3If anyone teaches another doctrine and does not adhere to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching according to godliness, [6:4] he has been puffed up, knowing nothing, but being sick about controversies and word-battles, out of which come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, [6:5] and constant frictions among men corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, holding godliness to be a means of gain. Stay away from such people.
1TI 6:3-5
Reject False Doctrines
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st-century Greco-Roman world, teaching was a highly respected profession, often tied to philosophical schools or religious traditions. Teachers were expected to uphold established doctrines, and deviation from these norms was seen as destabilizing. The term (teaching different doctrine) would have signaled a rejection of communal orthodoxy, likely causing division. The emphasis on (sound words) reflects a concern for doctrinal integrity, akin to the Stoic ideal of mental and moral health. The accusation of being (puffed up) aligns with the cultural disdain for arrogance, particularly in intellectual or religious leaders. The mention of (constant frictions) highlights the destructive social consequences of such disputes, which would have been especially problematic in the tightly knit early Christian communities. The charge of treating godliness as a means of gain critiques those exploiting religious teaching for personal profit, a practice not uncommon in the Roman patronage system or among itinerant philosophers.
›See the receipts
How other translations render this
1TI 6:3
- KJV
- If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
- BSB
- If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
- Koinōnos
- If anyone teaches another doctrine and does not adhere to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching according to godliness,
1TI 6:4
- KJV
- He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
- BSB
- he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
- Koinōnos
- he has been puffed up, knowing nothing, but being sick about controversies and word-battles, out of which come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions,
1TI 6:5
- KJV
- Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
- BSB
- and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
- Koinōnos
- and constant frictions among men corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, holding godliness to be a means of gain. Stay away from such people.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1TI 6:3
- teaches another doctrine:The phrase translated 'teaches another doctrine' refers to teaching something different from the established, sound doctrine, implying a deviation from accepted truth rather than merely a new perspective.
- to sound:The word translated 'to sound' literally means to be healthy or in good physical condition. When applied to words or doctrine, it conveys the idea of being wholesome, robust, and free from corruption.
1TI 6:4
- he has been puffed up:The phrase 'he has been puffed up' suggests a state of being enveloped in smoke or fog, leading to mental confusion, delusion, and conceit, rather than just simple pride.
1TI 6:5
- [and] constant frictions:The term translated 'constant frictions' describes intense, continuous irritation and conflict, like a persistent rubbing or wearing away, indicating a deep and ongoing state of discord.