1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Original Language Analysis
ἕως
Till
G2193
ἕως
Till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
1 of 9
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἔρχομαι
I come
G2064
ἔρχομαι
I come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
2 of 9
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρόσεχε
give attendance
G4337
πρόσεχε
give attendance
Strong's:
G4337
Word #:
3 of 9
(figuratively) to hold the mind (3563 implied) towards, i.e., pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 6:4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.Acts 17:11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.John 5:39Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.Deuteronomy 17:19And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Historical Context
Early Christian worship followed synagogue patterns: public Scripture reading followed by exposition and exhortation (Acts 13:15, Luke 4:16-21). In a largely illiterate culture where few owned Scripture copies, public reading was essential. Timothy's ministry centered on Scripture—reading it aloud, applying it personally, teaching it accurately. This biblical focus distinguished Christian worship from pagan ritual and mystery religions.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul prioritize public Scripture reading as central to worship?
- How do reading, exhortation, and teaching work together in pastoral ministry?
- What does this verse teach about the sufficiency of Scripture for church life?
Analysis & Commentary
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine (ἕως ἔρχομαι πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, heōs erchomai proseche tē anagnōsei, tē paraklēsei, tē didaskalia)—'devote yourself to the public reading, to exhortation, to teaching.' Prosechō means to give attention, devote oneself to, focus on.
Reading (anagnōsis) refers to public reading of Scripture in worship—the foundation of Christian gathering (Colossians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:27). Exhortation (paraklēsis) is encouragement, appeal, consolation—applying Scripture to life. Doctrine (didaskalia) is systematic teaching, explanation of truth.
These three elements form the core of pastoral ministry: read Scripture publicly, exhort the congregation to obedience, teach sound doctrine systematically. Timothy's ministry isn't innovation but faithful exposition and application of God's Word. The sequence is crucial: read the text, urge its application, explain its meaning.