1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Neglect {G272} not {G3361} the gift {G5486} that is in {G1722} thee {G4671}, which {G3739} was given {G1325} thee {G4671} by {G1223} prophecy {G4394}, with {G3326} the laying on {G1936} of the hands {G5495} of the presbytery {G4244}.

Do not neglect your gift, which you were given through a prophecy when the body of elders gave you s’mikhah.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

1 Timothy 4:14 (KJV) is a powerful admonition from the Apostle Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, urging him to diligently steward the spiritual endowment he has received for ministry. This verse underscores the divine origin and communal confirmation of Timothy's calling and gifts.

Historical and Cultural Context

This letter, 1 Timothy, is one of Paul's Pastoral Epistles, written to guide Timothy in his leadership role in the church at Ephesus. Timothy was likely a young leader facing various challenges, including false teachings and the immense responsibility of shepherding a nascent Christian community. The concept of "laying on of hands" was a well-established practice in both Old Testament and early Christian traditions, signifying blessing, ordination, or the impartation of spiritual authority and gifts. The "presbytery" refers to the body of elders or senior leaders within the church, highlighting the communal recognition and commissioning of Timothy's ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Stewardship of Spiritual Gifts: The primary message is an imperative to not neglect or become careless with the spiritual gifts God has bestowed. These gifts are not for personal gain but for the edification of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom.
  • Divine Calling and Confirmation: Timothy's gift was given "by prophecy," indicating a direct divine revelation or affirmation of his calling. This divine endorsement was then publicly recognized and confirmed "with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery," signifying the church's affirmation of God's work in him.
  • Communal Ordination: The involvement of the "presbytery" emphasizes the importance of corporate recognition and support for those entering ministry. It was not a solitary act but a communal acknowledgment of a divine appointment. This practice is also mentioned in Acts 13:3 for Barnabas and Saul.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "gift" is charisma (χάρισμα), which denotes a gift of grace, specifically a spiritual endowment from God. It's the same root word from which we get "charismatic." The phrase "neglect not" (μὴ ἀμέλει - mē amelei) is a strong prohibition, urging Timothy to actively cultivate and utilize his spiritual abilities rather than letting them lie dormant. "Presbytery" comes from presbyterion (πρεσβυτέριον), referring to a council of elders, underscoring the collective authority and wisdom present in the ordination process.

Related Scriptures

  • Paul reiterates a similar instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6, urging him to "stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." This suggests a personal impartation from Paul as well, or a broader recognition of Timothy's gifting.
  • The importance of spiritual gifts for the body of Christ is extensively discussed in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12:6-8, highlighting their diversity and purpose.
  • The role of elders (presbyteros) in the early church is further described in Titus 1:5 and Acts 14:23.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Timothy 4:14 serves as a timeless reminder to identify, develop, and utilize the spiritual gifts God has given them. Whether a gift of teaching, service, leadership, or encouragement, every believer is equipped by the Holy Spirit for ministry within the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10). This verse encourages us to:

  • Recognize our gifts: Seek to understand what spiritual endowments God has given us.
  • Cultivate them: Actively grow in our gifts through practice, study, and prayer.
  • Use them faithfully: Employ our gifts for the benefit of others and the glory of God, rather than letting them lie dormant due to fear, laziness, or doubt.
  • Value communal affirmation: Appreciate the role of the church community in recognizing and supporting one's calling and gifts.

The call to not neglect our gifts is a call to faithful stewardship of God's grace in our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 1:6

    ¶ Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

  • 1 Peter 4:9

    Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

  • 1 Peter 4:11

    If any man speak, [let him speak] as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him do it] as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Timothy 1:18

    ¶ This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

  • Acts 6:6

    Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:19

    Quench not the Spirit.

  • 1 Timothy 5:22

    Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

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