1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, a young leader in Ephesus, embedding this charge between commands to teach (v. 11) and to devote himself to reading, exhortation, and instruction (v. 13).

The words — kataphroneitō (καταφρονεῖτω) is a jussive form of "despise," not a mild "think little of" but an active looking-down. tupos (τύπος) means "a pattern" or "mold," the shape pressed into clay to produce copies.

The thread — Titus 2:7 uses the same "example" language for a leader's public life; 2 Timothy 2:22 pairs "youthful passions" with the pursuit of righteousness, faith, and love, echoing this verse's list.

Why it lands — It removes age as a valid reason for a young leader to underperform and simultaneously removes it as a valid reason for others to dismiss him. The five domains—speech, conduct, love, faith, purity—cover the full public surface of a teacher's life, leaving no hidden corner.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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.

Cross-references

Titus 2:7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
1 Corinthians 11:1 You are to imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering.
2 Timothy 2:7 Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.
Titus 2:15 Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Matthew 18:10 See that you do not look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of My Father in heaven.