King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:14 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:14 in the King James Version says “That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 6:14 · KJV

Context

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;

16

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable (τηρῆσαί σε τὴν ἐντολὴν ἄσπιλον ἀνεπίλημπτον, tērēsai se tēn entolēn aspilon anepilēmpton)—'keep the commandment unstained, free from reproach.' Aspilos means spotless, without blemish. Anepilēmptos means blameless, irreproachable. Entolē (commandment) likely refers to Timothy's entire apostolic commission, not one specific command.

Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ (μέχρι τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, mechri tēs epiphaneias tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou)—'until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Epiphaneia means appearing, manifestation—Christ's second coming. Timothy's charge extends to Christ's return. Remain faithful until the end, when Jesus appears to reward His servants.

Paul's charge is comprehensive and eschatological: fulfill your ministry faithfully and blamelessly until Jesus returns. The appearing of Christ is both motivation (He's coming!) and deadline (keep going until He arrives). Faithful endurance to the end brings reward.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians lived in eager expectation of Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). This hope motivated faithful perseverance amid persecution and opposition. Paul charges Timothy to remain faithful until that day—maintaining sound doctrine, godly character, and effective ministry regardless of how long the wait. The Lord is coming; be found faithful when He appears.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the certainty of Christ's return motivate faithful ministry in the present?
  2. What does it mean to keep your calling 'without spot' and 'unrebukeable'?
  3. How can we sustain faithfulness when Christ's return seems delayed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
τηρῆσαί1 of 14

“keep”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

σε2 of 14

“That thou”

G4571

thee

τὴν3 of 14
G3588

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

ἐντολὴν4 of 14

“this commandment”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἄσπιλον5 of 14

“without spot”

G784

unblemished (physically or morally)

ἀνεπίληπτον6 of 14

“unrebukeable”

G423

not arrested, i.e., (by implication) inculpable

μέχρι7 of 14

“until”

G3360

as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl

τῆς8 of 14
G3588

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

ἐπιφανείας9 of 14

“the appearing”

G2015

a manifestation, i.e., (specially) the advent of christ (past or future)

τοῦ10 of 14
G3588

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

κυρίου11 of 14

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν12 of 14

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ13 of 14

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ14 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:141 Peter 1:71 Thessalonians 5:23Jude 1:24Hebrews 9:28Titus 2:13

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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