What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 4:11?

command

“Command and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:11)

• Paul tells Timothy to give clear directives, not mere suggestions. In 1 Timothy 1:3-4 Paul had already urged him to “command certain men not to teach false doctrines,” showing that firm instruction guards the flock (cf. Titus 1:13).

• Such commanding carries the weight of Christ’s own authority, echoing Matthew 28:20 where Jesus says, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

• A command, delivered humbly yet firmly, protects believers from error and keeps the church anchored in truth (Acts 20:28-31).

---

teach

• Teaching complements commanding. While a command states what must be done, teaching explains why, nurturing understanding and growth (2 Timothy 2:2).

• Timothy is to impart sound doctrine “with complete patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2), helping believers internalize God’s Word rather than merely comply outwardly.

• Healthy teaching equips saints “for works of service” (Ephesians 4:11-12) and stabilizes them against every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

---

these things

Paul’s phrase reaches back over the immediate context of 1 Timothy 4:6-10 and the letter as a whole:

• Guard against deceitful spirits and teachings of demons (4:1).

• Reject legalistic asceticism and receive God’s good gifts with gratitude (4:3-5).

• Train yourself in godliness, which “has value for all things” (4:7-8).

• Labor and strive because “we have put our hope in the living God” (4:10).

These truths, together with earlier counsel on prayer (2:1-8), leadership qualifications (3:1-13), and sound doctrine (1:5-11), form the body of “these things” Timothy must keep before the congregation (compare 1 Timothy 6:2).

---

summary

Paul’s short exhortation packs a dual charge: issue authoritative instructions rooted in Scripture and patiently teach their meaning. Commanding guards the church; teaching grows it. Together they ensure that “these things” — the wholesome, hope-filled doctrine of the gospel — shape every believer’s life for God’s glory.