King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:13 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:13 in the King James Version says “I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate wi... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; confession: or, profession

1 Timothy 6:13 · KJV


Context

11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; confession: or, profession

14

That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15

Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things (Παραγγέλλω σοι ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῳοποιοῦντος τὰ πάντα, Parangellō soi enōpion tou theou tou zōopoiountos ta panta)—'I charge you before God who gives life to all things.' Parangellō is military command language. Zōopoieō means to make alive, give life. God is the life-giver and sustainer.

And before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession (καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ μαρτυρήσαντος ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν, kai Christou Iēsou tou martyrēsantos epi Pontiou Pilatou tēn kalēn homologian)—'and before Christ Jesus who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate.' Martyreō means to witness, testify. Jesus' confession before Pilate (John 18:33-37) demonstrated faithful testimony under threat.

Paul charges Timothy with solemn authority: before God the life-giver and Christ the faithful witness. Jesus' example before Pilate—standing firm for truth despite danger—models the faithfulness Paul requires of Timothy. Remain faithful to your charge even when threatened.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pontius Pilate governed Judea AD 26-36. Jesus' trial before Pilate is recorded in all four Gospels—He confessed He was King and witnessed to truth (John 18:37), even knowing it would lead to crucifixion. Paul holds up Jesus' fearless testimony as the model: Timothy must confess Christ faithfully regardless of consequences, following his Lord's example of costly obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does Paul invoke both God the life-giver and Christ the faithful witness?
  2. How does Jesus' confession before Pilate model faithful testimony under persecution?
  3. What 'good confession' might cost you in your current context?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
παραγγέλλω1 of 20

I give

G3853

to transmit a message, i.e., (by implication) to enjoin

σοι2 of 20

thee

G4671

to thee

ἐνώπιον3 of 20

in the sight

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τὴν4 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ5 of 20

of God

G2316

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

τὴν6 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ζωοποιοῦντος7 of 20

quickeneth

G2227

to (re-)vitalize (literally or figuratively)

τὴν8 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντα9 of 20

all things

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

καὶ10 of 20

and

G2532

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

Χριστοῦ11 of 20

before Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ12 of 20

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

τὴν13 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαρτυρήσαντος14 of 20

witnessed

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

ἐπὶ15 of 20

before

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

Ποντίου16 of 20

Pontius

G4194

apparently bridged; pontius, a roman

Πιλάτου17 of 20

Pilate

G4091

close-pressed, i.e., firm; pilatus, a roman

τὴν18 of 20

who

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλὴν19 of 20

a good

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ὁμολογίαν20 of 20

confession

G3671

acknowledgment


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 6:13 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 6:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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