OET interlinear 1 TIM 4:10

4:10a

In the Greek text, this verse uses the particle gar, which the BSB leaves implicit. This word indicates the way that this verse connects with what Paul had just said. It indicates that this verse is a reason or logical support for what he has just said. If you have a suitable way in your language to indicate this connection you should use it here.

To this end: There are two interpretations about what the word this refers to:

1. It refers back to the saying in 4:8. The English versions that follow this interpretation usually include a connection like for or “this is why” in their translation. (RSV, NET, NASB)

2. It refers forward to 4:10b. The English versions that follow this interpretation usually begin 4:10 as a new sentence with no overt connection to the verses before. (NIV, GNT, NJB, CEV, GW, probably the BSB)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). The Greek words at the beginning of this verse often point back to something already mentioned.The Greek expression for the words “to this” is eis touto. This expression is found 13 times in the New Testament. When it occurs with an infinitive (Acts 26:16) or with a hina (John 18:37 x2; Acts 9:21; 1 John 3:8; Romans 14:9; 2 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Peter 3:9, 4:6), it points forward in the sentence. When it occurs with an indicative verb (Mark 1:38; 1 Thessalonians 3:3) it points back to a previous proposition. It occurs with hoti only here and in 1 Peter 2:21. In 1 Peter 2:21 it clearly points back. Consequently, it is likely that it points back here in 1 Timothy 4:10, also. BAG comments on the construction in its entry for houtos, page 596, saying, “1. b. In particular, the neut. is used α. w. ref. to what precedes:….Freq. w. prepositions…dia touto…eis touto…ek toutou….” Knight, page 202, says, “V. 10 begins with two transition terms, εἰς τοῦτο and γὰρ. εἰς τοῦτο …has reference to the promise and its content. γὰρ ‘shows that this verse is to serve as a reason or confirmation of the preceding thought that godliness is profitable for all things…’ (Huther). Both terms bridge over v. 9 to v. 8 and tie v. 10 very closely with v. 8.”

labor: The Greek verb that the BSB translates as labor often refers to physical work like working in a field. However, in this context, Paul was not talking about literal working. See the next note on “strive.”

strive: Some translations, such as the KJV and NLT, follow a version of the Greek text that says “suffer reproach” instead of strive. The majority of the editorial committee for the UBS Greek New Testament (4^th edition) chose the variant “struggle.” However, they gave it a {C} reading, which means that the Committee had difficulty in deciding which variant to place in the text. Metzger, page 642, says, “A majority of the Committee preferred the latter [‘struggle’] partly because it has slightly better attestation and partly because it seems better suited to the context.” Most English versions follow the UBS text here. The Greek verb that the BSB translates as strive often refers to competing in an athletic contest or to fighting as a soldier does.He also used the same verb in 1 Corinthians 9:25, where it clearly refers to competing as an athlete. In this context, Paul probably meant the verb to mean “fight, struggle” rather than “compete as an athlete.” Paul used the same verb in 6:12a.

As with the verb that the BSB translates as labor Paul did not use this verb literally.

These two words translated labor and strive mean almost the same thing. Paul used both to emphasize the tremendous effort that he and Timothy exerted in order to be godly. In some languages it may be necessary to combine these two terms into one expression, For example:

for this we work very hard

4:10b

because: The Greek word that the BSB translates as because is hoti. This word can have many different meanings. Here, it means “because.” For example, see the RSV and the GNT. Paul used this word to introduce a detailed explanation of 4:10a.

we have set our hope on: This means that Paul and Timothy trusted in God. They believed that God would save them and give them the eternal life that he had promised to give them. The form of the Greek verb that the BSB translates as have set our hope on implies that this was something that they were doing continually.

our: This again refers to Paul, Timothy, and the Ephesian believers.

the living God: Paul used this expression here in the same way that he used it in 3:15c. In both verses, he used the expression to emphasize that God is active. The next part of this verse, 4:10c, says that God is active in the sense that he “saves” us.

4:10c

the Savior of everyone: Paul and Timothy put much effort into obeying God. He said here that that was because God was the Savior of everyone. This means that God is the only one who can save all people, and that he is able and willing to do so.

Savior: The word that the BSB translates as Savior refers to a person who rescues someone from danger. In this context, Paul was talking about God, who rescues us from the consequences of our sin. See the note on “our Savior” in 1:1c and the note on “save” in 1:15c.

everyone: Paul wanted to emphasize that God wanted to save everyone, not just a certain kind or group of people.

4:10d

especially: The Greek word that the BSB translates as especially is malista. In this context, it means especially, that is, “particularly,” or “above all.”Another possible meaning for malista is “that is” or “in other words.” Several modern commentators follow this interpretation. Paul was stating more exactly who the people are whom God saves. They are the people who believe. Knight, page 203, says, “Skeat (‘Especially the Parchments’) argues persuasively that μάλιστα [=‘especially’] in some cases…should be understood as providing a further definition or identification of that which precedes it and thus renders it by such words as ‘that is.’ He cites several examples from papyrus letters that would seem to require this sense and that would in their particular cases rule out the otherwise legitimate alternate sense.” See Skeat, T. C., “ ‘Especially the Parchments’: A Note on 2 Timothy IV.13,” Journal of Theological Studies 30 (1979) 173–177. This is the normal meaning of the Greek word. It is true that God is the Savior of all people (4:10c). That is, he is the only one who can save people and he is able and willing to do that. But God is especially the Savior of believers in the sense that he has actually saved them.

believe: To believe means to trust in Christ, which also implies to obey him.