1 Timothy 4:5

5 for it is sanctified by means of ¹the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:5 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 4:5

For it is sanctified
Or set apart for use, and may be lawfully used at all times:

by the word of God;
which declares that there is nothing in itself common, or unclean, or unfit for use, and that nothing that goes into a man defiles him; so that by virtue of this word of God, every creature may be made use of, that is fit for food: or else this designs the word of God, which gives a blessing to what is eaten; for it is not by bread or meat only, but through the word of God commanding a blessing on what is eaten, that man lives, ( Matthew 4:4 ) and therefore this blessing upon our food should be asked for: wherefore it follows,

and prayer;
this being used before eating for a blessing on the food, and after it, in a way of thanksgiving for it, sanctifies every creature of God, or gives men a free use of any, or all of them. So the Israelites, when they had eaten, and were full, were to bless the Lord, ( Deuteronomy 8:10 ) . And thus our Lord Jesus Christ, at meals, used to take the food, and bless it or ask a blessing on it, ( Matthew 14:19 ) . And so did the Essenes among the Jews ^F8, and the Christians in Tertullian's ^F9 time; and the practice is highly necessary and commendable, nor ought it to be disused.

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FOOTNOTES:

F8 Porphyr. de Abstinentia, l. 4. sect. 12.
F9 Apolog. c. 39.

1 Timothy 4:5 In-Context

3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;

5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.

7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

Cross References

• 1. Genesis 1:25, 31; Hebrews 11:3