2 Timothy 1:16 Explained

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

A named man remembered for one thing: that he kept visiting a prisoner when it was embarrassing to.

Read it in context: The Book of 2 Timothy. Also gathered under verses about encouragement.

2 Timothy 1:16 in context

What does 2 Timothy 1:16 mean?

'Refreshed' is a word for reviving someone, used of rest given rather than problems solved. Onesiphorus did not free Paul or change his case; he showed up repeatedly. 'Not ashamed of my chain' names the cost — association with a prisoner carried real risk and real social damage, and the sentence implies others calculated it and stayed away.

What is the context of 2 Timothy 1:16?

Paul's last letter, from Roman custody. The verses around this are about people who abandoned him — all those in Asia have turned away. Onesiphorus is the exception, and Paul says he sought him out diligently until he found him.

How do I pray 2 Timothy 1:16?

Bring to mind someone whose situation is embarrassing to be connected with — a public failure, a prison, an illness people avoid. Refreshing is the whole ask here; the verse does not require you to fix anything. Then pray Paul's prayer, which is for their household, since these visits cost families too.

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