1 Timothy 6:14
What does 1 Timothy 6:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 6:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 6:14 means
Timothy is to “keep the commandment” with moral purity—“without spot, without reproach”—until “the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The charge is comprehensive, calling for sustained obedience and integrity in belief and practice. The horizon is eschatological: ministry is lived in light of Christ’s promised return. Purity and perseverance matter because the church’s witness and the Lord’s honor are at stake. Timothy must not dilute the apostolic command or falter under pressure. His constancy is measured not by short bursts of zeal but by faithful endurance until Jesus, our Lord, appears and vindicates His servants and His truth.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
KJV
King James Version · 1611That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949To keep the word untouched by evil, clear from all shame, till the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862that thou keep the command unspotted, unblameable, till the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that thou keep the commandment spotless, irreproachable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Context
Having invoked God and Christ Jesus as witnesses (verse 13), Paul specifies the scope and duration of Timothy’s obedience in verse 14. The command must be kept unstained until Christ’s appearing—a theme that sets up the exalted portrayal of God’s sovereignty and glory in verses 15–16. By anchoring Timothy’s duty in Christ’s return, Paul places pastoral faithfulness within the timeline of redemption, encouraging perseverance. Following this doxological pause, Paul will turn to targeted pastoral instructions for believers who are rich (verses 17–19), then close with a final protective charge to guard the entrusted truth (verses 20–21).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13
to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
- Song of Solomon 4:7
Thou art all fair, my love; And there is no spot in thee.
- Ephesians 5:27
that he might present the church to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
- 1 Peter 1:19
but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ:
- Philippians 1:6
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:
- 1 Chronicles 28:20
And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed; for Jehovah God, even my God, is with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until all the work for the service of the house of Jehovah be finished.
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