Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Read it in contextTimothy as a faithful minister
Start reading at 1 Timothy 4:6 (1 Timothy 4:6 to 1 Timothy 4:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Timothy is directed to nourish himself in sound teaching, set an example, and continue attending to himself and the doctrine.
4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
4:7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
4:9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
4:10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
4:11These things command and teach.
4:12Let 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.
4:13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
4:14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
4:15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, the traditional attribution of this pastoral letter; some historical scholars dispute the authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Timothy 4:1–6:21): Paul instructs Timothy in teaching and caring for the congregation, including its older and younger members, widows, elders, servants, and wealthy members. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith, charged with ministry at Ephesus. The instructions also govern how the church is to conduct itself. Biblical references: 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:15. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Timothy as a faithful minister. Read 1 Timothy 4:6 through 1 Timothy 4:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Timothy is directed to nourish himself in sound teaching, set an example, and continue attending to himself and the doctrine. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter recalls Paul's departure into Macedonia and Timothy's charge at Ephesus. It does not give a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Timothy's assignment is associated with Ephesus. Some instructions concern assemblies and households rather than a single scene. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Timothy as a faithful minister (1 Timothy 4:6 to 1 Timothy 4:16).
Start reading at 1 Timothy 4:6. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter presents Christ's saving work and, in the KJV, confesses God manifested in the flesh. Read the household and ministry instructions in relation to the truth the church is charged to uphold. See 1 Timothy 1:15, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 Timothy 3:15, 1 Timothy 3:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Guard sound teaching, practice godliness, and care responsibly for the congregation and vulnerable people. Keep the addressed situations visible when applying instructions about leaders and households. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Timothy 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholePaul identifies doctrines that lead away from the faith and answers prohibitions concerning marriage and foods by appeal to God's creation and word.
Connection to the wholeTimothy is directed to nourish himself in sound teaching, set an example, and continue attending to himself and the doctrine.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Timothy
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul writes to Timothy, whom he left at Ephesus to address contrary teaching. Instructions concern doctrine, prayer, leadership, households, and conduct in the house of God.
Connection to the wholeDirections concerning worship and qualifications for overseers and deacons lead to the stated concern for behaviour in the church of the living God.
Connection to the wholePaul warns of departure from the faith and instructs Timothy to nourish the church through sound teaching and visible faithfulness.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts godliness with the love of money and closes by charging Timothy and the wealthy to live faithfully under God's sight.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.