1 Timothy 4:9

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.

American Standard Version

Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 4:9 serves as a powerful affirmation, declaring the absolute truth and profound importance of the preceding statement regarding the supreme value of godliness. Paul uses this emphatic phrase to underscore that the pursuit of spiritual devotion, unlike fleeting physical exercises or worldly fables, holds unparalleled benefits for both present and future life, making it a foundational principle deserving of universal and unreserved acceptance by all believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse acts as a strong seal of approval and an emphatic declaration of truth for the statement immediately preceding it in [1 Timothy 4:8](/1_timothy/4-8 "1 Timothy 4:8 - The Profitability of Godliness"). Paul has just contrasted "profane and old wives' fables" and "bodily exercise" with the spiritual discipline of "godliness," asserting that while the former "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, beginning with "This [is] a faithful saying," functions as a solemn, authoritative pronouncement, a common Pauline idiom found in the Pastoral Epistles (e.g., [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners"), [2 Timothy 2:11](/2_timothy/2-11 "2 Timothy 2:11 - If We Die with Him, We Shall Also Live with Him"), [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Good Works and God's Grace")). It signals that the preceding truth is not merely an opinion but a core, reliable doctrine of the Christian faith.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was serving in Ephesus, a bustling metropolitan city rife with diverse philosophical and religious influences, including Gnosticism, asceticism, and various myths. False teachers were actively undermining sound doctrine, promoting "fables" and advocating for practices like abstinence from certain foods and marriage ([1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "1 Timothy 4:3 - Forbidding Marriage and Meats")). In this environment, Paul’s instruction to Timothy was crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and promoting genuine piety. The cultural emphasis on physical training, particularly in Greek society with its gymnasia and athletic competitions, provides the backdrop for Paul's analogy in [1 Timothy 4:8](/1_timothy/4-8 "1 Timothy 4:8 - The Profitability of Godliness"). By contrasting "bodily exercise" with "godliness," Paul elevates the spiritual realm above the physical, a vital corrective in a culture that often idolized the body and its prowess.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes converging in this verse are the **Reliability of Christian Doctrine** and the **Supreme Value of Godliness**. The phrase "faithful saying" underscores that the truths Paul communicates are not speculative or transient, but rather foundational, trustworthy tenets of the Christian faith, deserving of full confidence and adherence. This theme is vital for Timothy's leadership in combating false teachings. Complementing this is the theme of the **Profitability and Supremacy of Godliness**, which is the core message being affirmed. Paul emphasizes that a life devoted to God yields benefits that far surpass any worldly gain, offering both temporal advantages ("life that now is") and eternal blessings ("of that which is to come"). This stands in stark contrast to the fleeting nature of earthly endeavors and "profane and old wives' fables" mentioned in [1 Timothy 4:7](/1_timothy/4-7 "1 Timothy 4:7 - Reject Profane Fables")). The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **Universal Acceptance**, as the truth about godliness is declared "worthy of all acceptation," implying its vital principle should be fully embraced by everyone without reservation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, meaning objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. In this context, it emphasizes the absolute reliability and credibility of the statement that godliness is profitable. It is a truth that can be fully depended upon.
* **saying (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning something said, including the thought; a topic or subject of discourse. Here, it refers to the specific declaration Paul has just made regarding the profitability of godliness. It is not just a word, but a profound and weighty statement.
* **acceptation (Greek, _apodochḗ'_):** From G594, meaning acceptance. This term signifies a full, unreserved reception or welcome. The truth about godliness is not merely to be acknowledged, but to be embraced and acted upon wholeheartedly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This [is] a faithful saying":** This clause serves as a solemn and authoritative declaration, affirming the absolute truth and reliability of the statement made in [1 Timothy 4:8](/1_timothy/4-8 "1 Timothy 4:8 - The Profitability of Godliness"). The Greek phrase, _pistos ho logos_, is a recurring idiom in the Pastoral Epistles, always introducing or reinforcing a core Christian maxim or theological truth that is utterly dependable and worthy of belief. It signals to the reader that what follows, or in this case, what precedes, is not a mere opinion or suggestion, but a foundational and indisputable tenet of the faith.
* **"and worthy of all acceptation":** This second clause amplifies the significance of the "faithful saying." The term "worthy" (áxios) implies that the truth about godliness is deserving of the highest regard and recognition, as if drawing praise. "All acceptation" (pâs apodochḗ) emphasizes that this truth should be received and embraced completely, without reservation, by everyone. It is not a truth for a select few, but a universal principle that demands full and unreserved reception and application by all who hear it, highlighting its profound importance and practical necessity for every believer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its emphatic message. Foremost is **Affirmation/Emphasis**, as the phrase "This is a faithful saying" serves as a strong, almost formulaic declaration, drawing attention to the preceding truth about godliness. This device elevates the statement from a mere piece of advice to a foundational, undeniable principle. There is also an implied **Contrast**, as the "faithful saying" about godliness stands in stark opposition to the "profane and old wives' fables" and the limited profit of "bodily exercise" mentioned in the immediate context ([1 Timothy 4:7-8](/1_timothy/4-7-8 "1 Timothy 4:7-8 - Godliness vs. Fables")). This contrast highlights the superior and eternal value of spiritual devotion. Finally, the phrase "faithful saying" functions as an **Idiom** or a recurring Pauline **Formula**, appearing multiple times in the Pastoral Epistles to introduce or underscore a core Christian truth, thereby lending it a sense of authority and established doctrine within the early church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 4:9 powerfully underscores the divine origin and unwavering reliability of God's revealed truth. By declaring the profitability of godliness to be a "faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation," Paul elevates this principle to the status of a foundational theological truth, akin to the gospel itself. It speaks to the character of God as one who is faithful to His promises, ensuring that the benefits of godliness—for both this life and the life to come—are not speculative but certain. This verse challenges believers to discern between fleeting worldly pursuits and enduring spiritual realities, anchoring their hope and efforts in the promises of a trustworthy God. It affirms that true wisdom lies in embracing and living by these divine truths, which alone offer ultimate fulfillment and eternal security.

* [1 Timothy 1:15](/1_timothy/1-15 "1 Timothy 1:15 - Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")
* [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Good Works and God's Grace")
* [2 Peter 1:3-4](/2_peter/1-3-4 "2 Peter 1:3-4 - Divine Power and Precious Promises")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 4:9 serves as a profound call to re-evaluate our priorities and firmly root our lives in the truths of God's Word. In a world constantly vying for our attention and energy with fleeting trends, empty promises, and distractions, this verse reminds us that true and lasting profit is found in the pursuit of godliness. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to the truth and to embrace it with "all acceptation"—meaning with full conviction, wholehearted commitment, and practical application in our daily lives. This involves intentionally cultivating spiritual disciplines, seeking to honor God in all areas, and trusting in His promises for both our present circumstances and our eternal future. When we truly accept that godliness is profitable for all things, our decisions, investments of time, and aspirations will naturally align with God's eternal purposes, leading to a life of genuine fulfillment and lasting impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "fables" or worldly pursuits might be distracting me from true godliness, and how can I re-prioritize my focus?**
* **How does my daily life, my choices, and my commitments reflect my "acceptation" of the truth that godliness is profitable for all things?**
* **In what specific areas do I need to deepen my trust in God's promises for both this life and the life to come, as affirmed by this "faithful saying"?**

### FAQ
**What is "the faithful saying" referred to in 1 Timothy 4:9?**

Answer: The "faithful saying" in [1 Timothy 4:9](/1_timothy/4-9 "1 Timothy 4:9 - A Faithful Saying") refers directly to the statement Paul makes in the preceding verse, [1 Timothy 4:8](/1_timothy/4-8 "1 Timothy 4:8 - The Profitability of Godliness"). This statement 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." Paul's use of "faithful saying" (Greek: _pistos ho logos_) is a recurring literary device in his Pastoral Epistles, used to highlight core, foundational Christian truths that are absolutely trustworthy and deserving of full belief and acceptance.

**Why does Paul emphasize that this saying is "worthy of all acceptation"?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes that this saying is "worthy of all acceptation" to underscore its universal truth, profound importance, and the necessity for every believer to fully embrace and live by it without reservation. The phrase "worthy of all acceptation" (Greek: _pases apodoches axios_) signifies that this truth is not merely a good idea or a suggestion, but a vital principle that demands complete and unreserved reception by all who hear it. In the context of combating false teachings and promoting sound doctrine, Paul's emphatic declaration serves to solidify the supreme value of godliness as an essential and non-negotiable aspect of Christian life, contrasting it with the fleeting and unprofitable pursuits advocated by some. It calls for a wholehearted commitment to spiritual devotion based on its inherent and promised benefits.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 4:9, affirming the supreme profitability of godliness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "faithful saying," for He is the [Word (Logos) made flesh](/john/1-1-4 "John 1:1-4 - The Word Became Flesh"), the ultimate revelation of God's truth and faithfulness. His life perfectly modeled true godliness, demonstrating complete devotion to the Father, obedience even unto death, and a life lived entirely for God's glory ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, Christ secured for us the very "life that now is, and of that which is to come!" He is the source of all spiritual profit, for in Him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). Our pursuit of godliness, therefore, is not a self-help endeavor but a Christ-centered transformation, as we are being [conformed to His image](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son") by the Spirit ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image")). Thus, the "faithful saying" is truly worthy of "all acceptation" because it points us to Christ, who is our life, our hope, and the very essence of true godliness, promising eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the 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 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.