Table of Contents
1 Timothy 4 KJV
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
1 Timothy 4 (New Testament)
7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach.
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Ti.4 (New Testament)
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
| Greek Word + Transliteration | Verse + Snippet | Meaning | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἀποστήσονται — apostēsontai | Verse 1 — “…some shall depart from the faith…” | “Depart,” fall away. | Aphistēmi (“to depart”) denotes apostasy (“fall away”). Paul warns of spiritual deception. The term anticipates later doctrinal challenges. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| πλάνος — planos | Verse 1 — “…seducing spirits…” | “Deceiver,” wandering. | Planos (“deceiver”) marks misleading influence (“seducing”). Spiritual error originates in deception. The term exposes demonic activity. — Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon (1889) |
| ὑπόκρισις — hypokrisis | Verse 2 — “…speaking lies in hypocrisy…” | “Hypocrisy,” acting. | Hypokrisis (“hypocrisy”) indicates false pretense (“hypocrisy”). Teachers mask their corruption. The term exposes moral duplicity. — Philip Schaff, Commentary on Timothy (1882) |
| καυστηριάζω — kaustēriazō | Verse 2 — “…having their conscience seared…” | “Seared,” branded. | Kaustēriazō (“to sear”) suggests desensitization (“cauterize”). Hardened conscience rejects truth. The term conveys moral numbness. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary (1884) |
| γύμναζε — gymnaze | Verse 7 — “…exercise thyself unto godliness.” | “Train,” discipline. | Gymnazō (“to train”) evokes athletic practice (“exercise/train”). Spiritual formation demands effort. The term promotes disciplined piety. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
| καταφρονέω — kataphroneō | Verse 12 — “…let no man despise thy youth…” | “Despise,” look down. | Kataphroneō (“to despise”) denotes contempt (“look down on”). Timothy must overcome prejudice by character. The term encourages exemplary leadership. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| μελέτα — meleta | Verse 15 — “…meditate upon these things…” | “Meditate,” practice. | Meletaō (“to meditate/practice”) emphasizes focused devotion (“meditate”). Spiritual progress requires intentional reflection. The term supports formation of habit. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| ἐπιμέλειαν — epimeleian | Verse 14 — “…neglect not the gift…” | “Care,” attention. | Epimeleia (“care”) implies responsible stewardship (“attention”). Timothy must cultivate his calling. The term stresses diligence. — Philip Schaff, Church History (1890) |
| σωτηρία — sōtēria | Verse 16 — “…thou shalt save thyself…” | “Salvation,” deliverance. | Sōtēria (“salvation”) includes preservation (“save/deliver”). Faithful ministry safeguards both preacher and hearers. The term affirms pastoral perseverance. — Franz Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| ἐπιμένω — epimenō | Verse 16 — “…continue in them…” | “Continue,” remain. | Epimenō (“to remain”) stresses steadfast devotion (“continue”). Perseverance confirms authenticity. The term reflects endurance. — Joseph Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
chapter 4
Verse: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8
Lesson: In this chapter, Paul encourages Timothy to be diligent in his faith and avoid false teachings. He reminds him that physical training is valuable, but godliness is even more important as it has benefits for both this life and the next.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: As Christians, we should prioritize our spiritual growth and seek to become more like Christ. This means being diligent in studying the Word of God, praying, and avoiding false teachings that can lead us astray. We should also take care of our physical bodies, recognizing that they are temples of the Holy Spirit, but not at the expense of neglecting our spiritual health.
Prayer points:
l Pray for a deeper understanding of God's Word and the ability to discern truth from error.
l Ask God to help you prioritize your spiritual growth over worldly pursuits.
l Pray for strength and discipline to take care of your physical body while also nurturing your spiritual health.
What's Next? See our Inspirational Motivational Bible Quotes Today
