1 Timothy 1:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

πιστὸς

G4103

This is a faithful

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

ὁ

G3588

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

λόγος

G3056

saying

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ

G2532

and

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

πάσης

G3956

of all

all, any, every, the whole

ἀποδοχῆς

G594

acceptation

acceptance

ἄξιος

G514

worthy

deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Χριστὸς

G5547

Christ

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

#10

Ἰησοῦς

G2424

Jesus

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

#11

ἦλθεν

G2064

came

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

#12

εἰς

G1519

into

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#13

τὸν

G3588

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

#14

κόσμον

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#15

ἁμαρτωλοὺς

G268

sinners

sinful, i.e., a sinner

#16

σῶσαι

G4982

to save

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

#17

ὧν

G3739

of whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#18

πρῶτός

G4413

chief

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#19

εἰμι

G1510

i exist (used only when emphatic)

#20

ἐγώ

G1473

i, me

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Timothy. The concept of faith reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes pistis in Greek, encompassing both belief and faithfulness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

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?
How might the original audience's understanding of faith differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?