4:10a

In the Greek text, this verse uses the particle gar, which the Berean Standard Bible leaves implicit. This word indicates the way that this verse connects with what Paul had just said. It indicates that this verse is a reason or logical support for what he has just said. If you have a suitable way in your language to indicate this connection you should use it here.

To this end: There are two interpretations about what the word this refers to:

(1) It refers back to the saying in 4:8. The English versions that follow this interpretation usually include a connection like for or “this is why” in their translation.

(Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, New American Standard Bible)

(2) It refers forward to 4:10b. The English versions that follow this interpretation usually begin 4:10 as a new sentence with no overt connection to the verses before.

(New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, probably the Berean Standard Bible)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). The Greek words at the beginning of this verse often point back to something already mentioned.

labor: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as labor often refers to physical work like working in a field. However, in this context, Paul was not talking about literal working. See the next note on “strive.”

strive:

Some translations, such as the King James Version and New Living Translation (2004 Revision), follow a version of the Greek text that says “suffer reproach” instead of
strive. The majority of the editorial committee for the UBS Handbook Greek New Testament (4th edition) chose the variant “struggle.” However, they gave it a {C} reading, which means that the Committee had difficulty in deciding which variant to place in the text. Metzger, page 642, says, “A majority of the Committee preferred the latter [‘struggle’] partly because it has slightly better attestation and partly because it seems better suited to the context.” Most English versions follow the UBS Handbook text here.) The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as strive often refers to competing in an athletic contest or to fighting as a soldier does. (He also used the same verb in 1 Corinthians 9:25, where it clearly refers to competing as an athlete.) In this context, Paul probably meant the verb to mean “fight, struggle” rather than “compete as an athlete.” Paul used the same verb in 6:12a.

As with the verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as labor Paul did not use this verb literally.

These two words translated labor and strive mean almost the same thing. Paul used both to emphasize the tremendous effort that he and Timothy exerted in order to be godly. In some languages it may be necessary to combine these two terms into one expression, For example:

for this we work very hard

4:10b

because: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because is hoti. This word can have many different meanings. Here, it means “because.” For example, see the Revised Standard Version and the Good News Translation. Paul used this word to introduce a detailed explanation of 4:10a.

we have set our hope on: This means that Paul and Timothy trusted in God. They believed that God would save them and give them the eternal life that he had promised to give them. The form of the Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as have set our hope on implies that this was something that they were doing continually.

our: This again refers to Paul, Timothy, and the Ephesian believers.

the living God: Paul used this expression here in the same way that he used it in 3:15c. In both verses, he used the expression to emphasize that God is active. The next part of this verse, 4:10c, says that God is active in the sense that he “saves” us.

4:10c

the Savior of everyone: Paul and Timothy put much effort into obeying God. He said here that that was because God was the Savior of everyone. This means that God is the only one who can save all people, and that he is able and willing to do so.

Savior: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Savior refers to a person who rescues someone from danger. In this context, Paul was talking about God, who rescues us from the consequences of our sin. See the note on “our Savior” in 1:1c and the note on “save” in 1:15c.

everyone: Paul wanted to emphasize that God wanted to save everyone, not just a certain kind or group of people.

4:10d

especially: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as especially is malista. In this context, it means especially, that is, “particularly,” or “above all.” This is the normal meaning of the Greek word. It is true that God is the Savior of all people (4:10c). That is, he is the only one who can save people and he is able and willing to do that. But God is especially the Savior of believers in the sense that he has actually saved them.

believe: To believe means to trust in Christ, which also implies to obey him.

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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.