New International Version Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. New Living Translation Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. English Standard Version Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Berean Standard Bible Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Berean Literal Bible Let no one despise your youth, but be a pattern for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. New American Standard Bible Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. NASB 1995 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. NASB 1977 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. Legacy Standard Bible Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but show yourself as a model to those who believe in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Amplified Bible Let no one look down on [you because of] your youth, but be an example and set a pattern for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in [moral] purity. Berean Annotated Bible Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love {agapē}, in faith, in purity. Christian Standard Bible Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. Holman Christian Standard Bible Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. American Standard Version Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. Contemporary English Version Don't let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. English Revised Version Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. GOD'S WORD® Translation Don't let anyone look down on you for being young. Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers. Good News Translation Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith, and purity. International Standard Version Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity. NET Bible Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. New Heart English Bible Let no one despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in faith, and in purity. Webster's Bible Translation Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in deportment, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Weymouth New Testament Let no one think slightingly of you because you are a young man; but in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, be an example for your fellow Christians to imitate. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLet no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. World English Bible Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionlet no one despise your youth, but become a pattern of those believing in word, in behavior, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity; Berean Literal Bible Let no one despise your youth, but be a pattern for the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Young's Literal Translation let no one despise thy youth, but a pattern become thou of those believing in word, in behaviour, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity; Smith's Literal Translation Let none despise thy youth; but be thou a type of the faithful, in word, in intercourse, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity. Catholic Public Domain Version Let no one despise your youth, but be an example among the faithful in word, in behavior, in charity, in faith, in chastity. New American Bible Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. New Revised Standard Version Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet no man despise your youth; but you be an example to believers, in word, in behaviour, in love, in faith, and in purity. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to believers in word and in behavior, in love, in faith and in purity. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentLet no one despise your youth; but be an example to the believers, in word, in behavior, in love, in spirit, in faithfulness, in purity. Godbey New Testament Let no one look with contempt upon your youth; but be you an example of the faithful, in word, in deportment, in divine love, in faith, in purity. Haweis New Testament Let no man despise thy youth; but be a pattern of the faithful, in discourse; in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Mace New Testament don't give occasion to any to despise your youth: but be a pattern to believers in your discourse, in your behaviour, by your charity, faith and chastity. Weymouth New Testament Let no one think slightingly of you because you are a young man; but in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, be an example for your fellow Christians to imitate. Worrell New Testament Let no one despise your youth; but become a model for believers, in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Worsley New Testament Let no one have cause to despise thy youth; but he thou an example to believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context A Good Minister of Jesus Christ…11Command and teach these things. 12Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.… Cross References Let no one despise your youth, 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am. / No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers. Jeremiah 1:7-8 But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. / Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. 1 Samuel 17:33 But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” but set an example for the believers 1 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. Titus 2:7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, in speech, Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. James 3:2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. in conduct, Philippians 1:27 Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us. 1 Peter 1:15-16 But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, / for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” in love, John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. … 1 John 3:18 Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. in faith, 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. Treasury of Scripture Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. no. Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 1 Corinthians 16:10,11 Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do… 2 Timothy 2:7,15,22 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things… be thou. 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: in word. 2 Corinthians 6:4-17 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, … Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Jump to Previous Behaviour Believe Believers Believing Charity Christians Church Conduct Conversation Deportment Despise Example Faith Fellow Imitate Life Manner Pattern Purity Slightingly Speech Spirit Think Way Word Young YouthJump to Next Behaviour Believe Believers Believing Charity Christians Church Conduct Conversation Deportment Despise Example Faith Fellow Imitate Life Manner Pattern Purity Slightingly Speech Spirit Think Way Word Young Youth1 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. Let no one despise your youth, Timothy was to refuse discouragement or loss of courage because of his relative youth among older believers and elders. Respect in the churches would not be secured by demanding recognition, but by a life that displayed wisdom, godliness, and fidelity to Christ. God likewise answered Jeremiah’s concern about his youth by commanding him to speak all that He sent him to speak (Jeremiah 1:6–7). 1Co 16:10-11 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear… but set an example for the believers Timothy’s authority was to be confirmed by visible obedience to the gospel. A pastor is not merely to instruct the congregation from a distance; he is to provide a pattern of Christian life that others may follow. Such leadership reflects Christ, who taught His disciples through both His words and His works. 1Co 4:16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. in speech, Timothy’s words were to be truthful, gracious, and strengthening to the church. Speech reveals the condition of the heart and can either heal or wound, build up or corrupt. He was to reject careless talk, gossip, harshness, and false teaching, speaking in a manner consistent with the truth he proclaimed. Eph 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,… in conduct, His public and private manner of life was to agree with his doctrine. The gospel calls believers to walk worthily of God, and a leader’s behavior either commends or contradicts his message. Integrity, humility, self-control, and faithfulness would show that Timothy’s ministry rested on more than natural ability. Php 1:27 Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy… in love, Christlike love was to govern Timothy’s service among the believers. He was to seek their spiritual good, bear with weakness, correct error without cruelty, and serve without self-interest. Love identifies Christ’s disciples and gives credibility to every other aspect of ministry. Jhn 13:34-35 A new commandment I give you: Love one another.… in faith, Timothy was to demonstrate settled trust in God and steadfast loyalty to the apostolic faith. Opposition, false teaching, and personal weakness could not be allowed to move him from the truth entrusted to him. His confidence was to rest in God’s promises and in the sufficiency of Christ. 2Co 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. in purity. Timothy was to maintain moral cleanness in thought, desire, relationships, and conduct. Ephesus was marked by pagan idolatry and sexual immorality, making holiness especially necessary for one charged with guarding the church. Purity would mark him as a servant set apart for honorable use and would protect the testimony of the gospel. 2Ti 2:22 Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness… Persons / Places / Events 1. TimothyA young pastor and protégé of the Apostle Paul, Timothy was entrusted with leading the church in Ephesus. His youth was a potential barrier to his authority, which Paul addresses in this letter. 2. Paul The Apostle Paul, a key figure in the early Christian church, wrote this letter to Timothy. Paul was a mentor to Timothy and provided guidance and encouragement through his epistles. 3. Ephesus The city where Timothy was stationed as a church leader. Ephesus was a major center of early Christianity and a place where Timothy faced challenges due to his youth and the cultural context. 4. Early Church The community of believers during the first century, which faced various challenges, including false teachings and the need for strong leadership. 5. Believers The Christian community to whom Timothy was to be an example. This group included both Jews and Gentiles who had come to faith in Christ. Teaching Points Youth Does Not Limit InfluenceTimothy's age should not be a barrier to his leadership. Young believers today can also be influential in their communities by living out their faith authentically. Setting an Example in Speech Our words should reflect our faith. Believers are called to speak truthfully and lovingly, avoiding gossip and slander. Conduct Reflects Character Our actions should align with our beliefs. Living a life of integrity and righteousness is a powerful testimony to others. Love as a Foundation Love is central to the Christian life. Demonstrating genuine love for others is a key way to set an example. Faith and Purity as Witness A strong faith and a commitment to purity are essential for a credible witness. These qualities help believers stand firm in a world that often opposes Christian values. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 4:12?2. How can young believers "set an example" in speech and conduct today? 3. What does it mean to "set an example" in love and faith? 4. How does 1 Timothy 4:12 connect with Proverbs 22:6 about training youth? 5. In what ways can you "set an example" in purity in modern society? 6. How can church communities support young believers in living out 1 Timothy 4:12? 7. How does 1 Timothy 4:12 challenge young believers to lead by example in faith and conduct? 8. What historical context influenced Paul's message in 1 Timothy 4:12? 9. How can 1 Timothy 4:12 be applied in modern Christian leadership? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 4? What Does 1 Timothy 4:12 Mean Let no one despise your youthPaul tells Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth” (1 Timothy 4:12). Age is never a barrier to usefulness when God calls. • Jeremiah heard, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’ ” (Jeremiah 1:7). • David’s brothers looked down on him, yet the Lord used him mightily (1 Samuel 17:33-37). • Paul himself reminded Timothy earlier, “Fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6-7). The message is clear: don’t let others’ expectations or your own insecurities silence the gift God has placed in you. but set an example for the believers Rather than arguing for respect, Timothy is to earn it by example. “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1) captures the same pattern. Believers notice consistent lives (Philippians 3:17; Titus 2:7). Leadership rooted in godly modeling carries lasting authority. in speech Words reveal the heart. • “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up” (Ephesians 4:29). • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • James warns that the tongue can set “the whole course of life on fire” (James 3:6). Timothy’s words were to teach truth, encourage growth, and reflect Christ. in conduct Lifestyle reinforces or contradicts spoken truth. • “Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles” (1 Peter 2:12). • Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16). Daily habits, work ethic, honesty, hospitality—these visible choices preach louder than sermons. in love Love is the hallmark of discipleship. • “A new commandment I give you… that you love one another” (John 13:34-35). • Without love, eloquence and sacrifice are empty (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • “Let love be sincere” (Romans 12:9). Timothy’s leadership had to overflow with patient, sacrificial care for people. in faith Faith is trustful dependence on Christ, acted out. • “The righteous will live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17). • “I live by faith in the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). • “Be on the alert; stand firm in the faith” (1 Corinthians 16:13). A steady confidence in God’s promises steadies those who follow. in purity Moral and doctrinal purity guard the witness of the church. • “This is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). • “Flee youthful passions” (2 Timothy 2:22). • “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word” (Psalm 119:9). Purity keeps the vessel clean for the Master’s use. summary Paul’s charge answers the question, “What does 1 Timothy 4:12 mean?” Youth is not a disqualifier; character is the qualifier. Timothy—and every believer today—is called to silence critics by living out an unmistakable example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Such a life puts the gospel on display and invites others to follow Christ with confidence. (12) Let no man despise thy youth.—If Timothy desired that his teaching should be listened to with respectful earnest attention, if he hoped to use a holy influence over the flock, let him be very careful that his comparative youth prove no stumbling-block. To Paul the aged, his son in the faith seemed still youthful—at this time Timothy could not have been more than forty years of age. The old master would have his young disciple supply the want of years by a gravity of life; he would have him, while fearless, at the same time modest and free from all that pretentious assumption, unhappily so often seen when the comparatively young are placed in positions of dignity and authority. Paul proceeds further to explain his solemn warning by instancing the especial points in which Timothy was to be a pattern to the other believers. These gentle words of warning, such notices as we find in 1Timothy 5:23 and in 1Corinthians 16:10-11, seem to point to the fact of there being nothing winning in the personal appearance of Timothy, but rather the contrary. It is deserving of comment that among the more famous of the early Christian leaders, beauty of face and form appears to have been the exception rather than the rule. This was, of course, utterly different from the old Grecian idea of gods and heroes. It was no doubt part of the counsel of God that this world-religion should owe nothing to the ordinary conditions of human success. The teaching was novel and opposed to the maxims which guided and influenced the old world. The noblest ideals proposed for Christian imitation were strange and hitherto unheard of. The very foremost preachers of the faith of Christ, as in the case of Timothy, seem to have owed nothing to those personal gifts so highly prized among Pagan nations. So the appearance of St. Paul, the greatest of the early Christian leaders, seems to have been mean and insignificant, “ein armes diirres Männlein” as Luther has it. The blessed Founder of the religion is described by Tertullian, who lived in the same century with those who must have conversed with Christ’s disciples, as “having no human beauty, much less any celestial splendour.” Clement of Alexandria, Justin Martyr, and other very early writers, join in the same testimony. It is, however, only fair to say that on this point the view of Origen appears to have been different. The Messianic prophecies evidently looked forward to this as the will of the Most High. (See Psalm 22:6-7; Psalm 22:15; Psalm 22:17; Isaiah 52:14...Verse 12. - An ensample to them that believe for an example of the believers, A.V.; manner of fife for conversation, A.V.; love for charity, A.V.; R.T. omits in spirit, A.V. and T.R. Let no man despise thy youth (comp. 1 Corinthians 16:11; Titus 2:15). The construction of the sentence is manifestly that adopted in the A.V. and followed in the R.V. Timothy would certainly be under forty years at this time, and might be not above thirty-five. Either age would be decidedly early for so responsible an office - one in which he would have many elders (πρεσβύτεροι) under him (1 Timothy 5:1, 17, 19). An ensample (τύπος); properly the original "pattern" or "model" after which anything is made or fashioned; hence a "pattern" or "example." It is used in the same sense as here in Philippians 3:17; I These. 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9; Titus 2:7; 1 Peter 5:3. Them that believe. The R.V. has apparently so translated τῶν πιστῶν in order to assimilate it with the πιστῶν in ver. 10. But οἱ πιστοί are simply "believers," or "Christians" - "the flock," as St. Peter has it, and had better be so rendered. Timothy is exhorted to make it impossible for any one to question his authority on the score of his youth by being a model of the Christian graces required in believers. In word. Specially in his teaching. The exhortation to Titus (Titus 2:1, 7, etc.) is very similar, "Speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine. In all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorrupt-ness, gravity, sound speech (λόγον ὑγιῆ)" etc. (comp. too 1 Timothy 5:17; 2 Timothy 1:13). Manner of life (ἀναστροφῇ; see 1 Timothy 3:15, note). Purity (ἁγνείᾳ); elsewhere in the New Testament only in 1 Timothy 5:2, where it has the same special sense (compare ἀγνός, 2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Timothy 5:22; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:2).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek {Let} no oneΜηδείς (Mēdeis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3367: No one, none, nothing. despise καταφρονείτω (kataphroneitō) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2706: To despise, scorn, and show it by active insult, disregard. From kata and phroneo; to think against, i.e. Disesteem. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. youth, νεότητος (neotētos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3503: Youth, youthfulness. From neos; newness, i.e. Youthfulness. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. set γίνου (ginou) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. an example τύπος (typos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5179: From tupto; a die, i.e. a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. A statue, style or resemblance; specially, a sampler, i.e. A model or instance. for the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. believers πιστῶν (pistōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. speech, λόγῳ (logō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. conduct, ἀναστροφῇ (anastrophē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 391: Dealing with other men, conduct, life, behavior, manner of life. From anastrepho; behavior. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. love, ἀγάπῃ (agapē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 26: From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. faith, πίστει (pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. purity. ἁγνείᾳ (hagneia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 47: Purity, chastity. From hagnos; cleanliness, i.e. chastity. Additonal Resources 1 Timothy 4:12 Blue Letter Bible1 Timothy 4:12 Bible Gateway 1 Timothy 4:12 Bible.com 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV |
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