2 Timothy 2:9
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
Original Language Analysis
ᾧ
G3739
ᾧ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μέχρι
even unto
G3360
μέχρι
even unto
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
4 of 14
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
δεσμῶν
bonds
G1199
δεσμῶν
bonds
Strong's:
G1199
Word #:
5 of 14
a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
6 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
the word
G3056
λόγος
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
10 of 14
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
12 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
Acts 28:31Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.Philippians 1:7Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.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;Colossians 4:3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.1 Peter 2:12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.Acts 9:16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.Colossians 4:18The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.Ephesians 3:1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,1 Peter 4:15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
Historical Context
Roman criminal justice treated certain offenses—treason, promoting illegal religions, inciting rebellion—as capital crimes punishable by execution. Christianity's rapid spread, exclusive truth claims, and rejection of emperor worship made it politically dangerous. Authorities viewed Christians as atheists (rejecting Roman gods), traitors (refusing emperor worship), and social disruptors. Paul's arrest likely involved charges of promoting unauthorized religion and causing disturbances.
Questions for Reflection
- When facing opposition for gospel proclamation, do you trust that God's word will accomplish His purposes regardless of human resistance?
- How can you support Christians who are literally imprisoned for their faith, and how does their testimony encourage your own faithfulness?
- In what ways might God use your suffering, limitations, or opposition to advance the gospel beyond what comfortable circumstances could achieve?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Paul explains consequences of gospel faithfulness. "Wherein" (en hō, ἐν ᾧ) refers to the gospel—proclamation of Christ's resurrection brings suffering. "I suffer trouble" (kakopathō, κακοπαθῶ) means endure hardship, face evil treatment. The specification "as an evil doer" (hōs kakourgos, ὡς κακοῦργος) indicates Paul is treated like a criminal—kakourgos denotes malefactor, wrongdoer, someone deserving punishment. Luke uses the same word for the thieves crucified with Jesus (Luke 23:32-33).
"Even unto bonds" (mechri desmōn, μέχρι δεσμῶν) refers to Paul's chains—he writes from harsh Roman imprisonment awaiting execution. Roman authorities viewed him as criminal endangering public order. Yet Paul triumphantly declares: "the word of God is not bound" (ho logos tou theou ou dedetai, ὁ λόγος τοῦ θεοῦ οὐ δέδεται). The perfect passive dedetai (δέδεται, "has been bound") ironically contrasts Paul's chains with the gospel's freedom.
This paradox reveals gospel power. Authorities can imprison preachers but cannot silence the message. Throughout church history, persecution spreads rather than suppresses gospel. Martyrs' blood becomes seed producing more believers. God's sovereign word accomplishes His purposes regardless of human resistance (Isaiah 55:11).