11But you, man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. [6:12] Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. [6:13] Paul charges you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony before Pontius Pilate with the good confession: [6:14] keep the commandment without stain and above reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ — [6:15] which he will bring about in his own times — the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, [6:16] who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
1TI 6:11-16
Fight the Good Fight
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, the term (fight) would evoke the imagery of athletic contests, particularly the Olympic games, where participants trained rigorously and competed for honor and glory. This metaphor would resonate with Timothy, who is urged to engage in a spiritual struggle with the same intensity and discipline. The virtues listed—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness—reflect both Stoic ideals of self-mastery and Jewish ethical teachings, emphasizing a life of moral integrity. The charge to keep the commandment 'without stain' and 'above reproach' underscores the public nature of Timothy’s role, where his conduct must withstand scrutiny in a society deeply concerned with honor and reputation. The reference to Christ’s confession before Pontius Pilate situates Timothy’s struggle within the broader narrative of faithfulness under pressure, a theme familiar to early Christians facing persecution. The anticipation of Christ’s appearing aligns with Jewish apocalyptic expectations, reinforcing the urgency of Timothy’s mission.
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How other translations render this
1TI 6:11
- KJV
- But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
- BSB
- But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
- Koinōnos
- But you, man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.
1TI 6:12
- KJV
- Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
- BSB
- Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.
- Koinōnos
- Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life, to which you were called and made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1TI 6:13
- KJV
- I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
- BSB
- I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:
- Koinōnos
- Paul charges you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony before Pontius Pilate with the good confession:
1TI 6:14
- KJV
- That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
- BSB
- Keep this commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Koinōnos
- keep the commandment without stain and above reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ —
1TI 6:15
- KJV
- Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
- BSB
- which the blessed and only Sovereign One—the King of kings and Lord of lords—will bring about in His own time.
- Koinōnos
- which he will bring about in his own times — the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
1TI 6:16
- KJV
- Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
- BSB
- He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
- Koinōnos
- who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or is able to see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1TI 6:11
- endurance,:The word translated 'endurance' here carries the sense of a gentle, mild disposition, often in the face of provocation, rather than simply bearing up under hardship.
1TI 6:12
- fight:The word translated 'fight' evokes the imagery of an athletic contest or struggle, like a wrestling match or a race, where victory is the goal.
1TI 6:14
- without stain,:The term used here for 'without stain' literally means unspotted or unblemished, often referring to something pure and clean, like a sacrificial animal without defect.
- above reproach:The word translated 'above reproach' means not open to attack or criticism, suggesting a blameless character that gives no grounds for accusation.