1 Timothy 4:16

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Original Language Analysis

ἔπεχε Take heed G1907
ἔπεχε Take heed
Strong's: G1907
Word #: 1 of 17
to hold upon, i.e., (by implication) to retain; (by extension) to detain; (with implication, of g3563) to pay attention to
σεαυτὸν thyself G4572
σεαυτὸν thyself
Strong's: G4572
Word #: 2 of 17
of (with, to) thyself
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 3 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διδασκαλίᾳ unto the doctrine G1319
διδασκαλίᾳ unto the doctrine
Strong's: G1319
Word #: 5 of 17
instruction (the function or the information)
ἐπίμενε continue G1961
ἐπίμενε continue
Strong's: G1961
Word #: 6 of 17
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
αὐτοῖς· in them G846
αὐτοῖς· in them
Strong's: G846
Word #: 7 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τοῦτο this G5124
τοῦτο this
Strong's: G5124
Word #: 8 of 17
that thing
γὰρ for G1063
γὰρ for
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 9 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ποιῶν in doing G4160
ποιῶν in doing
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 10 of 17
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σεαυτὸν thyself G4572
σεαυτὸν thyself
Strong's: G4572
Word #: 12 of 17
of (with, to) thyself
σώσεις save G4982
σώσεις save
Strong's: G4982
Word #: 13 of 17
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοὺς G3588
τοὺς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκούοντάς them that hear G191
ἀκούοντάς them that hear
Strong's: G191
Word #: 16 of 17
to hear (in various senses)
σου thee G4675
σου thee
Strong's: G4675
Word #: 17 of 17
of thee, thy

Cross References

Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.Titus 2:7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,1 Chronicles 28:10Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.Hebrews 12:15Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.2 Timothy 3:14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Isaiah 55:11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;1 Timothy 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

Analysis & Commentary

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine (ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, epeche seautō kai tē didaskalia)—'pay attention to yourself and to the teaching.' Epechō means to hold toward, pay attention, watch carefully. Pastoral ministry requires vigilance over both personal life (character) and public teaching (content).

Continue in them (ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς, epimene autois)—'persevere in these things,' remain steadfast. For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου, touto gar poiōn kai seauton sōseis kai tous akouontas sou)—faithful perseverance in godliness and doctrine results in salvation for both minister and hearers.

Paul speaks of 'saving' not in the sense of earning salvation by works, but of persevering in faith to final salvation (Philippians 2:12). Timothy's vigilance over life and doctrine guards him from apostasy and protects his flock from error. Ministers must watch themselves as carefully as they watch their teaching—both matter eternally.

Historical Context

The Ephesian church faced false teachers who had wandered from truth (1:6, 19-20). Some had shipwrecked their faith. Paul warns Timothy that perseverance requires constant vigilance—guard your heart and guard sound doctrine. Neglect either and you imperil both yourself and your congregation. Ministry is serious eternal business.

Questions for Reflection