1 Timothy 4:3

Authorized King James Version

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

κωλυόντων

G2967

Forbidding

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

γαμεῖν

G1060

to marry

to wed (of either sex)

ἀπέχεσθαι

G567

and commanding to abstain from

to hold oneself off, i.e., refrain

βρωμάτων

G1033

meats

food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the jewish law

ἃ

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἔκτισεν

G2936

hath created

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#10

μετάληψιν

G3336

be received

participation

#11

μετὰ

G3326

with

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

#12

εὐχαριστίας

G2169

thanksgiving

gratitude; actively, grateful language (to god, as an act of worship)

#13

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#14

πιστοῖς

G4103

of them which believe

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

ἐπεγνωκόσιν

G1921

know

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

#17

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ἀλήθειαν

G225

the truth

truth

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing truth contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes truth in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on truth address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?