This powerful instruction to Timothy emphasizes vigilance, teaching, and perseverance with future-oriented results. The verse — ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου from 1 Timothy 4:16 — uses imperative verbs, a present participle, and coordinated accusative objects to show how careful persistence results in both personal and communal salvation.
The Greek Text in Focus
ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου (1 Timothy 4:16)
“Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persist in them. For by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
Grammatical Highlights
- ἔπεχε — present imperative active, 2nd singular; “hold to / pay attention to.”
- σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ — dative singulars; recipients of the imperative (“yourself and the teaching”).
- ἐπίμενε — present imperative active, 2nd singular; “continue, persist.”
- αὐτοῖς — dative masculine/neuter plural; refers back to both “yourself” and “teaching.”
- τοῦτο — demonstrative neuter singular; subject of the participle ποιῶν.
- ποιῶν — present participle active, nominative singular; “doing.”
- σώσεις — future indicative active, 2nd singular; “you will save.”
- σεαυτόν — accusative singular; “yourself,” direct object of σώσεις.
- τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου — accusative masculine plural participle with possessive pronoun; “those who hear you.”
Double Imperatives: Attention and Persistence
Paul begins with two imperatives: ἔπεχε (give attention) and ἐπίμενε (continue). The present tense of both implies ongoing, continuous effort. The dative objects σεαυτῷ and τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ suggest that Timothy’s care must include both his own life and the doctrine he teaches — an inseparable pair in pastoral ministry.
Participial Logic: τοῦτο… ποιῶν
The construction τοῦτο… ποιῶν (“doing this”) introduces the cause of the result in the next clause. The present participle ποιῶν indicates a regular pattern or lifestyle of behavior. The focus is not on a single action but on a sustained course of ministry. The grammar invites the reader to see salvation as linked to consistency.
Coordinated Accusatives: Who Is Saved
The future verb σώσεις takes two coordinated objects: σεαυτόν and τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου. This grammar shows that salvation, while ultimately the work of God, is tied to perseverance in doctrine and personal conduct. The participle ἀκούοντάς (those hearing) reflects an ongoing relationship with the message. Paul presents ministry as salvation-forming for both preacher and people.
| Word / Phrase | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἔπεχε | Present Imperative Active, 2nd Sing. | Main command | Pay attention to |
| ἐπίμενε | Present Imperative Active, 2nd Sing. | Main command | Continue in |
| ποιῶν | Present Participle Active, Nom. Sing. | Cause or basis of result | Doing |
| σώσεις | Future Indicative Active, 2nd Sing. | Main verb of result clause | You will save |
| σεαυτόν | Accusative Reflexive Pronoun | First object of σώσεις | Yourself |
| τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου | Accusative Masculine Plural Participle | Second object of σώσεις | Those who hear you |
The Grammar of Endurance and Salvation
1 Timothy 4:16 reminds us that ministry is not merely about proclamation but about perseverance. Greek grammar captures this pastoral truth through present imperatives, participial continuity, and dual object salvation. Paul’s charge to Timothy is as relevant now as ever: keep watch, stay faithful, and in doing so, let the ripple of grace extend through doctrine, diligence, and the discipline of a consistent life.
