1 Timothy 4:5

It is sanctified [α γ ι α ζ ε τ α ι]. Not declared holy, but made holy. The declaration confirms the last clause of ver. 4. Thanksgiving to God has a sanctifying effect. The food in itself has no moral quality (Romans 14:14), but acquires a holy quality by its consecration to God; by being acknowledged as God's gift, and partaken of as nourishing the life for God's service. Comp. Paul's treatment of the unbelieving husband and the believing wife, 1 Corinthians 7:14.

By the word of God [δ ι α λ ο γ ο υ θ ε ο υ]. That is, by the word of God as used in the prayer. Scripture is not called "the Word of God." The Word of God includes much more than Scripture : but Scripture contains the Word of God, and the thanksgiving at table was in the words of Scripture. See Psalms 145:15; Psalms 145:16. The custom of grace at meat appears 1 Samuel 9:13. Christ blessed the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:19; Matthew 14:36) : Paul on the ship gave thanks for the meal which the seamen ate (Acts 27:35). Enteuxewv prayer, see on ch. 1 Timothy 2:1.