1:2a
To Timothy: You may need to use a verb and the second person pronoun “you” to translate the words To Timothy. For example:
I am writing this letter to you, Timothy.
-or-
I greet you, Timothy.
1:2b
If you have already translated Titus, compare 1 Timothy 1:2 to Titus 1:4. The Titus passage has a similar meaning. It differs in that it has “in our common faith” instead of “in the faith.”
my true child: This is a metaphor. Paul meant that Timothy was like a son to him; that is, he loved him like a father loves his son.
In some languages it is not possible to call someone “my son” if he is not a biological son. If that is true in your language, you may be able to use a simile rather than a metaphor. For example:
You are like a real son to me.
Or you may prefer to use a more natural expression, such as “my dear [Timothy]” or “my beloved [Timothy].”
true: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as true can also be translated “genuine” or “real.” When Paul described Timothy as his true son, he probably meant that he loved Timothy as much as he would love his biological son.
in the faith: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in the faith is literally “in faith.” Here it probably refers to Timothy’s own faith. For example, the New Century Version has:
because you believe, [you are like a son to me]
Timothy was like a son to Paul because Timothy believed in Christ (as Paul himself did). See also Titus 1:4a.
1:2c
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord: When people wrote letters in Greek they often began them with a short prayer like this. Compare this to the similar greeting-prayers in Titus 1:4; Romans 1:7; and Philippians 1:2. This kind of prayer is called a “blessing.” Paul was asking God to bless Timothy.
I pray that…
-or-
I ask God and Christ Jesus our Lord to…
Compare this to the similar greeting-prayers in Titus 1:4; Romans 1:7; and Philippians 1:2.
Grace: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Grace means “favor, good will, kindness.” Paul wanted God to show kindness and favor to Timothy.
In some languages, it may be necessary to use an expression to translate the word Grace. One way to do this would be:
May [God the Father and Christ Jesus our(incl) Lord] be kind to you(sing).
mercy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as mercy also refers to God’s kindness and compassion toward people. But mercy emphasizes that God is kind and does not punish someone who deserves it.
peace: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as peace applies to three aspects:
(a) the absence of conflict within oneself
(b) the absence of conflict between oneself and another person
(c) the absence of conflict between oneself and God
However, Paul was probably using the word peace here as people who spoke Hebrew used the word shalom. This Hebrew word refers to wholeness or well-being. It was used to talk about people who live in peace with God and with other people. If your language has a word that combines the ideas of inner peace and inner well-being, use it here. Otherwise, use a word that refers to an absence of conflict.
God the Father: You may need to translate this phrase as “God our(incl) Father” if that is the natural way to say this phrase in your language.
our: This again refers to Paul, Timothy, and the Ephesian believers.
Lord: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Lord is a general word that means “master.” It was used to address any respected person. Here it refers to Christ. You could translate it as “owner” or “chief.”
© 2003 by SIL International®
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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.