1 Timothy 1:13

Authorized King James Version

Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τὸν
G3588
Who
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
πρότερον
G4386
before
previously
#3
ὄντα
G5607
was
being
#4
βλάσφημον
G989
a blasphemer
scurrilious, i.e., calumnious (against men), or (specially) impious (against god)
#5
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#6
διώκτην
G1376
a persecutor
a persecutor
#7
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
ὑβριστήν
G5197
injurious
an insulter, i.e., maltreater
#9
ἀλλ'
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#10
ἠλεήθην
G1653
I obtained mercy
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
#11
ὅτι
G3754
because
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#12
ἀγνοῶν
G50
it ignorantly
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
#13
ἐποίησα
G4160
I did
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#14
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#15
ἀπιστίᾳ·
G570
unbelief
faithlessness, i.e., (negatively) disbelief (lack of christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Timothy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of mercy connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about mercy, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to 1 Timothy's theological argument.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood mercy. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection