1 Timothy 4:12
What does 1 Timothy 4:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 4:12 means
Because Timothy is younger than some he leads, Paul urges him not to let youth become a pretext for dismissal. The way to silence contempt is not defensive posture but exemplary living. Timothy must be a pattern for believers in five areas: speech that is truthful and gracious; conduct that is consistent and blameless; love that seeks others’ good; faith that trusts and obeys God; and purity that guards heart and body. Influence grows from integrity. A leader’s authority is most persuasive when his life embodies his message. This call dignifies young ministers while setting a high bar for Christian maturity that all believers can aspire to.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let no one make little of you because you are young, but be an example to the church in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, in holy living.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862let no one despise thy youth, but a pattern become thou of those believing in word, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful, in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let no one despise thy youth, but be a model of the believers, in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Context
Following the command to teach with authority, Paul addresses a likely challenge in Ephesus: skepticism toward a younger leader. He turns the issue into a constructive mandate—be an example. This naturally leads to the core practices that shape such a life. The next verse will direct Timothy to devote himself to Scripture reading, exhortation, and teaching, reinforcing that public ministry and private character must develop together and that Scripture-centered service is the engine of credible leadership.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:5
Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge;
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10
Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe:
- 1 Peter 5:3
neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock.
- 2 Corinthians 6:4
but in everything commending ourselves, as ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
- James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.
- James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
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