1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τύπος
an example
G5179
τύπος
an example
Strong's:
G5179
Word #:
7 of 22
a die (as struck), i.e., (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e., a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a samp
γίνου
be thou
G1096
γίνου
be thou
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστῶν
of the believers
G4103
πιστῶν
of the believers
Strong's:
G4103
Word #:
10 of 22
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
λόγῳ
word
G3056
λόγῳ
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
12 of 22
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
ἀγάπῃ
charity
G26
ἀγάπῃ
charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
16 of 22
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
πνεύματι,
spirit
G4151
πνεύματι,
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
18 of 22
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
Cross References
Titus 2:7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,2 Timothy 2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.2 Timothy 2:15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.1 Corinthians 11:1Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.1 Thessalonians 1:6And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:Matthew 18:10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.Titus 2:15These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.2 Timothy 2:7Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.James 3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture highly valued age and experience—elders (presbyteroi) were literally 'older men.' Timothy's youth made him vulnerable to dismissal. Paul's counsel: don't fight for recognition, earn it through exemplary character. In six crucial areas—speech, conduct, love, attitude, faith, purity—let your life speak louder than critics. Character-based authority transcends age.
Questions for Reflection
- How can younger leaders overcome age-based discrimination through exemplary character?
- Why does Paul emphasize being an 'example' rather than defending one's authority?
- Which of the six areas (speech, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity) is most challenging for you?
Analysis & Commentary
Let no man despise thy youth (Μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω, Mēdeis sou tēs neotētos kataphroneitō)—'let no one look down on your youthfulness.' Kataphroneō means to think down on, despise, scorn. Neotēs means youth. Timothy was probably in his 30s—young for a position of authority in a culture that equated age with wisdom.
But be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (ἀλλὰ τύπος γίνου τῶν πιστῶν ἐν λόγῳ, ἐν ἀναστροφῇ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ἐν πνεύματι, ἐν πίστει, ἐν ἁγνείᾳ, alla typos ginou tōn pistōn en logō, en anastrophē, en agapē, en pneumati, en pistei, en hagneia)—'rather, be an example to believers in speech, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity.' Typos means pattern, model, example. Six areas of exemplary living: speech (what you say), conduct (how you behave), love (how you relate), spirit (your attitude), faith (your trust), purity (your holiness).
Timothy shouldn't respond defensively to age-discrimination but by exemplary character. The best answer to critics isn't arguing but living so faithfully that character silences objections. Younger leaders earn respect through godly example, not demands for recognition.