You then (literally “You therefore”) is emphatic. But how does this connect with what precedes? One possibility is to take the expression as transitional, introducing new material; if this position is preferred, then You then doesn’t have to be reflected in translation. (See, for example, Translator’s New Testament, Revised English Bible.) Another option is to connect this with 1.13-14; the sense then is that, since one of Timothy’s duties is to be a guardian of the truth, he must therefore have those qualities that would ensure his effectiveness in fulfilling this task. This position treats 1.15-18 as a digression and therefore parenthetical. Yet another possibility is to connect You then with 1.15-18, thus challenging Timothy to be different from those who have deserted Paul, and instead to follow the example of Onesiphorus, who as we have seen served Paul to the best of his ability. This is the sense that is reflected in Good News Translation (“As for you”; also New Jerusalem Bible) and is recommended in this Handbook. The original Greek text did not have chapter and verse divisions, so it was easy for the readers or hearers of the text to understand what the word then was referring to. Modern readers, and especially those listening to the text being read, will not normally have this information available to them. Therefore it will be helpful to connect verse 1 of this chapter with 1.15-18 by translating, for example, “As for you, my son, do not falter (or, lose heart), but be strong….”

For my son see “child” in 1 Tim 1.2 and 2 Tim 1.2.

Be strong is an imperative, for which see “strength” and comments in 1 Tim 1.12. The present tense indicates a condition that should be continuous, hence “Continue being strong,” “Keep on being strong.” The passive voice of the imperative may suggest that it is really God who is the source of strength, and therefore it makes possible a translation like “Let God make you strong,” “Allow God to strengthen you.” For grace see 1 Tim 1.2. It is possible to understand grace as an attribute of Christ Jesus; this will allow Christ Jesus to be the source of strength as well (so Contemporary English Version “Christ Jesus is kind, and you must let him make you strong”). It is more likely, however, that the primary focus here is on God’s love and favor that are freely given to those who are united with Christ. The preposition in can be understood as instrumental (hence “by means of the grace”) or locative (hence “in the sphere of grace”). This latter one is difficult to capture in translation. For the expression in Christ Jesus, see 1 Tim 1.14.

Alternative translation models for this verse are:
• As for you, my son, do not falter, but continue being strong. You can do this because, as you faithfully follow Christ Jesus, he will show mercy to you (or, be kind to you).

Or:
• Timothy, my son, pray that God will make you strong. He can do this through Christ Jesus, who shows his kindness to you.

Or:
• Timothy, my son, let God make you strong. He can do this because of his love for you which you have experienced as a close follower of Christ Jesus.

Or:
• Timothy, my son, Christ Jesus is kind to you. As you faithfully follow him, you must let him make you strong.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .