2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
Therefore
G1223
διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ὑπομένω
I endure
G5278
ὑπομένω
I endure
Strong's:
G5278
Word #:
4 of 19
to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere
διὰ
Therefore
G1223
διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 19
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὶ
they
G846
αὐτοὶ
they
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 19
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τύχωσιν
may
G5177
τύχωσιν
may
Strong's:
G5177
Word #:
12 of 19
akin to the base of g5088 through the idea of effecting; properly, to affect; or (specially), to hit or light upon (as a mark to be reached), i.e., (t
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
16 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
17 of 19
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Cross References
Colossians 1:24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.2 Corinthians 1:6And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.2 Timothy 2:3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.2 Corinthians 4:17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;Colossians 1:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:Ephesians 3:13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:Romans 9:23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,1 Corinthians 9:22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Historical Context
The doctrine of election was foundational to Paul's theology and missionary strategy. God has chosen people from every nation whom He will effectually call through gospel proclamation. This motivated rather than discouraged missionary effort—Paul knew God had elect people in every city he entered (Acts 18:9-10). The concept wasn't innovation but rooted in Old Testament (Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Isaiah 43:20-21).
Questions for Reflection
- How does believing in God's sovereign election encourage rather than discourage your evangelistic efforts?
- What sacrifices are you willing to endure so that others might hear the gospel and obtain salvation?
- How does keeping 'eternal glory' in view help you persevere through present sufferings and discouragements in ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This verse explains Paul's motivation for endurance. "Therefore" (dia touto, διὰ τοῦτο) connects to v. 9—because God's word isn't bound, Paul willingly endures. "I endure all things" (panta hypomenō, πάντα ὑπομένω) emphasizes comprehensive suffering: imprisonment, abandonment, hardship, impending execution.
Paul's motivation is "for the elect's sakes" (dia tous eklektous, διὰ τοὺς ἐκλεκτούς). The "elect" are God's chosen people whom He predestined for salvation (Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:4-5). Paul's suffering serves their salvation—his preaching brings gospel to those God is calling. This doesn't contradict sovereign grace; rather, God ordains both ends (salvation of elect) and means (gospel proclamation).
The purpose is "that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (hina kai autoi sōtērias tychōsin tēs en Christō Iēsou meta doxēs aiōniou, ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ σωτηρίας τύχωσιν τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ μετὰ δόξης αἰωνίου). Salvation exists exclusively "in Christ Jesus"—no salvation apart from union with Him. This salvation includes "eternal glory"—final glorification when believers receive resurrection bodies and eternal inheritance (Romans 8:17-18).