Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1 TIMOTHY 4:13KJV
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1 Timothy 4:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 4:13 mean?

1 Timothy 4:13 tells Timothy to focus on three main activities until Paul arrives: reading Scripture aloud, encouraging others, and teaching sound doctrine. Paul is instructing Timothy to make these things a priority in his leadership of the church.

Paul, an experienced church leader, is writing to Timothy, a younger pastor in Ephesus, giving him practical instructions for leading the church well. The verse highlights the importance of public reading of Scripture, offering encouragement, and careful teaching, showing what Paul considered essential for a healthy Christian community.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 4:13

  • "Attendance" (προσέχω, prosechō): This word means to pay close attention or devote oneself to something. Paul is urging Timothy to be intentional and consistent in these practices, not just to do them occasionally.
  • "Reading" (ἀνάγνωσις, anagnōsis): This refers specifically to the public reading of Scripture, which was a key part of early Christian gatherings before most people had personal copies of the Bible.
  • "Exhortation" (παράκλησις, paraklēsis): This word means encouragement, comfort, or urging others to live faithfully. Paul wants Timothy to build up the church, not just instruct them.
  • "Doctrine" (διδασκαλία, didaskalia): This means teaching or instruction, especially about the core beliefs of the faith. Paul is emphasizing the need for clear and accurate teaching.

Why 1 Timothy 4:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that public reading of Scripture was a central practice in early Christian worship, not just private study.
  • Paul’s instruction shows that encouragement and teaching are both essential, balancing truth with support and care.
  • The verse fits into a larger section where Paul is urging Timothy to be a faithful and diligent leader, especially in a time when false teachings were a concern in the church at Ephesus.

Where else these words appear

“reading” Greek G320 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 13:15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.

“doctrine” Greek G1319 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • 2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

“attendance” Greek G4337 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
  • Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

“exhortation” Greek G3874 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.