KJV: I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
YLT: I am thankful to God, whom I serve from progenitors in a pure conscience, that unceasingly I have remembrance concerning thee in my supplications night and day,
Darby: I am thankful to God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, how unceasingly I have the remembrance of thee in my supplications night and day,
ASV: I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers in a pure conscience, how unceasing is my remembrance of thee in my supplications, night and day
| Χάριν | Thankful |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: χάρις Sense: grace. |
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| ἔχω | I am |
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Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular Root: ἔχω Sense: to have, i.e. to hold. |
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| τῷ | - |
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Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| Θεῷ | to God |
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Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular Root: θεός Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities. |
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| ᾧ | whom |
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Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Dative Masculine Singular Root: ὅς Sense: who, which, what, that. |
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| λατρεύω | I serve |
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Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular Root: λατρεύω Sense: to serve for hire. |
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| προγόνων | [my] forefathers |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural Root: πρόγονος Sense: born before, older. |
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| καθαρᾷ | a pure |
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Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Singular Root: καθαρός Sense: clean, pure. |
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| συνειδήσει | conscience |
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Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular Root: συνείδησις Sense: the consciousness of anything. |
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| ἀδιάλειπτον | unceasingly |
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Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: ἀδιάλειπτος Sense: unintermitted, unceasing, continual. |
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| ἔχω | I have |
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Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular Root: ἔχω Sense: to have, i.e. to hold. |
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| μνείαν | remembrance |
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Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular Root: μνεία Sense: remembrance, memory, mention. |
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| δεήσεσίν | prayers |
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Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Plural Root: δέησις Sense: need, indigence, want, privation, penury. |
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| μου | of me |
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Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive 1st Person Singular Root: ἐγώ Sense: I, me, my. |
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| νυκτὸς | night |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: νύξ Sense: night. |
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| ἡμέρας | day |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: ἡμέρα Sense: the day, used of the natural day, or the interval between sunrise and sunset, as distinguished from and contrasted with the night. |
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Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 1:3
“I have gratitude.” As in 1 Timothy 1:12. Robinson cites examples of this phrase from the papyri. It occurs also in Luke 17:9; Acts 2:47. Χαρις Charis in doxologies Paul uses (1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 8:16; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Romans 6:17; Romans 7:25). His usual idiom is ευχαριστω eucharistō (1 Corinthians 1:4; Romans 1:8; Philemon 1:4; Philemon 1:3) or ευχαριστουμεν eucharistoumen (1 Thessalonians 1:2; Colossians 1:3) or ου παυομαι ευχαριστων ou pauomai eucharistōn (Ephesians 1:16) or ευχαριστειν οπειλομεν eucharistein opheilomen (2 Thessalonians 1:3). [source]
The relative ωι hōi is the dative case with λατρευω latreuō (see note on Romans 1:9 for this verb), progressive present (I have been serving). For προγονων progonōn (forefathers) see note on 1 Timothy 5:4. Paul claims a pious ancestry as in Acts 24:14; Acts 26:5; Galatians 2:14; Philemon 3:4-7. In a pure conscience (εν καταραι συνειδησει en katharāi suneidēsei). See note on 1 Timothy 1:5; note on Acts 23:1. Unceasing (αδιαλειπτον adialeipton). Late and rare compound, in N.T. only here and Romans 9:2 which see. The adverb αδιαλειπτως adialeiptōs is more frequent (in the papyri, literary Koiné, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9). The adjective here is the predicate accusative, “how I hold the memory concerning thee unceasing.” The use of αδιαλειπτως adialeiptōs (adverb) is a sort of epistolary formula (papyri, 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 1:9). -DIVIDER- Remembrance (μνειαν mneian). Old word, in N.T. only Pauline (seven times, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9; Philemon 1:3). [source]
See note on 1 Timothy 1:5; note on Acts 23:1. Unceasing (αδιαλειπτον adialeipton). Late and rare compound, in N.T. only here and Romans 9:2 which see. The adverb αδιαλειπτως adialeiptōs is more frequent (in the papyri, literary Koiné, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9). The adjective here is the predicate accusative, “how I hold the memory concerning thee unceasing.” The use of αδιαλειπτως adialeiptōs (adverb) is a sort of epistolary formula (papyri, 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 1:9). Remembrance Old word, in N.T. only Pauline (seven times, 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Romans 1:9; Philemon 1:3). [source]
Lit. I have thanks to God. The phrase in Luke 17:9; Acts 2:47; oP. unless 2 Corinthians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 12:28; 3 John 1:4. Paul uses εὐχαριστῶ Igive thanks (not in Pastorals) or εὐλογητὸς ὁ θεός blessedbe God (not in Pastorals). The phrase χάριν ἔχω is a Latinism, habere gratiam, of which several are found in Pastorals. [source]
In Pastorals only here. Comp. Romans 1:9, Romans 1:25; Philemon 3:3. Frequent in Hebrews. Originally, to serve for hire. In N.T. both of ritual service, as Hebrews 8:5; Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 10:2; Hebrews 13:10; and of worship or service generally, as Luke 1:74; Romans 1:9. Especially of the service rendered to God by the Israelites as his peculiar people, as Acts 26:7. Comp. λατρεία service Romans 9:4; Hebrews 9:1, Hebrews 9:6. In lxx always of the service of God or of heathen deities. [source]
Πρόγονος , PastoSee on 1 Timothy 5:4. The phrase N.T.oFor the thought, comp. Acts 14:14; Philemon 3:5. He means, in the spirit and with the principles inherited from his fathers. Comp. the sharp distinction between the two periods of Paul's life, Galatians 1:13, Galatians 1:14. [source]
As 1 Timothy 3:9. The phrase, Pasto Hebrews 9:14has καθαριεῖ τὴν συνίδησιν ἡμῶν shallpurge our conscience. [source]
The passage is much involved. Note (1) that χάριν ἔχω τῷ θεῷ Ithank God must have an object. (2) That object cannot be that he unceasingly remembers Timothy in his prayers. (3) That object, though remote, is ὑπόμνησιν λαβὼν whenI received reminder (2 Timothy 1:5). He thanks God as he is reminded of the faith of Timothy's ancestors and of Timothy himself. Rend. freely, “I thank God whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, as there goes along with my prayers an unceasing remembrance of thee, and a daily and nightly longing, as I recall thy tears, to see thee, that I may be filled with joy - I thank God, I say, for that I have been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee,” etc. Ἀδιάλειπτον unceasingonly here and Romans 9:2. Ἁδιαλείπτως , Romans 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17. [source]
The phrase once in Paul, 1 Thessalonians 3:6. Commonly, μνείαν ποιοῦμαι Imake mention, Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; Philemon 1:4. [source]
See 1 Timothy 5:5. The phrase in Paul, 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:8. Const. with greatly desiring. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 1:3
From the same root as χαίρω ,to rejoice. I. Primarily that which gives joy or pleasure; and hence outward beauty, loveliness, something which delights the beholder. Thus Homer, of Ulysses going to the assembly: “Athene shed down manly grace or beauty upon him” (“Odyssey,” ii., 12); and Septuagint, Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 3:22. Substantially the same idea, agreeableness, is conveyed in Luke 4:22, respecting the gracious words, lit., words of grace, uttered by Christ. So Ephesians 4:29. II. As a beautiful or agreeable sentiment felt and expressed toward another; kindness, favor, good-will. 2 Corinthians 8:6, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Luke 1:30; Luke 2:40; Acts 2:47. So of the responsive sentiment of thankfulness. See Luke 6:32, Luke 6:33, Luke 6:34:; Luke 17:9; but mostly in the formula thanks to God; Romans 6:17; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Timothy 1:3. III. The substantial expression of good-will; a boon, a favor, a gift; but not in New Testament. See Romans 5:15, where the distinction is made between χάρις , grace, and δωρεὰ ἐν χάριτι , a gift in grace. So a gratification or delight, in classical Greek only; as the delight in battle, in sleep, etc. IV. The higher Christian signification, based on the emphasis offreeness in the gift or favor, and, as commonly in New Testament, denoting the free, spontaneous, absolute loving-kindness of God toward men, and so contrasted with debt, law, works, sin. The word does not occur either in Matthew or Mark. [source]
Μη Mē expects the negative answer. Εχω χαριν Echō charin to have gratitude toward one, is an old Greek idiom (1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:3; Hebrews 12:28). [source]
Perfect passive participle of γενναω gennaō See above in Acts 21:39 for the claim of Tarsus as his birth-place. He was a Hellenistic Jew, not an Aramaean Jew (cf. Acts 6:1). Brought up (ανατετραμμενος anatethrammenos). Perfect passive participle again of ανατρεπω anatrephō to nurse up, to nourish up, common old verb, but in the N.T. only here, Acts 7:20., and MSS. in Luke 4:16. The implication is that Paul was sent to Jerusalem while still young, “from my youth” (Acts 26:4), how young we do not know, possibly thirteen or fourteen years old. He apparently had not seen Jesus in the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16). At the feet of Gamaliel The rabbis usually sat on a raised seat with the pupils in a circle around either on lower seats or on the ground. Paul was thus nourished in Pharisaic Judaism as interpreted by Gamaliel, one of the lights of Judaism. For remarks on Gamaliel see chapter Acts 5:34. He was one of the seven Rabbis to whom the Jews gave the highest title αββαν Rabban (our Rabbi). αββι Rabbi (my teacher) was next, the lowest being αβ Rab (teacher). “As Aquinas among the schoolmen was called Doctor Angelicus, and Bonaventura Doctor Seraphicus, so Gamaliel was called the Beauty of the Law ” (Conybeare and Howson). Instructed (πεπαιδευμενος pepaideumenos). Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω paideuō old verb to train a child (παις pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. According to the strict manner Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
The rabbis usually sat on a raised seat with the pupils in a circle around either on lower seats or on the ground. Paul was thus nourished in Pharisaic Judaism as interpreted by Gamaliel, one of the lights of Judaism. For remarks on Gamaliel see chapter Acts 5:34. He was one of the seven Rabbis to whom the Jews gave the highest title αββαν Rabban (our Rabbi). αββι Rabbi (my teacher) was next, the lowest being αβ Rab (teacher). “As Aquinas among the schoolmen was called Doctor Angelicus, and Bonaventura Doctor Seraphicus, so Gamaliel was called the Beauty of the Law ” (Conybeare and Howson). Instructed (πεπαιδευμενος pepaideumenos). Perfect passive participle again (each participle beginning a clause), this time of παιδευω paideuō old verb to train a child (παις pais) as in Acts 7:22 which see. In this sense also in 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 2:12. Then to chastise as in Luke 23:16, Luke 23:22 (which see); 2 Timothy 2:25; Hebrews 12:6. According to the strict manner Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Old word, only here in N.T. Mathematical accuracy, minute exactness as seen in the adjective in Acts 26:5. See also Romans 10:2; Galatians 1:4; Philemon 3:4-7. Of our fathers (πατρωιου patrōiou). Old adjective from πατερ pater only here and Acts 24:14 in N.T. Means descending from father to son, especially property and other inherited privileges. Πατρικος Patrikos (patrician) refers more to personal attributes and affiliations. Being zealous for God Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Not adjective, but substantive zealot (same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
(same word used by James of the thousands of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, Acts 21:20 which see) with objective genitive του τεου tou theou (for God). See also Acts 21:14; Acts 28:17; 2 Timothy 1:3 where he makes a similar claim. So did Peter (Acts 3:13; Acts 5:30) and Stephen (Acts 7:32). Paul definitely claims, whatever freedom he demanded for Gentile Christians, to be personally “a zealot for God” “even as ye all are this day” In his conciliation he went to the limit and puts himself by the side of the mob in their zeal for the law, mistaken as they were about him. He was generous surely to interpret their fanatical frenzy as zeal for God. But Paul is sincere as he proceeds to show by appeal to his own conduct. [source]
Like angina pectoris. Οδυνη Odunē is old word for consuming grief, in N.T. only here and and 1 Timothy 6:10. Unceasing (αδιαλειπτος adialeiptos). Late and rare adjective (in an inscription 1 cent. b.c.), in N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 1:3. Two rare words together and both here only in N.T. and I and II Timothy (some small argument for the Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles). [source]
Late and rare adjective (in an inscription 1 cent. b.c.), in N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 1:3. Two rare words together and both here only in N.T. and I and II Timothy (some small argument for the Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles). [source]
Comp. 2 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:5, 19. Const. with holding. The emphasis of the passage is on these words. They express conscientious purity and sincerity in contrast with those who are described as branded in their own conscience, and thus causing their followers to fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1, 1 Timothy 4:2). The passage illustrates the peculiar treatment of “faith” in these Epistles, in emphasizing its ethical aspect and its ethical environment. This is not contrary to Paul's teaching, nor does it go to the extent of substituting morals for faith as the condition of salvation and eternal life. See 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:1; Titus 3:5. Nonetheless, there is a strong and habitual emphasis on good works (see 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:17; Titus 1:16; Titus 2:7, Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14), and faith is placed in a series of practical duties (see 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Timothy 3:10). “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” is a significant association of faith with ethics. As Weiss puts it: “It is as if the pure conscience were the vessel in which the mystery of the faith is preserved.” The idea is sound and valuable. A merely intellectual attitude toward the mystery which, in every age, attaches to the faith, will result in doubt, questioning, and wordy strife (see 1 Timothy 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9), sometimes in moral laxity, sometimes in despair. Loyalty and duty to God are compatible with more or less ignorance concerning the mystery. An intellect, however powerful and active, joined with an impure conscience, cannot solve but only aggravates the mystery; whereas a pure and loyal conscience, and a frank acceptance of imposed duty along with mystery, puts one in the best attitude for attaining whatever solution is possible. See John 7:17. [source]
Comp 2 Timothy 1:3. Συνείδησις conscienceis common in Paul. See on 1 Peter 3:16. [source]
Present active infinitive of Αμοιβας apodidōmi to give back, old and common verb (Romans 2:6), to keep on giving back. αμειβομαι Amoibas (from τοις προγονοις ameibomai to requite like for like) is old and common word, but here only in N.T. Their parents (προγονος tois progonois). Dative case of old and common word προγινομαι progonos (from αποδεκτον proginomai to come before), “ancestor.” In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 1:3. See note on 1 Timothy 2:3 for “acceptable” (apodekton). [source]
Dative case of old and common word προγινομαι progonos (from αποδεκτον proginomai to come before), “ancestor.” In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 1:3. See note on 1 Timothy 2:3 for “acceptable” (apodekton). [source]
The children and grandchildren of a widow. Present active imperative third person plural of μαντανω manthanō “Let them keep on learning.” First (πρωτον prōton). Adverb, first before anything else. No “corban” business here. No acts of “piety” toward God will make up for impiety towards parents. To shew piety Present active infinitive with μαντανετωσαν manthanetōsan and old verb, in N.T. only here and Acts 17:23. From ευσεβης eusebēs “Their own household.” Filial piety is primary unless parents interfere with duty to Christ (Luke 14:26). To requite Present active infinitive of Αμοιβας apodidōmi to give back, old and common verb (Romans 2:6), to keep on giving back. αμειβομαι Amoibas (from τοις προγονοις ameibomai to requite like for like) is old and common word, but here only in N.T. Their parents (προγονος tois progonois). Dative case of old and common word προγινομαι progonos (from αποδεκτον proginomai to come before), “ancestor.” In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 1:3. See note on 1 Timothy 2:3 for “acceptable” (apodekton). [source]
Present active infinitive with μαντανετωσαν manthanetōsan and old verb, in N.T. only here and Acts 17:23. From ευσεβης eusebēs “Their own household.” Filial piety is primary unless parents interfere with duty to Christ (Luke 14:26). To requite Present active infinitive of Αμοιβας apodidōmi to give back, old and common verb (Romans 2:6), to keep on giving back. αμειβομαι Amoibas (from τοις προγονοις ameibomai to requite like for like) is old and common word, but here only in N.T. Their parents (προγονος tois progonois). Dative case of old and common word προγινομαι progonos (from αποδεκτον proginomai to come before), “ancestor.” In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 1:3. See note on 1 Timothy 2:3 for “acceptable” (apodekton). [source]
Earnestly endeavor. See on 2 Timothy 2:15, and comp. 2 Timothy 1:3. Do diligence and give diligence (2 Peter 1:10) are old English phrases. So Chaucer:“And night and day dide ever his diligenceHir for to please.”Manciple's T. 141.“And ech of hem doth al his diligence To doon un-to the feste reverence.”Clerke's T. 195 [source]
The object of χάριν ἔχω , 2 Timothy 1:3. Lit. having received a reminding. The phrases N.T.o Ὑπόμνησις reminding(but sometimes intransitive, remembrance ), only here, 2 Peter 1:13; 2 Peter 3:1. In lxx three times. As distinguished from ἀνάμνησις remembrance(1 Corinthians 11:24, 1 Corinthians 11:25) it signifies a reminding or being reminded by another; while ἀνάμνησις is a recalling by one's self. [source]
See on 1 Timothy 1:5. For the peculiar collocation of the Greek words, comp. Acts 17:28; Romans 1:12; Ephesians 1:15. The writer's thought is probably not confined to Christian faith, but has in view the continuity of Judaism and Christianity. In 2 Timothy 1:3he speaks of serving God from his forefathers. In Acts 24:14Paul is represented as saying that even as a Christian he serves the God of his fathers, believing all things contained in the law and the prophets. [source]
The pure in heart and conscience. See 2 Timothy 1:3. [source]
For δικαίωμα ordinancesee on Romans 5:16. For λατρεία servicesee on Luke 1:74; see on Revelation 22:3; see on Philemon 3:3; see on 2 Timothy 1:3. The meaning is ordinances directed to or adapted for divine service. [source]
The connection is, “there are those who offer the gifts according to the law, such as ( οἵτινες ) serve,” etc. For λατρεύουσιν servesee on 2 Timothy 1:3. Omit unto. Rend. serve the copy and shadow, etc., or, as Rev., that which is a copy and shadow. For ὑπόδειγμα copysee on 1 Peter 5:3; see on 2 Peter 2:6. Comp. Hebrews 9:23. Τῶν ἐπουρανίων “of heavenly things.” Τὰ ἐπουράνια in N.T. usually “heavenly places.” See Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 3:10; Ephesians 6:12: “heavenly things,” John 3:12; Philemon 2:10; Hebrews 9:23. [source]
For grace rend. thankfulness. See Luke 17:9; 1 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:3. Comp. Psalm 50:23. [source]
The position of the adjective shows that it is used predicatively: having a conscience good or unimpaired. Compare Hebrews 13:18, “We have a good conscience ( καλὴν συνείδησιν ) Συνείδησις , conscience, does not occur in the gospels, unless John 8:1-11be admitted into the text. Nor is it a word familiar to classical Greek. It is compounded of σύν , together with, and εἰδέναι , to know; and its fundamental idea is knowing together with one's self. Hence it denotes the consciousness which one has within himself of his own conduct as related to moral obligation; which consciousness exercises a judicial function, determining what is right or wrong, approving or condemning, urging to performance or abstinence. Hence it is not merely intellectual consciousness directed at conduct, but moral consciousness contemplating duty, testifying to moral obligation, even where God is not known; and, where there is knowledge of God and acquaintance with him, inspired and directed by that fact. A man cannot be conscious of himself without knowing himself as a moral creature. Cremer accordingly defines the word as “the consciousness man has of himself in his relation to God, manifesting itself in the form of a self-testimony, the result of the action of the spirit in the heart.” And further, “conscience is, essentially, determining of the self-consciousness by the spirit as the essential principle of life. In conscience man stands face to face with himself.” Conscience is, therefore, a law. Thus Bishop Butler: “Conscience does not only offer itself to show us the way we should walk in, but it likewise carries its own authority with it, that it is our natural guide, the guide assigned us by the Author of our nature; it therefore belongs to our condition of being; it is our duty to walk in that path and follow this guide.” And again, “That principle by which we survey, and either approve or disapprove our own heart, temper, and actions, is not only to be considered as what is, in its turn, to have some influence, which may be said of every passion, of the lowest appetites; but likewise as being superior; as from its very nature claiming superiority over all others; insomuch that you cannot form a notion of this faculty, conscience, without taking in judgment, direction, superintendency. This is a constituent part of the idea, that is, of the faculty itself; and to preside and govern, from the very economy and constitution of man, belongs to it. Had it strength as it had right; had it power as it had manifest authority, it would absolutely govern the world” (Sermons II. and III., “On Human Nature”). Conscience is afaculty. The mind may “possess reason and distinguish between the true and the false, and yet be incapable of distinguishing between virtue and vice. We are entitled, therefore, to hold that the drawing of moral distinctions is not comprehended in the simple exercise of the reason. The conscience, in short, is a different faculty of the mind from the mere understanding. We must hold it to be simple and unresolvable till we fall in with a successful decomposition of it into its elements. In the absence of any such decomposition we hold that there are no simpler elements in the human mind which will yield us the ideas of the morally good and evil, of moral obligation and guilt, of merit and demerit. Compound and decompound all other ideas as you please, associate them together as you may, they will never give us the ideas referred to, so peculiar and full of meaning, without a faculty implanted in the mind for this very purpose” (McCosh, “Divine Government, Physical and Moral”). -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Conscience is a sentiment: i.e., it contains and implies conscious emotions which arise on the discernment of an object as good or bad. The judgment formed by conscience awakens sensibility. When the judicial faculty pronounces a thing to be lovable, it awakens love. When it pronounces it to be noble or honorable, it awakens respect and admiration. When it pronounces it to be cruel or vile, it awakens disgust and abhorrence. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In scripture we are to view conscience, as Bishop Ellicott remarks, not in its abstract nature, but in its practical manifestations. Hence it may be weak (1 Corinthians 8:7, 1 Corinthians 8:12), unauthoritative, and awakening only the feeblest emotion. It may be evil or defiled (Hebrews 10:22; Titus 1:15), through consciousness of evil practice. It may be seared (1 Timothy 4:2), branded by its own testimony to evil practice, hardened and insensible to the appeal of good. On the other hand, it may be pure (2 Timothy 1:3), unveiled, and giving honest and clear moral testimony. It may be void of offence (Acts 24:16), unconscious of evil intent or act; good, as here, or honorable (Hebrews 13:18). The expression and the idea, in the full Christian sense, are foreign to the Old Testament, where the testimony to the character of moral action and character is borne by external revelation rather than by the inward moral consciousness. [source]