1 Timothy 4 12

1 Timothy 4:12 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.

1 Timothy 4:12 nkjv

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 niv

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 esv

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

1 Timothy 4:12 nlt

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

1 Timothy 4 verses

1 Timothy 4 12 Meaning

This verse serves as an imperative for believers to not let their youth prevent them from being a positive example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It underscores that age is not a barrier to spiritual maturity and influence.

1 Timothy 4 12 Context

First Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus. Chapter 4 addresses the danger of false teachers and the importance of sound doctrine and healthy living for ministers. Verse 12 specifically shifts focus to Timothy's personal conduct and public example, urging him, as a young man in leadership, to live a life that commands respect and silences any potential criticism based on his age. This instruction is contextualized within the broader encouragement for Timothy to be a diligent and faithful minister of the gospel.

1 Timothy 4 12 Word Analysis

• Let (μή): A particle introducing a prohibition or a wish; here, it’s a negative imperative, “Do not let” or “No one should.”
• no (οὐδεὶς): No one, none whatever. It emphasizes a universal potential for contempt based on youth.
• one (τις): A pronoun, someone. Combined with οὐδεὶς, it means "no one at all."
• despise (ἐξουθενέω): To set at naught, to make of no account, to disregard, to scorn. It carries the sense of deeming something or someone worthless or insignificant. In a first-century context, youthfulness was often associated with lack of experience, immaturity, and lesser authority, making Timothy vulnerable to such disregard.
• your (σου): Your (singular possessive pronoun). Refers to Timothy directly.
• youth (νεότερος): Younger, youth. It refers to Timothy’s relatively young age, which could be a point of vulnerability for his ministry. This word describes a state of being younger, not necessarily adolescence, but certainly not advanced in years or seasoned experience compared to older leaders.
• but (ἀλλά): A strong adversative conjunction, indicating a contrast. Despite potential youthful disadvantages, a different path is prescribed.
• be (γίνου): Present imperative of γίνομαι (ginomai), meaning "become," "be," or "remain." It’s an active call to posture and action.
• an (εἷς): One, a single. Denoting a singular and singular role model.
• example (τύπος): A pattern, mold, example, type. It signifies a model to be followed, a standard setter. ThisGreek word implies something imprinted, like a seal on wax or an example to be copied.
• in (ἐν): In, among, by means of. Denotes the sphere or realm where this example is to be shown.
• word (λόγῳ): Speech, word, saying. Pertaining to spoken communication, preaching, teaching, and everyday conversation. The Greek term logos can encompass both spoken word and underlying message.
• conversation (ἀναστροφῇ): Conduct, behavior, way of life, manner of living. From ἀναστρέφω (anastrephō), meaning to turn up, to live, to behave. It describes the general lifestyle and outward conduct.
• charity (ἀγάπῃ): Love, especially unconditional, self-sacrificing love. This is the highest form of love, often used for divine love and the love Christians are to show one another.
• faith (πίστει): Faith, belief, trust, conviction. The steadfast belief in God and His promises, and also the adherence to sound doctrine.
• purity (ἁγνεία): Purity, chastity, holiness. It encompasses moral cleanness, sexual purity, and sincerity of heart, free from corrupting influences.

Group Analysis:

• "Let no one despise your youth" (Μή τις σου τὸν νεότερον ἐξουθενείτω): This is a proactive charge to Timothy not to give anyone grounds for discounting him because of his age. The imperative is for Timothy's conduct to preempt any such contempt.
• "but be an example" (ἀλλά γίνου τύπος): This clause establishes the means by which Timothy should prevent contempt—by becoming and embodying a pattern. The emphasis is on being a living model.
• "in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in purity" (ἐν λόγω, ἐν ἀναστροφῇ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πίστει, ἐν ἁγνείᾳ): These are the specific spheres of life where Timothy’s example should be evident. They cover outward speech, daily behavior, relational love, doctrinal integrity, and personal holiness. The repetition of "in" (ἐν) stresses the all-encompassing nature of this exemplary life.

1 Timothy 4 12 Bonus Section

The concept of being an "example" (τύπος) here echoes Christ's command to let one's light shine before others (Matthew 5:16). Paul's instruction to Timothy is a practical application of this broader principle for a leader in the church. The list of qualities (word, conversation, charity, faith, purity) represents the indispensable virtues that define Christian leadership and ministry, regardless of age. These five aspects form a holistic picture of a godly life that commands respect. The instruction is a profound reminder that leadership is not just about authority, but primarily about character and the consistent outworking of faith in everyday life. This verse is often seen as a cornerstone for developing effective, influential Christian leadership, especially for younger leaders.

1 Timothy 4 12 Commentary

Paul instructs Timothy, a young leader, not to be deterred by his age. Instead, he must actively demonstrate Christlikeness. This involves exemplary conduct across all areas of life: his verbal communication (speech), his daily behavior (conduct), his love for others, his unwavering faith in God and doctrine, and his personal purity and holiness. Timothy’s actions were to be so excellent that they would command respect and leave no room for detractors to dismiss him based on his youth. His life was to be a positive, visible testimony, influencing others by demonstrating the power and beauty of the gospel in a young life dedicated to God. This is a call to intentionality in living out one’s faith, proving that genuine spirituality and leadership ability are not bound by years.

Practical Examples:

• Speaking with grace and truth, not engaging in gossip or harsh criticism.
• Living a disciplined and righteous life, setting high moral standards.
• Showing genuine, unconditional love to church members, especially those older or weaker.
• Maintaining firm belief in biblical truth and speaking it with conviction.
• Living a life of sexual purity and integrity.