2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Original Language Analysis
δι'
For
G1223
δι'
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ᾧ
the which
G3739
ᾧ
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
αἰτίαν
cause
G156
αἰτίαν
cause
Strong's:
G156
Word #:
3 of 26
a cause (as if asked for), i.e., (logical) reason (motive, matter), (legal) crime (alleged or proved)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀλλ'
nevertheless
G235
ἀλλ'
nevertheless
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
7 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
10 of 26
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ᾧ
the which
G3739
ᾧ
the which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
πεπίστευκα
I have believed
G4100
πεπίστευκα
I have believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
13 of 26
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πέπεισμαι
am persuaded
G3982
πέπεισμαι
am persuaded
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
15 of 26
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
16 of 26
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
δυνατός
able
G1415
δυνατός
able
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
17 of 26
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραθήκην
have committed unto him
G3866
παραθήκην
have committed unto him
Strong's:
G3866
Word #:
20 of 26
a deposit, i.e., (figuratively) trust
φυλάξαι
to keep
G5442
φυλάξαι
to keep
Strong's:
G5442
Word #:
22 of 26
to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
23 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἐκείνην
that
G1565
ἐκείνην
that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
24 of 26
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:8Be 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;Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,2 Timothy 4:8Henceforth 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.1 Timothy 6:20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:1 Peter 4:19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.Nahum 1:7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.Matthew 24:36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.Psalms 25:2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Historical Context
Ancient banking and commercial practices involved entrusting valuable deposits to reliable guardians. Wealthy individuals deposited money, jewelry, or documents with trusted associates for safekeeping, relying on the guardian's faithfulness and ability to protect the deposit. Failure to return deposits intact brought severe legal and social consequences. Paul uses this familiar metaphor to express confidence that Christ will faithfully preserve what Paul has committed to Him—his salvation, ministry, and eternal reward. This metaphor would have resonated powerfully with original readers familiar with deposit customs.
Questions for Reflection
- What causes you to feel ashamed of Christ or your Christian identity, and how can Paul's example inspire shameless faithfulness despite opposition?
- Can you say "I know whom I have believed" based on personal, experiential relationship with Christ, not merely intellectual knowledge about Him?
- What specific aspects of your life, future, and eternal destiny have you fully entrusted to Christ's keeping, and what are you still trying to protect or control yourself?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. The phrase "for the which cause" connects Paul's suffering directly to his gospel ministry and Gentile mission. His imprisonment isn't random misfortune but consequence of faithful proclamation. Yet Paul declares "I am not ashamed" (ouk epaischynomai, οὐκ ἐπαισχύνομαι)—present tense indicating ongoing attitude. Despite chains, isolation, and impending execution, Paul feels no shame regarding his gospel ministry or imprisonment for Christ.
Paul's confidence rests on personal knowledge: "I know whom I have believed" (oida gar hō pepisteuka, οἶδα γὰρ ᾧ πεπίστευκα). The verb "know" (oida, οἶδα) indicates certain, experiential knowledge—not mere intellectual assent but intimate personal acquaintance with Christ. Paul's faith isn't in abstract doctrines but in a Person he knows. The perfect tense "have believed" indicates completed action with ongoing results—Paul placed faith in Christ years ago, and that faith continues.
Paul is "persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (parathēkēn mou phylaxai, παραθήκην μου φυλάξαι). The noun parathēkē (παραθήκη) means "deposit" or "trust"—something valuable entrusted for safekeeping. Paul has entrusted his soul, eternal destiny, and life's work to Christ's keeping. "That day" refers to Christ's return and final judgment—Paul's confidence extends beyond death to resurrection and reward.