1 Timothy 5:22

Authorized King James Version

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Χεῖρας
hands
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
#2
ταχέως
suddenly
briefly, i.e., (in time) speedily, or (in manner) rapidly
#3
μηδενὶ
no man
not even one (man, woman, thing)
#4
ἐπιτίθει
Lay
to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)
#5
μηδὲ
neither
but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor
#6
κοινώνει
be partaker
to share with others (objectively or subjectively)
#7
ἁμαρτίαις
men's sins
a sin (properly abstract)
#8
ἀλλοτρίαις·
of other
another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile
#9
σεαυτὸν
thyself
of (with, to) thyself
#10
ἁγνὸν
G53
pure
properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect
#11
τήρει
keep
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

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 revelation 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection