1 Timothy 1:4

Authorized King James Version

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Word-by-Word Analysis

μηδὲ

G3366

Neither

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

προσέχειν

G4337

give heed

(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to

μύθοις

G3454

to fables

a tale, i.e., fiction ("myth")

καὶ

G2532

and

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

γενεαλογίαις

G1076

genealogies

tracing by generations, i.e., "genealogy"

ἀπεράντοις

G562

endless

unfinished, i.e., (by implication) interminable

αἵτινες

G3748

which

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ζητήσεις

G2214

questions

a searching (properly, the act), i.e., a dispute or its theme

παρέχουσιν

G3930

minister

to hold near, i.e., present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion

#10

μᾶλλον

G3123

rather

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

#11

ἢ

G2228

than

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

#12

οἰκονομίαν

G3622

administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) "economy"

#13

θεοῦ

G2316

godly

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#14

τὴν

G3588

which

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

#15

ἐν

G1722

is in

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

#16

πίστει

G4102

faith

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

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?