1 Timothy 1:14

Authorized King James Version

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ὑπερεπλεόνασεν

G5250

was exceeding abundant

to superabound

δὲ

G1161

And

but, and, etc

τῆς

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χάρις

G5485

the grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

τῆς

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν

G2257

of our

of (or from) us

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

πίστεως

G4102

faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

#10

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#11

ἀγάπης

G26

love

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

#12

τῆς

G3588

which

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

ἐν

G1722

is in

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#15

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Timothy, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of grace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about grace, 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Timothy chapter 1 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?