1 Timothy 6:14
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Original Language Analysis
τηρῆσαί
keep
G5083
τηρῆσαί
keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
1 of 14
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
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐντολὴν
this commandment
G1785
ἐντολὴν
this commandment
Strong's:
G1785
Word #:
4 of 14
injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription
ἀνεπίληπτον
unrebukeable
G423
ἀνεπίληπτον
unrebukeable
Strong's:
G423
Word #:
6 of 14
not arrested, i.e., (by implication) inculpable
μέχρι
until
G3360
μέχρι
until
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
7 of 14
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιφανείας
the appearing
G2015
ἐπιφανείας
the appearing
Strong's:
G2015
Word #:
9 of 14
a manifestation, i.e., (specially) the advent of christ (past or future)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
2 Peter 3:14Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.1 Peter 1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:1 Thessalonians 5:23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Hebrews 9:28So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.Titus 2:13Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;Jude 1:24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,Revelation 1:7Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?Colossians 4:17And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.Colossians 1:22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Historical Context
Early Christians lived in eager expectation of Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This hope motivated faithful perseverance amid persecution and opposition. Paul charges Timothy to remain faithful until that day—maintaining sound doctrine, godly character, and effective ministry regardless of how long the wait. The Lord is coming; be found faithful when He appears.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the certainty of Christ's return motivate faithful ministry in the present?
- What does it mean to keep your calling 'without spot' and 'unrebukeable'?
- How can we sustain faithfulness when Christ's return seems delayed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable (τηρῆσαί σε τὴν ἐντολὴν ἄσπιλον ἀνεπίλημπτον, tērēsai se tēn entolēn aspilon anepilēmpton)—'keep the commandment unstained, free from reproach.' Aspilos means spotless, without blemish. Anepilēmptos means blameless, irreproachable. Entolē (commandment) likely refers to Timothy's entire apostolic commission, not one specific command.
Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (μέχρι τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, mechri tēs epiphaneias tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou)—'until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Epiphaneia means appearing, manifestation—Christ's second coming. Timothy's charge extends to Christ's return. Remain faithful until the end, when Jesus appears to reward His servants.
Paul's charge is comprehensive and eschatological: fulfill your ministry faithfully and blamelessly until Jesus returns. The appearing of Christ is both motivation (He's coming!) and deadline (keep going until He arrives). Faithful endurance to the end brings reward.