1 Timothy 4:15
What does 1 Timothy 4:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 4:15 means
Paul calls for comprehensive diligence: Timothy is to meditate on these things, immerse himself in them, and refuse half-hearted effort. Ministry fruitfulness ordinarily follows sustained, focused labor. Progress—not instant perfection—is the expectation, and it should be observable to the community. Visible growth encourages the church, silences critics, and gives glory to God. It also keeps the minister humble and teachable, aware that he is still being formed. By urging total engagement, Paul protects Timothy from distraction and from the discouragement that comes when results seem slow. Persistence in the basics—sound doctrine, godly character, faithful service—will, over time, be evident to all.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Have a care for these things; give yourself to them with all your heart, so that all may see how you go forward.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862of these things be careful; in these things be, that thy advancement may be manifest in all things;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Meditate upon these things, be wholly in these things: that thy profiting may be manifest to all.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Occupy thyself with these things; be wholly in them, that thy progress may be manifest to all.
Context
After recalling Timothy’s gift and commissioning, Paul presses for full engagement. The emphasis on progress ties together life and doctrine, public ministry and private devotion. This sets up the climactic charge in the next verse: watch your life and teaching closely, continue in them, for perseverance is the God-ordained means of salvation’s outworking for both minister and congregation. The flow culminates in the mutual good secured by sustained fidelity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 8:5
and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.
- Psalms 49:3
My mouth shall speak wisdom; And the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
- Psalms 105:5
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, His wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
- Psalms 119:15
I will meditate on thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways.
- Psalms 119:99
I have more understanding than all my teachers; For thy testimonies are my meditation.
- Psalms 143:5
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy doings; I muse on the work of thy hands.
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