1 Timothy 4:14
What does 1 Timothy 4:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 4:14 means
Timothy must not neglect the spiritual gift God gave him. That gift was recognized and affirmed in a solemn moment when prophetic words accompanied the elders’ laying on of hands. This recalls Timothy’s calling and the church’s confirmation of it, strengthening his resolve when difficulties arise. Gifts can lie dormant through fear, distraction, or discouragement; Paul urges active stewardship. Using the gift honors the Giver and serves the people. The combination of divine bestowal, prophetic confirmation, and communal commissioning underscores both God’s initiative and the church’s partnership in ministry. Remembering this history should embolden Timothy to labor confidently in the tasks set before him.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Make use of that grace in you, which was given to you by the word of the prophets, when the rulers of the church put their hands on you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862be not careless of the gift in thee, that was given thee through prophecy, with laying on of the hands of the eldership;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be not negligent of the gift [that is] in thee, which has been given to thee through prophecy, with imposition of the hands of the elderhood.
Context
Having established Scripture-centered priorities, Paul appeals to Timothy’s personal history to motivate perseverance. The mention of prophecy and the presbytery’s laying on of hands ties Timothy’s current responsibilities to a recognized call. The next verse will intensify the charge: give yourself wholly to these matters so that progress is evident. This movement from reminder to exhortation aims to produce visible growth and renewed commitment in Timothy’s ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 6:6
whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.
- Acts 8:17
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 13:3
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
- 1 Timothy 1:18
This 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;
- Luke 19:12
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country, to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Quench not the Spirit;
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