Chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

1 Timothy 4:16
ESV Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
NIV Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
NASB Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
CSB Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.
NLT Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
KJV Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

What does 1 Timothy 4:16 mean?

Paul's concluding verse in this passage offers much wisdom. First, Timothy is to evaluate himself, perhaps again building on the athletic analogy used in verses 8 and 15. The areas he is to evaluate include his life and his teaching. Both were developed earlier in this chapter and are essential to effective ministry. The ability to understand, teach, and live out the truths of the gospel are essential to the work of a Christian church leader. These have been the theme of Paul's message in this passage.

In addition, Paul refers to persistence, a key theme both in physical training and in our spiritual life. For example, Hebrews 12:1 teaches, "… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Timothy's persistence would "save both yourself and your hearers." This was not about Timothy earning his salvation. He was saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). However, he could save his life and those of his church from the error of false teaching through his example and by teaching the truth.
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