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:
Study Note
Study Note
Paul singles out Onesiphorus for special blessing because 'he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain' — a tribute that reveals both the isolation of Paul's imprisonment and the counter-cultural courage of loyal friendship. The shame-not-ashamed language connects to 2 Timothy's dominant theme: Paul urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony or of Paul's chains (1:8), and Onesiphorus becomes the exemplum of what such courage looks like. The description 'he oft refreshed me' (anepsyxen) implies regular, sustained care — not a single dramatic gesture but faithful presence. In a cultural context where association with a condemned prisoner carried social and legal risk, Onesiphorus' repeated visits constitute a remarkable act of costly solidarity.
Other Translations
The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;
may the Lord give kindness to the house of Onesiphorus, because many times he did refresh me, and of my chain was not ashamed,
May the Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus because he frequently gave me help, and had no feeling of shame because I was in chains;
Cross References
Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
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And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to …
And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
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And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the …
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was …