1 Timothy 4:9 kjv
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
1 Timothy 4:9 nkjv
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
1 Timothy 4:9 niv
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
1 Timothy 4:9 esv
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.
1 Timothy 4:9 nlt
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.
1 Timothy 4 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 4:8 | For bodily training is of some value, but godliness is valuable in every way... | 1 Tim 4:8 (comparison) |
| John 14:6 | Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life..." | John 14:6 (truth) |
| Acts 20:20 | ...testifying only to the need for repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus. | Acts 20:20 (repentance/faith) |
| Romans 1:16 | For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God... | Rom 1:16 (power of gospel) |
| Romans 2:2 | We know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. | Rom 2:2 (truth of judgment) |
| Romans 3:4 | Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar... | Rom 3:4 (God's faithfulness) |
| Romans 6:17 | But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin... | Rom 6:17 (obedience to doctrine) |
| 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 | Now I remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you... | 1 Cor 15:1-2 (core gospel) |
| Galatians 1:6-7 | I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ... | Gal 1:6-7 (turning from truth) |
| Ephesians 4:14 | ...so that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine... | Eph 4:14 (against false doctrine) |
| Ephesians 6:4 | Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. | Eph 6:4 (parental instruction) |
| Philippians 1:10 | ...so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. | Phil 1:10 (discerning truth) |
| Colossians 2:8 | See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition... | Col 2:8 (warning against false teaching) |
| Colossians 2:22 | ...according to the precepts and teachings of men? | Col 2:22 (human vs divine teaching) |
| 2 Timothy 3:16 | All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. | 2 Tim 3:16 (profitability of scripture) |
| Titus 1:9 | He must hold firm to the trustworthy word, as taught by the orthodox faith. | Titus 1:9 (sound teaching) |
| Titus 2:1 | But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. | Titus 2:1 (accordance with sound doctrine) |
| Hebrews 4:12 | For the word of God is living and active... | Heb 4:12 (power of God's word) |
| Hebrews 13:9 | Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings... | Heb 13:9 (avoid strange teachings) |
| 1 John 4:1 | Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God... | 1 John 4:1 (testing spirits) |
| 3 John 1:3 | For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are living in the truth. | 3 John 1:3 (living in truth) |
| Revelation 14:7 | ...and say with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come...” | Rev 14:7 (giving glory to God) |
1 Timothy 4 verses
1 Timothy 4 9 Meaning
This verse highlights the universal and foundational nature of "godly instruction" or "sound doctrine." It emphasizes that such teaching is not only beneficial but is demonstrably true and worthy of universal acceptance due to its inherent value and practical, beneficial outcomes for all.
1 Timothy 4 9 Context
1 Timothy 4 is a crucial chapter where Paul instructs Timothy on sound doctrine and warns against false teachings. This particular verse follows Paul's emphasis on the enduring value of godliness over mere physical training. He contrasts superficial, worldly disciplines with the profound and lasting benefits of spiritual discipline. The context is pastoral, aimed at equipping Timothy to shepherd the church at Ephesus effectively, ensuring they remained rooted in the truth of the gospel and not swayed by deceptive teachings that lead people away from God.
1 Timothy 4 9 Word Analysis
- For (γάρ - gar): A coordinating conjunction indicating a reason or explanation. It connects this verse to the preceding one, underscoring the conclusion drawn about the value of godliness.
- This (οὕτως - houtōs): An adverb of manner or degree, meaning "in this way," "thus," "so." It refers back to the concept of "godliness" or "sound doctrine" previously discussed.
- Is (ἐστιν - estin): The third-person singular present indicative of εἰμί (eimi), meaning "to be." It asserts the truth or reality of what follows.
- Trustworthy (πιστὸς - pistos): Adjective meaning "faithful," "believable," "trustworthy," "reliable." It signifies that the statement or doctrine can be depended upon.
- Saying (λόγος - logos): Noun meaning "word," "saying," "doctrine," "account." In this context, it refers to a declaration, a message, or the substance of teaching.
- And (καὶ - kai): A conjunction connecting "trustworthy" and "worthy of full acceptance."
- Worthy of (ἄξιος - axios): Adjective meaning "deserving of," "fitting for." It indicates that something merits or is deserving of the following action.
- Full (πᾶσα - pasa): Adjective meaning "all," "every." Modifies "acceptance," emphasizing complete and total reception.
- Acceptance (ὑποδοχὴ - hypodochē): Noun derived from ὑποδέχομαι (hypodechomai), meaning "to receive," "to welcome," "to entertain." Here it signifies "reception," "welcome," or "embrace."
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- This is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: This phrase encapsulates the intrinsic reliability and the deserving nature of "sound doctrine" for complete embrace by believers. It's not merely a good suggestion, but a truth that commands confidence and demands acceptance. The Greek structure links these qualities as essential attributes.
1 Timothy 4 9 Bonus Section
The Greek term pistòs (trustworthy) carries the idea of being firm, dependable, and faithful. It's the same word used to describe God's faithfulness (Rom 3:3) and Christ's character (Rev 1:5). The phrase axios hypodochēs (worthy of full acceptance) suggests something that is welcomed or received with conviction, not grudgingly or partially. This teaching is designed to be received not just intellectually, but embraced experientially and emotionally, leading to transformation. The inclusion of "full" emphasizes that there is no room for partial acceptance or picking and choosing which parts of sound doctrine to believe. It demands an unreserved reception.
1 Timothy 4 9 Commentary
The core message is that the "sound doctrine" or "godly instruction" Paul refers to is not a matter of mere opinion but a reliably true message that everyone should fully embrace. This doctrine is trustworthy because it originates from God and is consistent with His character and Word. Its worthiness of full acceptance stems from its life-transforming power and its alignment with divine truth, providing a firm foundation for Christian faith and practice. Unlike fleeting human philosophies, this divine instruction possesses an enduring and absolute quality that calls for total commitment.
Practical Usage Examples:
- When sharing the gospel, present it as the trustworthy message of salvation, worthy of being wholeheartedly received.
- In teaching, consistently emphasize foundational truths of Scripture that are inherently reliable and beneficial.
- When confronting false teachings, point back to the established, trustworthy doctrine that merits firm adherence.