2 Timothy 4:17
Notwithstanding 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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριός
the Lord
G2962
κύριός
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
3 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
παρέστη
stood
G3936
παρέστη
stood
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
5 of 24
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 24
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κήρυγμα
the preaching
G2782
κήρυγμα
the preaching
Strong's:
G2782
Word #:
13 of 24
a proclamation (especially of the gospel; by implication, the gospel itself)
πληροφορηθῇ
might be fully known
G4135
πληροφορηθῇ
might be fully known
Strong's:
G4135
Word #:
14 of 24
to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e., completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνη
the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
19 of 24
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐῤῥύσθην
I was delivered
G4506
ἐῤῥύσθην
I was delivered
Strong's:
G4506
Word #:
21 of 24
compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
22 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Psalms 22:21Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.1 Samuel 17:37David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Daniel 6:22My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.Hebrews 11:33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,Psalms 109:31For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul.Acts 23:11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.Isaiah 41:14Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Historical Context
Roman trials were public spectacles where defendants could address officials and onlookers. Paul used his trial as evangelistic opportunity, proclaiming gospel before Gentile authorities who otherwise wouldn't hear. His boldness despite abandonment and chains demonstrated gospel power. Similar pattern occurred throughout Acts: arrests and trials became witnessing opportunities (Acts 24-26). Early Christians saw persecution not as defeat but as providence—God strategically using opposition to spread truth. The "lion's mouth" imagery recalled Daniel's deliverance (Daniel 6), Psalm 22:21, and biblical metaphors for deadly danger. Paul experienced similar supernatural rescue.
Questions for Reflection
- When people abandon you, do you recognize and rely on the Lord's faithful presence and strengthening?
- How can you view opposition, persecution, or trials as opportunities for gospel witness rather than mere suffering to endure?
- In what areas do you need to trust God's sovereign timing—delivering sometimes, allowing suffering other times, always accomplishing His purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Notwithstanding 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. Though humans abandoned Paul, God remained faithful. "Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me" (ho de kyrios moi parestē, ὁ δὲ κύριος μοι παρέστη). Paristēmi (παρίστημι) means stand beside, stand with—same verb describing humans who didn't stand with Paul (v. 16). While people failed, the Lord stood faithfully. This recalls God's promises to never leave nor forsake (Hebrews 13:5).
"And strengthened me" (kai enedynamōsen me, καὶ ἐνεδυνάμωσέν με)—endynamoō (ἐνδυναμόω) means empower, make strong, invigorate. God supplied supernatural strength enabling Paul to testify boldly despite opposition. The purpose: "that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear" (hina di' emou to kērygma plērophorēthē kai akousōsin panta ta ethnē, ἵνα δι᾿ ἐμοῦ τὸ κήρυγμα πληροφορηθῇ καὶ ἀκούσωσιν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη). Paul's trial became platform for gospel proclamation before Roman officials representing nations. God used persecution to advance witness.
"And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion" (kai errysthēn ek stomatos leontos, καὶ ἐρρύσθην ἐκ στόματος λέοντος). Ryomai (ῥύομαι) means rescue, deliver. "Mouth of the lion" likely metaphorical for imminent death or Satan (1 Peter 5:8), though some suggest literal deliverance from arena execution. Paul was delivered from immediate execution at preliminary hearing, though he knows final execution approaches (v. 6). God's timing is sovereign—He delivered Paul temporarily to fulfill further purposes, but ultimate deliverance awaited through martyrdom into glory.