1 Timothy 4:5

Authorized King James Version

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For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Original Language Analysis

ἁγιάζεται it is sanctified G37
ἁγιάζεται it is sanctified
Strong's: G37
Word #: 1 of 7
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 7
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 3 of 7
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
λόγου the word G3056
λόγου the word
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 4 of 7
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 5 of 7
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 6 of 7
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐντεύξεως prayer G1783
ἐντεύξεως prayer
Strong's: G1783
Word #: 7 of 7
an interview, i.e., (specially) supplication

Analysis & Commentary

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (ἁγιάζεται γὰρ διὰ λόγου θεοῦ καὶ ἐντεύξεως, hagiazetai gar dia logou theou kai enteuxeōs)—creation is 'made holy through God's word and prayer.' Hagiazō means to set apart, consecrate, sanctify. Enteuxis is intercession, petition—prayer that asks.

The word of God refers either to Scripture's teaching on creation's goodness (Genesis 1:31) or to God's creative word that brought all things into being. Prayer expresses dependence on and gratitude to the Creator. Together they transform common meals into holy acts—we eat not as animals gratifying appetite, but as image-bearers receiving gifts from a loving Father.

This principle sanctifies all legitimate pleasures: marriage, food, work, rest. When received with biblical understanding and prayerful thanksgiving, they become means of grace, not stumbling blocks. The false teachers' asceticism denied both creation's goodness and God's gracious provision.

Historical Context

Early Christians practiced table blessings (Acts 27:35, 1 Corinthians 10:30), thanking God before meals—a counter-cultural practice in the pagan world where food was offered to idols. Paul insists all food is clean when received with thanksgiving (Romans 14:6). This liberates believers from both Jewish dietary laws and pagan superstitions, while maintaining reverence for God's provision.

Questions for Reflection