1 Timothy / Chapter 4

1 Timothy 4

16 verses • SBL Greek New Testament

Translator's Introduction

What This Chapter Is About

Paul warns that the Spirit explicitly predicts that some will depart from the faith in later times, following deceiving spirits and teachings of demons. These false teachers forbid marriage and require abstinence from certain foods — practices Paul refutes by affirming that everything God created is good and is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. Paul then gives Timothy personal pastoral directives: train yourself in godliness (which has value both for the present and the coming life), do not let anyone look down on your youth, set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. He is to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching, and not to neglect the gift given through prophecy and the laying on of hands.

What Makes This Chapter Remarkable

The ascetic practices condemned here (forbidding marriage, requiring food abstinence) suggest a proto-Gnostic or Jewish-ascetic influence in Ephesus that viewed the material world as inherently evil. Paul's response affirms the goodness of creation — a fundamental Jewish-Christian conviction. The statement 'godliness is of value in every way' (v. 8) and the 'faithful saying' of verse 9 provide one of the Pastoral Epistles' most positive theological affirmations. The charge to Timothy not to neglect his gift (v. 14) reveals that even Spirit-given gifts require active cultivation.

Translation Friction

The phrase 'in later times' (en hysterois kairois, v. 1) is debated — Paul may view these times as already present or as still future. We render the Greek temporal reference without imposing a specific eschatological timeline. The 'faithful saying' formula in verse 9 is unusual because what precedes and what follows could each be the saying referred to.

Connections

The food laws discussion connects to Romans 14:1-4, 14:14-23 and Colossians 2:16-23. The training metaphor anticipates 2 Timothy 2:5 and 4:7-8. The laying on of hands (v. 14) parallels Acts 6:6, 13:3 and 2 Timothy 1:6. The 'public reading of Scripture' (v. 13) reflects synagogue practice adopted by the early church.

1 Timothy 4:1

Τὸ δὲ πνεῦμα ῥητῶς λέγει ὅτι ἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς ἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως, προσέχοντες πνεύμασιν πλάνοις καὶ διδασκαλίαις δαιμονίων,

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

KJV 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;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The adverb rhētōs ('expressly, explicitly, in so many words') indicates a clear prophetic utterance, not vague prediction. The phrase en hysterois kairois ('in later times') is less urgent than the 'last days' (eschatais hēmerais) of 2 Timothy 3:1 — it describes a future period without specifying when. The 'spirits' (pneumasin planois) are not human false teachers but spiritual entities whose deceptive influence produces false teaching.
1 Timothy 4:2

ἐν ὑποκρίσει ψευδολόγων, κεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν,

Speaking lies in hypocrisy. After their conscience seared with a hot iron;.

KJV Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb kekautēriasmenōn ('having been seared, having been branded') uses medical/branding imagery — their consciences have been cauterized, rendered insensitive like burned flesh. The passive voice may suggest the searing was done to them by the 'deceitful spirits' of verse 1, not merely by their own choices.
1 Timothy 4:3

κωλυόντων γαμεῖν, ἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων, ἃ ὁ θεὸς ἔκτισεν εἰς μετάλημψιν μετὰ εὐχαριστίας τοῖς πιστοῖς καὶ ἐπεγνωκόσι τὴν ἀλήθειαν.

They forbid people to marry and order them to avoid certain foods. But God created those foods to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

KJV 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.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The two prohibitions — forbidding marriage and requiring food abstinence — reflect an asceticism that views the material world as corrupting. Paul counters with a creation-affirming theology: these things were 'created' (ektisen) by God 'for receiving with thanksgiving' (eis metalēmpsin meta eucharistias). The qualifier 'those who believe and know the truth' does not restrict enjoyment but identifies those who understand creation's goodness.
1 Timothy 4:4

ὅτι πᾶν κτίσμα θεοῦ καλόν, καὶ οὐδὲν ἀπόβλητον μετὰ εὐχαριστίας λαμβανόμενον·

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

KJV For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul echoes Genesis 1 where God declares each element of creation 'good' (kalon). The phrase pan ktisma theou kalon ('every creature/creation of God is good') is a direct theological rebuttal of any dualism that considers the material world evil. The qualifying condition is eucharistia ('thanksgiving') — gratitude sanctifies the reception of God's gifts.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] Echoes Genesis 1. See the TCR's OT rendering for the Hebrew behind this passage and the translation rationale.
1 Timothy 4:5

ἁγιάζεται γὰρ διὰ λόγου θεοῦ καὶ ἐντεύξεως.

Since it is sanctified by the message of God and prayer.

KJV For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb hagizetai ('is made holy, is sanctified') does not mean the food was previously unholy but that it is consecrated for use through two means: logos theou ('word of God' — possibly a prayer of blessing, a scriptural declaration like Genesis 1's 'it was good,' or the gospel itself) and enteuxeōs ('prayer, intercession'). The meal prayer sanctifies ordinary food by acknowledging God as its source.
  2. [TCR Cross-Reference] This verse quotes Genesis 1 — see the TCR rendering of that passage for the Hebrew source text and translation decisions.
1 Timothy 4:6

Ταῦτα ὑποτιθέμενος τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς καλὸς ἔσῃ διάκονος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, ἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας·

If you put these things before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, trained in the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

KJV 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.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb entrophomenos ('being nourished, being trained') is a passive participle — Timothy is simultaneously nourishing the church and being nourished by sound doctrine. The phrase kalēs didaskalias ('good teaching') contrasts with the 'teachings of demons' in verse 1. The verb parēkolouthēkas ('you have followed, you have closely traced') implies not just intellectual understanding but personal adherence to the teaching.
1 Timothy 4:7

τοὺς δὲ βεβήλους καὶ γραώδεις μύθους παραιτοῦ. γύμναζε δὲ σεαυτὸν πρὸς εὐσέβειαν·

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather, train yourself for godliness,

KJV But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The adjective graōdeis ('old-womanish, silly') was a common ancient rhetorical dismissal — the characterization is cultural, not gender-based. The verb gymnaze ('train, exercise') is from the athletic gymnasium — godliness requires the same deliberate, disciplined effort as physical fitness. This sets up the comparison in verse 8.
1 Timothy 4:8

ἡ γὰρ σωματικὴ γυμνασία πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶν ὠφέλιμος, ἡ δὲ εὐσέβεια πρὸς πάντα ὠφέλιμός ἐστιν, ἐπαγγελίαν ἔχουσα ζωῆς τῆς νῦν καὶ τῆς μελλούσης.

Physical training has some value, but godliness has value in every way, since it holds promise for both the present life and the life to come.

KJV 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.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Paul does not dismiss physical training (pros oligon estin ōphelimos, 'is of some value') but relativizes it. Godliness (eusebeia) surpasses it because its benefits extend beyond the present life (tēs nyn) into the coming life (tēs mellousēs). The 'promise' (epangelian) attaches both temporal and eternal rewards to godliness — it is not merely heavenly insurance but transforms present existence.
1 Timothy 4:9

πιστὸς ὁ λόγος καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος·

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.

KJV This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The third 'faithful saying' formula in the letter (cf. 1:15, 3:1). Whether this refers back to verse 8 or forward to verse 10 is debated. The content of verse 8 — godliness is universally profitable — fits the formula well and is the more likely referent.
1 Timothy 4:10

εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα, ὅτι ἠλπίκαμεν ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, ὅς ἐστιν σωτὴρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων μάλιστα πιστῶν.

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

KJV 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.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The SBLGNT reads agōnizometha ('we strive, we struggle') rather than oneidizometha ('we suffer reproach') found in some manuscripts. The phrase sōtēr pantōn anthrōpōn ('Savior of all people') has been debated: some read it as affirming universal salvation, others as affirming God's universal saving intent which is actualized especially (malista) in believers. The word malista ('especially, most of all') does not negate the universal statement but qualifies it — God's saving work extends to all but is fully realized in those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:11

Παράγγελλε ταῦτα καὶ δίδασκε.

Command and teach these things.

KJV These things command and teach.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The two imperatives — parangelle ('command') and didaske ('teach') — combine authority with instruction. Timothy is both to require obedience and to educate understanding.
1 Timothy 4:12

μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω, ἀλλὰ τύπος γίνου τῶν πιστῶν ἐν λόγῳ, ἐν ἀναστροφῇ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πίστει, ἐν ἁγνείᾳ.

Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

KJV 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.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. Timothy's 'youth' (neotētos) in ancient terms likely means he was under 40 — not necessarily what moderns would call young. The antidote to age-related dismissal is not assertion of authority but exemplary character. Five areas of example are named: logos ('speech'), anastrophē ('conduct, way of life'), agapē ('love'), pistis ('faith'), and hagneia ('purity'). The SBLGNT does not include en pneumati ('in spirit'), which appears in some manuscripts.
1 Timothy 4:13

ἕως ἔρχομαι πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ.

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

KJV Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The noun anagnōsei ('reading') with the definite article refers to the formal, public reading of Scripture in the assembly — a practice inherited from the synagogue (cf. Luke 4:16-21, Acts 13:15). The three activities — reading, exhortation (paraklēsei), and teaching (didaskalia) — form the core of early Christian worship. Timothy is to ensure these continue in Paul's absence.
1 Timothy 4:14

μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος, ὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.

KJV Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The charismatos ('gift, grace-gift') is a specific endowment for ministry, given at a definable moment through two means: prophētias ('prophecy' — inspired speech identifying Timothy's calling) and epitheseōs tōn cheirōn tou presbyteriou ('laying on of hands by the elder council'). The command mē amelei ('do not neglect') implies that spiritual gifts can atrophy without active cultivation. The 'council of elders' (presbyteriou) suggests a collective commissioning body. Second Timothy 1:6 adds that Paul himself participated in this laying on of hands.
1 Timothy 4:15

ταῦτα μελέτα, ἐν τούτοις ἴσθι, ἵνα σου ἡ προκοπὴ φανερὰ ᾖ πᾶσιν.

Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.

KJV Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The verb meleta ('practice, cultivate, meditate on') implies active engagement, not passive contemplation. The phrase en toutois isthi ('be in these things, immerse yourself in them') calls for total absorption — Timothy's ministry should be his consuming focus. The noun prokopē ('progress, advancement') was a Stoic term for moral growth, here applied to visible pastoral development.
1 Timothy 4:16

ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ· ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου.

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers.

KJV 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.

Notes & Key Terms

Translator Notes

  1. The dual focus — seautō ('yourself') and tē didaskalia ('the teaching') — insists that personal character and doctrinal fidelity cannot be separated. The verb epimene ('persist, continue, remain') demands sustained commitment. The promise that Timothy will 'save' (sōseis) both himself and his hearers does not mean Timothy replaces Christ as savior but that faithful ministry is the instrument through which Christ's saving work reaches people.
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