1 Timothy 4:9
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
Original Language Analysis
πιστὸς
This is a faithful
G4103
πιστὸς
This is a faithful
Strong's:
G4103
Word #:
1 of 7
objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγος
saying
G3056
λόγος
saying
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
3 of 7
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Historical Context
In oral teaching cultures, memorable sayings helped preserve and transmit important truths. The 'faithful saying' formula signals: 'Pay special attention—this is core teaching worth memorizing.' These may have been early Christian confessional statements or hymnic lines that churches recited. The formula served both to honor established tradition and to highlight Paul's most crucial points.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul use the 'faithful saying' formula—what purpose does it serve?
- What makes this truth about godliness 'worthy of all acceptance'—why emphasize it?
- How can we identify and emphasize core truths that deserve special attention today?
Analysis & Commentary
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation (πιστὸς ὁ λόγος καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος, pistos ho logos kai pasēs apodochēs axios)—'this saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.' Pistos means faithful, reliable, trustworthy. Apodochē means acceptance, approval. This formula appears five times in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1:15, 3:1, 4:9, 2 Timothy 2:11, Titus 3:8), highlighting especially important truths.
The 'saying' likely refers to verse 8: 'godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of present and future life.' This truth deserves full confidence and universal acceptance—invest in godliness, which benefits both this life and eternity. The formula emphasizes the supreme importance of this principle.
Paul uses this literary device to mark key truths for emphasis and memorization. These 'faithful sayings' were likely early Christian slogans or teaching summaries—pithy statements encapsulating essential doctrines worth remembering and repeating.