Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 Timothy 4:15 - 4:15
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Meditate (μελέτα)
Only here and Act 4:25 (citation). Often in Class. and lxx. Most translators reject the A.V. meditate, and substitute be diligent in, or practice, or take care for. Meditate, however, is legitimate, although in Class. the word commonly appears in one of the other senses. The connection between the different meanings is apparent. Exercise or practice applied to the mind becomes thinking or meditation. In lxx it represents seven Hebrew equivalents, and signifies to meditate, talk of, murmur, delight one's self in, attend to. Often to meditate, Jos 1:8; Psa 1:2; Psa 2:1; Psa 37:12; Psa 72:6; Sir. 6:7. Meditation is a talking within the mind, and issues in speech; hence to speak, as Psa 35:28; Psa 37:30; Isaiah 69:3. Similarly, λόγος signifies both reason and discourse. In Lat. meditari, “to reflect,” is also “to exercise in,” “to practice,” as Virgil, Ecc 1:2. In the Vulg. meditabor is the translation of murmur or mourn in Isa 38:14. The Hebrew הָגָהֽ means to murmur, whisper; hence the inner whispering of the heart; hence to think, meditate, consider, as Psa 63:7; Psa 78:13.
Give thyself wholly to them (ἐν τούτοις ἴσθι)
Lit. be in these things. The phrase N.T.o. The only parallel in lxx is Pro 23:17. The meaning is that he is to throw himself wholly into his ministry. Comp. “totus in illis,” Horace, Sat. i. 9, 2.
Profiting (προκοπὴ)
Better, advance or progress. Only here and Phi 1:12. The verb προκόπτειν in 2Ti 2:16; 2Ti 3:9, 2Ti 3:13. In lxx, see Sir. 51:17; 2 Macc. 8:8. The figure in the word is uncertain, but is supposed to be that of pioneers cutting (κόπτω) a way before (πρὸ) an army, and so furthering its advance. The opposite is ἐγκόπτειν to cut into, throw obstacles in the way, and so hinder. See Gal 5:7; 1Th 2:18; 1Pe 3:7.