1 Timothy 4:12

Authorized King James Version

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
μηδείς
no man
not even one (man, woman, thing)
#2
σου
thy
of thee, thy
#3
τῆς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
νεότητος
youth
newness, i.e., youthfulness
#5
καταφρονείτω
Let
to think against, i.e., disesteem
#6
ἀλλὰ
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#7
τύπος
an example
a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp
#8
γίνου
be thou
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#9
τῶν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#10
πιστῶν
of the believers
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
#11
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#12
λόγῳ
word
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
#13
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
ἀναστροφῇ
conversation
behavior
#15
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
ἀγάπῃ
G26
charity
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
#17
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#18
πνεύματι,
spirit
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
#19
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#20
πίστει
faith
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
#21
ἐν
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#22
ἁγνείᾳ
G47
purity
cleanliness (the quality), i.e., (specially) chastity

Cross References

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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