1 Timothy 4:10
What does 1 Timothy 4:10 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 4:10 means
Paul explains why he works hard and endures struggle: his hope is set on the living God. This hope fuels perseverance and protects from despair. He describes God as the Saviour of all men, especially of believers. God is the universal Preserver and Benefactor who gives life and sustains all; he is also, in a fuller and saving sense, the Deliverer of those who believe. The phrase exalts God’s generous care for humanity while maintaining the particular salvation enjoyed through faith in Christ. Anchored in this living God, Christian labor is never wasted. Confidence in God’s power and goodness supplies energy for ministry even when results are slow or opposition strong.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And this is the purpose of all our work and our fighting, because our hope is in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, and specially of those who have faith.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for for this we both labour and are reproached, because we hope on the living God, who is Saviour of all men--especially of those believing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For therefore we labour and are reviled, because we hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of the faithful.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for, for this we labour and suffer reproach, because we hope in a livingGod, who is preserver of all men, specially of those that believe.
Context
After labeling the prior claim trustworthy, Paul grounds his own ministry in hope. This personal note illustrates the doctrine’s practical force: he toils because his confidence rests in God. The description of God’s saving role broadens and deepens the motivation for godliness and service. With the rationale set, Paul returns to direct imperatives for Timothy—he must teach and command these truths—then address how Timothy is to carry himself so that his youth does not undercut his authority.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:29
On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!
- 1 Timothy 2:6
who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony to be borne in its own times;
- John 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.
- 2 Corinthians 6:3
giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;
- Isaiah 12:2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid: for Jehovah, even Jehovah, is my strength and song; and he is become my salvation.
- Hebrews 13:13
Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
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