2 Timothy 2:11

Authorized King James Version

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It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

Original Language Analysis

πιστὸς It is a faithful G4103
πιστὸς It is a faithful
Strong's: G4103
Word #: 1 of 8
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
ὁ G3588
ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος· saying G3056
λόγος· saying
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 3 of 8
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
εἰ if G1487
εἰ if
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 4 of 8
if, whether, that, etc
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 5 of 8
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συναπεθάνομεν we be dead with G4880
συναπεθάνομεν we be dead with
Strong's: G4880
Word #: 6 of 8
to decease (literally) in company with, or (figuratively), similarly to
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 7 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συζήσομεν· him we shall G4800
συζήσομεν· him we shall
Strong's: G4800
Word #: 8 of 8
to continue to live in common with, i.e., co-survive (literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. Paul introduces a trustworthy creedal formula with "It is a faithful saying" (pistos ho logos, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος)—marking reliable, authoritative teaching worthy of full acceptance. What follows is likely an early Christian hymn or confession used in baptism or Lord's Supper, containing four conditional statements about union with Christ.

The first condition: "if we be dead with him" (ei gar synapethanomen, εἰ γὰρ συναπεθάνομεν) uses aorist tense indicating definitive past event. Believers died with Christ at conversion—identified with His death, sharing His crucifixion (Romans 6:3-8, Galatians 2:20). This isn't gradual process but completed reality. The prefix syn (σύν, "together with") emphasizes union—we died together with Christ when He died.

The promise: "we shall also live with him" (kai syzēsomen, καὶ συζήσομεν). Future tense points to resurrection life and eternal glory. Those united with Christ in His death will certainly share His resurrection life (Romans 6:8, Philippians 3:10-11). This isn't universal salvation but specific promise for those genuinely united to Christ by faith.

Historical Context

Early Christian hymns and creedal formulas preserved essential theology before New Testament completion. Churches recited these during worship, baptism, and Lord's Supper, reinforcing core doctrines. This particular formula likely accompanied baptism, which symbolized dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). The four-fold structure (vv. 11-13) creates memorable poetry reinforcing union with Christ—the central reality of Christian existence.

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