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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Ti 4:12 |
Strong Concordance |
Let [2706] no man [3367] despise [2706] thy [4675] youth [3503]; but [235] be thou [1096] an example [5179] of the believers [4103], in [1722] word [3056], in [1722] conversation [391], in [1722] charity [26], in [1722] spirit [4151], in [1722] faith [4102], in [1722] purity [47]. |
| |
King James |
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
Let no man despise thy youth--Act so as to be respected in spite of thy youth (Co1 16:11; Tit 2:15); compare "youthful" as to Timothy (Ti2 2:22). He was but a mere youth when he joined Paul (Act 16:1-3). Eleven years had elapsed since then to the time subsequent to Paul's first imprisonment. He was, therefore, still young; especially in comparison with Paul, whose place he was filling; also in relation to elderly presbyters whom he should "entreat as a father" (Ti1 5:1), and generally in respect to his duties in rebuking, exhorting, and ordaining (Ti1 3:1), which ordinarily accord best with an elderly person (Ti1 5:19).
be thou an example--Greek, "become a pattern" (Tit 2:7); the true way of making men not to despise (slight, or disregard) thy youth.
in word--in all that thou sayest in public and private.
conversation--that is, "behavior" the Old English sense of the word.
in charity . . . faith--the two cardinal principles of the Christian (Gal 5:6). The oldest manuscripts omit, "in spirit."
in purity--simplicity of holy motive followed out in consistency of holy action [ALFORD] (Ti1 5:22; Co2 6:6; Jam 3:17; Jam 4:8; Pe1 1:22). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Let no man despise thy youth - That is, do not act in such a manner that any shall despise you on account of your youth. Act as becomes a minister of the gospel in all things, and in such a way that people will respect you as such, though you are young. It is clear from this that Timothy was then a young man, but his exact age there is no means of determining. It is implied here:
(1) that there was danger that, by the levity and indiscretion to which youth are so much exposed, the ministry might be regarded with contempt; and,
(2) that it was possible that his deportment should be so grave, serious, and every way appropriate, that the ministry would not be blamed, but honored. The "way" in which Timothy was to live so that the ministry would not be despised on account of his youth, the apostle proceeds immediately to specify.
But be thou an example of the believers - One of the constant duties of a minister of the gospel, no matter what his age. A minister should so live, that if all his people should closely follow his example, their salvation would be secure, and they would make the highest possible attainments in piety. On the meaning of the word rendered "example," see the notes on Phi 3:17; Th1 1:7.
In word - In "speech," that is, your manner of conversation. This does not refer to his "public teaching" - in which he could not probably be an "example" to them - but to his usual and familiar conversation.
In conversation - In general deportment. See this word explained in the notes on Phi 1:27.
In charity - Love to the brethren, and to all; see notes on 1 Cor. 13.
In spirit - In the government of your passions, and in a mild, meek, forgiving disposition.
In faith - At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God.
In purity - In chasteness of life; see Ti1 5:2. There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex that would give rise to scandal. The papists, with great impropriety, understand this as enjoining celibacy - as if there could be no "purity" in that holy relation which God appointed in Eden, and which he has declared to "be honorable in all" Heb 13:4, and which he has made so essential to the wellbeing of mankind. If the apostle had wished to produce the highest possible degree of corruption in the church, he would have enjoined the celibacy of the clergy and the celibacy of an indefinite number of nuns and monks. There are no other institutions on the earth which have done so much to corrupt the chastity of the race, as those which have grown out of the doctrine that celibacy is more honorable than marriage. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Youth (νεότητος)
oP. See Luk 18:21. Act 26:4. See Introduction, VII. Timothy was probably from 38 to 40 years old at this time.
In word (ἐν λόγῳ)
Including teaching and verbal intercourse of every kind.
Conversation (ἀναστροφῇ)
Comp. Gal 1:13; Eph 4:22; Jam 3:13. A favorite word with Peter. See on Pe1 1:15.
In spirit
Omit.
Purity (ἁγνίᾳ)
Only here and Ti1 5:2. Ἁγνός pure, Ti1 5:22; Tit 2:5. In Paul, Co2 8:11; Co2 11:2; Phi 4:8. Also in James, Peter, and 1 John. Ἁγνότης purity, Co2 6:6; Co2 11:3. olxx, oClass. Ἁγνός always with a moral sense; not limited to sins of the flesh, but covering purity in motives as well as in acts. In Jo1 3:3, of Christ. In Co2 11:2, of virgin purity. In Jam 3:17, as a characteristic of heavenly wisdom. Ἁγνῶς purely (Phi 1:17), of preaching the gospel with unmixed motives. The verb ἁγνίζειν to purify, which in lxx is used only of ceremonial purification, has that meaning in four of the seven instances in N.T. (Joh 11:55; Act 21:24, Act 21:26; Act 24:18). In the others (Jam 4:8; Pe1 1:22; Jo1 3:3) it is used of purifying the heart and soul. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Let no one have reason to despise thee for thy youth. To prevent this, Be a pattern in word - Public and private. In spirit - In your whole temper. In faith - When this is placed in the midst of several other Christian graces, it generally means a particular branch of it; fidelity or faithfulness. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
Let no man despise thy youth - Act with all the gravity and decorum which become thy situation in the Church. As thou art in the place of an elder, act as an elder. Boyish playfulness ill becomes a minister of the Gospel, whatever his age may be. Concerning Timothy's age see the conclusion of the preface to this epistle.
Be thou an example of the believers - It is natural for the flock to follow the shepherd; if he go wrong, they will go wrong also.
"Himself a wanderer from the narrow way,
His silly sheep, no wonder if they stray."
Though, according to the just judgement of God, they who die in their sins have their blood on their own head; yet, if they have either gone into sin or continued in it through the watchman's fault, their blood will God require at his hand. How many have endeavored to excuse their transgressions by alleging, in vindication of their conduct, "Our minister does so, and he is more wise and learned than we." What an awful account must such have to give to the Head of the Church when he appears!
In word - Εν λογῳ· In doctrine; teach nothing but the truth of God, because nothing but that will save souls.
In conversation - Εν αναστροφῃ· In the whole of thy conduct in every department which thou fillest in all thy domestic as well as public relations, behave thyself well.
In charity - Εν αγαπῃ· In love to God and man; show that this is the principle and motive of all thy conduct.
In spirit - Εν πνευματι· In the manner and disposition in which thou dost all things. How often is a holy or charitable work done in an unholy, uncharitable, and peevish spirit! To the doer, such work is unfruitful.
These words are wanting in ACDFG, and several others; both the Syriac, Erpen's Arabic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, and Itala, and many of the fathers. Griesbach leaves them out of the text. They have in all probability been added by a later hand.
In faith - Εν πιστει· This word πιστις is probably taken here for fidelity, a sense which it often bears in the New Testament. It cannot mean doctrine, for that has been referred to before. Be faithful to thy trust, to thy flock, to thy domestics, to the public, to thy God. Fidelity consists in honestly keeping, preserving, and delivering up when required, whatever is intrusted to our care; as also in improving whatever is delivered in trust for that purpose. Lose nothing that God gives, and improve every gift that he bestows.
In purity - Εν ἁγνεια· Chastity of body and mind; a direction peculiarly necessary for a young minister, who has more temptations to break its rules than perhaps any other person. "Converse sparingly with women, and especially with young women," was the advice of a very holy and experienced minister of Christ. |
22 Seeing ye have purified [48] your [5216] souls [5590] in [1722] obeying [5218] the truth [225] through [1223] the Spirit [4151] unto [1519] unfeigned [505] love of the brethren [5360], see that ye love [25] one another [240] with [1537] a pure [2513] heart [2588] fervently [1619]:
8 Draw nigh [1448] to God [2316], and [2532] he will draw nigh [1448] to you [5213]. Cleanse [2511] your hands [5495], ye sinners [268]; and [2532] purify [48] your hearts [2588], ye double minded [1374].
17 But [1161] the wisdom [4678] that is from above [509] is [2076] first [4412] pure [3303] [53], then [1899] peaceable [1516], gentle [1933], and easy to be intreated [2138], full [3324] of mercy [1656] and [2532] good [18] fruits [2590], without partiality [87], and [2532] without hypocrisy [505].
6 By [1722] pureness [54], by [1722] knowledge [1108], by [1722] longsuffering [3115], by [1722] kindness [5544], by [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151], by [1722] love [26] unfeigned [505],
22 Lay [2007] hands [5495] suddenly [5030] on [2007] no man [3367], neither [3366] be partaker [2841] of other [245] men's sins [266]: keep [5083] thyself [4572] pure [53].
6 For [1063] in [1722] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547] neither [3777] circumcision [4061] availeth [2480] any thing [5100], nor [3777] uncircumcision [203]; but [235] faith [4102] which worketh [1754] by [1223] love [26].
7 In [4012] all things [3956] shewing [3930] thyself [4572] a pattern [5179] of good [2570] works [2041]: in [1722] doctrine [1319] shewing uncorruptness [90], gravity [4587], sincerity [861],
19 Against [2596] an elder [4245] receive [3858] not [3361] an accusation [2724], but [1508] [1622] before [1909] two [1417] or [2228] three [5140] witnesses [3144].
1 This is a true [4103] saying [3056], If a man [1536] desire [3713] the office of a bishop [1984], he desireth [1937] a good [2570] work [2041].
1 Rebuke [1969] not [3361] an elder [4245], but [235] intreat [3870] him as [5613] a father [3962]; and the younger men [3501] as [5613] brethren [80];
1 Then [1161] came he [2658] to [1519] Derbe [1191] and [2532] Lystra [3082]: and [2532], behold [2400], a certain [5100] disciple [3101] was [2258] there [1563], named [3686] Timotheus [5095], the son [5207] of a certain [5100] woman [1135], which was a Jewess [2453], and believed [4103]; but [1161] his father [3962] was a Greek [1672]:
2 Which [3739] was well reported [3140] of by [5259] the brethren [80] that were at [1722] Lystra [3082] and [2532] Iconium [2430].
3 Him [5126] would [2309] Paul [3972] have to go forth [1831] with [4862] him [846]; and [2532] took [2983] and circumcised [4059] him [846] because [1223] of the Jews [2453] which [3588] were [5607] in [1722] those [1565] quarters [5117]: for [1063] they knew [1492] all [537] that [3754] his [846] father [3962] was [5225] a Greek [1672].
22 Flee [5343] also [1161] youthful [3512] lusts [1939]: but [1161] follow [1377] righteousness [1343], faith [4102], charity [26], peace [1515], with [3326] them that call on [1941] the Lord [2962] out of [1537] a pure [2513] heart [2588].
15 These things [5023] speak [2980], and [2532] exhort [3870], and [2532] rebuke [1651] with [3326] all [3956] authority [2003]. Let [4065] no man [3367] despise [4065] thee [4675].
11 Let [1848] no [3361] man [5100] therefore [3767] despise [1848] him [846]: but [1161] conduct [4311] him [846] forth [4311] in [1722] peace [1515], that [2443] he may come [2064] unto [4314] me [3165]: for [1063] I look for [1551] him [846] with [3326] the brethren [80].
4 Marriage [1062] is honourable [5093] in [1722] all [3956], and [2532] the bed [2845] undefiled [283]: but [1161] whoremongers [4205] and [2532] adulterers [3432] God [2316] will judge [2919].
2 The elder women [4245] as [5613] mothers [3384]; the younger [3501] as [5613] sisters [79], with [1722] all [3956] purity [47].
27 Only [3440] let your conversation be [4176] as it becometh [516] the gospel [2098] of Christ [5547]: that [2443] whether [1535] I come [2064] and [2532] see [1492] you [5209], or [1535] else be absent [548], I may hear [191] of your [5216] affairs [4012], that [3754] ye stand fast [4739] in [1722] one [1520] spirit [4151], with one [3391] mind [5590] striving together [4866] for the faith [4102] of the gospel [2098];
7 So [5620] that ye [5209] were [1096] ensamples [5179] to all [3956] that believe [4100] in [1722] Macedonia [3109] and [2532] Achaia [882].
17 Brethren [80], be [1096] followers together [4831] of me [3450], and [2532] mark [4648] them which walk [4043] so [3779] as [2531] ye have [2192] us [2248] for an ensample [5179].
3 And [2532] every man [3956] that hath [2192] this [5026] hope [1680] in [1909] him [846] purifieth [48] himself [1438], even as [2531] he [1565] is [2076] pure [53].
22 Seeing ye have purified [48] your [5216] souls [5590] in [1722] obeying [5218] the truth [225] through [1223] the Spirit [4151] unto [1519] unfeigned [505] love of the brethren [5360], see that ye love [25] one another [240] with [1537] a pure [2513] heart [2588] fervently [1619]:
8 Draw nigh [1448] to God [2316], and [2532] he will draw nigh [1448] to you [5213]. Cleanse [2511] your hands [5495], ye sinners [268]; and [2532] purify [48] your hearts [2588], ye double minded [1374].
18 [1161] Whereupon [1722] [3739] certain [5100] Jews [2453] from [575] Asia [773] found [2147] me [3165] purified [48] in [1722] the temple [2411], neither [3756] with [3326] multitude [3793], nor [3761] with [3326] tumult [2351].
26 Then [5119] Paul [3972] took [3880] the men [435], and the next [2192] day [2250] purifying himself [48] with [4862] them [846] entered [1524] into [1519] the temple [2411], to signify [1229] the accomplishment [1604] of the days [2250] of purification [49], until [2193] that [3739] an offering [4376] should be offered [4374] for [5228] every [1538] one [1520] of them [846].
24 Them [5128] take [3880], and purify thyself [48] with [4862] them [846], and [2532] be at charges [1159] with [1909] them [846], that [2443] they may shave [3587] their heads [2776]: and [2532] all [3956] may know [1097] that those things [3754], whereof [3739] they were informed [2727] concerning [4012] thee [4675], are [2076] nothing [3762]; but [235] that thou thyself [846] also [2532] walkest orderly [4748], and keepest [5442] the law [3551].
55 And [1161] the Jews [2453]' passover [3957] was [2258] nigh at hand [1451]: and [2532] many [4183] went [305] out of [1537] the country [5561] up [1519] to Jerusalem [2414] before [4253] the passover [3957], to [2443] purify [48] themselves [1438].
17 But [1161] the other of [1537] love [26], knowing [1492] that [3754] I am set [2749] for [1519] the defence [627] of the gospel [2098].
17 But [1161] the wisdom [4678] that is from above [509] is [2076] first [4412] pure [3303] [53], then [1899] peaceable [1516], gentle [1933], and easy to be intreated [2138], full [3324] of mercy [1656] and [2532] good [18] fruits [2590], without partiality [87], and [2532] without hypocrisy [505].
2 For [1063] I am jealous [2206] over you [5209] with godly [2316] jealousy [2205]: for [1063] I have espoused [718] you [5209] to one [1520] husband [435], that I may present [3936] you as a chaste [53] virgin [3933] to Christ [5547].
3 And [2532] every man [3956] that hath [2192] this [5026] hope [1680] in [1909] him [846] purifieth [48] himself [1438], even as [2531] he [1565] is [2076] pure [53].
3 But [1161] I fear [5399], lest [3381] by any means [4458], as [5613] the serpent [3789] beguiled [1818] Eve [2096] through [1722] his [846] subtilty [3834], so [3779] your [5216] minds [3540] should be corrupted [5351] from [575] the simplicity [572] that is in [1519] Christ [5547].
6 By [1722] pureness [54], by [1722] knowledge [1108], by [1722] longsuffering [3115], by [1722] kindness [5544], by [1722] the Holy [40] Ghost [4151], by [1722] love [26] unfeigned [505],
8 Finally [3063], brethren [80], whatsoever things [3745] are [2076] true [227], whatsoever things [3745] are honest [4586], whatsoever things [3745] are just [1342], whatsoever things [3745] are pure [53], whatsoever things [3745] are lovely [4375], whatsoever things [3745] are of good report [2163]; if there be any [1536] virtue [703], and [2532] if there be any [1536] praise [1868], think [3049] on these things [5023].
2 For [1063] I am jealous [2206] over you [5209] with godly [2316] jealousy [2205]: for [1063] I have espoused [718] you [5209] to one [1520] husband [435], that I may present [3936] you as a chaste [53] virgin [3933] to Christ [5547].
11 Now [3570] [1161] therefore [2532] perform [2005] the doing [4160] of it; that [3704] as [2509] there was a readiness [4288] to will [2309], so [3779] there may be a performance [2005] also [2532] out of [1537] that which ye have [2192].
5 To be discreet [4998], chaste [53], keepers at home [3626], good [18], obedient [5293] to their own [2398] husbands [435], that [3363] the word [3056] of God [2316] be [987] not [3363] blasphemed [987].
22 Lay [2007] hands [5495] suddenly [5030] on [2007] no man [3367], neither [3366] be partaker [2841] of other [245] men's sins [266]: keep [5083] thyself [4572] pure [53].
2 The elder women [4245] as [5613] mothers [3384]; the younger [3501] as [5613] sisters [79], with [1722] all [3956] purity [47].
15 But [235] as [2596] he which hath called [2564] you [5209] is holy [40], so [2532] be [1096] ye [846] holy [40] in [1722] all [3956] manner of conversation [391];
13 Who [5101] is a wise man [4680] and [2532] endued with knowledge [1990] among [1722] you [5213]? let him shew [1166] out of [1537] a good [2570] conversation [391] his [846] works [2041] with [1722] meekness [4240] of wisdom [4678].
22 That ye [5209] put off [659] concerning [2596] the former [4387] conversation [391] the old [3820] man [444], which [3588] is corrupt [5351] according [2596] to the deceitful [539] lusts [1939];
13 For [1063] ye have heard [191] of my [1699] conversation [391] in time past [4218] in [1722] the Jews' religion [2454], how that [3754] beyond [2596] measure [5236] I persecuted [1377] the church [1577] of God [2316], and [2532] wasted [4199] it [846]:
4 My [3450] manner [3303] [3767] of life [981] from [1537] my youth [3503], which [3588] was [1096] at [575] the first [746] among [1722] mine [3450] own nation [1484] at [1722] Jerusalem [2414], know [2467] all [3956] the Jews [2453];
21 And [1161] he said [2036], All [3956] these [5023] have I kept [5442] from [1537] my [3450] youth [3503] up.