1 Timothy 4:16 kjv
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
1 Timothy 4:16 nkjv
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4:16 niv
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:16 esv
Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:16 nlt
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
1 Timothy 4 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Tim 4:16 | Watch yourself and your teaching...save both yourself and your hearers. | 1 Tim 4:16 (Main Verse) |
| Acts 20:28 | Shepherd the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. | Responsibility of leadership |
| Rom 11:21 | For if God did not spare the natural branches, maybe he will not spare you either. | Warning against pride |
| 1 Cor 9:27 | but I discipline my body and keep it under control... lest after preaching to others I myself should be rejected. | Personal discipline |
| Gal 1:8 | But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. | Importance of sound doctrine |
| Eph 5:15-16 | Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. | Vigilance and wise conduct |
| Phil 3:18 | For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even weeping, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. | Warning against false teachers |
| Col 1:28 | Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. | Goal of teaching |
| Heb 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active... sharper than any two-edged sword... | Power of God's Word |
| Heb 13:17 | Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. | Accountability of leaders |
| 2 Pet 1:10 | Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. | Diligence and assurance |
| 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. | Discernment of spirits |
| Titus 2:7 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, | Example in teaching |
| Titus 2:15 | Declare these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. | Authority in teaching |
| Rom 13:11 | Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, and nearer to us now is our salvation than when we first believed. | Urgency of salvation |
| Matt 28:20 | teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. | Christ's command to teach |
| Acts 2:40 | And with many other words he bore witness and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation." | Exhortation to salvation |
| 1 Thess 5:6 | So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and sober. | Vigilance and sobriety |
| Ezek 3:17-18 | Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel... So you shall hear a word from my mouth and give them warning from me. If I say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you give him no warning... the wicked shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. | Watchman responsibility |
| Prov 10:21 | The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for want of sense. | Impact of speech |
| Jer 23:28 | Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has the straw in common with the wheat? declares the Lord. | Faithfulness in preaching |
1 Timothy 4 verses
1 Timothy 4 16 Meaning
Watch yourself and your teaching; persevere in them, because by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4 16 Context
1 Timothy 4:16 is a crucial instruction given by Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, a leader in the church at Ephesus. The preceding verses (1 Tim 4:11-15) have laid out specific commands for Timothy: to instruct and teach others, to set an example, and to devote himself to reading scripture, exhortation, and teaching. The culture of Ephesus was known for its pagan religious practices and philosophical inquiries, which at times infiltrated or challenged the nascent Christian faith, necessitating careful discernment and firm adherence to the apostolic teachings. This verse serves as a vital encouragement and warning for Timothy to maintain spiritual and doctrinal integrity amidst potential opposition and deception.
1 Timothy 4 16 Word Analysis
"Watch" (Greek: blepe) - This is a present imperative, signifying continuous attention and vigilance. It's a call to active observation and awareness, not passive looking. It implies guarding oneself against danger or error.
"Yourself" (Greek: seautou) - Refers to one's own person, including their spiritual state, moral character, and doctrinal purity.
"And" (Greek: kai) - Connects the personal vigilance with doctrinal steadfastness.
"Your teaching" (Greek: te didaskalia) - Encompasses the content of what Timothy preached and taught. It's about the soundness and faithfulness of the message to the Gospel.
"Persevere" (Greek: epimeno) - A strong verb meaning to remain steadfast, to continue, to abide in. It implies tenacity and endurance in the face of difficulty.
"In them" (Greek: en autois) - Refers back to both "yourself" and "your teaching." The endurance is both personal and doctrinal.
"Because" (Greek: hoti) - Introduces the reason or basis for persevering.
"By doing this" (Greek: en touto) - The means by which salvation is achieved, which is by the careful watchfulness and steadfastness mentioned.
"You will save" (Greek: sozeis) - The active guarding and persistent teaching leads to salvation. The saving action is a consequence of faithfulness.
"Both yourself" (Greek: seauton) - The personal salvation of Timothy.
"And" (Greek: kai) - Connecting Timothy's salvation with that of his hearers.
"Those who hear you" (Greek: tous akouontas sou) - The congregation or individuals under Timothy's spiritual care and teaching.
Word-Group Analysis:
- "Watch yourself and your teaching": This emphasizes a dual responsibility: personal spiritual discipline and diligent, accurate proclamation of the truth. It's not enough to be personally sound if the teaching is compromised, nor is it enough to teach correctly if one's personal life is in disarray.
- "Persevere in them": The instruction is to maintain both aspects—personal walk and sound doctrine—consistently over time. Endurance is key.
- "Save both yourself and your hearers": The direct link between faithful shepherding (in life and doctrine) and the salvation of both the shepherd and the flock is highlighted.
1 Timothy 4 16 Bonus Section
The concept of "saving" in this context speaks to preserving from spiritual ruin and leading to eternal life. It's not a humanistic self-salvation but salvation through faithfully guarding and dispensing the truth of the Gospel, which is God's saving power (Romans 1:16). The idea of a leader being a "watchman" (Ezekiel 3:17-18) is also relevant, emphasizing the protective and life-preserving role of accurate teaching and diligent personal example. False teaching, conversely, is presented as dangerous, capable of leading people astray. Therefore, the persistence in "watching" and "teaching" is a directive towards spiritual stewardship and a proactive defense against doctrinal corruption and personal failure.
1 Timothy 4 16 Commentary
This verse serves as a paramount charge to all Christian leaders and teachers. It underscores the essential, inseparable link between personal integrity and the accuracy of doctrine taught. Leaders must be vigilant regarding their own spiritual health, moral conduct, and mental clarity. Simultaneously, they must be equally vigilant regarding the content and delivery of their teaching, ensuring it aligns with the apostolic truth. Perseverance in both these areas is not optional; it is the means by which they fulfill their stewardship, ultimately contributing to their own salvation and the salvation of those they minister to. It’s a weighty reminder of accountability and the transformative power of faithful, watchful leadership rooted in truth.