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1 Timothy 4

BSB·16 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Nowδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → theΤὸTo — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Spiritπνεῦμαpneuma — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → expresslyῥητῶςrhētōs — explicitly, in plain words, directly statedG4490 — Full Word Study → statesλέγειlegei — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → laterὑστέροιςhysterois — later, subsequent, secondG5306 — Full Word Study → timesκαιροῖςkairois — The right or appointed time; a season or opportunityG2540 — Full Word Study → someτινεςtines — a certain one; some; anyone; an indefinite pronounG5100 — Full Word Study → will abandonἀποστήσονταίapostēsontai — to depart, withdraw, or fall awayG868 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → to followπροσέχοντεςprosechontes — to pay attention to; watch out for; be on guardG4337 — Full Word Study → deceitfulπλάνοιςplanois — deceiving, seducing, wandering astrayG4108 — Full Word Study → spiritsπνεύμασινpneumasin — Spirit; breath; immaterial nature or beingG4151 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the teachings of demonsδαιμονίωνdaimoniōn — demon; evil spiritG1140 — Full Word Study →, 2influenced byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the hypocrisy of liarsψευδολόγωνpseudologōn — habitually lying; deceitful speakerG5573 — Full Word Study →, whose consciencesσυνείδησινsyneidēsin — Conscience; inner moral awarenessG4893 — Full Word Study → are seared with a hot ironκεκαυστηριασμένωνkekaustēriasmenōn — to sear or brand with a hot ironG2743 — Full Word Study →. 3They will prohibitκωλυόντωνkōlyontōn — to prevent, hinder, or forbidG2967 — Full Word Study → marriageγαμεῖνgamein — to marry; to take a wifeG1060 — Full Word Study → and require abstinence from certain foodsβρωμάτωνbrōmatōn — Food; solid nourishment; sustenanceG1033 — Full Word Study → thatha — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → GodΘεὸςTheos — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → has createdἔκτισενektisen — to create, make, formG2936 — Full Word Study → toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → be receivedμετάλημψινmetalēmpsin — participation, partaking, or sharing in somethingG3336 — Full Word Study → withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → thanksgivingεὐχαριστίαςeucharistias — Gratitude, thanksgiving, expression of thanksG2169 — Full Word Study → by those whoτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → believeπιστοῖςpistois — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → knowἐπεγνωκόσιepegnōkosi — to come to know, recognize, perceive fullyG1921 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → truthἀλήθειανalētheian — Truth; reality; authenticityG225 — Full Word Study →. 4Forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → everyπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → creationκτίσμαktisma — Created being; creatureG2938 — Full Word Study → of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → is good, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → nothingοὐδὲνouden — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study → that is receivedλαμβανόμενονlambanomenon — to take, receive, or obtainG2983 — Full Word Study → withμετὰmeta — with, after, among, followingG3326 — Full Word Study → thanksgivingεὐχαριστίαςeucharistias — Gratitude, thanksgiving, expression of thanksG2169 — Full Word Study → should be rejectedἀπόβλητονapoblēton — rejected, cast away, refusedG579 — Full Word Study →, 5becauseγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → it is sanctifiedἁγιάζεταιhagiazetai — To set apart as holy; to sanctify or consecrateG37 — Full Word Study → byδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → the word of GodΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → prayerἐντεύξεωςenteuxeōs — Petition or intercession made to GodG1783 — Full Word Study →. 6By pointing outὑποτιθέμενοςhypotithemenos — to lay down, put forward, suggestG5294 — Full Word Study → these thingsΤαῦταTauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → to theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφοῖςadelphois — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →, you will beἔσῃesē — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → a goodκαλὸςkalos — good, beneficial, morally excellentG2570 — Full Word Study → servantδιάκονοςdiakonos — servant; one who servesG1249 — Full Word Study → of ChristΧριστοῦChristou — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦIēsou — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study →, nourishedἐντρεφόμενοςentrephomenos — To nourish or rear up; to bring upG1789 — Full Word Study → by theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wordsλόγοιςlogois — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study → of faithπίστεωςpisteōs — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → soundκαλῆςkalēs — good, beneficial, morally excellentG2570 — Full Word Study → instructionδιδασκαλίαςdidaskalias — instruction, doctrine, or authoritative teachingG1319 — Full Word Study → thathē — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → you have followedπαρηκολούθηκαςparēkolouthēkas — to follow closely, to understand fully, to trace out carefullyG3877 — Full Word Study →. 7Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → rejectπαραιτοῦparaitou — to refuse, decline, or rejectG3868 — Full Word Study → irreverentβεβήλουςbebēlous — profane, unholy, irreverentG952 — Full Word Study →, sillyγραώδειςgraōdeis — Myth, fable, or old wives' taleG1126 — Full Word Study → mythsμύθουςmythous — Fabricated story; fictional taleG3454 — Full Word Study →. Insteadδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study →, trainγύμναζεgymnaze — To train or discipline through exerciseG1128 — Full Word Study → yourselfσεαυτὸνseauton — yourself; your own self (reflexive pronoun)G4572 — Full Word Study → forπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → godlinessεὐσέβειανeusebeian — Godliness; reverent devotion to GodG2150 — Full Word Study →. 8Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → physicalσωματικὴsōmatikē — of or pertaining to the body; bodily, corporealG4984 — Full Word Study → exerciseγυμνασίαgymnasia — physical training or exerciseG1129 — Full Word Study → isἐστὶνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → ofπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → limitedὀλίγονoligon — Few in number; small in quantity or durationG3641 — Full Word Study → valueὠφέλιμοςōphelimos — Profitable, useful, beneficialG5624 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → godlinessεὐσέβειαeusebeia — Godliness; reverent devotion to GodG2150 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → valuableὠφέλιμόςōphelimos — Profitable, useful, beneficialG5624 — Full Word Study → inπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → every way, holdingἔχουσαechousa — To have, hold, or possessG2192 — Full Word Study → promiseἐπαγγελίανepangelian — A solemn declaration or pledge of something to comeG1860 — Full Word Study → for theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → presentνῦνnyn — now, at the present timeG3568 — Full Word Study → lifeζωῆςzōēs — Life, living existence, vitalityG2222 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → for the one to comeμελλούσηςmellousēs — to be about to, intend, be destinedG3195 — Full Word Study →. 9This is a trustworthy sayingλόγοςlogos — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study →, worthyἄξιοςaxios — worthy, deserving, fittingG514 — Full Word Study → of fullπάσηςpasēs — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → acceptanceἀποδοχῆςapodochēs — Acceptance; favorable receptionG594 — Full Word Study →. 10ToΕἰςEis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study → this end we laborκοπιῶμενkopiōmen — to labor, toil, or work hard; to exert oneselfG2872 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → striveἀγωνιζόμεθαagōnizometha — To struggle, fight, or strive intenselyG75 — Full Word Study →, becauseὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → we have set our hopeἠλπίκαμενēlpikamen — To hope for, expect, or trust inG1679 — Full Word Study → onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → the living GodΘεῷTheō — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study →, whoὅςhos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → isἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the Savior of everyoneπάντωνpantōn — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →, and especially of those who believeπιστῶνpistōn — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study →. 11CommandΠαράγγελλεParangelle — to command, order, or chargeG3853 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → teachδίδασκεdidaske — to teach, instruct, or communicate doctrineG1321 — Full Word Study → these thingsταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →. 12Let no one despiseκαταφρονείτωkataphroneitō — to treat with contempt; to despise or scornG2706 — Full Word Study → yourσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → youthνεότητοςneotētos — youth, youthful period, young ageG3503 — Full Word Study →, butἀλλὰalla — but, yet, rather, on the other handG235 — Full Word Study → setγίνουginou — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → an exampleτύποςtypos — example, pattern, or model to followG5179 — Full Word Study → for theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → believersπιστῶνpistōn — Faithful, trustworthy, reliableG4103 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → speechλόγῳlogō — word, statement, message, divine utteranceG3056 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → conductἀναστροφῇanastrophē — Conduct, behaviour, or way of lifeG391 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → loveἀγάπῃagapē — Self-giving love; covenant affectionG26 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → faithπίστειpistei — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →, inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → purityἁγνείᾳhagneia — Moral and sexual purity; chastityG47 — Full Word Study →. 13Untilἕωςheōs — until; up to a point in time or spaceG2193 — Full Word Study → I comeἔρχομαιerchomai — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study →, devote yourselfπρόσεχεproseche — to pay attention to; watch out for; be on guardG4337 — Full Word Study → to theτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → public reading of Scriptureἀναγνώσειanagnōsei — The act of reading aloud; public recitationG320 — Full Word Study →, toτῇtē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → exhortationπαρακλήσειparaklēsei — Encouragement, comfort, or exhortationG3874 — Full Word Study →, and to teachingδιδασκαλίᾳdidaskalia — instruction, doctrine, or authoritative teachingG1319 — Full Word Study →. 14Do not neglectἀμέλειamelei — to neglect, disregard, or treat with indifferenceG272 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → giftχαρίσματοςcharismatos — spiritual gift or divine grace-giftG5486 — Full Word Study → that is in youσοὶsoi — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, whichho — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → was givenἐδόθηedothē — to give, grant, or bestowG1325 — Full Word Study → youσοιsoi — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → throughδιὰdia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → handsχειρῶνcheirōn — hand; power, authority, or controlG5495 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → eldersπρεσβυτερίουpresbyteriou — council or body of eldersG4244 — Full Word Study →. 15Be diligentμελέταmeleta — To meditate deeply; to practice or rehearse mentallyG3191 — Full Word Study → in these mattersταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → and absorbed inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → themτούτοιςtoutois — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → yourσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → progressπροκοπὴprokopē — progress, advancement, improvementG4297 — Full Word Study → will beē — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → evidentφανερὰphanera — visible, evident, manifest, openly knownG5318 — Full Word Study → to allπᾶσινpasin — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study →. 16Pay close attentionἔπεχεepeche — to hold fast; to give heed; to direct attention towardG1907 — Full Word Study → to your life andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → to your teachingδιδασκαλίᾳdidaskalia — instruction, doctrine, or authoritative teachingG1319 — Full Word Study →. Persevereἐπίμενεepimene — To remain, continue, or persist inG1961 — Full Word Study → in these thingsαὐτοῖςautois — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → by so doingποιῶνpoiōn — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → you will saveσώσειςsōseis — To save, rescue, or deliver from danger or harmG4982 — Full Word Study → bothκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → yourselfσεαυτὸνseauton — yourself; your own self (reflexive pronoun)G4572 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → those whoτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → hearἀκούοντάςakouontas — to hear, listen, or understand by earG191 — Full Word Study → youσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →.
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Chapter Commentary — 1 Timothy 4
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

1 Timothy 4 addresses the serious challenge of false teaching that will arise in the church, particularly in the latter times. Paul warns Timothy that some will abandon the true faith by embracing demonic doctrines, especially those that impose unbiblical restrictions on Christian freedom (such as forbidding marriage and certain foods). The chapter then pivots to practical instruction, calling Timothy to be a faithful minister who guards sound doctrine, pursues godliness, and sets a Christ-like example despite his relative youth. This passage balances doctrinal vigilance with personal holiness and pastoral faithfulness.

Verses 1–5: The Warning Against False Teaching

Paul opens with a solemn declaration that the Holy Spirit explicitly warns of apostasy in the latter times. Some believers will depart from the faith by heeding "seducing spirits" and "doctrines of devils"—teachings that originate from demonic influence, not from God's Word. The false teachers speak with hypocrisy and have consciences "seared with a hot iron" (v. 2), meaning their moral sensitivity has been deadened through persistent sin and rejection of truth.

Verses 3–5 give a specific example: these deceivers forbid marriage and demand abstinence from certain foods—practices that contradict God's design and goodness. Paul affirms that every creature God made is inherently good and sanctified when received with thanksgiving and in accordance with God's Word. The principle here is profound: God's creation is not evil, and Christian freedom isn't license—it is the joyful use of God's gifts with gratitude and reverence.

Verses 6–12: The Call to Faithful Ministry

Timothy's role is to remind believers of this truth and so be a "good minister of Jesus Christ" (v. 6). He is to nourish himself on sound doctrine—words of faith that he has already learned. Rather than entertain "profane and old wives' fables" (v. 7), Timothy must prioritize godliness through spiritual discipline.

Verses 8–9 offer a penetrating comparison: physical exercise has some value, but godliness—authentic reverence and obedience toward God—is profitable in all things, bringing blessing both in this life and in eternity. This is a "faithful saying" worthy of full acceptance (v. 9), emphasizing its importance.

Despite his youth, Timothy is commanded not to be despised (v. 12). Instead, he must be an example to believers in word (his speech), conduct (his behavior), love, spirit, faith, and purity. A minister's authority flows not from age but from godly character and doctrinal fidelity.

Verses 13–16: Perseverance and Self-Examination

Timothy is urged to give himself to reading Scripture, exhortation, and doctrine (v. 13)—the core work of ministry. He must not neglect his spiritual gift, given by the Holy Spirit through prophetic word and the laying on of hands by the church leaders (v. 14). This reminds us that pastoral gifts are sovereignly given and must be stewarded faithfully.

Verse 15 calls for meditation and total dedication so that his progress becomes evident to all. Finally, verses 15–16 issue a charge to watchfulness: Timothy must guard both his own life and his teaching, for in doing so he saves himself and his listeners. This emphasizes that a pastor's personal holiness and doctrinal faithfulness have real consequences for the flock.

Application for Today

In our own age of competing ideologies and false spirituality, this chapter calls all believers—not just pastors—to vigilance. We must test teachings against Scripture, pursue genuine godliness over empty asceticism or worldly compromise, and remember that Christian freedom is exercised with thanksgiving and reverence. Whether you lead or serve in the church, your example of faithfulness to Christ and His Word is your greatest witness. Let your life demonstrate that true faith is neither austere nor permissive, but joyfully obedient to God's revealed truth.

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