1 Timothy 6:12

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An Exegetical Analysis of Imperative Tenses in 1 Timothy 6:12

This exegetical study of The Imperatives in 1 Timothy 6:12 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 21st, 2014. The initial inquiry centers on the syntactical and semantic implications of the differing tenses in the two imperative verbs found in the opening exhortation of 1 Timothy 6:12: the present tense ἀγωνίζου and the aorist tense ἐπιλαβοῦ. Specifically, the discussion raises questions about whether the “grasping of eternal life” (ἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς) is to be understood as a singular, decisive act, and if so, whether this act pertains to a future attainment or a present, already-possessed reality.

The main exegetical issue thus revolves around the aktionsart implied by the choice of imperative tenses. The use of the present imperative for ἀγωνίζου (“fight/contend”) suggests an ongoing, continuous struggle or commitment, typical of the present tense conveying durative or iterative action. In contrast, the aorist imperative ἐπιλαβοῦ (“take hold of/grasp”) typically denotes a decisive action, viewed as a whole without internal temporal distinctions. The crux of the interpretive challenge is to reconcile these two aspects: an ongoing spiritual struggle coupled with a seemingly punctiliar “grasping” of eternal life. This raises questions about the nature of this “grasping”: Is it an initial decisive embrace, a firm retention, or an urgent appropriation of a future promise?

Greek text (Nestle 1904)

Ἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως, ἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς, (1Tim 6,12)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• The provided text fragment of 1 Timothy 6:12 concludes prematurely. The SBLGNT (2010), like most critical editions (e.g., NA28, UBS5), continues the verse with additional clauses:
  Ἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως, ἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς, εἰς ἣν ἐκλήθης καὶ ὡμολόγησας τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν ἐνώπιον πολλῶν μαρτύρων. (1 Tim 6:12 SBLGNT). The omitted portion refers to Timothy’s calling and confession, providing significant contextual information about the basis for the exhortation to “grasp eternal life.”

Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)

In the Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28), the reading for the initial part of 1 Timothy 6:12 is identical to the provided fragment: Ἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως, ἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς. There are no significant textual variants for either ἀγωνίζου or ἐπιλαβοῦ in this verse that would alter their tense or basic meaning. The NA28 also includes the full verse, paralleling the SBLGNT reading, which underscores the importance of the subsequent clauses for a complete exegetical understanding.

Lexical Notes:

• Ἀγωνίζομαι (present imperative, middle/passive voice, from ἀγών ‘contest’): According to BDAG, ἀγωνίζομαι means “to engage in a struggle or contest,” “to fight,” “to contend strenuously.” In the present imperative, as here, it connotes an ongoing, persistent, and strenuous effort. KITTEL’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) emphasizes the verb’s origin in athletic contests, highlighting the idea of a continuous, focused struggle for victory. The present tense reinforces the idea that the “good fight of faith” is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment and endeavor.
• Ἐπιλαμβάνομαι (aorist imperative, middle voice, from ἐπί ‘upon’ and λαμβάνω ‘take’): BDAG defines ἐπιλαμβάνομαι as “to take hold of, seize, grasp, lay hold of.” It can imply grasping with a view to possession or help. The aorist imperative typically presents an action as a simple, undivided whole, without specific emphasis on its duration or progression. It can function as a command for a decisive act. As suggested in the original discussion, idioms like “latch on to” effectively capture the sense of securing a firm grip. TDNT (KITTEL) also notes that the verb can carry nuances of “taking an active hold,” often with a sense of appropriating or laying claim to something. The debate in the discussion—whether this implies clinging to something already possessed or reaching out for something future—is a critical nuance derived from the aorist’s punctiliar nature in context.

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The grammatical structure of 1 Timothy 6:12 begins with two distinct imperatives, creating a powerful exhortation. The first, Ἀγωνίζου, is a present middle/passive imperative. The middle voice here implies that the subject (Timothy) is participating in the action for their own benefit or involving themselves deeply in the action. The present tense signifies an ongoing, continuous, or habitual action—Timothy is to “keep on fighting” or “continue to contend” in the good fight of faith. The accusative object τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα (“the good fight”) further specifies the nature of this ongoing struggle.

The second imperative, ἐπιλαβοῦ, is an aorist middle imperative. Like ἀγωνίζου, the middle voice suggests Timothy’s direct involvement and benefit. However, the aorist tense is critical. While it can denote a decisive, once-for-all action, it does not inherently specify whether the action is yet to be completed, already initiated, or to be maintained. Rather, it presents the action of “grasping” as a unified event or concept, without internal duration. The genitive object τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς (“of eternal life”) specifies what is to be grasped. The rhetorical force of combining a continuous struggle (present imperative) with a decisive grasp (aorist imperative) suggests that the ongoing “fight” is inherently linked to, and perhaps culminates in or maintains, this “grasping” of eternal life. The omission of the latter part of the verse in the provided snippet removes the crucial context of “into which you were called and made the good confession,” which would strongly imply that eternal life is both a present reality (through calling and confession) and a future hope (to be firmly held onto).

The juxtaposition encourages interpreters to consider whether ἐπιλαβοῦ implies:

1. A decisive, initial act of appropriation of eternal life (e.g., at conversion or a moment of commitment).
2. A continuous, firm retention or clinging to eternal life that has already been received.
3. An urgent, singular act of reaching for or laying hold of a future hope.

The context of “the good fight of faith” leans towards an ongoing engagement, which might suggest the aorist imperative here functions as a “constative aorist,” viewing the whole action of grasping/holding as a singular, decisive objective within the continuous struggle.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The distinction between the present imperative ἀγωνίζου and the aorist imperative ἐπιλαβοῦ in 1 Timothy 6:12 is best understood not as a contradiction, but as complementary aspects of the Christian life. The “good fight of faith” is a continuous, lifelong endeavor, while the “grasping of eternal life” is presented as a decisive, focused act. Given the broader New Testament teaching, eternal life is both a present reality for believers (John 5:24) and a future inheritance (Titus 3:7). Therefore, the aorist imperative here likely encompasses both the initial, decisive appropriation and the ongoing, firm retention of this ultimate hope, viewed as a singular, crucial objective.

Considering these nuances, three translation suggestions are offered:

1. Keep fighting the good fight of faith; take firm hold of eternal life.
   This translation emphasizes the ongoing nature of the struggle and presents the “taking hold” as a decisive, foundational action, perhaps at the point of conversion or renewed commitment.
2. Continue to contend in the noble struggle of faith; lay hold firmly on eternal life.
   Here, “lay hold firmly” suggests both an initial, strong appropriation and a continuous, resolute grip on eternal life, which is already a possession to be maintained.
3. Strive unceasingly in the good contest of faith; seize eternal life.
   This option highlights the intensity of both actions, with “seize” conveying an urgent and decisive appropriation, potentially emphasizing the future aspect of eternal life as the ultimate prize to be claimed.

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