1 Timothy 4:16

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching, continue in it, for by so doing you will deliver both yourself and those who hear you.

Berean Standard Bible:

Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

American Standard Version:

Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Take heed^{G1907} unto thyself^{G4572}, and^{G2532} unto the doctrine^{G1319}; continue^{G1961} in them^{G846}: for^{G1063} in doing^{G4160} this^{G5124} thou shalt^{G4982} both^{G2532} save^{G4982} thyself^{G4572}, and^{G2532} them that hear^{G191} thee^{G4675}.

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Commentary for 1 Timothy 4:16

1 Timothy 4:16 is part of the Pauline epistles in the New Testament, specifically a letter from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, who was a young leader in the early Christian church at Ephesus. The verse encapsulates Paul's pastoral advice to Timothy, emphasizing personal vigilance and doctrinal faithfulness as essential for effective ministry.

In this verse, Paul advises Timothy to "take heed unto thyself," which implies a need for self-care, spiritual discipline, and personal growth in godliness. This self-awareness is crucial for a leader in the church to maintain integrity and to be a credible witness of the faith. The phrase "and unto the doctrine" directs Timothy to hold fast to the teachings of Christianity, ensuring that his preaching and instruction remain true to the apostolic tradition.

The command to "continue in them" suggests persistence and consistency in both personal conduct and doctrinal teaching, regardless of difficulties or opposition. Paul assures Timothy that by adhering to these principles, he will not only ensure his own spiritual well-being ("thou shalt both save thyself") but will also be instrumental in the spiritual salvation and growth of those who listen to his teachings ("and them that hear thee").

Historically, this verse reflects the early church's concern with maintaining doctrinal purity and leadership integrity in the face of false teachings and moral lapses that were beginning to emerge. It underscores the importance of sound teaching and exemplary conduct in Christian leadership, which are timeless principles applicable to all who serve in pastoral roles. The verse also highlights the interconnectedness of a leader's personal life and public ministry, showing that both are vital for the health of the church and the effectiveness of its mission.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1907
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπέχω
   Transliteration: epéchō
   Pronunciation: ep-ekh'-o
   Description: from ἐπί and ἔχω; to hold upon, i.e. (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication, of νοῦς) to pay attention to:--give (take) heed unto, hold forth, mark, stay.
   
2. Strong's Number: G4572
   There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σεαυτοῦ
   Transliteration: seautoû
   Pronunciation: sow-ton'
   Description: genitive case from σέ and αὐτός, also dative case of the same, , and accusative case , likewise contracted , , and , respectively; of (with, to) thyself:--thee, thine own self, (thou) thy(-self).
   
3. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1319
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διδασκαλία
   Transliteration: didaskalía
   Pronunciation: did-as-kal-ee'-ah
   Description: from διδάσκαλος; instruction (the function or the information):--doctrine, learning, teaching.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1961
   There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐπιμένω
   Transliteration: epiménō
   Pronunciation: ep-ee-men'-o
   Description: from ἐπί and μένω; to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere):--abide (in), continue (in), tarry.
   
6. Strong's Number: G846
   There are 3776 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: αὐτός
   Transliteration: autós
   Pronunciation: ow-tos'
   Description: from the particle (perhaps akin to the base of ἀήρ through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative ἑαυτοῦ) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:--her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare αὑτοῦ.
   
7. Strong's Number: G1063
   There are 1016 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: γάρ
   Transliteration: gár
   Pronunciation: gar
   Description: a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):--and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.
   
8. Strong's Number: G4160
   There are 519 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ποιέω
   Transliteration: poiéō
   Pronunciation: poy-eh'-o
   Description: apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct):--abide, + agree, appoint, X avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, X journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, X mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, X secure, shew, X shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare πράσσω.
   
9. Strong's Number: G5124
   There are 303 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τοῦτο
   Transliteration: toûto
   Pronunciation: too'-to
   Description: neuter singular nominative or accusative case of οὗτος; that thing:--here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).
   
10. Strong's Number: G4982
    There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σώζω
    Transliteration: sṓzō
    Pronunciation: sode'-zo
    Description: from a primary (contraction for obsolete , "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
    
11. Strong's Number: G191
    There are 448 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: ἀκούω
    Transliteration: akoúō
    Pronunciation: ak-oo'-o
    Description: a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):--give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
    
12. Strong's Number: G4675
    There are 360 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: σοῦ
    Transliteration: soû
    Pronunciation: soo
    Description: genitive case of σύ; of thee, thy:--X home, thee, thine (own), thou, thy.