King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 4:10 Mean?

1 Timothy 4:10 in the King James Version says “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, spe... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

1 Timothy 4:10 · KJV


Context

8

For bodily exercise profiteth little : but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. little: or, for a little time

9

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

11

These things command and teach.

12

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach (εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα, eis touto gar kai kopiōmen kai agōnizometha)—'for to this end we toil and strive.' Kopiaō means to labor to exhaustion, work hard. Agōnizomai means to struggle, fight, compete (as athletes). Some manuscripts read 'suffer reproach' (oneidizometha) instead of 'strive.' Either way, Paul describes strenuous, costly ministry.

Because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe (ὅτι ἠλπίκαμεν ἐπὶ θεῷ ζῶντι, ὅς ἐστιν σωτὴρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων, μάλιστα πιστῶν, hoti ēlpikamen epi theō zōnti, hos estin sōtēr pantōn anthrōpōn, malista pistōn)—'we have set our hope on the living God, who is Savior of all people, especially of believers.' Elpizō means to hope, trust. Sōtēr means savior, deliverer, preserver.

Paul's motivation for exhausting ministry: hope in the living God who saves. God is 'Savior of all people' in that He provides common grace (preserves life, sends rain, shows patience), but 'especially believers' who receive salvation unto eternal life. The distinction: God benefits all humanity, but saves eternally only those who believe.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's ministry involved constant hardship—beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, opposition (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). What sustained him? Hope in the living God who saves. Unlike dead idols worshiped in Ephesus, the Christian God is alive, active, powerful to save. This living God's saving purpose motivates costly ministry—we labor because people's eternal destiny is at stake.

Reflection Questions

  1. What motivates exhausting, costly ministry—how does hope in God fuel perseverance?
  2. How is God 'Savior of all people' yet 'especially of believers'—what's the distinction?
  3. What role does belief in God's saving power play in sustaining difficult ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἰς1 of 19

therefore

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦτο2 of 19
G5124

that thing

γὰρ3 of 19

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καὶ4 of 19

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

κοπιῶμεν5 of 19

labour

G2872

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

καὶ6 of 19

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὀνειδιζόμεθα,7 of 19

suffer reproach

G3679

to defame, i.e., rail at, chide, taunt

ὅτι8 of 19

because

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἠλπίκαμεν9 of 19

we trust

G1679

to expect or confide

ἐπὶ10 of 19

in

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

θεῷ11 of 19

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ζῶντι12 of 19

the living

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ὅς13 of 19

who

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν14 of 19

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

σωτὴρ15 of 19

the Saviour

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

πάντων16 of 19

of all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀνθρώπων17 of 19

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μάλιστα18 of 19

specially

G3122

(adverbially) most (in the greatest degree) or particularly

πιστῶν19 of 19

of those that believe

G4103

objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 4:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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