What Does 2 Timothy 4:11 Mean in the King James?
Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
“Profitable” means fit for use: Mark’s value appears in what he can bring to the shared service.
THE MEANING
Luke is beside the speaker, and Mark is called into the work because he is useful for its service. The verse holds companionship and contribution together: presence is a gift, and usefulness takes shape in shared work.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The lie that usefulness requires unbroken presence is undone here: Mark is not beside the speaker yet, but he is still recognized as useful for the work.
THE ROOT
εὔχρηστος
euchrēstos
GROWS FROM
χρα-/χρη- (chra-/chrē-)
The Greek word is built from εὖ (eu, well) and χρηστός (chrēstos, useful or fit for use), in a word family tied to using or employing something.
“Profitable” here is not about money or advantage: Mark is fit to be put to use in service. English can make profit sound like a result; the Greek points to a person whose presence can serve the work.
ALSO GROWS
chraomai: use, employ, or deal with
χράομαι
This verb family gives “profitable” its practical sense: usefulness is revealed in what can be employed for the work.
chrēsis: use or usage
χρῆσις
This noun keeps the focus on application: Mark’s value is expressed through service, not an abstract label.
διακονία
diakonia
GROWS FROM
διακον-
diakon-
Service or attendance: practical work done for another or for a shared purpose.
“ministry” in this verse is diakonia. The verse links Mark’s usefulness to διακονία (diakonia, service). His value is not described in isolation; it becomes visible in the work he can share.
ALSO GROWS
diakonos: servant or minister
διάκονος
The related word names the person through the service they perform.
diakoneō: serve or attend to
διακονέω
This verb makes the connection active: ministry is service carried out for others.
THE PATTERN
A person’s capacity becomes meaningful as a contribution placed into shared work.
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.THE THREAD
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.“Meet for the master’s use” contains the same Greek word, εὔχρηστος (euchrēstos, useful or fit for use), rendered “profitable” here. In both verses, usefulness is tied to service; this verse extends the image to readiness for every good work.
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