2 Timothy Chapter 4 · Verse 13
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃν
that
G3739
ὃν
that
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπέλιπον
I left
G620
ἀπέλιπον
I left
Strong's:
G620
Word #:
4 of 16
to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake
Τρῳάδι
Troas
G5174
Τρῳάδι
Troas
Strong's:
G5174
Word #:
6 of 16
the troad (or plain of troy), i.e., troas, a place in asia minor
παρὰ
with
G3844
παρὰ
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
7 of 16
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ἐρχόμενος
when thou comest
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
when thou comest
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
φέρε
bring
G5342
φέρε
bring
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
10 of 16
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
καὶ
with thee and
G2532
καὶ
with thee and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
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 #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μάλιστα
but especially
G3122
μάλιστα
but especially
Strong's:
G3122
Word #:
14 of 16
(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly
Cross References
Acts 16:11Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;Acts 16:8And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.1 Corinthians 4:11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
Historical Context
Roman prisons offered no amenities. Prisoners depended on friends for food, clothing, and necessities. Winter cold in unheated stone dungeons was severe. Paul's request for a cloak and books shows dependence on friends' provision. The detail about parchments suggests Paul valued written documents—possibly the only copies of his letters or precious Scripture scrolls. Ancient books were expensive, laboriously hand-copied. That Paul wanted them in prison shows their value. Some suggest the parchments were blank pages for continued writing, but "especially" suggests existing precious texts, likely Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you remain diligent in studying Scripture and growing in knowledge even when facing trials, suffering, or approaching life's end?
- How can you support those in prison or suffering by providing practical necessities they need?
- What does Paul's prioritizing of Scripture and books teach about lifelong learning and the centrality of God's Word?
Analysis & Commentary
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Paul makes practical requests revealing his humanity. "The cloke" (ton phailonēn, τὸν φαιλόνην) refers to a heavy outer garment for cold weather—think winter coat. He left it at Troas with Carpus (otherwise unknown believer) probably during hasty departure after arrest. Roman prisons were cold, dark dungeons, especially in winter (v. 21). This detail shows Paul's physical vulnerability—he felt cold like anyone else and needed practical provision.
"The books, but especially the parchments" (ta biblia, malista tas membranas, τὰ βιβλία, μάλιστα τὰς μεμβράνας). Biblion (βιβλίον) means book, scroll—possibly Old Testament Scriptures or other writings. Membrana (μεμβράνα) means parchment—expensive animal skin used for important documents, possibly Paul's personal notes, copies of his letters, or Scripture portions. The emphasis "especially" reveals Paul's priorities: even facing death, he wants Scripture and study materials.
This touching request reveals several truths:
Paul's example of studying Scripture to the end inspires believers facing terminal illness or old age to remain engaged with God's Word until final breath.