Bible Strands
1 Timothy 4:13
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, issuing pastoral directives immediately after outlining personal conduct and spiritual gifting. The instruction governs the interim period before Paul’s physical return.
The words — πρόσεχε (proseche) literally commands to “give heed” or devote oneself, while ἀναγνώσει (anagnōsei) denotes the “public reading” of the text. These terms describe active, communal engagement rather than private study.
The thread — This emphasis on the word runs parallel to Acts 6:4, where leaders commit to prayer and the ministry of the word, and 2 Timothy 4:2, which orders preaching and patient instruction. It aligns with Titus 2:15, where speaking carries authoritative weight for correction and encouragement.
Why it lands — The text commands Timothy to prioritize public Scripture reading, exhortation, and teaching without delay. It requires the reader to treat these duties as non-negotiable obligations until the appointed time.
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
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
Cross-references
- Acts 6:4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
- 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.
- Titus 2:15 Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
- 1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
- Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.
- Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.
- John 5:39 You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,
- 1 Timothy 4:6 By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.
- Deuteronomy 17:19 It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes.