1 Timothy 6 13

1 Timothy 6:13 kjv

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

1 Timothy 6:13 nkjv

I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,

1 Timothy 6:13 niv

In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you

1 Timothy 6:13 esv

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,

1 Timothy 6:13 nlt

And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate,

1 Timothy 6 verses

1 Timothy 6 13 Meaning

This verse presents a profound charge given by Paul to Timothy. It commands Timothy to keep God's commandments unstained until the appearing of Jesus Christ. This involves a constant adherence to sound doctrine and righteous living.

1 Timothy 6 13 Context

This verse is situated within the latter part of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, specifically in chapter 6. This chapter deals with instructions for church leaders, warnings against false teachings and the love of money, and concludes with Paul's final charge to Timothy. The immediate context is Paul's instruction to Timothy on how to handle wealth and contentment, leading into exhortations regarding conduct and faithfulness in ministry. Historically, Timothy was a young leader in the early church, facing various challenges in Ephesus, a city known for its diverse philosophies and temptations.

1 Timothy 6 13 Word Analysis

• He who is God:

  • Theoù (Θεοῦ): Genitive case of "Theos" (Θεός), meaning "God." Here it signifies God as the ultimate source and authority.
  • Significance: Establishes God as the supreme being who issues commandments.

• commands:

  • parangéllei (παραγγέλλει): Third-person singular, present active indicative of "parangello" (παραγγέλλω), meaning "to order," "command," "charge," "instruct."
  • Meaning: An ongoing and authoritative instruction from God.

• you to keep:

  • phyláksai (φυλάξαι): Second-person singular, aorist active infinitive of "phylasso" (φυλάσσω), meaning "to guard," "keep," "watch over," "preserve."
  • Significance: Implies diligent preservation and protection of the commandments.

• this commandment:

  • tḕn entolḕn (τὴν ἐντολὴν): Accusative singular of "entolé" (ἐντολή), meaning "commandment," "order," "precept." Refers specifically to the charge Paul is giving.
  • Meaning: The totality of God's directives, especially as understood in Christ.

• without stain or reproach:

  • ánémon (ἄνεμον): Accusative singular neuter of "anemos" (ἄνεμος), meaning "without wind," hence figurative for "unblemished," "spotless."
  • aspílou (ἀσπίλου): Genitive singular feminine of "aspilos" (ἄσπιλος), meaning "spotless," "unblemished," "pure." Often used in contrast to defilement or corruption.
  • Significance: This speaks to the integrity and purity required in obedience. It contrasts with the impurity and corruption prevalent in the world and possibly within the false teachings Paul opposes.

• until the appearing:

  • méchri (μέχρι): Preposition meaning "until," "up to."
  • epiphanéias (ἐπιφανείας): Genitive singular of "epiphaneia" (ἐπιφάνεια), meaning "appearing," "manifestation," "advent." It signifies a glorious manifestation or revelation.
  • Meaning: The command to keep His commandments is ongoing until the visible return of Christ.

• of our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • toû Kuriou hēmôn Iēsoû Christoû (τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ): Genitive case, referring to Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah.
  • Significance: Points to Christ's ultimate authority and the consummation of God's plan being tied to His appearance.

• He who is the King of kings and Lord of lords:

  • tou Basiléos basiléōn kai Kuriou kuriōn (τοῦ Βασιλέως βασιλέων καὶ Κυρίου κυρίων): This is a title of supreme sovereignty and authority.
  • Significance: Reinforces Christ’s ultimate dominion, the one whose coming is the temporal marker. This echoes Old Testament titles and emphasizes Jesus' divine authority.

1 Timothy 6 13 Bonus Section

The phrase "King of kings and Lord of lords" is a powerful descriptor of Jesus' supreme authority, found also in Revelation 17:14 and 19:16. This title harkens back to Old Testament concepts of divine sovereignty. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rulers often bore exalted titles, but God's titles in scripture dwarf all human claims to authority, asserting Christ's unparalleled and universal dominion. Keeping commandments "without stain or reproach" is intrinsically linked to sanctification, a process empowered by the Holy Spirit. It means living a life characterized by purity of heart and action, a testament to the transformative power of faith in Christ, especially in contrast to the pervasive worldliness and heretical teachings Timothy might have encountered.

1 Timothy 6 13 Commentary

Paul instructs Timothy to hold fast to the teachings and commands of God with absolute integrity. This duty is not temporary but continuous, extending all the way to the return of Jesus Christ. The state of faithfulness required is one of purity, free from moral defilement or grounds for blame. The verse climaxes by identifying Jesus Christ with the ultimate titles of authority, "King of kings and Lord of lords." This emphasizes that adherence to God’s word is in service and anticipation of Christ’s supreme reign, which will be fully manifested at His appearing. It calls for unwavering commitment and spotless living in view of His glorious return.