2 Timothy 4:5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

◄ 2 Timothy 4:5 ►

New International Version
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

New Living Translation
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

English Standard Version
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Berean Standard Bible
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Berean Literal Bible
But you, be sober in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.

King James Bible
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

New King James Version
But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

New American Standard Bible
But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

NASB 1995
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

NASB 1977
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Legacy Standard Bible
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Amplified Bible
But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.

Christian Standard Bible
But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But as for you, be serious about everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

American Standard Version
But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry.

Contemporary English Version
But you must stay calm and be willing to suffer. You must work hard, telling the good news and to do your job well.

English Revised Version
But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But you must keep a clear head in everything. Endure suffering. Do the work of a missionary. Devote yourself completely to your work.

Good News Translation
But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God.

International Standard Version
But you must be clear-headed about everything. Endure suffering. Do the work of an evangelist. Devote yourself completely to your ministry.

Majority Standard Bible
But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

NET Bible
You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your ministry.

New Heart English Bible
But you be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Webster's Bible Translation
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Weymouth New Testament
But as for you, you must exercise habitual self-control, and not live a self-indulgent life, but do the duty of an evangelist and fully discharge the obligations of your office.

World English Bible
But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
But you—watch in all things; suffer evil; do the work of one proclaiming good news; make full assurance of your ministry,

Berean Literal Bible
But you, be sober in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.

Young's Literal Translation
And thou -- watch in all things; suffer evil; do the work of one proclaiming good news; of thy ministration make full assurance,

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou be sober in all things, suffer ill treatment, do the work of the bearer of good news, render thy service perfectly certain.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. Be sober.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But as for you, truly, be vigilant, laboring in all things. Do the work of an Evangelist, fulfilling your ministry. Show self-restraint.

New American Bible
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.

New Revised Standard Version
As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But you must be awake to all things, endure hardships, do the work of a preacher, and fulfil your ministry.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But you, be watchful in all things and endure hardships; do the work of an Evangelist and fulfill your ministry.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
But do you be watchful in all things, endure evil, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Godbey New Testament
But be thou sober in all things, suffer affliction, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Haweis New Testament
But watch thou in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully discharge thy ministry.

Mace New Testament
be you then entirely upon the watch: be insensible to toil: perform the work of an evangelist, and discharge your ministerial function.

Weymouth New Testament
But as for you, you must exercise habitual self-control, and not live a self-indulgent life, but do the duty of an evangelist and fully discharge the obligations of your office.

Worrell New Testament
But be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully accomplish your ministry.

Worsley New Testament
But be thou watchful in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, give full proof of thy ministry.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Preach the Word
…4So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

1 Timothy 4:16
Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Acts 20:24
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

1 Corinthians 9:16-17
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! / If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not lose heart.

Colossians 4:17
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 5:6
So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.

1 Timothy 6:11-12
But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. / Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

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.

2 Timothy 2:3
Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Matthew 24:13
But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.

Ephesians 4:11-12
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, / to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ,

Treasury of Scripture

But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry.

watch.

Isaiah 56:9,10
All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest…

Isaiah 62:6
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,

Jeremiah 6:17
Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken.

endure.

2 Timothy 1:8
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

2 Timothy 2:3,10
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…

2 Timothy 3:10-12
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, …

an.

Acts 21:8
And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Timothy 4:12,15
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity…

make full proof of.

Romans 15:19
Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Colossians 1:25
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;

Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Jump to Previous

Afflictions Always Comfort Completing Discharge Duties Duty Endure Evangelist Evils Exercise Fulfil Fulfill Full Fully Good Habitual Hardship Head Live Ministry News Obligations Preaching Proof Self-Control Self-Controlled Self-Indulgent Sober Steady Suffer Suffering Watch 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.

Berean Study Bible

But you
This phrase serves as a direct and personal exhortation from Paul to Timothy. The Greek word for "you" here is "σὺ" (su), emphasizing the individual responsibility Timothy holds. In the context of the early church, Timothy is being set apart from others who may not be as steadfast. This personal address underscores the importance of individual accountability in the Christian walk, reminding believers that their faith journey is both personal and communal.

be sober in all things
The Greek word for "sober" is "νήφε" (nēphe), which means to be calm, collected, and self-controlled. In the historical context of the early church, where false teachings and persecutions were rampant, maintaining sobriety in thought and action was crucial. This call to sobriety is not just about abstaining from physical intoxication but also about spiritual vigilance and mental clarity. It is a reminder to Christians today to remain focused and discerning in a world full of distractions and deceptions.

endure hardship
The Greek term "κακοπάθησον" (kakopathēson) implies suffering or enduring evil. Timothy is encouraged to persevere through trials, reflecting the broader Christian call to bear one's cross. Historically, the early church faced significant persecution, and this exhortation would have resonated deeply with Timothy and other believers. It serves as an inspiration for modern Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting that God will provide strength through adversity.

do the work of an evangelist
The word "evangelist" comes from the Greek "εὐαγγελιστοῦ" (euangelistou), meaning a bringer of good news. Timothy is charged with the active proclamation of the Gospel, a task that requires dedication and courage. In the early church, evangelists played a crucial role in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities. This phrase encourages believers to actively share their faith, emphasizing that evangelism is not just a calling for a few but a responsibility for all who follow Christ.

fulfill your ministry
The Greek word for "fulfill" is "πληροφόρησον" (plērophorēson), which means to fully carry out or accomplish. Timothy is urged to complete the work God has entrusted to him. This phrase highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in one's divine calling. Historically, the early church leaders faced numerous challenges, and this exhortation would have been a powerful reminder to remain committed to their mission. For contemporary Christians, it serves as an encouragement to diligently pursue the unique purpose God has for each individual, trusting that He will equip them to complete it.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(5) But watch thou in all things.--"But do thou," continued St. Paul, "do thou be watchful." The Greek word translated "watch thou," signifies literally, be sober. It has been well paraphrased, "Keep thy coolness and presence of mind, that thou be not entrapped into forgetfulness, but as one ever wakeful and ready, be on the watch." The word, as it were, sums up all those last directions of St. Paul, from 2Timothy 2:14, in which St. Paul charged Timothy to abstain from vain arguments and confine himself to the simple word of truth, to avoid discussions which would be likely to lead to strife, and to be patient and gentle with all--to separate himself from merely nominal Christians, and to keep steadily to the old paths in which the Apostles had walked. He was to be ever watchful in all these things.

Endure afflictions.--And in his watch must Timothy be ready to suffer. He would remember what had been said before respecting a true Christian suffering (2Timothy 2:3-12), and what was the high reward purposed for such brave endurance. He would remember, too, the hard and faithful life of his master, St. Paul (2Timothy 3:10-12).

Do the work of an evangelist.--The "evangelists" of the early Church seem to have been preachers of the Gospel: in the first place, assistants to the Apostles and missionaries under their direction. The especial functions of a preacher and public teacher seem always to have been allotted to Timothy, and, no doubt, a peculiar persuasive power of oratory was one of the chief gifts conferred on this eminent follower of St. Paul. In the midst of the many grave and absorbing duties of his charge of the Ephesian Church, he must be mindful not to neglect this great power which he possessed. It is here especially termed "the work of an evangelist," to remind him that to perform rightly this duty, needed zeal, close work, much study, thought, and prayer; and it was by worthily performing the duties of an evangelist that the many who were turning from the truth to fables, would be best won back, by hearing the great facts of the Gospel placed side by side with the tables of the false teachers.

Make full proof of thy ministry.--In other words, "Fully carry out the many duties imposed upon thee by thy great office." The office of Timothy, it should be remembered, in Ephesus, included far more than merely those of a preacher or evangelist. He was the presiding presbyter of the Church, to whom its government was intrusted: in fact, the many-sided life of St. Paul was now to be lived by Timothy.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 5. - Be thou sober for watch thou, A.V.; suffer hardship for endure afflictions, A.V.; fulfil for make full proof of, A.V. Be thou sober (νῆφε); as 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8. The adjective νηφάλιος occurs in 1 Timothy 3:2 (where see note), 11; Titus 2:2. Here "Be sober in all things" clearly does not refer to literal sobriety, which Timothy was in little danger of transgressing (l Timothy 5:23), but comprehends clearness, calmness, steadiness, and moderation in all things. Suffer hardship (κακοπάθησον); as 2 Timothy 2:3 (T.R.) and 9. An evangelist (εὐαγγελιστοῦ); one whose business it is to preach the gospel, according to Matthew 11:5. The verb εὐαγγελίζειν, "to preach the gospel," and αὐαγγέλιον, "the gospel," are of very frequent use in the New Testament. But εὐαγγελιστής, an evangelist. occurs elsewhere only in Acts 21:8 and Ephesians 4:11. Fulfil thy ministry. This is rather a weak rendering of the Greek πληροφόρησον, adopted also in the R.V. of Luke 1:1. The verb occurs elsewhere in Luke 1:1; Romans 4:21; Romans 14:5, and ver. 17 of this chapter. The phrase is metaphorical, but it is uncertain whether the metaphor is that of a ship borne along by full sails, or of full measure given. If the former is the metaphor, then the derived meaning, when applied to persons, is that of full persuasion, entire and implicit faith, which carries men forward in a bold and unwavering course; or, when applied to things, that of being undoubtedly believed. But if the metaphor is taken from "bringing full measure;" then the sense in the passive voice when applied to persons will be "to be fully satisfied," i.e. to have full assurance, and, when applied to things, "to be fully believed" (Liddell and Scott). Applying the last metaphor to the passage before us, the sense will be "discharge thy ministry to the fall." Let there be no stint of ministerial labour, but carry it out in its completeness, and to the end.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

you,
Σὺ (Sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

be sober
νῆφε (nēphe)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3525: (lit: I am sober), I am calm (vigilant), circumspect. Of uncertain affinity: to abstain from wine, i.e. be discreet.

in
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.

all things,
πᾶσιν (pasin)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

endure hardship,
κακοπάθησον (kakopathēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2553: To suffer evil, endure affliction. From the same as kakopatheia; to undergo hardship.

do
ποίησον (poiēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

[the] work
ἔργον (ergon)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

of an evangelist,
εὐαγγελιστοῦ (euangelistou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2099: An evangelist, a missionary, bearer of good tidings. From euaggelizo; a preacher of the gospel.

fulfill
πληροφόρησον (plērophorēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4135: From pleres and phoreo; to carry out fully, i.e. Completely assure, entirely accomplish.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

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 4:5 But you be sober in all things (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)