (eukairōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2122: Opportunely, in season, conveniently. Adverb from eukairos; opportunely.

[and] out of season;
ἀκαίρως (akairōs)
Adverb
Strong's 171: Unseasonably, out of due season, inopportunely. Adverb from the same as akaireomai; inopportunely.

reprove,
ἔλεγξον (elenxon)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1651: (a) I reprove, rebuke, discipline, (b) I expose, show to be guilty. Of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish.

rebuke,
ἐπιτίμησον (epitimēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2008: From epi and timao; to tax upon, i.e. Censure or admonish; by implication, forbid.

[and] encourage
παρακάλεσον (parakaleson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3870: From para and kaleo; to call near, i.e. Invite, invoke.

with
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

every [ form of]
πάσῃ (pasē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

patient
μακροθυμίᾳ (makrothymia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3115: Patience, forbearance, longsuffering. From the same as makrothumos; longanimity, i.e. forbearance or fortitude.

instruction.
διδαχῇ (didachē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1322: Teaching, doctrine, what is taught. From didasko; instruction.


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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
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