1 Timothy 5:21

Authorized King James Version

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Διαμαρτύρομαι

G1263

I charge

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

ἐνώπιον

G1799

thee before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ

G3588

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

θεοῦ

G2316

God

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

καὶ

G2532

and

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

Κυρίου

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ

G2532

and

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

#10

τῶν

G3588

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

#11

ἐκλεκτῶν

G1588

the elect

select; by implication, favorite

#12

ἀγγέλων

G32

angels

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

#13

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#14

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

#15

φυλάξῃς

G5442

thou observe

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

#16

χωρὶς

G5565

without

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

#17

προκρίματος

G4299

preferring one before another

a prejudgment (prejudice), i.e., prepossession

#18

μηδὲν

G3367

nothing

not even one (man, woman, thing)

#19

ποιῶν

G4160

doing

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

#20

κατὰ

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#21

πρόσκλισιν

G4346

partiality

a leaning towards, i.e., (figuratively) proclivity (favoritism)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Timothy. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?