Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, closing a section (4:1–16) that warns against false teachers and urges Timothy to remain steady in sound doctrine.
The words — ἐπὶμενε (epimene, "do continue") carries the sense of remaining in a place, not merely repeating an action; paired with ἔπεχε (epeche, "hold fast, give heed"), the verse frames faithfulness as sustained attention rather than a single act of will.
The thread — Titus 1:9 and 2:7 press the same link between a leader's own integrity and the quality of his teaching; 2 John 1:8 echoes the stakes: watch yourselves so you do not lose what you have worked for.
Why it lands — The verse makes personal perseverance and the salvation of listeners one causal chain: if Timothy drifts, those who hear him drift with him.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
- Titus 2:7 In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
- 2 John 1:8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
- 1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.
- Ezekiel 33:7 As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.
- Isaiah 55:11 so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it.
- Acts 20:26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
- 1 Chronicles 28:10 Consider now that the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong and do it.”
- 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.
- Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.