2 Timothy 2:9

Authorized King James Version

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐν

G1722

Wherein

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ᾧ

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κακοπαθῶ

G2553

I suffer trouble

to undergo hardship

μέχρι

G3360

even unto

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

G1199

bonds

a band, i.e., ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability

ὡς

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

κακοῦργος

G2557

an evil doer

a wrong-doer, i.e., criminal

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

λόγος

G3056

the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

#11

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#12

θεοῦ

G2316

of God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#13

οὐ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#14

δέδεται·

G1210

bound

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?