1 Timothy 4:11

KJV

These things command and teach.

KJV (with Strong's)

These things {G5023} command {G3853} and {G2532} teach {G1321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Command these things and teach them.

Berean Standard Bible

Command and teach these things.

American Standard Version

These things command and teach.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 4:11 serves as a concise yet powerful mandate from the Apostle Paul to his protégé, Timothy, instructing him to authoritatively declare and thoroughly instruct the Ephesian church in the sound doctrines and godly practices previously outlined in the chapter. This verse underscores the critical responsibility of spiritual leadership to uphold truth and guide believers in faith and conduct, particularly in the face of encroaching false teachings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes a significant section in Paul's first letter to Timothy, which began with warnings against false teachers and their deceptive doctrines in [1 Timothy 4:1-5](/1_timothy/4-1-5 "Warnings Against False Teachers"). Paul then contrasts these errors with the pursuit of true godliness, emphasizing that "godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come" ([1 Timothy 4:8](/1_timothy/4-8 "The Profit of Godliness")). The immediate preceding verses, [1 Timothy 4:9-10](/1_timothy/4-9-10 "A Trustworthy Saying"), highlight the trustworthiness of the message concerning God as the Savior of all people, especially believers, and the labor involved in proclaiming this truth. Therefore, "these things" in [1 Timothy 4:11](/1_timothy/4-11 "Command and Teach These Things") directly refer to the sound doctrine, godly living, and unwavering commitment to the gospel that Paul has just expounded upon. Timothy is not merely to suggest but to firmly establish these truths within the church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was stationed in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its diverse religious landscape, including the worship of Artemis and various philosophical schools. This environment was ripe for the emergence of syncretistic beliefs and Gnostic tendencies, which often led to ascetic practices and speculative myths, as described in [1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "Avoid Fables and Genealogies") and [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Forbidding Marriage and Meats"). Paul's letters to Timothy (and Titus) are often called "Pastoral Epistles" because they provide guidance for church leadership in managing congregations, countering false teachings, and maintaining order and sound doctrine. The command to "command and teach" reflects the authoritative nature required of a leader in a challenging spiritual climate where the integrity of the gospel was under constant threat from internal and external pressures.

* **Key Themes:** [First Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "The First Letter of Paul to Timothy") is replete with themes vital for church health and leadership. One prominent theme is the **preservation of sound doctrine** against heresy, which Paul addresses from the outset in [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "Warning Against False Doctrine"). This is intrinsically linked to the theme of **godly living and spiritual discipline**, as seen in Paul's exhortation to Timothy to "exercise thyself rather unto godliness" ([1 Timothy 4:7](/1_timothy/4-7 "Exercise Thyself Unto Godliness")). The letter also emphasizes **pastoral authority and responsibility**, empowering Timothy to lead effectively, set an example, and confront error, as highlighted in [1 Timothy 3:15](/1_timothy/3-15 "The Church as the Pillar of Truth") regarding the conduct in God's household. Finally, the **universality of God's saving grace** is a foundational truth that Timothy is to uphold, as underscored by the declaration that God is the "Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe" ([1 Timothy 4:10](/1_timothy/4-10 "God, the Savior of All")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **These things (Greek, _taûta'_):** This neuter plural demonstrative pronoun refers back to the preceding instructions and truths Paul has just laid out in [1 Timothy 4:6-10](/1_timothy/4-6-10 "Instructions on Godliness"). It encompasses the sound doctrine concerning creation, the value of spiritual training, the trustworthiness of the gospel, and God's role as the Savior. The use of "these things" emphasizes that Timothy's mandate is not vague but specific, rooted in the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
* **command (Greek, _parangéllō'_):** Derived from `pará` (beside) and `ággelos` (messenger), this verb means "to transmit a message," or by implication, "to enjoin, charge, or command." It carries the weight of an authoritative order, a solemn charge, or even a military command. It implies that the truths Timothy is to convey are not optional suggestions but essential, non-negotiable doctrines and practices that must be proclaimed with conviction and enforced with pastoral authority.
* **teach (Greek, _didáskō'_):** This verb means "to teach" in a broad application, implying systematic instruction, explanation, and imparting of knowledge. While `parangéllō` emphasizes the authoritative declaration, `didáskō` focuses on the pedagogical aspect—the patient, thorough instruction that ensures understanding and application. Timothy's role involves not just issuing directives but also nurturing comprehension and growth through careful teaching.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These things":** This phrase serves as the direct object of both verbs, specifying the content of Timothy's ministry. It points to the body of sound doctrine and practical godliness that Paul has just articulated, particularly the truths about the goodness of creation, the superiority of godliness over physical training, the trustworthiness of the Christian message, and God's universal redemptive purpose, culminating in salvation for believers. It highlights the concrete, actionable nature of Timothy's responsibilities.
* **"command":** This verb signifies the authoritative declaration of truth. Timothy is not merely to present options or share opinions, but to issue a solemn charge. This implies a certain level of pastoral authority and the expectation that the congregation will receive and adhere to these truths as divine mandates, not human suggestions. It speaks to the imperative nature of the gospel and its implications for life.
* **"and teach":** This second verb complements "command" by emphasizing the pedagogical aspect of ministry. It means to systematically instruct, explain, and impart knowledge. While commanding provides the divine imperative, teaching ensures understanding, conviction, and the ability for believers to live out "these things." It speaks to the necessity of patient, clear, and comprehensive instruction for spiritual formation and maturity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a powerful use of **Parallelism** and **Emphasis**. The two verbs, "command" and "teach," are juxtaposed with the conjunction "and," creating a parallel structure that highlights the dual nature of Timothy's pastoral responsibility. This is not merely a repetition but a complementary pairing, where one verb (command) signifies authoritative declaration and the other (teach) denotes systematic instruction. This **Juxtaposition** underscores that effective spiritual leadership involves both firm proclamation of truth and patient, thorough explanation. The brevity and directness of the sentence also contribute to its **Imperative Mood**, conveying a sense of urgency and non-negotiable duty. Furthermore, the phrase "these things" acts as a **Summary Device**, encapsulating the entirety of Paul's preceding discourse and giving it a collective weight that Timothy is to faithfully transmit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The mandate in [1 Timothy 4:11](/1_timothy/4-11 "Command and Teach These Things") is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of divine revelation and the stewardship of truth. It underscores that the gospel is not a set of suggestions but a divine command, requiring both authoritative proclamation and diligent instruction. This dual responsibility reflects God's own character as both sovereign Lawgiver and patient Teacher, who reveals His will and then graciously illuminates it for His people. The verse emphasizes that the integrity of the church and the spiritual well-being of believers depend on leaders who faithfully uphold and transmit sound doctrine, guarding against the pervasive influence of error and fostering true godliness. It ties into the broader New Testament emphasis on the importance of faithful teaching for the building up of the body of Christ and for equipping believers for every good work.

* [Titus 2:15](/titus/2-15 "Exhort and Rebuke with All Authority")
* [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "Preach the Word")
* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For those in spiritual leadership, [1 Timothy 4:11](/1_timothy/4-11 "Command and Teach These Things") serves as a profound reminder of the solemn charge entrusted to them. It calls for a courageous and unwavering commitment to declaring God's truth with authority, even when it is unpopular or challenging to the prevailing culture. This isn't about personal opinion or preference, but about faithfully stewarding the revealed Word of God. Simultaneously, it demands a patient and diligent approach to teaching, ensuring that believers not only hear the truth but also understand its implications, internalize its principles, and are equipped to live it out. For all believers, this verse highlights the importance of submitting to sound biblical teaching and actively seeking to grow in understanding and application of "these things"—the core truths of our faith. It encourages us to discern carefully what we hear, aligning it with the unchanging Word of God, and to live lives that reflect the godliness we are taught.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to more fully submit to the "commands" of God's Word?**
* **How am I actively participating in the process of being "taught" by God's Word, whether through personal study or corporate instruction?**
* **If I am in a position of spiritual influence, how am I balancing the authoritative declaration of truth with patient, clear instruction?**
* **What "these things" (core biblical truths) do I need to prioritize in my own spiritual growth and in my interactions with others?**

### FAQ

**What are "these things" that Timothy is commanded to teach?**

Answer: "These things" refers to the sound doctrines and principles Paul has just outlined in the preceding verses of [1 Timothy 4](/1_timothy/4 "First Timothy Chapter 4"). Specifically, they include the goodness of God's creation (as opposed to ascetic denials), the value of spiritual discipline and godliness over mere physical training, the truth that God is the "Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe," and the absolute trustworthiness of this message ([1 Timothy 4:4-10](/1_timothy/4-4-10 "The Trustworthy Saying")). Timothy is to uphold and transmit these foundational truths of the Christian faith.

**What is the difference between "command" and "teach" in this context?**

Answer: The two verbs, "command" (Greek: _parangéllō_) and "teach" (Greek: _didáskō_), represent distinct but complementary aspects of pastoral ministry. "Command" carries the weight of an authoritative directive or a solemn charge, implying that these truths are not optional but essential and must be proclaimed with conviction. "Teach," on the other hand, refers to the systematic instruction, explanation, and imparting of knowledge, ensuring that believers understand the meaning and application of these truths. Together, they emphasize that Timothy's role involves both the authoritative declaration of divine truth and the patient, thorough instruction of believers in its meaning and implications for their lives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 4:11](/1_timothy/4-11 "Command and Teach These Things") is a direct instruction to Timothy on pastoral leadership, its ultimate fulfillment and underlying authority rest entirely in Jesus Christ. The "these things" that Timothy is to command and teach are not arbitrary rules but divine truths revealed through Christ and centered on His person and work. Jesus Himself was the ultimate example of one who both commanded with authority and taught with profound insight. He declared the kingdom of God with unparalleled authority, saying, "You have heard that it was said... but I tell you" ([Matthew 5:21-22](/matthew/5-21-22 "Jesus Teaches on Murder")), and He systematically taught His disciples the mysteries of the kingdom, preparing them to carry on His mission ([Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10-17 "The Purpose of Parables")). The trustworthy saying Paul refers to—that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" ([1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners"))—is the very core of the message Timothy is to command and teach. Ultimately, all sound doctrine and godly living flow from Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and the one in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Thus, Timothy's mandate, and indeed all Christian ministry, is a participation in Christ's ongoing work of proclaiming and explaining the truth of salvation and discipleship to a lost world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 6:2

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise [them], because they are brethren; but rather do [them] service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

1 Timothy 5:7

And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

Titus 2:15

¶ These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Titus 3:8

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.