1 Timothy 4:16
What does 1 Timothy 4:16 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 4:16 means
The final charge unites character and doctrine. Timothy must pay careful attention to himself and to his teaching, and keep at it. Salvation’s path is not momentary enthusiasm but persevering fidelity. Paul does not mean Timothy can earn salvation, but that God uses a minister’s faithful life and true doctrine to preserve both him and his hearers in the saving truth of the gospel. Neglect in either area endangers souls; vigilance in both safeguards them. This sober promise dignifies pastoral work and warns against complacency. By continuing steadfastly, Timothy will be an instrument through whom the Lord sustains his people to the end.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give attention to yourself and your teaching. Go on in these things; for in doing so you will get salvation for yourself and for those who give hearing to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862take heed to thyself, and to the teaching; remain in them, for this thing doing, both thyself thou shalt save, and those hearing thee.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Take heed to thyself and to doctrine: be earnest in them. For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Give heed to thyself and to the teaching; continue in them; for, doing this, thou shalt save both thyself and those that hear thee.
Context
The chapter closes by summarizing its burden: in light of coming apostasy and present error, Timothy must persist in personal holiness and sound teaching. After moving from warning, to correction of false asceticism, to exhortations for disciplined godliness and Scripture-centered ministry, Paul lands on perseverance as the decisive issue. This conclusion ties the well-being of both leader and flock to the steady practice of truth, ensuring that the church resists deception and walks the path that leads to life.
v.15Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all.
v.16This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited.
- Romans 10:10
for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
- 1 Corinthians 3:10
According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid a foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon.
- 2 Timothy 3:14
But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
- Ezekiel 3:19
Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
- Colossians 4:17
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
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