1 Timothy 4:13 kjv
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:13 nkjv
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:13 niv
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
1 Timothy 4:13 esv
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
1 Timothy 4:13 nlt
Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
1 Timothy 4 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 15:21 | "For Moses has always had interpreters in every town, since his words are read in the synagogues every Sabbath." | Importance of public reading |
| Luke 4:16-21 | Jesus read from Isaiah in the synagogue. | Example of public reading |
| Rom 10:14, 17 | "How, then, can they call on him if they have not believed in him? And how can they believe in him if they have not heard about him? ... Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." | Word brings faith |
| 1 Thess 5:11 | "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." | Exhortation's purpose |
| Col 3:16 | "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God." | Teaching and admonishing |
| 2 Tim 2:2, 15 | "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." and "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." | Entrusting and handling truth |
| Titus 2:7-8, 15 | "In everything set them an example by doing good... So encourage with all your heart." and "These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you." | Teaching, encouraging, rebuking |
| Heb 4:12 | "For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword..." | Power of the Word |
| Eph 4:11-16 | Lists spiritual gifts including teachers for equipping the saints. | Equipping the saints |
| 2 Tim 3:16-17 | "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." | Scripture's usefulness |
| Jer 23:29 | "“‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the LORD, ‘and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?’" | Word's transformative power |
| Ps 19:7 | "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple." | Perfection of the Law |
| 2 Sam 7:1-3 | Nathan brought God's message to David. | Prophet speaking God's word |
| Mal 2:7 | "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and from his mouth the people should seek instruction, because he is a messenger of the LORD Almighty." | Priests as messengers |
| Neh 8:1-8 | Ezra reads the Law to the people. | Public reading of the Law |
| Matt 13:23 | Parable of the Sower: good soil hears and understands. | Reception of the Word |
| Acts 2:42 | "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." | Devotion to teaching |
| 1 Cor 14:3, 4, 19 | "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, building them up and providing comfort... the one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. ...I would rather speak five effectual words of instruction by my voice, than ten thousand words in a tongue" | Strengthening and building up |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | "The elders who are good at leading are to be worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." | Elders leading in preaching/teaching |
| 1 Tim 6:2, 3, 20 | "Teach and command these things... If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine that accords with godliness, ... guard the deposit entrusted to you." | Sound teaching, guarding truth |
1 Timothy 4 verses
1 Timothy 4 13 Meaning
In 1 Timothy 4:13, the apostle Paul instructs Timothy to prioritize public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching. This passage emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating God's Word to the church congregation, thereby building up believers and ensuring sound doctrine is proclaimed. It highlights the pastoral responsibility to minister through the public presentation of the Scriptures.
1 Timothy 4 13 Context
This verse is found in the section of 1 Timothy where Paul is giving instructions to Timothy regarding church leadership and conduct. The preceding verses address the issue of false teachers and the need for Timothy to train himself in godliness. Chapter 4 as a whole contrasts the asceticism of false teachers with the truth that all of God's creation is good when received with thanksgiving, and emphasizes spiritual training over fruitless, godless speculations. Paul encourages Timothy to focus on these sound doctrines and to counteract any harmful teachings circulating. Within this context, verse 13 is a direct charge to Timothy, likely in his role as a leader in the Ephesian church, to faithfully and publicly administer the Word of God through reading, exhortation, and teaching.
1 Timothy 4 13 Word Analysis
- Parmexō (παραπέμπω): Translated as "attend." This Greek word signifies to send alongside, to commit to, or to give attention to. It implies a focused dedication and consistent effort. In this context, Timothy is charged to "give attention to" the public reading of Scripture.
- Anagnōsis (ἀνάγνωσις): Meaning "reading" or "reading aloud." It refers specifically to the public recitation of a text, particularly Scripture, in the assembly of believers.
- Paraklesis (παράκλησις): Translated as "exhortation." This is a powerful word encompassing encouragement, urging, admonishment, and comfort. It’s a vital aspect of public ministry, speaking into the lives of the listeners.
- Didachē (διδαχή): Meaning "teaching." This refers to the instruction imparted, the communication of doctrine, and the explanation of God's truth.
- Kaihōn (καὶ ὧν): A conjunction meaning "and to." It connects the elements of public ministry: reading, exhortation, and teaching.
- Peritrekō (περιτρέπω): Rendered as "devote yourself" or "give attention." It suggests setting one's mind and heart to a task, engaging oneself wholly.
Words/Group of Words Analysis:
- "Attend to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.": This tripartite expression highlights the core responsibilities of ministry concerning the Word of God. Public reading establishes the foundational text, exhortation applies it with encouragement and admonishment, and teaching clarifies its meaning and doctrinal implications. Together, these ensure that the church is fed and grounded in the truth.
1 Timothy 4 13 Bonus Section
The practice of public reading of Scripture was well-established in the Jewish synagogue tradition, which the early Christian church largely inherited and adapted. Paul's instruction to Timothy reflects this continuity. The combination of "reading," "exhortation," and "teaching" highlights a holistic approach to biblical ministry. It's not enough to merely read the text; it must be applied to the heart (exhortation) and understood correctly (teaching). This ensures that the Word not only informs the mind but also transforms the life and strengthens the community of faith. The context of false teachings makes this command especially vital, as sound doctrine delivered faithfully serves as a primary defense against error.
1 Timothy 4 13 Commentary
Paul's charge in 1 Timothy 4:13 is a pastoral directive for effective church ministry. It underscores that ministry is not just about having divine revelation, but about communicating it effectively. Public reading grounds the congregation in God's Word. Exhortation moves listeners to action and endurance. Teaching ensures doctrinal correctness and understanding. This emphasis is crucial for spiritual growth and protection against error, particularly in a context where false teachings were a concern. It is a call to faithful, diligent stewardship of the gospel message.
Practical Application Examples:
- A pastor or teacher carefully preparing the Scripture passage to be read, considering how to best convey its impact.
- During the sermon, not just presenting information, but actively encouraging believers to live out the truth.
- Ensuring that biblical instruction is clear, accessible, and equips the congregation for life and godliness.