1 Timothy 4:10
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
Original Language Analysis
εἰς
therefore
G1519
εἰς
therefore
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
1 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὀνειδιζόμεθα,
suffer reproach
G3679
ὀνειδιζόμεθα,
suffer reproach
Strong's:
G3679
Word #:
7 of 19
to defame, i.e., rail at, chide, taunt
ὅτι
because
G3754
ὅτι
because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 19
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὅς
who
G3739
ὅς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 19
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
1 Timothy 2:4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.1 John 2:2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.1 Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.1 John 4:14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.John 4:42And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Historical Context
Paul's ministry involved constant hardship—beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, opposition (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). What sustained him? Hope in the living God who saves. Unlike dead idols worshiped in Ephesus, the Christian God is alive, active, powerful to save. This living God's saving purpose motivates costly ministry—we labor because people's eternal destiny is at stake.
Questions for Reflection
- What motivates exhausting, costly ministry—how does hope in God fuel perseverance?
- How is God 'Savior of all people' yet 'especially of believers'—what's the distinction?
- What role does belief in God's saving power play in sustaining difficult ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach (εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα, eis touto gar kai kopiōmen kai agōnizometha)—'for to this end we toil and strive.' Kopiaō means to labor to exhaustion, work hard. Agōnizomai means to struggle, fight, compete (as athletes). Some manuscripts read 'suffer reproach' (oneidizometha) instead of 'strive.' Either way, Paul describes strenuous, costly ministry.
Because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe (ὅτι ἠλπίκαμεν ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, ὅς ἐστιν σωτὴρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων, μάλιστα πιστῶν, hoti ēlpikamen epi theō zōnti, hos estin sōtēr pantōn anthrōpōn, malista pistōn)—'we have set our hope on the living God, who is Savior of all people, especially of believers.' Elpizō means to hope, trust. Sōtēr means savior, deliverer, preserver.
Paul's motivation for exhausting ministry: hope in the living God who saves. God is 'Savior of all people' in that He provides common grace (preserves life, sends rain, shows patience), but 'especially believers' who receive salvation unto eternal life. The distinction: God benefits all humanity, but saves eternally only those who believe.