1 Timothy 1:19

Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἔχων

G2192

Holding

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πίστιν

G4102

faith

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

ἀγαθὴν

G18

a good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

συνείδησιν

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἥν

G3739

which

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

τινες

G5100

some

some or any person or object

ἀπωσάμενοι

G683

having put away

to push off, figuratively, to reject

περὶ

G4012

concerning

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

#10

τὴν

G3588

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

#11

πίστιν

G4102

faith

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

#12

ἐναυάγησαν

G3489

have made shipwreck

to be shipwrecked (stranded, "navigate"), literally or figuratively

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?