1 Timothy 4:15
ESV
Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
NIV
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
NASB
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.
CSB
Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all.
NLT
Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.
KJV
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
NKJV
Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
What does 1 Timothy 4:15 mean?
Here Paul gives Timothy a specific command regarding the points he has just made. The larger context includes 1 Timothy 4:1–16. This verse likely focuses on the five areas of example mentioned in verse 12: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It also covers Paul's command to publically read Scripture, preach, and teach (1 Timothy 4:14). Timothy was to "practice" similar to the athletic analogy in verse 8. Also, Paul uses the Greek phrase en toutois isthi, literally meaning "be in" them. Some translations represent this as "immerse."Timothy's life was to be so focused on serving Christ that it was obvious to everyone. Many people in Ephesus claimed to be believers. However, not all lived like it. One way Timothy could stand out, in addition to sound doctrine, was through a life that reflected the true teachings of the Christian faith. In contrast, the false teachers would reveal the wrong nature of their false teachings through their sinful actions.
