1 Timothy 4:10 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.
1 Timothy 4:10 nkjv
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:10 niv
That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:10 esv
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4:10 nlt
This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
1 Timothy 4 10 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 4:10 | For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, | Salvation's scope and certainty |
| Acts 15:11 | But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they. | Salvation through grace |
| Rom 3:24 | Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, | Justification by grace |
| Rom 5:8 | But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. | Christ's death for sinners |
| Rom 11:32 | For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all. | God's mercy on all |
| 1 Cor 1:27 | But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; | God's choice of the weak |
| 2 Cor 1:6 | Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. If we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. | Suffering for others' salvation |
| 2 Cor 4:8-9 | We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. | Persecution and preservation |
| 2 Cor 5:18 | Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, | Ministry of reconciliation |
| 2 Cor 6:4-5 | But in all things approving ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; | Minister's endurance |
| Eph 3:11 | according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, | Christ's eternal purpose |
| Phil 1:29 | For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, | Suffering for Christ |
| Col 1:24 | I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, | Suffering for the church |
| 2 Thess 1:10 | when He comes, on that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony to you was believed. | Glorified in believers |
| 1 Tim 1:16 | However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe Him for everlasting life. | Mercy shown to Paul |
| 1 Tim 2:4 | who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. | God desires all to be saved |
| 1 Tim 4:16 | Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will both save yourself and those who hear you. | Saving self and hearers |
| Titus 2:11 | For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, | Grace for all |
| Heb 2:9 | But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He by the grace of God might taste death for everyone. | Christ's death for everyone |
| 1 Peter 4:19 | Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. | Committing to God in suffering |
| Psalm 43:5 | Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I will yet praise Him. He is the help of my countenance and my God. | Hope in God |
| Jer 32:41 | Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul. | God's rejoicing in doing good |
| Luke 1:37 | For with God nothing will be impossible. | God's omnipotence |
| John 3:16 | For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. | God's love for the world |
| Acts 10:34 | Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. | God shows no partiality |
1 Timothy 4 verses
1 Timothy 4 10 Meaning
For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 4 10 Context
In 1 Timothy 4, the Apostle Paul is instructing young Timothy on leadership within the church, particularly addressing false teachings and the importance of sound doctrine. This specific verse arises in the context of the arduous, often reproachful, work of ministry. Paul is essentially encouraging Timothy and other ministers to persevere in their labor, acknowledging that hardship and criticism are to be expected. The foundation for this perseverance is their unwavering trust in the living God, who is actively working to save all people, with a special focus on believers. This encouragement serves to strengthen their resolve amidst the challenges of countering heresy and leading the flock faithfully.
1 Timothy 4 10 Word Analysis
- For: (Gk. gar) A coordinating conjunction, indicating the reason or explanation for what has just been said (or will be said in conjunction with previous statements, suggesting continuity of thought).
- to this end: (Gk. eis touto) With this purpose; for this very reason. It links the action (labor and suffer reproach) to a divine purpose.
- we both: (Gk. humeis te kai) Emphasizes Paul and Timothy (and by extension, all faithful ministers) sharing in this common endeavor.
- labor: (Gk. kopíōmen) To toil; to exert oneself with great effort, often to the point of exhaustion. This highlights the strenuous nature of ministry. It is often used for hard physical work but also applied to intense mental or spiritual effort.
- and: (Gk. kai) A conjunction connecting two activities or states.
- suffer reproach: (Gk. oneidizomeqa) To be insulted, reviled, or blamed. It speaks of experiencing shame, dishonor, or ill-repute because of one's actions or beliefs, particularly in this context, for the sake of the gospel.
- because: (Gk. hoti) Because; for. Introduces the reason for their labor and suffering.
- we trust: (Gk. elpidzomen) We hope in; we place our confidence in. It signifies active reliance and expectation from God.
- in the living God: (Gk. epi tōn theōn zōnti) "Living God" contrasts with lifeless idols. It denotes God's active power, sovereignty, and sustaining presence. The preposition epi here implies reliance or placing one's hope upon Him.
- who is: (Gk. os esti) Which He is.
- the Savior: (Gk. sōtēr) The preserver, deliverer, rescuer, healer. This is a title emphasizing God's role in rescuing humanity from sin and its consequences.
- of all men: (Gk. pantōn anthrōpōn) Of all people universally. This points to the breadth of God's salvific will and intention.
- specially: (Gk. mallista) Especially; particularly; preeminently. This indicates a focused or more intense aspect of His salvific work.
- of those who believe: (Gk. tōn pisteuontōn) Of those believing. This specifies the primary recipients of God's saving grace – those who exercise faith in Him.
Words-Group by Words-Group Analysis
- labor and suffer reproach: This phrase encapsulates the core experience of faithful ministers in a fallen world. It's not passive endurance but active, strenuous work that invites negative reactions. The "labor" (kopíōmen) suggests deep, purposeful effort, often against resistance, while "suffer reproach" (oneidizomeqa) points to the public disapproval and shame associated with their calling and message. This is consistent with the apostolic experience, as seen in 2 Cor 11:23-28.
- trust in the living God: This is the motivation and sustenance for enduring hardship. The "living God" (zōnti theō) emphasizes His dynamic, active nature, contrasting with inert idols. Placing "trust" (elpidzomen) signifies a profound confidence that transcends circumstances, anchoring the believer in God's ultimate control and goodness.
- Savior of all men, specially of those who believe: This significant theological statement highlights God's universal salvific will ("all men" - pantōn anthrōpōn) coupled with the specific application to believers ("those who believe" - tōn pisteuontōn). It reflects the scope of God's plan as reaching everyone, but the means of appropriation is faith. It echoes verses like Titus 2:11 ("grace...has appeared to all men") and 1 Tim 2:4 ("desires all men to be saved"). The "specially" (mallista) does not imply exclusion for the majority but emphasizes the certainty and salvific security that comes through faith, as distinct from God's overarching desire.
1 Timothy 4 10 Bonus Section
The concept of God being the "Savior of all men" (pantōn anthrōpōn) is often debated. However, within the broader context of Scripture, particularly with the inclusion of "mallista" (especially), it is understood as God’s universal will and provision for salvation through Christ, with faith being the specific means by which individuals receive and apply that salvation. This theme of God’s encompassing love and desire for all to be saved is consistently presented throughout the New Testament (1 Tim 2:4; Titus 2:11). The "special" application to believers emphasizes the efficacious and personal reception of salvation through faith, ensuring deliverance from sin and death, and leading to glorification (2 Thess 1:10). The suffering mentioned is not merely endured, but is presented as integral to the ministerial work, undertaken because of a foundational hope and trust in the all-powerful God. This reflects a deep theological understanding that divine purpose often works through human hardship and reproach.
1 Timothy 4 10 Commentary
This verse is a cornerstone of pastoral encouragement, articulating the divine purpose behind the arduous and often thankless work of ministry. Paul links the exertion and suffering inherent in this calling directly to a confident reliance on the active, living God. The crucial point is that God's desire for salvation is comprehensive, extending to all humanity. However, the practical outworking and experience of this salvation is secured through faith in Jesus Christ. This is not a contradiction, but a harmonious expression of God's sovereignty and humanity's responsibility. The "specially of those who believe" highlights that while God wills salvation for all, faith is the critical element for appropriation and participation in that salvation, leading to eternal life. The laborer’s steadfastness, therefore, is grounded in the certainty of God's salvific power, made effective through faith.
- Practical Application: A pastor or minister facing criticism for their preaching or actions can draw strength from this verse. Their efforts, despite the reproaches, are ultimately fueled by trust in God, who desires the salvation of all, but through faith in His Son. This perspective shifts focus from human approval to divine purpose, enabling perseverance.