1 Timothy 4 14

1 Timothy 4:14 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.

1 Timothy 4:14 nkjv

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

1 Timothy 4:14 niv

Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

1 Timothy 4:14 esv

Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

1 Timothy 4:14 nlt

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.

1 Timothy 4 verses

1 Timothy 4 14 Meaning

The verse signifies that Timothy should not neglect the spiritual gift he received through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands on him. It is a call to actively use and cultivate this gift.

1 Timothy 4 14 Context

This verse is found in First Timothy, an epistle written by the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy. Paul was entrusting Timothy with leadership responsibilities in the church at Ephesus. The preceding verses discuss false teachers and the importance of sound doctrine and godliness. Chapter 4 transitions to instructions for Timothy as a leader, including his personal conduct, ministry, and oversight of others. This specific verse acts as a direct charge to Timothy regarding the activation and use of a specific spiritual gift he had received, likely for teaching, exhortation, or prophecy, which was imparted through the laying on of hands by the presbytery (the body of elders). It emphasizes the ongoing responsibility to steward these divine endowments for the building up of the church.

1 Timothy 4 14 Word Analysis

• mē (μὴ): A negative particle, used here to forbid or negate an action. It implies a strong warning against carelessness or neglect.
• ameleite (ἀμελεῖτε): From the verb ameleo, meaning "to neglect," "to disregard," or "to be careless about." It suggests a lack of diligence, a failure to give proper attention or value to something. It’s in the present imperative, commanding an ongoing action (or rather, cessation of neglect).
• tes (τις): Genitive feminine singular of the indefinite pronoun tis, meaning "a certain" or "some." It points to a specific, though not explicitly identified, gift.
• charismatos (χαρίσματος): From charis (grace) and ma (a result of). It denotes a spiritual gift, a divine enablement bestowed by God through the Holy Spirit for the purpose of ministry and service within the church.
• tou (τοῦ): Genitive masculine singular definite article "the."
• en (ἐν): A preposition meaning "in," "on," "with," or "by."
• soi (σοὶ): Dative singular pronoun "to you" or "you."
• oumenou (οὐμένου): From o-men-ou, the genitive participle of eimi (to be). It's part of a longer phrase describing the gift's origin: "which is in you."
• dia (διὰ): A preposition meaning "through," "by means of." It indicates the channel or instrument.
• propheteias (προφητείας): Genitive singular of propheteia, meaning "prophecy" or "prophetic utterance." This refers to the divine utterance of inspired speech, which could include foretelling, forth-telling (declaring God’s will), or edification.
• epitheseos (ἐπιθέσεως): Genitive singular of epithēsis, meaning "a laying on." In this context, it refers specifically to the ritual of laying on of hands.
• tōn (τῶν): Genitive plural definite article "the."
• presbyteriou (πρεσβυτερίου): Genitive singular of presbyterion, meaning "the body of elders" or "the presbytery." This highlights that the impartation was a corporate act by the recognized spiritual leadership of the church.

Group Analysis:

• "Do not neglect the gift": This is a direct command (present imperative) against a passive or inactive approach to a bestowed grace.
• "which is in you through prophecy": This identifies the channel of impartation as prophetic utterance.
• "by the laying on of the hands of the presbytery": This specifies the authoritative action of the elders in bestowing or confirming the gift. The epitheseos tōn presbyteriou points to an official, corporate act of the church leadership, distinct from individual charismatic utterances, indicating recognized ministry.

1 Timothy 4 14 Bonus Section

The practice of "laying on of hands" (epitheseos) is significant in the Bible. It was used for various purposes: to confer blessing (Gen 48:14), to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-18), to ordain or commission individuals for ministry (Acts 6:6, 1 Tim 4:14), and for healing (Mark 16:18, Acts 28:8). In this context, the laying on of hands by the presbytery (the council of elders) signifies a corporate, authoritative impartation or affirmation of the spiritual gift resident in Timothy for his ministry. This is distinct from individual prayer for the sick or spontaneous imparting of the Spirit by one believer to another. It suggests an organized, recognized mechanism within the early church for equipping leaders. The emphasis on propheteia (prophecy) as the means by which the gift came highlights the revelatory aspect of how God often communicates His will and calls individuals into specific ministries. This verse, therefore, speaks to both the source of spiritual gifts (God, through the Spirit) and the means by which they are recognized and activated within the structured community of faith.

1 Timothy 4 14 Commentary

Paul’s instruction to Timothy to not neglect his gift is a vital reminder for all believers who have received spiritual endowments from God. The gift, imparted through prophecy and the laying on of hands by the elders, was not meant to lie dormant. Neglecting a gift can mean failing to cultivate it through study and practice, or failing to use it in service to the church. It suggests a passive complacency or an intentional sidelining of what God has freely given. Timothy’s specific gift was likely related to teaching and leadership, as he was tasked with combating false doctrines. The laying on of hands by the presbytery signifies an authoritative commissioning and the corporate recognition of Timothy’s calling and gifting within the apostolic tradition. It underscores the importance of church structure and the responsible stewardship of spiritual capacities for the edification and strengthening of the body of Christ, preventing apathy and encouraging active, Spirit-led service.

Practical Usage Examples:

• A believer recognizing a gifting in teaching should regularly prepare lessons, teach, and seek opportunities to develop this skill.
• Someone with a gift for mercy should actively look for those in need to comfort and support, rather than waiting to be asked.
• Leaders should periodically evaluate and encourage those identified with specific spiritual gifts within their ministry.