1 Timothy 1:18
What does 1 Timothy 1:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:18 means
Paul reaffirms the charge to Timothy, calling him “my child” and reminding him of prophecies previously spoken about him. These prophecies likely accompanied his setting apart for ministry and serve as encouragements to guide and embolden him. By them Timothy is to wage the good warfare—ministry is a battle requiring resolve, strategy, and endurance. The battlefield is doctrinal and moral, not physical. Paul’s words pair personal affection with solemn duty. Timothy is not sent alone; he stands on God’s prior confirmations. The charge anchors him in divine calling as he confronts error and builds up the church in Ephesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare;
KJV
King James Version · 1611This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This order I give to you, Timothy my son, in harmony with the words of the prophets about you, so that by them you may be strong, fighting the good fight,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862This charge I commit to thee, child Timotheus, according to the prophesies that went before upon thee, that thou mayest war in them the good warfare,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This precept, I commend to thee, O son Timothy: according to the prophecies going before on thee, that thou war in them a good warfare,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This charge, [my] child Timotheus, I commit to thee, according to the prophecies as to thee preceding, in order that thou mightest war by them the good warfare,
Context
Following the doxology, Paul circles back to Timothy’s mission. The reference to prophecies connects Timothy’s present struggle with God’s past guidance, strengthening his resolve. The metaphor of warfare aligns with the earlier conflict against false teachers (vv. 3–7). The next verse will outline the essential equipment for this fight: faith and a good conscience. The flow ties calling, character, and conduct together, showing that victory in ministry depends on holding fast to truth and integrity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 1:4
to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
- 1 Timothy 1:2
unto Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 1 Timothy 1:11
according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh
- 1 Timothy 4:4
For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving:
- Ephesians 6:12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
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