Original Text
Ταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν παρατίθεμαί σοι, τέκνον Τιμόθεε, κατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας, ἵνα στρατεύῃ ἐν αὐταῖς τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν,
Literal English Translation
This command I entrust to you, child Timothy, according to the prophecies previously spoken about you, in order that by them you may wage the good warfare.
Entrusting, Not Ordering
The verb παρατίθημι, here in the middle voice (1st person singular present indicative), literally means “I place beside” or “I entrust.” In Classical Greek (e.g., Thucydides), it often refers to setting forth facts or provisions. In Koine, particularly in personal letters, it takes on the tone of commissioning or entrusting responsibility. The middle voice suggests personal investment—Paul is not commanding like a general, but handing over something sacred to a spiritual son.
Terms of Endearment and Formation
τέκνον Τιμόθεε – “Child Timothy.” The address is both affectionate and formative. In Classical texts (especially in tragedy and philosophy), τέκνον may express intimacy, sorrow, or dependency. In this pastoral context, it implies mentoring, inheritance, and spiritual kinship—far beyond bloodline.
Prophecy and Destiny
- κατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας – This phrase is packed with anticipation. The adjective προάγουσας (from προάγω) means “leading beforehand” or “going ahead.” It modifies προφητείας (“prophecies”).
- The preposition ἐπὶ σέ signals direction or targeting—prophecies spoken with Timothy as their object. In Classical usage, such forward-moving vocabulary is common in military or ceremonial processions; here it’s spiritually reappropriated.
Martial Imagery in Moral Context
ἵνα στρατεύῃ… τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν
| Term | Basic Meaning | Earlier Usage | Contextual Nuance Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| στρατεύῃ | “wage war,” “serve as a soldier” (present subjunctive) | Literal in Herodotus, Xenophon, military campaigns | Metaphorical: spiritual struggle, apostolic mission |
| καλὴν | “noble,” “good,” “beautiful” | Ethical/aesthetic virtue (Aristotle, Plato) | Moral excellence in ministry |
| στρατείαν | “campaign,” “expedition” | Often national or imperial warfare | Figurative for spiritual vocation |
Echoes of Classical Motifs
The image of life or virtue as warfare is not new. Plato speaks of the soul’s internal battle. Epictetus warns of moral warfare. But Paul’s phrasing adds prophetic anchoring and divine commissioning. This is not an abstract struggle—Timothy is to war “in” the very words once spoken about him. The phrase ἐν αὐταῖς (“in them”) ties the warfare to prophecy as its spiritual context, not just its motivation.
Closing Thought
Rather than bark orders, this verse breathes a commission. The grammar is formal but personal. The imagery is martial but peaceful. The tone is fatherly but resolute. It draws from the registers of Greek command, prophetic vision, and philosophical striving—and shapes them into a pastoral voice of responsibility, calling a young man into the beautiful burden of faithful resistance.
