• 1 Timothy 4:14
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 14 μὴ Not ἀμέλει be your being careless τοῦ of the ἐν in σοὶ you χαρίσματος, gracious gift, ὃ which ἐδόθη was given σοι to you διὰ through προφητείας prophecy μετὰ with ἐπιθέσεως putting upon τῶν of the χειρῶν hands τοῦ of the πρεσβυτερίου. presbytery.

  • 1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 4
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 4:14

      Do not neglect the gift in you: Paul refers to a gift that Jehovah gave to Timothy by means of holy spirit. Apparently, this gift involved Timothy’s special role or responsibility among God’s people. He likely received the gift when Paul visited Lystra during his second missionary journey. At the time, “a prophecy” was made about Timothy’s future assignments. Timothy later became a traveling overseer. He was also assigned to remain for some time in Ephesus as an overseer. (1Ti 1:3) Paul knew, though, that a gift unused is a gift wasted. So in urging Timothy not to neglect, or be unconcerned about, the gift he had been given, Paul reminded him that it was truly precious. He wanted Timothy to keep cherishing his gift by carrying out his work with energy and zeal.​—See also 2Ti 1:6 and study note.

      through a prophecy: This may refer to one of the prophecies made about Timothy when Paul visited Lystra during his second missionary journey. These prophecies apparently focused on Timothy’s future role in the Christian congregation. (See study note on 1Ti 1:18.) Thus it was made clear that Jehovah’s spirit was directing the course that Timothy would take in his ministry. In response, the elders in Lystra readily agreed to set Timothy apart for special service and send him along with Paul.​—Ac 16:1-5.

      the body of elders: Paul here uses the Greek word pre·sby·teʹri·on to refer to a group of elders. It is related to the word often rendered “elder.” (See Glossary, “Elder; Older man.”) At Lu 22:66 (see study note) and Ac 22:5 (see study note), the term pre·sby·teʹri·on is rendered “assembly of elders,” likely referring to the Jewish Sanhedrin. Apparently, this Greek term was also used to refer to those taking the lead in individual Jewish communities scattered throughout the Roman Empire. This verse shows that Christians were using the same term when referring to the group of responsible men, or “elders,” in each congregation. Other scriptures confirm that the congregations commonly had more than one elder.​—See study notes on Ac 14:23; 20:17; Php 1:1.

      laid their hands on you: See study note on Ac 6:6.