1 Timothy 4:9

This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

This is a faithful ^{G4103} saying ^{G3056} and ^{G2532} worthy ^{G514} of all ^{G3956} acceptation ^{G594}.

Here is a statement you can trust, one that fully deserves to be accepted

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.

Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.

Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:9 KJV

1 Timothy 4:9 states, "This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation." This verse serves as a crucial affirmation, underscoring the absolute truth and profound importance of the preceding statement made by the Apostle Paul to Timothy.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul's exhortation in 1 Timothy 4:7-8, where he contrasts "profane and old wives' fables" with the pursuit of "godliness." Paul asserts that while "bodily exercise profiteth little," godliness "is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." Verse 9 then acts as a strong seal of approval, declaring the reliability and universal significance of this truth about the supreme value of spiritual devotion over mere physical discipline or worldly pursuits.

Key Themes

Reliability of Christian Doctrine: The phrase "faithful saying" indicates that the preceding statement is a foundational, trustworthy truth of the Christian faith, deserving of full confidence.
Supreme Value of Godliness: The core message being affirmed is that godliness, or devotion to God, yields benefits that far surpass any worldly gain, offering both temporal and eternal advantages. This contrasts sharply with fleeting earthly endeavors.
Universal Acceptance: "Worthy of all acceptation" emphasizes that this truth is not merely a good idea but a vital principle that should be fully embraced and acted upon by everyone, without reservation.
Divine Assurance: It highlights the certainty of God's promises, particularly concerning the life that now is and the life to come for those who pursue godliness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "faithful saying" is pistos ho logos (πιστὸς ὁ λόγος). This exact expression appears several times in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 3:1, 2 Timothy 2:11, Titus 3:8), always introducing or affirming a core Christian truth or maxim that is utterly reliable and true. The term "worthy of all acceptation" translates pases apodoches axios (πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος), signifying that the truth is deserving of complete and unreserved reception by all who hear it.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Timothy 4:9 serves as a powerful encouragement to prioritize spiritual growth and godliness above all else. It reminds us that our devotion to God, expressed through a life of faith, obedience, and character, has eternal significance and holds promises for both our present existence and our future hope. This verse calls us to confidently embrace the foundational truths of Christianity and to live in light of their profound value, trusting in the promises of God for eternal life and blessedness. It challenges us to assess where we invest our time and energy, ensuring that we are truly investing in what is "profitable unto all things."

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.

1 Timothy 1:15

This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.