1 Timothy 4:4

KJV

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} every {G3956} creature {G2938} of God {G2316} is good {G2570}, and {G2532} nothing {G3762} to be refused {G579}, if it be received {G2983} with {G3326} thanksgiving {G2169}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For everything created by God is good, and nothing received with thanksgiving needs to be rejected,

Berean Standard Bible

For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,

American Standard Version

For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse serves as a foundational theological statement affirming the inherent goodness of God's creation, particularly in response to ascetic teachings that condemned certain foods or practices. Paul asserts that everything God has made is inherently good and permissible for consumption, provided it is received with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving, thereby transforming an ordinary act into an expression of worship and trust in the Creator's provision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse stands as a direct and powerful theological counterpoint to the false teachings Paul warns against in the immediately preceding verses. In [1 Timothy 4:1-3](/1-timothy/4-1-3 "1 Timothy 4:1-3 - Warnings Against False Teachers"), Paul describes those who will "depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils," specifically highlighting their prohibitions against marriage and certain foods. [1 Timothy 4:4](/1-timothy/4-4 "1 Timothy 4:4 - God's Good Creation") then provides the divine truth that dismantles such legalistic and ascetic errors, emphasizing God's benevolent design for His creation. This affirmation of creation's goodness sets the stage for Paul's subsequent instructions to Timothy on how to be a faithful minister of Christ, focusing on sound doctrine and godliness rather than human traditions, as seen in [1 Timothy 4:6-10](/1-timothy/4-6-10 "1 Timothy 4:6-10 - Godly Living and Training"). The entire chapter underscores the critical importance of discerning truth from error, particularly concerning Christian liberty and the nature of God's created order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During Paul's time, various philosophical and religious currents, including early forms of Gnosticism and certain ascetic movements, often promoted a dualistic worldview. This perspective posited that matter was inherently evil or inferior, while spirit was inherently good. Such beliefs led some to advocate for extreme self-denial, including abstinence from marriage and specific foods, as a means of achieving spiritual purity or escaping the perceived defilement of the physical world. Within some Jewish Christian circles, there might also have been a tendency to impose strict dietary laws or other human-made regulations on Gentile believers, failing to fully grasp the freedom brought by the new covenant. Paul's teaching in [1 Timothy 4:4](/1-timothy/4-4 "1 Timothy 4:4 - God's Good Creation") directly confronts these tendencies, asserting a biblical worldview where all of God's creation is inherently good, reflecting His own perfect character and benevolent design.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in [1 Timothy 4](/1-timothy/4 "1 Timothy 4 - Instructions for Timothy") is the defense and promotion of sound doctrine against the encroaching influence of false teaching. [1 Timothy 4:4](/1-timothy/4-4 "1 Timothy 4:4 - God's Good Creation") specifically contributes to the theme of the **goodness of God's creation**, echoing the repeated divine affirmation in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") that God saw everything He had made, and "behold, it was very good" ([Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "Genesis 1:31 - God's Creation is Very Good")). This principle directly challenges any dualistic or ascetic worldview that condemns material things. Another significant theme is **Christian liberty versus legalism**. Paul argues against man-made rules that bind the conscience, emphasizing that believers are free from such external regulations concerning food, provided their actions are accompanied by a heart of gratitude. This ties into the broader New Testament teaching on freedom in Christ ([Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")). Finally, the verse highlights the **transformative power of thanksgiving**, suggesting that an attitude of gratitude sanctifies the use of God's provisions, turning consumption into an act of worship, as seen in [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1-corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Creature (Greek, _ktísma'_):** This term, derived from the verb meaning "to create," refers to "an original formation (concretely), i.e., product (created thing)." In this context, it primarily denotes food and animals, but by extension, it refers to anything brought into existence by God. Paul's use of _ktísma_ reinforces the idea that these items are not inherently evil or defiling, but are direct results of God's creative act, thereby possessing an inherent goodness that reflects their divine origin.
* **Good (Greek, _kalós'_):** This adjective signifies "properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from ἀγαθός, which is properly intrinsic)." When applied to God's creation, _kalós_ implies not only intrinsic goodness but also suitability, excellence, and moral uprightness in its design and intended purpose. It suggests that God's creation is noble, fit, and beautiful in its very essence.
* **Thanksgiving (Greek, _eucharistía'_):** This noun, from which we derive "Eucharist," means "gratitude" and "grateful language (to God, as an act of worship)." It points to the essential attitude required for properly receiving God's provisions. Receiving something with _eucharistía_ transforms the act from mere consumption into a conscious acknowledgment of God's benevolent provision, making it an act of worship, faith, and sanctification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every creature of God is good":** This foundational statement asserts the inherent goodness of all things brought into existence by God. It directly counters dualistic or ascetic views that might deem certain aspects of creation (such as food or marriage, as mentioned in the preceding verse) as intrinsically evil or defiling. The goodness of creation is a direct reflection of the goodness and perfect design of the Creator Himself, affirming His benevolent intent for all He has made.
* **"and nothing to be refused":** This clause serves as a direct logical consequence of the first. If something is inherently good because God created it, then it should not be rejected, condemned, or forbidden for use by believers. This declaration provides a strong theological basis for Christian liberty, challenging any man-made prohibitions or dietary restrictions that contradict God's original design and provision. It implies that believers are free to partake in God's provisions without guilt or spiritual condemnation.
* **"if it be received with thanksgiving":** This crucial qualifier introduces the indispensable condition for the proper reception and use of God's good creation. While the creature itself is good, its proper use is contingent upon the recipient's attitude. "Thanksgiving" (_eucharistía_) implies not just a polite acknowledgment but a deep, heartfelt gratitude that recognizes God as the ultimate Giver and Sustainer. This act of gratitude sanctifies the creature, transforming its use into an act of worship, demonstrating faith in God's provision, and aligning the heart with His will.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Assertion** and **Contrast** in this verse to powerfully convey his message. The direct, declarative assertion "For every creature of God is good" stands in stark contrast to the erroneous, prohibitive teachings he describes in [1 Timothy 4:1-3](/1-timothy/4-1-3 "1 Timothy 4:1-3 - Warnings Against False Teachers"). This immediate juxtaposition highlights the error of the false teachers by presenting the divine truth as a clear counterpoint. The phrase "nothing to be refused" is an example of **Litotes**, a rhetorical device where an affirmative is expressed by negating its opposite, effectively emphasizing the absolute permissibility and non-rejectable nature of God's creation. Furthermore, the conditional clause "if it be received with thanksgiving" introduces a crucial **Qualifier**, which serves as a form of **Nuance**, ensuring that the freedom proclaimed is not misunderstood as license, but is always exercised within the context of a grateful heart and an acknowledgment of God's benevolent provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 4:4 profoundly connects to the biblical doctrine of creation, affirming God's sovereignty and the inherent goodness of all He has made. This verse challenges any philosophy or religious system that denigrates the material world or imposes arbitrary restrictions on God's good gifts. It underscores that true spirituality is not found in asceticism or legalistic adherence to human rules, but in a heart of gratitude and trust in God's provision. The act of receiving with thanksgiving transforms the ordinary into the sacred, making every meal a potential act of worship and acknowledging God as the benevolent provider of all good things. This principle extends beyond food to all aspects of life, encouraging believers to enjoy God's creation responsibly and gratefully, understanding that all things are sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

* [Romans 14:14](/romans/14-14 "Romans 14:14 - Nothing is Unclean in Itself")
* [Titus 1:15](/titus/1-15 "Titus 1:15 - To the Pure All Things are Pure")
* [Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Freedom from Dietary and Festival Laws")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse calls believers to a profound appreciation for God's creation and a discerning spirit regarding human-made rules. In a world often tempted by extremes—either unrestrained indulgence or rigid asceticism—1 Timothy 4:4 provides a balanced, Christ-centered perspective. It invites us to enjoy the tangible blessings of life, recognizing each one as a gift from a loving Creator. Our freedom in Christ means we are not bound by external regulations concerning what we eat or drink, but rather by the internal principle of love and gratitude. This freedom, however, is not a license for gluttony, selfishness, or ungodly behavior, but an opportunity to honor God in all things. Cultivating a heart of thanksgiving for even the simplest provisions transforms our daily lives into acts of worship, reminding us of God's faithful care and abundant provision, and fostering a deeper relationship with our Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might a lack of gratitude for God's provisions indicate a deeper spiritual issue in one's life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be imposing unnecessary restrictions on yourself or others, rather than embracing the freedom found in Christ?**
* **How can the act of receiving with thanksgiving transform ordinary daily activities into spiritual disciplines and expressions of worship?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean Christians can eat anything without exception?**

Answer: This verse primarily addresses the false teaching that certain foods are inherently evil or defiling, particularly in the context of ascetic practices that forbade meats. Paul asserts that all of God's creation, including food, is inherently good. However, the crucial qualifier "if it be received with thanksgiving" is vital. This implies that while the food itself is good, its consumption should be accompanied by a grateful heart that acknowledges God as the provider. Furthermore, other biblical principles, such as not causing a brother or sister to stumble ([Romans 14:13-23](/romans/14-13-23 "Romans 14:13-23 - Not Causing Others to Stumble")) or maintaining a healthy body as a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1-corinthians/6-19-20 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple")), still apply. So, while the verse grants broad liberty regarding food, it's not an endorsement of gluttony or practices that violate love for others or responsible self-care.

**How does "received with thanksgiving" sanctify food?**

Answer: The act of receiving with thanksgiving sanctifies food not by changing its intrinsic nature, but by setting it apart for God's intended purpose through an act of worship and acknowledgment of His provision. As Paul states in [Romans 14:6](/romans/14-6 "Romans 14:6 - Eating to the Lord"), "he that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks." When we give thanks, we acknowledge God's ownership and benevolence, transforming a physical act into a spiritual one. It's a recognition that God is the source of all good and perfect gifts ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")). This attitude of gratitude consecrates the meal, making it an acceptable offering to God and aligning our hearts with His will, thus making it "sanctified by the word of God and prayer" ([1 Timothy 4:5](/1-timothy/4-5 "1 Timothy 4:5 - Sanctified by Word and Prayer")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 4:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the perfect embodiment of God's good creation and the one through whom all things are sustained. The inherent goodness of creation, affirmed in this verse, points to Christ as the very agent of creation, for "all things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - Christ as Creator")). Furthermore, Christ's earthly ministry consistently challenged legalistic interpretations of the law, emphasizing the spirit over the letter, and freedom over burdensome rules, as seen in His teachings on the Sabbath ([Mark 2:27-28](/mark/2-27-28 "Mark 2:27-28 - Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath")). He declared that "not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man" ([Matthew 15:11](/matthew/15-11 "Matthew 15:11 - What Defiles a Person")), profoundly shifting the focus from external purity laws to the internal condition of the heart. The "thanksgiving" aspect of the verse also resonates deeply with Christ's own example; He consistently gave thanks to the Father, even before miraculous provisions like the feeding of the five thousand ([Matthew 14:19](/matthew/14-19 "Matthew 14:19 - Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand")). Ultimately, Christ's atoning work on the cross liberated believers from the bondage of sin and the curse of the law, including man-made regulations, allowing them to enjoy God's good creation with a clear conscience and a grateful heart, knowing that "if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" ([John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - Freedom in Christ")).

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

Romans 14:20

For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed [are] pure; but [it is] evil for that man who eateth with offence.

1 Corinthians 10:25

Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, [that] eat, asking no question for conscience sake:

Romans 14:14

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean.

Acts 21:25

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written [and] concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from [things] offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

1 Corinthians 10:23

¶ All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Acts 11:7

And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

Acts 11:9

But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, [that] call not thou common.