Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Timothy 4:16. It’s a really interesting and somewhat poignant passage about the author of the letter. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that many people – a lot of people – rejected (or abandoned) this person, who wrote the letter. It expresses a feeling of loneliness and worry. Let’s unpack it word by word: "At my first answer..." : This refers to the author’s life before they were writing this letter. They were likely facing challenges or difficulties. "...no man stood with me..." : This is the core of the verse. It means that nobody supported, helped, or stood by the author during their time. There was no one who was there for them. "...but all [men] forsook me:" : This is a really important part. “Forsook” means to abandon or reject someone. “All men” means everyone . It's not just a few; it’s a large group of people. "...I pray God..." : This is where the emotional weight comes in. The author is pleading to God that this shouldn’t be remembered or attributed to them. He’s asking for God’s protection and guidance. "...that it may not be laid to their charge." : This is a crucial part of the verse. “Lay to their charge” means to assign responsibility, to put something on someone else's shoulders. The author wants to prevent this from being blamed or attributed to them. They don’t want this to be remembered as their fault. What does it mean practically? This verse speaks to the idea that we are vulnerable and can feel isolated, especially when facing challenges in life. It suggests a sense of loneliness and concern about the future – worry about how we might not be remembered or have our legacy diminished. Important Note: It’s important to remember this wasn't meant to be taken literally as a boastful statement about being successful. It's a deeply emotional expression of loneliness and a plea for God’s protection and peace. In short, it’s a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is watching over us. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/2Timothy4](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/2Timothy) - This site has a good explanation of the verse and its context. The Bible Project: [https://www.thebibleproject.com/2-timothy-4-16/](https://www.thebibleproject.com/2-timothy-4-16/) – A visually engaging and informative resource on the verse. Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss its relevance to modern life or spiritual challenges?