1 Timothy 4:14

Modern

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

Traditional

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

Literal

Do not be negligent of the gift in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elderhood.

Latin

Noli negligere gratiam, quæ in te est, quæ data est tibi per prophetiam, cum impositione manuum presbyterii.

Greek

English

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders.

the laying on of the hands: This gesture showed recognition, validity, and blessing (see Acts 13:1–3; 6:6). This was likely the same event as in 2 Timothy 1:6–7 (see 1 Timothy 1:18; compare Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:7–11; Ephesians 4:7–13). This is the way the church validated Paul’s ministry and that of his delegates.

Timothy needs to address the false teachers (see 2 Timothy 3:1–4:5).

This section explains how Timothy should spend his time until Paul arrives (3:14–15; 4:13).

Theme notes and profiles

2 Timothy 1:6
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
1 Peter 4:9–11
Show hospitality to one another without complaining.
1 Timothy 1:18
Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,
Acts 6:6
They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
1 Timothy 5:22
Do not be too quick in the laying on of hands and thereby share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
Acts 13:3
And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
1 Thessalonians 5:19
Do not extinguish the Spirit.
Acts 8:17
Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 25:14–30
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions.
Romans 12:6–8
We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith;
Acts 19:6
And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Luke 19:12–26
So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return.