2 Timothy 1:8
New International Version
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

New Living Translation
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

English Standard Version
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,

Berean Standard Bible
So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore you should not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, His prisoner; but suffer together for the gospel, according to the power of God,

King James Bible
Be 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;

New King James Version
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

New American Standard Bible
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

NASB 1995
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

NASB 1977
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

Legacy Standard Bible
Therefore do not be ashamed of either the witness about our Lord or me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,

Amplified Bible
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible],

Christian Standard Bible
So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me his prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So don’t be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, or of me His prisoner. Instead, share in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God.

American Standard Version
Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;

Contemporary English Version
Don't be ashamed to speak for our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, just because I am in jail for serving him. Use the power that comes from God and join with me in suffering for telling the good news.

English Revised Version
Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord or be ashamed of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God's power, join me in suffering for the sake of the Good News.

Good News Translation
Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it.

International Standard Version
Therefore, never be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, his prisoner. Instead, by God's power, join me in suffering for the sake of the gospel.

Majority Standard Bible
So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.

NET Bible
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me, a prisoner for his sake, but by God's power accept your share of suffering for the gospel.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,

Webster's Bible Translation
Be 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;

Weymouth New Testament
Do not be ashamed then to bear witness for our Lord and for me His prisoner; but rather share suffering with me in the service of the Good News, strengthened by the power of God.

World English Bible
Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
therefore you may not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but you suffer evil along with the good news according to the power of God,

Berean Literal Bible
Therefore you should not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, His prisoner; but suffer together for the gospel, according to the power of God,

Young's Literal Translation
therefore thou mayest not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but do thou suffer evil along with the good news according to the power of God,

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore shouldest thou not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his imprisoned: but partake of afflictions with the good news according to the power of God;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labour with the gospel, according to the power of God,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner. Instead, collaborate with the Gospel in accord with the virtue of God,

New American Bible
So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.

New Revised Standard Version
Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Be not, therefore, ashamed of the testimony of our LORD, nor of me his prisoner; but bear the hardships that go along with the preaching of the gospel through the power of God;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of Our Lord, neither of me his prisoner, but bear evils with The Gospel by the power of God,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Be not, therefore, ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner: but jointly suffer evil in the gospel according to the power of God,

Godbey New Testament
Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor me his prisoner: but suffer affliction for the sake of the gospel according to the power of God;

Haweis New Testament
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but suffer affliction with me in the gospel, supported by the power of God;

Mace New Testament
be not therefore asham'd of the testimony of the Lord, nor of me who am a prisoner upon his account, but share with me in the afflictions, which attend the gospel, supported as you are by the power of God,

Weymouth New Testament
Do not be ashamed then to bear witness for our Lord and for me His prisoner; but rather share suffering with me in the service of the Good News, strengthened by the power of God.

Worrell New Testament
Be not ashamed, therefore, of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but suffer hardship with me for the Gospel, according to the power of God,

Worsley New Testament
Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but bear thy part in the afflictions of the gospel, according to the power of God;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Patience in Persecution
7For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 8So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.…

Cross References
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

Philippians 1:29-30
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

1 Peter 4:16
But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear that name.

Matthew 10:32-33
Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. / But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.

Acts 5:41
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Hebrews 13:13
Therefore let us go to Him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace He bore.

1 Peter 3:14-17
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.” / But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect, / keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ. ...

Romans 8:17
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

2 Corinthians 1:5-7
For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. / If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience. / And our hope for you is sure, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you will share in our comfort.

Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. / Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.

Acts 9:16
I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

John 15:20
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.


Treasury of Scripture

Be not you therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be you partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

ashamed.

2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Psalm 119:46
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.

Isaiah 51:7
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

the testimony.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

John 15:27
And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.

his prisoner.

2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

2 Timothy 2:9
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

See on

Ephesians 3:1
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Ephesians 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

Philippians 1:7
Even 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.

be thou.

2 Timothy 2:3,11,12
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ…

2 Timothy 4:5
But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

Romans 8:17,18,36
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together…

according.

Jump to Previous
Afflictions Ashamed Bear Endure Evil Feeling Glad Good Gospel Hardship Join Mayest Measure News Partaker Power Prisoner Rather Service Shame Share Suffer Suffering Testify Testimony Undergo Witness
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Afflictions Ashamed Bear Endure Evil Feeling Glad Good Gospel Hardship Join Mayest Measure News Partaker Power Prisoner Rather Service Shame Share Suffer Suffering Testify Testimony Undergo Witness
2 Timothy 1
1. Paul's love to Timothy, and unfeigned confidence in Timothy himself, his mother, and grandmother.
6. He is exhorted to stir up the gift of God which was in him;
8. to be steadfast and patient in persecution;
13. and to persist in the form and truth of that doctrine which he had learned of him.
15. Phygellus and Hermogenes, and such like, are noted, and Onesiphorus is highly commended.














So do not be ashamed
The Greek word for "ashamed" here is "ἐπαισχύνω" (epaischynō), which implies a sense of embarrassment or fear of association. In the historical context of early Christianity, believers often faced persecution and social ostracism. Paul encourages Timothy, and by extension all believers, to stand firm in their faith and identity in Christ, regardless of societal pressures or personal fears. This call to boldness is a reminder that the gospel is a source of honor, not shame.

of the testimony of our Lord
The "testimony" refers to the witness or proclamation of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection. The Greek word "μαρτύριον" (martyrion) is used, which is also the root for "martyr," indicating the seriousness and potential cost of bearing witness to Christ. Historically, the testimony of Jesus was counter-cultural and often met with hostility. Paul emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in proclaiming the truth of the gospel, which is the foundation of Christian faith.

or of me, His prisoner
Paul refers to himself as "His prisoner," highlighting his imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. The term "prisoner" (δέσμιος, desmios) underscores Paul's physical chains, yet he views his captivity as being under Christ's authority and for His purpose. This perspective transforms his suffering into a badge of honor, encouraging believers to see trials as opportunities to glorify God and participate in Christ's sufferings.

Instead, join me in suffering
The phrase "join me in suffering" is a call to partnership in enduring hardships for the gospel. The Greek word "συγκακοπαθέω" (sugkakopatheō) suggests a shared experience of suffering. Paul invites Timothy to embrace the challenges of ministry, recognizing that suffering is an integral part of the Christian journey. This solidarity in suffering fosters a deeper fellowship among believers and strengthens their resolve to advance the kingdom of God.

for the gospel
The "gospel" (εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion) is the good news of Jesus Christ's redemptive work. It is the central message of Christianity, offering salvation and hope to all who believe. In the early church, the gospel was a revolutionary message that challenged existing religious and social norms. Paul reminds Timothy that the gospel is worth any sacrifice, as it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).

by the power of God
The "power of God" (δύναμις θεοῦ, dynamis theou) is the divine strength and authority that enables believers to endure suffering and proclaim the gospel boldly. This power is not of human origin but is a supernatural empowerment from the Holy Spirit. It assures believers that they are not alone in their struggles and that God's strength is made perfect in their weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This divine power is a source of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

(8) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.--Seeing, then--remembering, then, that God gave you and me (notice the beautiful courtesy of the old martyr waiting for death, death the human guerdon of his fearless life, coupling, as he has been doing, his sorrow-stricken, dispirited friend with himself, whom no danger, no failure had ever affected)--remembering, then, the spirit of power, love, and self-control given to us, do not thou be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord. This "testimony" of which Timothy was not to be ashamed, of course includes the sufferings and the shame of Christ. In these, before mocking, scornful men, must Timothy, as an example to the flock, rather glory; but "the testimony" signifies much more than what relates only to the Passion story. The Christian, instead of being ashamed of his "profession," must before the world show fearlessly that its hopes and its promises are his most precious treasure.

Nor of me his prisoner.--Nor must Timothy either then, or in days to come, be afraid of confessing before men that he had been the disciple and friend of the prisoner St. Paul, who had paid so dearly for the courage of his opinions. Nor Timothy, nor any Christian must shrink from openly espousing the unpopular cause of the Crucified, or from publicly declaring their sympathy with its hated martyrs.

But be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel.--More accurately rendered, but rather suffer afflictions for the gospel. But, on the contrary, instead of injuring the good cause by faint-hearted conduct, should Timothy rather be ready to suffer, if need be, with St. Paul, ready to bear some shame with him, ready to incur, perhaps, sore danger for the gospel's sake; and then St. Paul, emphasising his words, and strengthening with a new strength his argument and his exhortation, adds, "in accordance with the power of God"--yes, join with me in suffering, if needs be, for the gospel. Mighty and pitiful was God's power towards us: great, surely, in proportion should be our readiness to suffer in return, if He asks this--as He is now doing from you and me--at our hands.

According to the power of God.--What power of God? has been asked. Not according to the power we get from God, but according to the power which God has displayed towards us in our calling and in our marvellous salvation. In other words, God, with great power, has succoured us; surely we may be confident that He will never leave us, never desert us, but in the hour of our sorest trouble incurred for Him will help us, and will bring us safely through it. So Chrysostom, who, while asserting that suffering will be borne, but not in our strength but in God's, says, "Consider how thou hast been saved, and how thou hast been called;" inferring that He who has done so great things for man, in his calling and in his salvation, will never let him want for strength.

Verse 8. - Be not ashamed therefore for be not thou therefore ashamed, A.V.; suffer hardship with the gospel for be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, A.V. Be not ashamed, etc. The exhortation based upon the previous statement. The spirit of power and love must show itself in a brave, unflinching acceptance of all the hardships and afflictions incident to a faithful execution of his episcopal office (comp. Romans 1:16). Suffer hardship with the gospel. This, of course, is a possible rendering, but an unnatural one, and not at all in harmony with the context. The force of σὺν in συγκακοπάθησον (only found here in the New Testament and in the R.T. of 2 Timothy 2:3) is manifestly to associate Timothy with St. Paul in the afflictions of the gospel. "Be a fellow partaker with me of the afflictions," which is in obvious contrast with being ashamed of the testimony of the Lord and of the apostle his prisoner. The gospel (τῷ εὐαγγελιω); i.e. for the gospel, as Philippians 1:27, "striving for the faith of the gospel" (τῇ πίστει), and as Chrysostom explains it: Υπὲρ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου (Huther). According to the power of God; either "according to that spirit of power which God gave you at your ordination," or "according to the mighty power of God manifested in our salvation and in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ." The latter seems to be what St. Paul had in his mind. Timothy ought to feel that this power was on his side.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
So
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

do not be ashamed of
ἐπαισχυνθῇς (epaischynthēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1870: To be ashamed, be ashamed of. From epi and aischunomai; to feel shame for something.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

testimony
μαρτύριον (martyrion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3142: Neuter of a presumed derivative of martus; something evidential, i.e. evidence given or, the Decalogue.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

Lord,
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

[or]
μηδὲ (mēde)
Conjunction
Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither…nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.

of me,
ἐμὲ (eme)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

prisoner.
δέσμιον (desmion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1198: One bound, a prisoner. From desmon; a captive.

Instead,
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

join me in suffering
συνκακοπάθησον (synkakopathēson)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4777: To suffer hardships together with. From sun and kakopatheo; to suffer hardship in company with.

for the
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gospel
εὐαγγελίῳ (euangeliō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.

by
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

[the] power
δύναμιν (dynamin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.

of God.
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 1:8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
2 Timothy 1:7
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