1 Timothy 4:7

Authorized King James Version

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Word-by-Word Analysis

τοὺς

G3588

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

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

βεβήλους

G952

profane

accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e., (by implication, of jewish notions) heathenish, wicked

καὶ

G2532

and

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

γραώδεις

G1126

old wives

crone-like, i.e., silly

μύθους

G3454

fables

a tale, i.e., fiction ("myth")

παραιτοῦ

G3868

refuse

to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun

γύμναζε

G1128

exercise

to practise naked (in the games), i.e., train (figuratively)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

#10

σεαυτὸν

G4572

thyself

of (with, to) thyself

#11

πρὸς

G4314

rather unto

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#12

εὐσέβειαν·

G2150

godliness

piety; specially, the gospel scheme

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 divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?