1 Timothy 4:11 kjv
These things command and teach.
1 Timothy 4:11 nkjv
These things command and teach.
1 Timothy 4:11 niv
Command and teach these things.
1 Timothy 4:11 esv
Command and teach these things.
1 Timothy 4:11 nlt
Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.
1 Timothy 4 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 4:13 | "until I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." | Command and teach |
| 2 Timothy 4:2 | "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching." | Emphasizes proclamation and varied teaching methods |
| Titus 1:9 | "holding fast the faithful word as taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convict those who contradict." | Highlights soundness and the purpose of teaching |
| Titus 2:1, 7, 15 | "But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:" | Direct command for teaching sound doctrine |
| Acts 2:42 | "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." | Early church’s devotion to doctrine |
| Romans 12:7 | "or minister, let us do it in ministry; he who teaches, in teaching;" | The importance of the gift of teaching |
| 1 Corinthians 14:3 | "But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men." | Similar aspects of effective teaching |
| Galatians 1:6-9 | "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel," | Warning against altering doctrine |
| 2 Peter 2:1-3 | "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you..." | Contrast with false teaching |
| Jude 1:3 | "Beloved, while I give all diligence to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to exhort you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." | Contending for the faith implies defending doctrine |
| Matthew 28:19-20 | "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you..." | The Great Commission includes teaching |
| Acts 1:8 | "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." | Empowered by the Spirit for witness, including teaching |
| 1 Timothy 5:17 | "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." | Elders are responsible for doctrine |
| 1 Timothy 6:3 | "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness," | Identifies departure from sound doctrine |
| Hebrews 13:7 | "Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow by considering the end of their conduct." | Authority in teaching and their example |
| Hebrews 13:17 | "Obey those who are over you, and be submissive, for they watch for your souls, as they will give an account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." | Submission to spiritual leaders in their teaching |
| Philippians 1:27 | "Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel," | Standing firm in the gospel involves doctrine |
| 1 John 4:1 | "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." | Need for discernment due to false teachings |
| Colossians 2:6-8 | "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you were taught, bounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the principles of the world, and not according to Christ." | Building on foundational doctrine and guarding against error |
| 2 John 1:9 | "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son." | Doctrine of Christ as foundational truth |
1 Timothy 4 verses
1 Timothy 4 11 Meaning
This verse instructs believers to command and teach sound doctrine. It emphasizes that these directives are not merely suggestions but are meant to be authoritatively proclaimed and faithfully imparted. The focus is on the robust and healthy teaching of Christian truth, contrasting with deceptive doctrines.
1 Timothy 4 11 Context
First Timothy 4 is set within Paul’s instructions to his young protégé, Timothy, regarding his ministry in the church at Ephesus. Paul addresses the emerging issues of spiritual deception, false teachings, and the importance of sound doctrine. Specifically, verse 11 is part of a section (verses 6-16) where Paul instructs Timothy on how to handle a difficult situation involving false teachers. He calls Timothy to counteract error with truth, to nurture believers in the faith, and to model righteous living. This verse serves as a direct command to Timothy, empowering him with the authority to correct and guide the flock through sound teaching. The historical backdrop includes the early church navigating internal challenges and external pressures, necessitating a strong emphasis on biblical truth to maintain doctrinal purity and spiritual health.
1 Timothy 4 11 Word Analysis
- αὕτη (hautē): "this." A demonstrative pronoun, pointing to the specific instruction that follows or the entire preceding instruction concerning Timothy's character and conduct in relation to the doctrine.
- ἐντολὴ (entolē): "commandment." This Greek word signifies an authoritative order, a mandate. It’s stronger than a mere suggestion. It implies an obligation.
- ὑγιαίνουσαν (hygynousan): "sound," "healthy." Derived from "hygies," meaning well, healthy. It's used here adjectivally to describe doctrine, implying doctrine that is morally and spiritually wholesome, beneficial, and true, promoting spiritual health.
- διδασκαλία (didaskalia): "teaching," "doctrine." The practice or content of teaching, and the body of instruction itself.
- διατάσσω (diatassō): "command," "order," "instruct." This verb means to arrange in order, to give orders, to set forth authoritatively. It implies a deliberate and orderly proclamation.
- παραίνεο (parainēe): "exhort," "encourage," "admonish." This verb can mean to come alongside someone, to urge, to advise, or to admonish. It conveys a supportive and persuasive tone, urging them to embrace and practice the sound doctrine.
Words Group Analysis:
- "command and teach" (ἐντολὴ ... διατάσσω καὶ ... παραίνεο - entolē ... diatassō kai ... parainēe): This pairing emphasizes a dual approach. "Command" (diatassō) implies authoritative instruction from a position of oversight, a clear mandate. "Teach" (parainēe) signifies the practical, supportive, and often persuasive delivery of that truth, building up the recipients. The combination underscores both the authority and the pastoral care involved in ministry.
- "sound doctrine" (ὑγιαίνουσαν διδασκαλίαν - hygynousan didaskalian): This phrase is central. It means teaching that is spiritually healthy and life-giving, promoting the well-being of the soul, in contrast to doctrines that are corrupting or deadly. It implies doctrine that is aligned with God’s truth and character.
1 Timothy 4 11 Bonus Section
The emphasis on "sound" (hygynousan) doctrine resonates throughout Paul's epistles, particularly in his letters to Timothy and Titus, which focus on pastoral leadership and combating false teachings. This concept contrasts sharply with "rust" (senes), as mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:20, representing corrupting or useless knowledge that distracts from genuine faith. The Greek root "hygies" also relates to physical health, creating a powerful metaphor where false doctrine is a spiritual disease and true doctrine is the medicine or healthy nourishment. This connects to Jesus' statement that He is the true vine (John 15) and believers are to abide in Him and His teachings for life and fruitfulness. The entire concept reinforces that doctrine is not a dry intellectual pursuit but a vital element for the vitality and endurance of the church.
1 Timothy 4 11 Commentary
Paul's charge to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:11 is a pivotal directive for church leadership. It's not enough to merely possess correct beliefs; these beliefs must be actively and authoritatively communicated. The instruction to "command" highlights the necessity of uncompromised adherence to truth, especially in the face of error. "Teach" calls for a pastoral and formative approach to impart this doctrine. The qualification "sound" (hygynousan) is crucial, indicating that the doctrine taught must be wholesome, robust, and conducive to spiritual health and growth. This contrasts with deceptive doctrines that weaken faith and lead believers astray. Leaders are called to be stewards of truth, faithfully dispensing it with conviction and care, thus building up the church in righteousness and maturity.
- Practical Usage: Leaders must prepare thoroughly to teach, understanding the truth deeply so they can "command" and "exhort" with confidence. This involves a commitment to ongoing biblical study.
- Pastoral Care: Teaching sound doctrine is an act of love and responsibility towards the congregation, safeguarding them from harmful influences and guiding them toward Christ.