The Meaning of 1 Timothy 4:14 Explained

1 Timothy 4:14

KJV: Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

YLT: be not careless of the gift in thee, that was given thee through prophecy, with laying on of the hands of the eldership;

Darby: Be 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.

ASV: Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Neglect  not  the gift  that is in  thee,  which  was given  thee  by  prophecy,  with  the laying on  of the hands  of the presbytery. 

What does 1 Timothy 4:14 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Timothy needed further encouragement to keep using the abilities God had given him to serve the Lord. Timothy had received ordination for service to God by the laying on of Paul"s (cf. 2 Timothy 1:6) and some elders" hands. When that happened a prophet who was present received a revelation from God that Timothy would serve Christ in a particular way. Another possibility is that these were two separate episodes in Timothy"s life. [1] Paul called on Timothy here to remember that event, or those events, and the responsibility that was his in view of that special revelation (cf. 1 Timothy 1:18-19). The "presbytery" means a group of elders. The procedure described in this verse has, along with other similar instances of this practice described in Scripture, served as a pattern for the formal ordination (setting apart) of people for ministry.
"The nature of succession in the ministry was certainly present [2], but it was regarded as primarily a succession of teaching or tradition rather than as an "apostolic succession" of ordination reaching back to the apostles." [3]
"The Bible never speaks of a corresponding group identity for deacons. The notion of deacons functioning as a "board" is never mentioned in the Bible." [4]
This does not imply, of course, that such a group is wrong.

Context Summary

1 Timothy 4:9-16 - "take Heed To Thyself"
In all Christian service we must set our hope on the living God. Nothing counts apart from God. Prayer implies that all our gifts and efforts cover only a small part of our efficiency. There are infinite resources in God, which He is waiting to employ in human affairs, and of which we fail to make use. The Christian worker, therefore, must not only labor and strive, but must hope in the living God, whose saving grace is at the disposal of our faith. The faith exercised by the average man results in obtaining only natural things; the supernatural is secured by the faith of those who have made profounder discoveries of God, and can therefore make demands on His resources, which are hidden from the princes of this world.
In order to succeed, we must give ourselves wholly to our work for God. In answer to prayer great gifts had been communicated to Timothy, but he had to give heed to them, use them, and stir up the slumbering embers of the fire, kindled at his ordination. It is worthy of notice that the Apostle's injunctions do not include a single allusion to priestly or sacramental service, but urge to boldness of character, 1 Timothy 4:12; diligent study, 1 Timothy 4:13; rigorous orthodoxy, 1 Timothy 4:16; and the daily self-watch of the soul, 1 Timothy 4:16. Take to heart the blessed assurance of the closing sentence of the chapter. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Timothy 4

1  He foretells that in the latter times there shall be a departure from the faith
6  And to the end that Timothy might not fail in doing his duty, he furnishes him with various precepts

Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 4:14

Neglect not [μη αμελει]
Present active imperative in prohibition of αμελεω — ameleō old verb, rare in N.T. (Matthew 22:5; 1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 2:3; Hebrews 8:9). From αμελης — amelēs Use with genitive. [source]
The gift that is in thee [του εν σοι χαρισματος]
Late word of result from χαριζομαι — charizomai in papyri (Preisigke), a regular Pauline word in N.T. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Romans 1:11; etc.). Here it is God‘s gift to Timothy as in 2 Timothy 1:6. By prophecy (δια προπητειας — dia prophēteias). Accompanied by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18), not bestowed by prophecy. With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
By prophecy [δια προπητειας]
Accompanied by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18), not bestowed by prophecy. [source]
With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery [μετα επιτεσεως των χειρων του πρεσβυτεριου]
In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
Neglect [ἀμέλει]
Rare in N.T. Only Matthew 22:5; Hebrews 2:3; Hebrews 8:9. [source]
The gift that is in thee [τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος]
Comp. 2 Timothy 1:6. Χάρισμα gift is a distinctively Pauline word, being found only three times outside of Paul's Epistles, and olxx, oClass. See on Romans 1:11. That is in thee, comp. τῆς ἐν σοὶ πίστεως thefaith that is in thee, 2 Timothy 1:5. The meaning is the special inward endowment which qualified Timothy for exhortation and teaching, and which was directly imparted by the Holy Spirit. [source]
By prophecy [διὰ προφητείας]
See on 1 Timothy 1:18. Προφητείας genitive, not accusative. The meaning is by the medium of prophecy. The reference is to prophetic intimation given to Paul concerning the selection of Timothy for the ministerial office. These prophecies were given by the Holy Spirit who bestowed the “gift”, so that the gift itself and the prophecy concurred in attesting the candidate for ordination. [source]
With the laying on of the hands [μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν]
Μετὰ implies that the prophetic intimations were in some way repeated or emphasized in connection with the ceremony of ordination. We note the association of prophecy with ordination in the setting apart of Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:9, Acts 13:3); so that the case of Timothy has an analogue in that of Paul himself. Ἑπίθεσις layingon, imposition, also Acts 8:18; 2 Timothy 1:6; Hebrews 6:2, in each case with of hands. “The custom,” says Lange, “is as old as the race.” The Biblical custom rests on the conception of the hand as the organ of mediation and transference. The priest laid his hand on the head of the bullock or goat (Leviticus 1:4) to show that the guilt of the people was transferred. The hand was laid on the head of a son, to indicate the transmission of the hereditary blessing (Genesis 48:14); upon one appointed to a position of authority, as Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23); upon the sick or dead in token of miraculous power to heal or to restore to life (2 Kings 4:34). So Christ (Mark 6:5; Luke 4:40). In the primitive Christian church the laying on of hands signified the imparting of the Holy Spirit to the newly-baptized (Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; comp. Hebrews 6:2). Hands were laid upon the seven (Acts 6:6). But the form of consecration in ordination varied. No one mode has been universal in the church, and no authoritative written formula exists. In the Alexandrian and Abyssinian churches it was by breathing: in the Eastern church generally, by lifting up the hands in benediction: in the Armenian church, by touching the dead hand of the predecessor: in the early Celtic church, by the transmission of relics or pastoral staff: in the Latin church, by touching the head. [source]
Of the presbytery [τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου]
The word is found in Luke 22:66, where it denotes the body of representative elders of the people in the Sanhedrim, as distinguished from the two other constituents of that body - the chief priests and scribes. Similarly Acts 22:5. Here of the college or fraternity of Christian elders in the place where Timothy was ordained. The word is frequent in the Epistles of Ignatius. According to this, Timothy was not ordained by a Bishop. Bishop and Presbyter are not identical. In 2 Timothy 1:6we read, “by the laying on of my hands.” The inconsistency is usually explained by saying that Paul was associated with the Presbyters in the laying on of hands. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 4:14

Luke 22:66 The assembly of the people [το πρεσβυτεριον του λαου]
The technical word for “the eldership” (from πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros an old man or elder) or group of the elders composing the Sanhedrin. The word occurs in the lxx for the Sanhedrin. In the N.T. occurs only here and Acts 22:5 of the Sanhedrin. In 1 Timothy 4:14 Paul uses it of the elders in a church (or churches). The Sanhedrin was composed of the elders and scribes and chief priests (Mark 15:1) and all three groups are at this meeting. Luke‘s language (both chief priests and scribes, τε και — te … πρεσβυτεριον — kai) seems to apply the word εις το συνεδριον αυτων — presbuterion to the whole Sanhedrin. Sadducees (chief priests) and Pharisees (scribes) were nearly equally represented.Into their council (eis to sunedrion autōn). The place of the gathering is not given, but Jesus was led into the council chamber. [source]
Romans 1:11 Some spiritual gift [τι χάρισμα]
Note the modesty in some. Χάρισμα is a gift of grace ( χάρις ) a favor received without merit on the recipient's part. Paul uses it both in this ordinary sense (Romans 5:15, Romans 5:16; Romans 6:23), and in a special, technical sense, denoting extraordinary powers bestowed upon individuals by the Holy Spirit, such as gifts of healing, speaking with tongues, prophecy, etc. See Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 12:4, 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Peter 4:10. In 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6, it is used of the sum of the powers requisite for the discharge of the office of an evangelist. [source]
1 Timothy 1:18 According to the prophecies which went before on thee [κατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας]
Const, according to with I commit: which went before is to be taken absolutely, and not with on thee: const. prophecies with on these. On thee means concerning thee. The sense of the whole passage is: “I commit this charge unto thee in accordance with prophetic intimations which I formerly received concerning thee.” Prophecy is ranked among the foremost of the special spiritual endowments enumerated by Paul. See Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 Corinthians 13:2, 1 Corinthians 13:8; 1 Corinthians 14:6, 1 Corinthians 14:22. In 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11, prophets come next after apostles in the list of those whom God has appointed in the church. In Ephesians 2:20, believers, Jew and Gentile, are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. According to 1 Timothy 4:14, prophecy has previously designated Timothy as the recipient of a special spiritual gift; and the prophecies in our passage are the single expressions or detailed contents of the prophecy mentioned there. Προαγεῖν togo before is not used by Paul. In the Pastorals and Hebrews it appears only as an intransitive verb, and so in the only instance in Luke, Luke 18:39. In Acts always transitive, to bring forth. See Acts 12:6; Acts 16:30; Acts 17:5; Acts 25:26. [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not [μη αμελει]
Present active imperative in prohibition of αμελεω — ameleō old verb, rare in N.T. (Matthew 22:5; 1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 2:3; Hebrews 8:9). From αμελης — amelēs Use with genitive. [source]
1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands hastily [χειρας ταχεως επιτιτει]
Present active imperative of επιτιτημι — epitithēmi in the sense of approval (ordination) as in Acts 6:6; Acts 13:3. But it is not clear whether it is the case of ministers just ordained as in 1 Timothy 4:14 (επιτεσις — epithesis), or of warning against hasty ordination of untried men, or the recognition and restoration of deposed ministers (1 Timothy 5:20) as suits the context. The prohibition suits either situation, or both. [source]
1 Timothy 4:15 Give thyself wholly to them [εν τουτοις ιστι]
Present imperative second person singular of ειμι — eimi “keep on in these things.” Note five uses of εν — en in 1 Timothy 4:12 and three datives in 1 Timothy 4:14. Plutarch (Pomp. 656 B) says Caesar was εν τουτοις — en toutois (“in these things”). It is like our “up to his ears” in work Koiné{[28928]}š word from προκοπτω — prokoptō to cut forward, to blaze the way, in N.T. only here and Philemon 1:12, Philemon 1:25. Paul‘s concern (purpose, ινα — hina and present subjunctive ηι — ēi of ειμι — eimi) is that Timothy‘s “progress” may be “manifest to all.” It is inspiring to see a young preacher grow for then the church will grow with him. [source]
2 Timothy 1:6 The gift of God [τὸ χάρισμα τοῦ θεοῦ]
See on 1 Timothy 4:14. [source]
2 Timothy 1:6 The laying on of my hands []
See on 1 Timothy 4:14. [source]
2 Timothy 1:6 The gift of God [το χαρισμα του τεου]
See note on 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul says μου — mou (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29 for the gift of God. [source]
2 Timothy 1:6 I put thee in remembrance [αναμιμνησκω]
Old compound to remind (1 Corinthians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 7:15). That thou stir up (σε αναζωπυρειν — se anazōpurein). Present active infinitive of αναζωπυρεω — anazōpureō old double compound (ανα — ana and ζωπυρον — zōpuron live coal, ζωος — zōos and πυρ — pur then the bellows for kindling), to rekindle, to stir into flame, to keep blazing (continuous action, present time), only here in N.T. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:19 for the figure of fire concerning the Holy Spirit. See αναπτω — anaptō in Luke 12:49. The gift of God See note on 1 Timothy 4:14. Here Paul says μου — mou (my), there he mentions the presbytery. Paul felt a deep personal interest in Timothy. See note on 1 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 6:23; Romans 11:29 for the gift of God. [source]
Titus 1:5 Elders [πρεσβυτερους]
See note on 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:14. As I gave thee charge (ως εγω σοι διεταχαμην — hōs egō soi dietaxamēn). First aorist (constative) middle imperative of διατασσω — diatassō clear reference to previous personal details given to Titus on previous occasions. [source]
Titus 1:5 Left I thee in Crete [απελειπον σε εν Κρητηι]
This is the imperfect active of απολειπω — apoleipō though MSS. give the aorist active also Late and rare double compound (inscriptions, here only in N.T.), first aorist middle subjunctive (final clause with ινα — hina) of επιδιορτοω — epidiorthoō to set straight (ορτοω — orthoō) thoroughly (δια — dia) in addition (επι — epi), a clean job of it. The things that were wanting “The things that remain.” See note on 2 Timothy 3:13; Luke 18:22. Either things left undone or things that survive. In both senses the new pastor faces problems after the tornado has passed. Parry takes it “of present defects” in Cretan character. And appoint (και καταστησηις — kai katastēsēis). Final clause still and first aorist active subjunctive of κατιστημι — kathistēmi the word used in Acts 6:13 about the deacons. The word does not preclude the choice by the churches (in every city, κατα πολιν — kata polin distributive use of κατα — kata). This is a chief point in the επιδορτωσις — epidorthōsis (White). Elders See note on 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:14. As I gave thee charge (ως εγω σοι διεταχαμην — hōs egō soi dietaxamēn). First aorist (constative) middle imperative of διατασσω — diatassō clear reference to previous personal details given to Titus on previous occasions. [source]
Titus 1:5 The things that were wanting [τα λειποντα]
“The things that remain.” See note on 2 Timothy 3:13; Luke 18:22. Either things left undone or things that survive. In both senses the new pastor faces problems after the tornado has passed. Parry takes it “of present defects” in Cretan character. And appoint (και καταστησηις — kai katastēsēis). Final clause still and first aorist active subjunctive of κατιστημι — kathistēmi the word used in Acts 6:13 about the deacons. The word does not preclude the choice by the churches (in every city, κατα πολιν — kata polin distributive use of κατα — kata). This is a chief point in the επιδορτωσις — epidorthōsis (White). Elders See note on 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 4:14. As I gave thee charge (ως εγω σοι διεταχαμην — hōs egō soi dietaxamēn). First aorist (constative) middle imperative of διατασσω — diatassō clear reference to previous personal details given to Titus on previous occasions. [source]
Hebrews 6:2 Laying on of hands []
See on 1 Timothy 4:14. A Jewish and a Christian practice. [source]
Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape [πῶς ἡμεῖς ἐκφευξόμεθα]
The rhetorical question expressing denial. We is emphatic. We, to whom God has spoken by his Son, and who, therefore, have so much the more reason for giving heed. Ἐκφευξόμεθα lit. flee out from. The English escape conveys the same idea, but contains a picture which is not in the Greek word, namely, to slip out of one's cape, ex cappa and so get away. Comp. French In Italian we have scappare “to escape,” and also incappare “to fall into a snare,” and incappuciare “to wrap up in a hood or cape; to mask.”If we neglect ( ἀμελήσαντες )Lit. having neglected. Rare in N.T., oP. Comp. Matthew 22:5; 1 Timothy 4:14. The thought falls in with drift past, Hebrews 2:1.Salvation ( σωτηρίαν )Characterizing the new dispensation, as the word (Hebrews 2:2) characterizes the old. Not the teaching or word of salvation, but the salvation itself which is the gift of the gospel, to be obtained by purification from sin through the agency of the Son (Hebrews 1:3).Which ( ἥτις )Explanatory. A salvation which may be described as one which was first spoken by the Lord, etc.At the first began to be spoken ( ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα )Lit. having taken beginning to be spoken. Rend. which, having at the first been spoken. The phrase N.T.oBy the Lord ( διὰ τοῦ κυρίου )Const. with ἀρχὴν λαβοῦσα , not with λαλεῖσθαι . It is the beginning, not the speaking which is emphasized.Was confirmed ( ἐβεβαιώθη )It was sure ( βέβαιος ) even as was the word spoken by angels (Hebrews 2:2), and it was confirmed, proved to be real, by the testimony of ear-witnesses.By them that heard ( ὑπὸ τῶν ἀκουσάντων )We heard it (Hebrews 2:1) from those who heard, the immediate followers of the Lord. The writer thus puts himself in the second generation of Christians. They are not said to have heard the gospel directly from the Lord. Paul, on the other hand, claims that he received the gospel directly from Christ (Galatians 1:11). [source]
Hebrews 6:2  []
The other four items are qualitative genitives withδιδαχην — didachēn(βαπτισμων επιτεσεως χειρων αναστασεως νεκρων κριματος αιωνιου — baptismōnclass="normal greek">βαπτισμων—epitheseōs cheirōn class="translit"> anastaseōs nekrōn class="translit"> krimatos aiōniou ). The plural baptismōn “by itself does not mean specifically Christian baptism either in this epistle ( Hebrews 9:10 ) or elsewhere ( Mark 7:4 ), but ablutions or immersions such as the mystery religions and the Jewish cultus required for initiates, proselytes, and worshippers in general” (Moffatt). The disciples of the Baptist had disputes with the Jews over purification ( John 3:25 ). See also Acts 19:2 . “The laying on of hands” seems to us out of place in a list of elementary principles, but it was common as a sign of blessing ( Matthew 19:13 ), of healing ( Mark 7:32 ), in the choice of the Seven ( Acts 6:6 ), in the bestowal of the Holy Spirit ( Acts 8:17 .; Acts 19:6 ), in separation for a special task ( Acts 13:3 ), in ordination ( 1 Timothy 4:14 ; 1 Timothy 5:22 ; 2 Timothy 1:6 ). Prayer accompanied this laying on of the hands as a symbol. The resurrection of the dead (both just and unjust, John 5:29 ; Acts 24:15 ) is easily seen to be basal (cf. 1Cor 15) as well as eternal judgment (timeless and endless). [source]
1 Peter 4:10 A gift [χάρισμα]
Originally, something freely given: a gift of grace ( χάρις )Used in New Testament (a) of a blessing of God graciously bestowed, as upon sinners (Romans 5:15, Romans 5:16; Romans 11:29); (b) of a gracious divine endowment: an extraordinary gift of the Holy Spirit dwelling and working in a special manner in the individual (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; Romans 12:6, Romans 12:8). So here. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 4:14 mean?

Not be negligent of the in you gift which was given to you through prophecy with [the] laying on of the hands elderhood
Μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας μετὰ ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν πρεσβυτερίου

ἀμέλει  be  negligent 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ἀμελέω  
Sense: to be careless of, to neglect.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
χαρίσματος  gift 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: χάρισμα  
Sense: a favour with which one receives without any merit of his own.
ἐδόθη  was  given 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: διδῶ 
Sense: to give.
σοι  to  you 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative 2nd Person Singular
Root: σύ  
Sense: you.
διὰ  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
προφητείας  prophecy 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: προφητεία  
Sense: prophecy.
ἐπιθέσεως  [the]  laying  on 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἐπίθεσις  
Sense: a laying on, imposition.
τῶν  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
χειρῶν  hands 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Plural
Root: χείρ  
Sense: by the help or agency of any one, by means of any one.
πρεσβυτερίου  elderhood 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: πρεσβυτέριον  
Sense: body of elders, presbytery, senate, council.