1 Timothy study section
1 Timothy word studies
A handful of Greek words carry the theology of 1 Timothy. Tap the speaker next to any word to hear it pronounced.
Key words
διδασκαλία (didaskalia) — “Teaching, Doctrine”
Usage: 1 Timothy 1:10; 4:6, 13, 16; 6:1, 3
Meaning: Teaching, instruction, doctrine — both the act and the content of what is taught.
Theological Significance: Paul repeatedly calls for “sound didaskalia” that accords with the gospel, in contrast to the false teachers’ myths. The health of the church depends on true doctrine, faithfully guarded and taught (1 Timothy 1:10; 4:16; Titus 2:1).
ἐπίσκοπος (episkopos) — “Overseer, Bishop”
Usage: 1 Timothy 3:1-2
Meaning: An overseer, one who watches over; a leader of the church, used interchangeably with “elder” (presbyteros).
Theological Significance: The episkopos is to be “above reproach,” qualified chiefly by godly character and ability to teach. The office exists to shepherd, guard, and lead the flock in sound doctrine (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 20:28).
διάκονος (diakonos) — “Deacon, Servant”
Usage: 1 Timothy 3:8, 12
Meaning: A servant, minister; the office of “deacon,” one who serves the church.
Theological Significance: Diakonoi are to be dignified, tested, and of proven character, serving the church’s practical needs. The office reflects the servant heart of Christ Himself, who came “not to be served but to serve” (1 Timothy 3:8-13; Mark 10:45).
εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) — “Godliness”
Usage: 1 Timothy 2:2; 3:16; 4:7-8; 6:6, 11
Meaning: Godliness, devotion to God, reverence expressed in a godly life.
Theological Significance: Eusebeia is a keynote of the Pastorals — a life of true reverence toward God, to be trained for and pursued. “Godliness with contentment is great gain,” holding promise for this life and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8; 6:6; 2 Peter 1:3).
παραθήκη (parathēkē) — “Deposit, What Is Entrusted”
Usage: 1 Timothy 6:20
Meaning: A deposit, something entrusted to another’s safekeeping.
Theological Significance: Timothy is to “guard the deposit” — the true faith and sound teaching entrusted to him — keeping it safe and passing it on unchanged. The gospel is a treasure to be faithfully protected and transmitted (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14).
My notes
Private unless you specifically share them with another.