1 Timothy 4:14
Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χαρίσματος
the gift
G5486
χαρίσματος
the gift
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
6 of 17
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐδόθη
was given
G1325
ἐδόθη
was given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 17
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
10 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χειρῶν
of the hands
G5495
χειρῶν
of the hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
15 of 17
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:6Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.1 Timothy 1:18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;Acts 6:6Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.1 Timothy 5:22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.1 Thessalonians 5:19Quench not the Spirit.Acts 13:3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Historical Context
Ordination in the early church involved prophetic confirmation and the laying on of hands by elders—a public commissioning for ministry (Acts 6:6, 13:3). This wasn't magical transmission of power but formal recognition of God's calling. Timothy's authority came from God's gifting, confirmed by the church. Paul reminds him not to shrink from the ministry God appointed him to.
Questions for Reflection
- How do spiritual gifts, prophetic confirmation, and church recognition work together in calling?
- What does it mean practically to 'not neglect' your spiritual gifts?
- Why might Timothy be tempted to neglect his gift—what fears or obstacles might hinder him?
Analysis & Commentary
Neglect not the gift that is in thee (μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος, mē amelei tou en soi charismatos)—'do not neglect the spiritual gift within you.' Charisma is a grace-gift, a Spirit-given capacity for ministry. Ameleō means to be careless about, to disregard. Timothy must not ignore or fail to use his God-given gifting.
Which was given thee by prophecy (ὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας, ho edothē soi dia prophēteias)—the gift was given 'through prophecy,' likely prophetic words spoken when Timothy was set apart for ministry (Acts 13:1-3). With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery (μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου, meta epitheseōs tōn cheirōn tou presbyteriou)—the eldership publicly affirmed Timothy's calling through laying on hands.
Timothy's ministry gift came from God, was confirmed by prophecy, and recognized by church leadership. He must fan this gift into flame (2 Timothy 1:6), not allowing fear, opposition, or discouragement to quench what God has given.