1 Timothy 1:18

Authorized King James Version

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ταύτην
G3778
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#2
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
παραγγελίαν
G3852
charge
a mandate
#4
παρατίθεμαί
G3908
I commit
to place alongside, i.e., present (food, truth); by implication, to deposit (as a trust or for protection)
#5
σοι
G4671
unto thee
to thee
#6
τέκνον
G5043
son
a child (as produced)
#7
Τιμόθεε
G5095
Timothy
dear to god; timotheus, a christian
#8
κατὰ
G2596
according to
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#9
τὰς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
προαγούσας
G4254
which went before
to lead forward (magisterially); intransitively, to precede (in place or time (participle, previous))
#11
ἐπὶ
G1909
on
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#12
σὲ
G4571
thee
thee
#13
προφητείας
G4394
the prophecies
prediction (scriptural or other)
#14
ἵνα
G2443
that
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
#15
στρατεύῃ
G4754
mightest war
to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations
#16
ἐν
G1722
by
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#17
αὐταῖς
G846
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#18
τὴν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
καλὴν
G2570
a good
properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished
#20
στρατείαν
G4752
warfare
military service, i.e., (figuratively) the apostolic career (as one of hardship and danger)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Timothy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection