I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

1 TIMOTHY 6:13KJV
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1 Timothy 6:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:13 mean?

1 Timothy 6:13 is Paul’s solemn instruction to Timothy, given with God as his witness—the God who gives life to everything—and in the presence of Christ Jesus, who testified faithfully before Pontius Pilate. Paul is emphasizing the seriousness and authority behind his command by invoking both God and Jesus as witnesses.

Paul, writing to Timothy, is urging him to carry out his responsibilities with great care and faithfulness. The mention of God as the one "who quickeneth all things" highlights God’s power as the source of life, while recalling Jesus’ bold and truthful witness before Pilate reminds Timothy of the courage and integrity expected of him.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:13

  • "quickeneth" (ζωογονοῦντος, zōogonountos): This Greek word means "to give life" or "make alive." Paul is reminding Timothy that God is the ultimate source of all life, which underlines the gravity of acting in God’s sight.
  • "witnessed" (μαρτυρήσαντος, martyresantos): The Greek here means "to bear witness" or "testify." Paul points to Jesus’ testimony before Pilate as an example of steadfastness and truthfulness, setting a model for Timothy’s own conduct.
  • "good confession" (καλὴν ὁμολογίαν, kalēn homologian): This phrase refers to a noble or admirable declaration of faith or truth. Paul is highlighting the quality and courage of Jesus’ words before Pilate, suggesting Timothy should aspire to the same standard.

Why 1 Timothy 6:13 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Paul’s instructions to Timothy are not casual advice but carry the weight of a charge given before God and Christ, adding deep seriousness to Timothy’s role.
  • By referencing Jesus’ confession before Pilate, Paul connects Timothy’s ministry to the example of Jesus himself, encouraging faithfulness even under pressure or threat.
  • The verse ties together themes of life, testimony, and responsibility, helping the reader see that Christian service is lived out with God’s presence and Christ’s example always in view.

Where else these words appear

“Pontius” Greek G4194 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor.
  • Luke 3:1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
  • Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

“confession” Greek G3671 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 9:13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
  • 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
  • Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

“quickeneth” Greek G2227 · used in 11 verses

  • John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
  • Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

“give” Greek G3853 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
  • Acts 5:28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.