2 Timothy 4:16
New International Version
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

New Living Translation
The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.

English Standard Version
At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!

Berean Standard Bible
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.

Berean Literal Bible
In my first defense, no one has stood with me, but all deserted me. May it be not charged to them!

King James Bible
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

New King James Version
At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.

New American Standard Bible
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.

NASB 1995
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.

NASB 1977
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them.

Legacy Standard Bible
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

Amplified Bible
At my first trial no one supported me [as an advocate] or stood with me, but they all deserted me. May it not be counted against them [by God].

Christian Standard Bible
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them.

American Standard Version
At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.

Contemporary English Version
When I was first put on trial, no one helped me. In fact, everyone deserted me. I hope it won't be held against them.

English Revised Version
At my first defence no one took my part, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their account.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At my first hearing no one stood up in my defense. Everyone abandoned me. I pray that it won't be held against them.

Good News Translation
No one stood by me the first time I defended myself; all deserted me. May God not count it against them!

International Standard Version
At my first trial no one came to my defense. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be held against them!

Majority Standard Bible
At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them.

NET Bible
At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me--may they not be held accountable for it.

New Heart English Bible
At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.

Webster's Bible Translation
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Weymouth New Testament
At my first defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.

World English Bible
At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
no one stood with me in my first defense, but all forsook me (may it not be reckoned to them),

Berean Literal Bible
In my first defense, no one has stood with me, but all deserted me. May it be not charged to them!

Young's Literal Translation
in my first defence no one stood with me, but all forsook me, (may it not be reckoned to them!)

Smith's Literal Translation
In my first defence none was present with me, but all forsook me; (may it not be reckoned to them.)
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their charge.

Catholic Public Domain Version
At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them!

New American Bible
At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them!

New Revised Standard Version
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When I first wrote you, there was no one with me, for all had forsaken me: Do not hold this against them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
At my first defense, no man was with me, but they all abandoned me. May this not be accounted to them.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
At my first defense no one stood by me, but all forsook me; may it not be laid to their charge:

Godbey New Testament
In my first defence no one stood by me, but all left me: may it not be charged against them:

Haweis New Testament
At my first apology no man stood by me, but all forsook me: (may it not be imputed to them!)

Mace New Testament
At my first defence, I had no assistance, for every body deserted me. I wish it may never be laid to their charge.

Weymouth New Testament
At my first defence I had no one at my side, but all deserted me. May it not be laid to their charge.

Worrell New Testament
In my first defense, no one stood by me, but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their account!

Worsley New Testament
In my first defence no one stood by me, but all men forsook me: God grant it may not be laid to their charge!

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lord Remains Faithful
15You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message. 16At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.…

Cross References
Psalm 22:11
Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.

Psalm 31:11
Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends—they flee when they see me on the street.

Psalm 38:11
My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 69:20
Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.

Psalm 88:18
You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion.

Psalm 142:4
Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul.

Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Jeremiah 20:10
For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”

Zechariah 13:6
If someone asks him, ‘What are these wounds on your chest?’ he will answer, ‘These are the wounds I received in the house of my friends.’

Matthew 26:56
But this has all happened so that the writings of the prophets would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Mark 14:50
Then everyone deserted Him and fled.

Mark 15:34
At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Luke 22:31-34
Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. / But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” / “Lord,” said Peter, “I am ready to go with You even to prison and to death.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

answer.

Acts 22:1
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

Acts 25:16
To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

1 Corinthians 9:3
Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

no.

2 Timothy 4:10
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 1:15
This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Psalm 31:11-13
I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me…

I pray.

Acts 7:60
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

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Account Charge Charged Counted Defence Defense Deserted First Forsook Held Help Imputed Judges Laid Meeting Part Reckoned Side Stood Support Supported
2 Timothy 4
1. He exhorts him to preach the Word with all care and diligence;
6. certifies him of the nearness of his death;
9. wills him to come speedily unto him, and to bring Marcus with him;
14. warns him to beware of Alexander the metalworker.
16. informs him what had befallen him at his first answering;
19. and soon after he concludes.














At my first defense
The phrase "at my first defense" refers to the initial legal proceedings that the Apostle Paul faced in Rome. The Greek word for "defense" is "apologia," which implies a formal justification or argument in one's favor. Historically, this would have been a critical moment for Paul, as Roman trials were serious affairs with potentially severe consequences. This context highlights Paul's vulnerability and the gravity of his situation, emphasizing the courage and faith required to stand firm in his testimony for Christ.

no one stood with me
The phrase "no one stood with me" underscores Paul's isolation during this crucial time. The Greek word "parestē" suggests a physical presence and support, which Paul found lacking. This absence of support from fellow believers is poignant, reflecting the challenges faced by early Christians who risked persecution. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community and fellowship within the body of Christ, encouraging believers to stand by one another in times of trial.

but everyone deserted me
The word "deserted" comes from the Greek "egkatelipon," meaning to abandon or leave behind. This abandonment by his companions would have been deeply painful for Paul, who had dedicated his life to serving others. Historically, this reflects the fear and danger that surrounded the early Christian community under Roman rule. It also serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's own experience of abandonment, drawing a parallel between Paul's sufferings and those of Jesus.

May it not be charged against them
In this phrase, Paul echoes the spirit of forgiveness exemplified by Jesus on the cross. The Greek word "logisthē" means to reckon or account, suggesting a legal or moral charge. Paul's prayer that this desertion not be held against his companions reveals his deep grace and understanding of human frailty. It reflects the Christian call to forgive others as we have been forgiven, emphasizing the transformative power of grace and mercy in the believer's life.

(16) At my first answer no man stood with me . . .--And then, after the mention of what his enemy had done out of hatred to the cause of Christ, the old man passed on to speak of the conduct of his own familiar friends at that great public trial before--most probably--the city praefect: Praefectus Urbi, a nominee of the Emperor Nero. No one friend stood by him; no "advocate" pleaded his cause; no "procurator" (an official who performed the functions of the attorney in an English court) helped him in arranging and sifting the evidence; no "patronus" of any noble or powerful house gave him his countenance and support. The position of a well-known Christian leader accused in the year 66-67 was a critical one, and the friend who dared to stand by him would himself be in great danger. After the great fire of Rome, in A.D. 64, the Christians were looked upon as the enemies of the state, and were charged as the authors of that terrible disaster. Nero, to avert suspicion from himself, allowed the Christians to be accused and condemned as incendiaries. A great persecution, in which, as Tacitus tells, a very great multitude of the followers of Jesus perished, was the immediate result of the hateful charge. It is most probable that St. Paul, as a famous Nazarene leader, was eventually arrested as implicated in this crime, and brought to Rome. His implacable enemies among the Jews might well have been the agents who brought this about, and Alexander of the last verse was possibly principally concerned in this matter. But St. Paul, conscious of his own great peril, knew well that to stand by him now, implicated as he was in this net-work of false accusations, would be a service of the greatest danger; so he pleads for them, these weak, unnerved friends of his, who, through no ill-will to the cause, but solely from timidity, had deserted him, remembering, no doubt, his own Master, who, too, in His hour of deadly peril, had been forsaken. (See John 16:32, "Behold the hour cometh, yea is now come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own, and ye shall leave Me alone.") But like his own Master, who proceeded to say, "Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me," so St. Paul went on to tell Timothy neither was he alone, for One greater than any friend on earth stood by him.

Verse 16. - Detente for answer, A.V.; no one took my part for no man stood with me, A.V.; all for all men, A.V.; may it not for I pray God it may not, A.V.; account for charge, A.V. Defence (ἀπολογίᾳ). "The technical word in classical Greek for a defence in answer to an accusation;" as Acts 22:1 (where see note for further illustration), and Philippians 1:7. Took my part; παρεγένετο R.T., for συμπαρεγένετο T.R., which occurs elsewhere in the New Testament only in Luke 23:48, in a somewhat different sense. The simple παραγίνομαι is very common in the New Testament, but nowhere in the technical sense in which it is used here. In classical Greek both forms are common in the sense of "coming to aid," "standing by any one," "assisting." Here it represents the Latin assistere or adesse in its technical sense of "standing by" an accused person as friend or assistant, to aid and abet them in their defence. Powerful men sometimes brought such a multitude of assistants as to overawe the magistrate, as Orgetorix the Helvetian, when summoned to trial, appeared with ten thousand followers, and so there was no trial. Paul, like his Lord and Master, of whom it is written, "All his disciples forsook him and fled," had no one to stand with him in his hour of need.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
At
Ἐν (En)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

first
πρώτῃ (prōtē)
Adjective - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.

defense,
ἀπολογίᾳ (apologia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 627: A verbal defense (particularly in a law court). From the same as apologeomai; a plea.

no one
οὐδείς (oudeis)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

stood with
παρεγένετο (paregeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3854: From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly.

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

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

everyone
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

deserted
ἐγκατέλιπον (enkatelipon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1459: From en and kataleipo; to leave behind in some place, i.e. let remain over, or to desert.

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

May it not be charged
λογισθείη (logistheiē)
Verb - Aorist Optative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3049: To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose.

against them.
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.


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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 4:16 At my first defense no one came (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
2 Timothy 4:15
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