1 Timothy 4

being nourished
The phrase “being nourished” translates the Greek present participle ἐντρεφόμενος (entrephomenos). Adding “being” helps to bring out the present tense, which signifies ongoing or continual action, and also portrays the participial form of the word (which is usually translated with the English “-ing” ending). Thus, Paul sees this continual nourishment on the words of the faith and the sound doctrine as the necessary means of growth and progress for Timothy as a spiritual leader. Any church leader must be constantly nourished himself in order to lead and nourish others as well.

train
The word “train” comes from γυμνάζω (gymnazō), which is the word from which the English word “gymnasium” is derived. In ancient Greek and Roman culture, it referred to diligent training for battle or athletic competition. Thus, a translation like “discipline” is not poor, but is a bit too general. “Training” carries over the hard work and diligent repetition as an intentional pursuit toward a specific goal. It is this kind of training which Paul is exhorting Timothy to practice in pursuit of godliness.

training
Refer to the discussion on verse 7 above.

saying
This is translated as “saying” rather than “statement” (λόγος; logos) to more clearly emphasize the proverbial nature of what Paul is saying here. This characteristic phrase used in the Pastoral Epistles, πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (pistos ho logos), is translated as “It is a trustworthy saying” throughout Paul’s letters to Timothy (1 Tim 1:15; 3:1; here; 2 Tim 2:11) and similarly as “This is a trustworthy saying” in Titus 3:8.

Command
“Command” translates the Greek word παραγγέλλω (parangellō), which is consistently translated throughout the epistle with “command.” Paul is equipping Timothy for the task of putting an end to the false teachers by providing the church with sound doctrine. Consistent translation of the same term helps the reader to see that commanding is a theme in 1 Timothy that ties sections of this letter together (cf. 1:3, 5, 18; 4:11; 5:7; 6:17, 18).

council of elders
“Council of elders” translates the Greek term πρεσβυτέριον (presbyterion). While this can be transliterated as Presbytery, the translation here as “council of elders” more clearly describes what Paul has in mind and is faithful to the intent of the text. This is also consistent, as πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros) is regularly rendered in this translation with “elder.” Paul exhorts Timothy here not to neglect his gift by reminding him of its legitimacy given through prophesy and affirmed by the elders.

save
The translation as “save” here rather than something like “ensure salvation” literally portrays the Greek verb σῴζω (sōzō) used here. Paul, by saying that Timothy will save himself and his hearers, enforces that true contranslation is demonstrated through faithful persistence in true doctrine and godly living. This heightens the stakes and emphasizes the importance of persevering in these things.