1 Timothy

1 Timothy front

Introduction to 1 Timothy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Timothy

In this letter, Paul alternates between personal commands to Timothy that empower him to act as his representative and with his authority, and instructions for how followers of Jesus should live in community.

1. Greetings (1:1–2)
2. Paul commands Timothy to tell people not to teach false doctrines (1:3–20)
3. Paul gives instructions about how to re-establish order and decency in the church (2:1–15)
4. Paul gives instructions about how to ensure that elders and deacons are properly qualified (3:1–13)
5. Paul commands Timothy regarding his own personal conduct (3:14–5:2)
6. Paul gives instructions to ensure church support for worthy widows (5:3–16) and elders (5:17–20)
7. Paul commands Timothy that he must be impartial (5:21–25)
8. Paul gives instructions to ensure order in master-servant relationships (6:1–2a)
9. Paul commands Timothy regarding how he should teach and conduct himself (6:2b–16)
10. Paul gives instructions for how people who are rich should live (6:17–19)
11. Paul commands Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to his care (6:20–21a)
12. Closing blessing to the whole church (6:21b)

Who wrote the Book of 1 Timothy?

A man named Paul wrote 1 Timothy. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul may have written other letters to Timothy, but this is the earliest one that we still have. That is why it is known as 1 Timothy or First Timothy. Timothy was Paul’s disciple and close friend. Paul probably wrote this letter near the end of his life.

What is the Book of 1 Timothy about?

Paul had left Timothy in the city of Ephesus to help the believers there. Paul wrote this letter to instruct Timothy about various matters. The topics he addressed included church worship, qualifications for church leaders, and warnings against false teachers. This letter shows how Paul was training Timothy to be a leader among the churches while Timothy himself trained other leaders.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its customary title, “1 Timothy” or “First Timothy.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to Timothy.” (See: Как переводить имена и названия)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is discipleship?

Discipleship is the process of making people to be disciples of Christ. The goal of discipleship is to encourage other Christians to be more like Christ. This letter gives many instructions about how a leader should train a less mature Christian. (See: учень, учні)

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ”?

Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major textual issues in the text of the book of 1 Timothy?

In 6:5, the oldest Greek manuscripts differ from later Greek manuscripts. Modern translations may also differ depending on the Greek manuscript that they translate from. The ULT text translates the Greek from the oldest manuscripts and puts the differences from later manuscripts in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider following the decision in that translation. If not, translators are advised to follow the oldest Greek manuscripts as reflected in the ULT text. (See: Разночтения текста)

1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1–2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.

Special concepts in this chapter

Spiritual children

In this chapter, Paul calls Timothy a “son” and his “child.” Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul called Timothy his “son in the faith.” (See: учень, учні, віра, вірність and дух, Дух and Метафора)

Metaphor

In this chapter Paul speaks of people who are not fulfilling the purpose of their faith as if they had “missed the mark” that they were aiming at, as if they had “turned away” down a wrong path, and as if they had been “shipwrecked.” He speaks of following Jesus faithfully as “fighting the good fight.”

1 Timothy 1:1

Paul

Quote: Παῦλος (1)

In the culture of this time, letter writers would give their own names first. Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Immediately after introducing the writer, you might also want to indicate to whom the letter was written. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am the one writing this letter to you, Timothy”

by the command of God

Quote: κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν Θεοῦ (1)

Alternate translation: “by the authority of God”

of God our Savior

Quote: Θεοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν (1)

Alternate translation: “of God, who saves us”

of the Lord Jesus Christ our hope

Quote: Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τῆς ἐλπίδος ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, our hope refers to the person in whom we have hope. Alternate translations: “of Christ Jesus, the one in whom we have confidence” or “of Christ Jesus, whom we trust”

1 Timothy 1:2

a true son

Quote: γνησίῳ τέκνῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Paul’s sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Paul personally led Timothy to trust in Christ. That would be another reason why Paul considered him to be like his own child, since Timothy entered his new life as a follower of Jesus because of Paul. Alternate translation: “who is truly like a son to me”

Grace, mercy, peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord

Quote: χάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη ἀπὸ Θεοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν (1)

In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Alternate translation: “I hope you are experiencing God’s kindness, mercy, and peace”

God the Father

Quote: Θεοῦ Πατρὸς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples

Here, Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God, who is our Father”

Christ Jesus our Lord

Quote: Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν (1)

Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, who is our Lord”

1 Timothy 1:3

As I urged you

Quote: καθὼς παρεκάλεσά σε (1)

Alternate translation: “As I told you”

you

Quote: σε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular

In this letter, with one exception, the words you, “your,” and “yourself” refer to Timothy and so are singular. A note will discuss the one exception in 6:21.

remain in Ephesus

Quote: προσμεῖναι ἐν Ἐφέσῳ (1)

Alternate translation: “wait for me there in the city of Ephesus”

certain ones

Quote: τισὶν (1)

Alternate translation: “certain people”

to teach differently

Quote: ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that these people were not teaching in a different way, but teaching different things than what Paul and Timothy taught. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a different doctrine from what we teach”

1 Timothy 1:4

myths

Quote: μύθοις (1)

These myths were fanciful stories of some kind, perhaps about the supposed exploits of various spiritual beings. But since we no longer know exactly what these stories were about, it would probably be best to use a general term for them. Alternate translation: “made-up stories”

endless genealogies

Quote: γενεαλογίαις ἀπεράντοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul uses the term endless as an exaggeration to emphasize that these are very long. Alternate translation: “lists of names that seem as if they will never end”

genealogies

Quote: γενεαλογίαις (1)

Usually, the term genealogies refers to a record of a person’s ancestors. However, in this case it could also mean a record of the supposed ancestors of spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “lists of names”

which promote arguments

Quote: αἵτινες ἐκζητήσεις παρέχουσι (1)

The people were debating about these stories and lists of names, but no one could know for certain whether they were true. Alternate translation: “these make people disagree angrily”

the stewardship of God

Quote: οἰκονομίαν Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this phrasebehind the abstract noun stewardship with a concrete noun such as “plan” or “work.” Alternate translations: “helping us to understand God’s plan to save us” or “helping us to do God’s work”

which is} by faith

Quote: τὴν ἐν πίστει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the word faith with a verb such as “trust” or “believe.” Alternate translations: “which we learn by believing in God” or “which we do by trusting in God”

1 Timothy 1:5

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)

Paul here uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help Timothy understand the purpose of what he is commanding him. You can translate it with a word or phrase in your language that introduces background information.

Now the goal of this command is

Quote: τὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal

Here Paul is expressing to Timothy the goal or the outcome that he desires from the commands that Paul gave him. Alternate translation: “I am commanding these things in order to get this result”

of this command

Quote: τῆς παραγγελίας (1)

Here, this command refers to the instructions that Paul has given Timothy in 1:3 and 1:4.

is love

Quote: ἐστὶν ἀγάπη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

That God’s people would show love is the goal of the command. If it is necessary to include the object of “love,” you could state “each other” or “others.” This may also include love for God. Alternate translation: “is that God’s people would love others”

from a pure heart

Quote: ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here the heart represents a person’s thoughts and inclinations. Alternate translation: “from a desire for only what is good”

from a pure heart

Quote: ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, pure indicates that the person wants only good things and does not have mixed motives that also include some bad ones. Alternate translation: “from a desire for only what is good”

a good conscience

Quote: συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς (1)

Your translation should make it clear that love is the one goal of the command and is followed by three things that lead to this love. This is the second thing, after “a pure heart.” Alternate translation: “and from a conscience that leads a person to choose right instead of wrong”

a sincere faith

Quote: πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου (1)

Paul presents a sincere faith as the third thing that leads to love, which is the one goal of the command. It is not a third goal of the command. Alternate translations: “and from faith that is genuine” or “and from faith that is without hypocrisy”

a sincere faith

Quote: πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the phrase a sincere faith by expressing the abstract noun faith with a verb such as “trust” or “believe.” Here, faith could refer to: (1) trust in God. (2) belief in true teaching about God. Alternate translations: “firmly trusting in God” or “sincerely believing the true message about God”

1 Timothy 1:6

some, having missed the mark

Quote: τινες ἀστοχήσαντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of faith in Christ as if it were a target that people should aim at. Paul means that some people are not fulfilling the purpose of their faith, which is to love, as he has just explained. Alternate translation: “some people, who are not fulfilling the purpose of faith in Jesus”

have turned away to

Quote: ἐξετράπησαν εἰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, turned away means these people have stopped doing what God has commanded. Alternate translation: “are no longer doing what God commands. Instead of that, they just engage in”

1 Timothy 1:7

teachers of the law

Quote: νομοδιδάσκαλοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, law refers specifically to the law of Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly, as in the UST.

not understanding

Quote: μὴ νοοῦντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

If the contrast is not clear in your language between what these people want to be (teachers of the law) and their ability to do it, you may want to mark the contrast. Alternate translations: “but not understanding” or “and yet they do not understand”

not … either … or

Quote: μὴ & μήτε & μήτε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

Paul uses a triple negative in Greek for emphasis here, “not … neither … nor.” None of these negatives cancel each other to create a positive meaning. Instead, the negative meaning is retained throughout. If your language uses double negatives for emphasis that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here.

what they are saying or about which they make confident affirmations

Quote: ἃ λέγουσιν, μήτε περὶ τίνων διαβεβαιοῦνται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean similar things. Paul uses the repetition for emphasis. You do not need to put both phrases in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “the things that they say so confidently are true”

1 Timothy 1:8

But we know that the law (is) good

Quote: οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι καλὸς ὁ νόμος (1)

Alternate translations: “we understand that the law is useful” or “we understand that the law is beneficial”

we know

Quote: οἴδαμεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

In this letter, Paul uses the words we, “us,” and “our” to refer either to Timothy and himself, or else to all believers, which would also include the two of them. So generally, these words include the addressee. A note will discuss the one possible exception in 4:10.

if one uses it lawfully

Quote: ἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται (1)

Alternate translations: “if a person uses it correctly” or “if a person uses it in the way that God intended”

1 Timothy 1:9

knowing this

Quote: εἰδὼς τοῦτο (1)

Alternate translation: “we also know this”

law is not made for the righteous

Quote: δικαίῳ νόμος οὐ κεῖται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God did not make the law for people who are righteous”

for the righteous

Quote: δικαίῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective righteous as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this term by translating it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “for people who are righteous”

but for the lawless and the rebellious, the ungodly and the sinful, the godless and the profane

Quote: ἀνόμοις δὲ καὶ ἀνυποτάκτοις, ἀσεβέσι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς, ἀνοσίοις καὶ βεβήλοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is also using these adjectives as nouns to refer to the classes of people that they describe. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this phrase by translating each of these adjectives with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who break the law, people who defy authority, people who do not honor God, people who commit sins, people who live as if God did not matter, people who live as if nothing was sacred”

father-killers and mother-killers, man-slayers

Quote: πατρολῴαις καὶ μητρολῴαις, ἀνδροφόνοις (1)

In this list Paul uses several compound words to express his meaning concisely and vividly. In each case the first term in the compound, a noun, is the object of the second term in the compound, a verb. Three of these compound words are in this verse, and two more are in the next verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express these terms by translating them either with single terms or with phrases. Alternate translations: “patricides and matricides, murders” or “people who kill other people, even their own fathers and mothers”

man-slayers

Quote: ἀνδροφόνοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term man here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “murderers”

1 Timothy 1:10

the immoral

Quote: πόρνοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective immoral as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this term by translating it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who have sexual relations outside of marriage”

male-liers

Quote: ἀρσενοκοίταις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The term male-liers is the fourth compound word on the list. The term “lie” means to have sexual relations. Alternate translation: “men who have sexual relations with other males”

man-stealers

Quote: ἀνδραποδισταῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

The term man-stealers is the fifth and last compound word on the list. Paul uses the term man here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people who kidnap other people to sell them as slaves”

and if anything else is contrary to the healthy teaching

Quote: καὶ εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται (1)

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that, in many languages, a sentence would need to be complete. He means that if anything else is contrary to healthy teaching, then the law is made for people who do that, too. Alternate translation: “and for people who do anything else that is against wholesome teaching”

the healthy teaching

Quote: τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

The phrase healthy teaching is a figurative way to say that the teaching is good and reliable in every way and has no defect or corruption. A person with a healthy mind would recognize this teaching as correct. Alternate translation: “correct teaching”

1 Timothy 1:11

the gospel of the glory of the blessed God

Quote: τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς δόξης τοῦ μακαρίου Θεοῦ (1)

This phrase could mean one of two things. Alternate translations: “the gospel about the glory that belongs to the blessed God” or “the glorious gospel about the blessed God”

with} which I have been entrusted

Quote: ὃ ἐπιστεύθην ἐγώ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express what had been entrusted to Paul with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “for which God made me responsible”

1 Timothy 1:12

I have gratitude

Quote: χάριν ἔχω (1)

Alternate translation: “I am thankful”

he considered me trustworthy

Quote: πιστόν με ἡγήσατο (1)

Alternate translation: “he believed that he could rely on me”

placing me into service

Quote: θέμενος εἰς διακονίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the task of serving God as if it were a location that one could be placed in. Alternate translations: “he assigned me to serve him” or “he appointed me as his servant”

1 Timothy 1:13

being a blasphemer

Quote: ὄντα βλάσφημον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Paul is referring to his character before he believed in Jesus. He is probably referring to how he used to say that Jesus was not the Messiah and that people should not believe in him. Alternate translation: “I was a person who said wrong things about Jesus”

a persecutor

Quote: διώκτην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Paul is referring to his character before he believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “a person who persecuted those who believed in Jesus”

an aggresor

Quote: ὑβριστήν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Paul is referring to his character before he believed in Jesus. Alternate translations: “a violent person” or “a person who used violence against those who believed in Jesus”

I was shown mercy because not knowing, I acted in unfaithfulness

Quote: ἠλεήθην, ὅτι ἀγνοῶν, ἐποίησα ἐν ἀπιστίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be helpful in your language, you could change the order of these phrases since the second phrase, “not knowing,” gives the reason for the action that the first phrase, “I was shown mercy,” describes. Alternate translation: “I did not act the way God would have trusted me to act, but that was because I did not know what I was doing, and so Jesus had mercy on me”

I was shown mercy

Quote: ἠλεήθην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express who showed mercy to Paul with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me”

1 Timothy 1:14

Indeed

Quote: δὲ (1)

Paul here uses the word Indeed to introduce an expanded description of the way Jesus treated him mercifully even though he persecuted the followers of Jesus. This description will help Timothy and the other believers in Ephesus to understand how great the mercy of Jesus is. Alternate translation: “in fact”

the grace of our Lord overflowed

Quote: ὑπερεπλεόνασεν & ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the grace of Jesus as if it were a liquid that fills a container until it flows over the top. Alternate translation: “Jesus showed me unlimited grace”

with faith and love {that are} in Christ Jesus

Quote: μετὰ πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This could refer to: (1) faith and love that he received from Jesus when he became in him, which would mean “in relationship with” him. Alternate translation: “and enabled me to trust him and love him” (2) faith and love that Jesus himself possesses and could be saying that these were the basis of the mercy that Jesus showed him. Alternate translation: “because he believed in me and loved me”

1 Timothy 1:15

This word {is} trustworthy

Quote: πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (1)

In this context, the term word refers to an entire statement. Alternate translation: “this statement is dependable”

and worthy of all acceptance

Quote: καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος (1)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly who does this action. Alternate translations: “and we should believe it without any doubt” or “and we should have full confidence in it”

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners

Quote: Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς ἦλθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἁμαρτωλοὺς σῶσαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

Paul uses this phrase as a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation.

of whom I am first

Quote: ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ (1)

Here the term first has the sense of the superlative example of a class, in this case a negative class. Alternate translation: “and I am the worst one of all”

1 Timothy 1:16

I was shown mercy

Quote: ἠλεήθην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express who showed mercy to Paul with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me”

so that in me, the first

Quote: ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ (1)

Alternate translation: “so that through me, the worst sinner of all”

1 Timothy 1:17

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)

Paul here uses the word Now to introduce a change in what he is writing. As a result of what he has been teaching Timothy, he now writes a blessing to and about God. Use a word to indicate this change in your language, such as “so” or “now.”

be} honor and glory

Quote: τιμὴ καὶ δόξα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the abstract nouns honor and grace by stating the ideas behind the them with verbs. Alternate translation: “may people honor and glorify”

1 Timothy 1:18

This command I am placing before you

Quote: ταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν παρατίθεμαί σοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of his instructions as if he could physically put them in front of Timothy. Alternate translations: “I am entrusting you with this command” or “this is what I am commanding you”

my child

Quote: τέκνον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and child. This shows Paul’s sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Paul personally led Timothy to trust in Christ, and that would be another reason why Paul considered him to be like his own child. Alternate translation: “you who are like my very own child”

in accordance with the earlier prophecies about you

Quote: κατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας (1)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly how these prophecies happened and who did this action. Alternate translation: “in agreement with what other believers prophesied about you”

you might fight the good fight

Quote: στρατεύῃ & τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about Timothy doing his best for the Lord as if he were a soldier fighting a battle. Alternate translation: “continue to do your best on behalf of the Lord”

1 Timothy 1:19

holding faith

Quote: ἔχων πίστιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a phrase that uses a verb such as “trust” or “believe.” Here, faith could refer to: (1) a relationship with Jesus. Alternate translation: “continue trusting in Jesus” (2) a belief in the message about Jesus. Alternate translation: “keep believing the true teaching”

a good conscience

Quote: ἀγαθὴν συνείδησιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

See how you translated this phrase in 1:5. Alternate translation: “continuing to choose to do what is right instead of what is wrong”

some, … have shipwrecked regarding the faith

Quote: τινες & περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἐναυάγησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of these people as if they were a ship that had sunk. He means that these people no longer believe in Jesus and no longer live as his followers. You could use this same figure, or a similar one from your culture, if your readers would understand this meaning. Otherwise, you could state as an alternative translation, “no longer belong to Jesus”

regarding the faith

Quote: περὶ τὴν πίστιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith. Here, faith could refer to: (1) a relationship with Jesus (or God). Alternate translation: “their relationship with Jesus” (2) the teachings about Jesus. Alternate translation: “the message about Jesus”

1 Timothy 1:20

Hymenaeus … Alexander

Quote: Ὑμέναιος & Ἀλέξανδρος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names

Hymenaeus and Alexander are names of two men.

whom I have given over to Satan

Quote: οὓς παρέδωκα τῷ Σατανᾷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks as if he physically took hold of these men and handed them to Satan. If this does not make sense in your language, you could state it plainly. Alternate translation: “I have allowed Satan to command them”

whom I have given over to Satan

Quote: οὓς παρέδωκα τῷ Σατανᾷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This probably means that Paul expelled them from the community of believers. Since they are no longer a part of the community, Satan has access to them and can harm them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “I have allowed Satan to make them suffer”

so that they may be taught

Quote: ἵνα παιδευθῶσι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that God may teach them”

1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Peace

Paul encourages Christians to pray for everyone. They should pray for rulers so that Christians can live peacefully, in a godly and dignified way.

Women in the church

Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe that God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Other scholars believe that God wants women to use the gifts He gives them on an equal basis with men. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.

1 Timothy 2:1

first of all

Quote: πρῶτον πάντων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

As in 1:15, the term first means the superlative example of a class. Alternate translation: “most importantly”

I urge

Quote: παρακαλῶ (1)

Alternate translation: “I encourage” or “I exhort”

for requests, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings to be made

Quote: ποιεῖσθαι δεήσεις, προσευχάς, ἐντεύξεις, εὐχαριστίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who would do the action and who would receive the action. Alternate translation: “I urge all believers to make requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings to God”

men

Quote: ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

1 Timothy 2:2

a peaceful and quiet life

Quote: ἤρεμον καὶ ἡσύχιον βίον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms peaceful and quiet mean the same thing. Paul uses them together for emphasis. He wants all believers to be able to live their lives without having trouble with the authorities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “an undisturbed life”

in all godliness and dignity

Quote: ἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ καὶ σεμνότητι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns godliness and dignity with phrases that use verbs such as “honor” and “respect.” Alternate translation: “that honors God and that other people will respect”

1 Timothy 2:3

is} good and acceptable before God

Quote: καλὸν καὶ ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον & Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms good and acceptable mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If you think that having both terms in your translation might be confusing for your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “very pleasing to God”

1 Timothy 2:4

who desires all men to be saved

Quote: ὃς πάντας ἀνθρώπους θέλει σωθῆναι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translation: “who wants to save everyone”

all men

Quote: πάντας ἀνθρώπους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “everyone”

to come to knowledge of the truth

Quote: εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of learning the truth about God as if it were a place where people could come. Alternate translation: “to know and accept what is true”

1 Timothy 2:5

and one mediator of God and of men

Quote: εἷς καὶ μεσίτης Θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A mediator is a person who helps negotiate a peaceful settlement between two parties who disagree with each other. Alternate translation: “and one person who is able to reconcile God and people”

of men

Quote: ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

the man Christ Jesus

Quote: ἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul is likely using the term man in a generic sense to refer to the humanity of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, who is also human”

1 Timothy 2:6

having given himself

Quote: δοὺς ἑαυτὸν (1)

Alternate translation: “sacrificed himself” or “died willingly”

as} a ransom for all

Quote: ἀντίλυτρον ὑπὲρ πάντων (1)

Alternate translation: “as the price of freedom for everyone”

the testimony

Quote: τὸ μαρτύριον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make it explicit that this demonstrated specifically that God wants to save all people. Alternate translation: “as the proof that God wants to save all people”

in its own times

Quote: καιροῖς ἰδίοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at the time that God had chosen”

1 Timothy 2:7

for which

Quote: εἰς ὃ (1)

Here, which refers back to the testimony about God in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “of this testimony”

I was made a herald and an apostle

Quote: ἐτέθην ἐγὼ κῆρυξ καὶ ἀπόστολος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus has made me, Paul, a preacher and a representative for him”

a herald

Quote: κῆρυξ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A herald is someone who is sent out to announce a message. If your language does not have a similar term and your readers would not know what a herald is, you can use a general expression for this. Alternate translations: “an announcer” or “a messenger”

a herald

Quote: κῆρυξ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul compares himself to a herald because God has sent him out to announce the gospel message. Alternate translation: “a preacher”

in Christ

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ (1)

Alternate translation: “as a follower of Christ”

I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying

Quote: ἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν Χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι (1)

In order to emphasize what he is saying, Paul says the same thing twice, first positively and then negatively. If this is confusing in your language, you can express this once. Alternate translation: “I am telling you the truth as a follower of Christ”

a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth

Quote: διδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ (1)

Here, faith and truth could mean: (1) the content of what Paul teaches. Alternate translation: “I teach the Gentiles the message of faith and truth” (2) Paul’s character as a teacher. Alternate translation: “a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles”

a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth

Quote: διδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

If this phrase has the second meaning that the previous note discusses, Paul may be using the two terms faith and truth together to express one idea. Alternate translation: “I teach the Gentiles about the true faith”

1 Timothy 2:8

the men in every place

Quote: τοὺς ἄνδρας ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here the word men refers specifically to males. The term is not generic, since Paul addresses women next. Alternate translations: “the males in all places” or “men everywhere”

lifting up holy hands

Quote: ἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

It was the customary posture in this culture for people to raise their hands while praying. You could translate this in a way that would make that clear. Alternate translation: “reverently lifting up their hands in the customary way”

to pray, lifting up holy hands

Quote: προσεύχεσθαι & ἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Paul describes one part of the person, the hands, as holy to indicate that the entire person is to be holy. Alternate translation: “to lift up their hands to pray in holiness”

without anger and argument

Quote: χωρὶς ὀργῆς καὶ διαλογισμοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here Paul expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word anger tells what kind of argument the men should avoid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “without angry arguments”

1 Timothy 2:9

likewise

Quote: ὡσαύτως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “in the same way, I also want”

not in braids

Quote: μὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

During this time, many Roman women braided their hair lavishly to try to make themselves attractive. If your readers would not be familiar with the practice of braiding hair, you could express this idea in a more general way. Alternate translations: “they should not have fancy hairstyles” or “they should not have elaborate hairstyles that attract attention”

not in braids

Quote: μὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Paul mentions braids and gold as ways a woman could give undue attention to her hair. At the time, women would make elaborate braided hairstyles, often weaving in chains of gold. Alternate translations: “not with fancy hairstyles” or “not by means of elaborate hairstyles that attract attention”

pearls

Quote: μαργαρίταις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

These pearls are beautiful and valuable mineral balls that people use as jewelry. They are formed inside the shell of a small animal that lives in the ocean. If your readers would not be familiar with pearls, you could express this idea in a more general way. Alternate translation: “decorations made from valuable materials”

1 Timothy 2:10

professing godliness, through good works

Quote: ἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν, δι’ ἔργων ἀγαθῶν (1)

Alternate translation: “who want to honor God by the good things that they do”

1 Timothy 2:11

in quietness

Quote: ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Paul may be saying that he wants the women to listen rather than to speak. Alternate translation: “by listening”

in all submission

Quote: ἐν πάσῃ ὑποταγῇ (1)

Alternate translation: “and submit to the authority of the teacher”

1 Timothy 2:12

to be in quietness

Quote: εἶναι ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ (1)

As in 2:11, Paul may be saying that he wants the women to listen rather than to speak. Alternate translation: “she should listen quietly”

1 Timothy 2:13

Adam was formed first

Quote: Ἀδὰμ & πρῶτος ἐπλάσθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God created Adam first”

then Eve

Quote: εἶτα Εὕα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and then God created Eve”

1 Timothy 2:14

Adam was not deceived

Quote: Ἀδὰμ οὐκ ἠπατήθη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Adam was not the one whom the serpent deceived”

but the woman, having been deceived, came into transgression

Quote: ἡ δὲ γυνὴ ἐξαπατηθεῖσα, ἐν παραβάσει γέγονεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “but it was the woman who disobeyed God when the serpent deceived her”

came into transgression

Quote: ἐν παραβάσει γέγονεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the abstract noun transgression by stating the ideas behind it with a verbal phrase. Alternate translations: “began to sin” or “began to disobey God”

1 Timothy 2:15

But

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Paul uses the word But to indicate that this sentence provides a contrast to the previous sentence.

she will be saved

Quote: σωθήσεται (1)

Here, she likely refers to Eve, mentioned in the preceding verse, and whom Paul describes as “the woman.” Later in the sentence, they refers to women in general. To show how Paul shifts the topic from Eve, a representative woman, to all women, the word she could be translated here as “women.”

she will be saved through childbearing

Quote: σωθήσεται & διὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας (1)

This could mean: (1) people thought that women would be condemned because of Eve’s sin and punished even more than with the pain of childbearing (See: Genesis 3:16), or they may have thought that a woman who believed in Jesus was no longer under the punishment that God gave in Genesis 3:16. Since the Greek word translated through can also mean “with” or “while,” Paul may be saying here that women continue to have the punishment of pain in childbirth but will be saved from additional punishment as long as they have faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “God will save women, although they do have to endure childbirth” (2) the women of the church in Ephesus were being led away from faith in Jesus by the false teachers (See: 2 Timothy 3:6), so Paul is recommending that they focus on raising their families rather than listening to (or participating in) the “foolish talk” (1:6). Alternate translation: “God will save women as they attend to their families” (3) a reference to the birth of Jesus as a human child to be the Savior. Alternate translation: “God will save women through Jesus, who was born as a child”

through childbearing

Quote: διὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

If option number 2 from the previous note is correct, then Paul is referring to all of the aspects of motherhood by mentioning the beginning part of it: childbearing. Alternate translation: “as they attend to their families”

she will be saved

Quote: σωθήσεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God will save women”

if they remain

Quote: ἐὰν μείνωσιν (1)

Here, they refers to women. Paul switches from the singular to the plural as he switches from talking about Eve as the representative of women to women in general. Alternate translation: “if women continue living”

in faith and love and holiness

Quote: ἐν πίστει, καὶ ἀγάπῃ, καὶ ἁγιασμῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the abstract nouns faith, love, and holiness by stating the ideas behind them with verbs. Alternate translation: “trusting Jesus, loving others, and living in a holy way”

with self-control

Quote: μετὰ σωφροσύνης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, with self-control could mean: (1) with good judgment. (2) with modesty. (3) with clear thinking.

1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

3:16 was probably a song, poem, or creed the early church used to express what it understood to be the meaning of who Jesus was and what he did.

Overseers and deacons

The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include elder, pastor, and bishop. The word “overseer” reflects the Greek term in verses 1–2, which means literally an “over-seer.” The word “bishop” is derived directly from the letters of this Greek term. Paul writes about another kind of church leader, a “deacon,” in verses 8 and 12.

Character qualities

This chapter lists several qualities that an overseer or deacon in the church must have. (See: Абстрактные существительные)

1 Timothy 3:1

This word {is} trustworthy

Quote: πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (1)

As in 1:15, in this context the term word has a meaning more like “statement” or “message.” Alternate translation: “this statement is dependable”

This word {is} trustworthy

Quote: πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

Paul uses this phrase to introduce a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow in the rest of the verse with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation.

an overseer

Quote: ἐπισκοπῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

The term overseer describes a leader of the early Christian church whose work was to take care of the spiritual needs of believers and make sure that they received accurate biblical teaching. Alternate translation: “spiritual leader”

a noble work

Quote: καλοῦ ἔργου (1)

Alternate translations: “an honorable task” or “an honorable role”

1 Timothy 3:2

a husband of one wife

Quote: μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα (1)

Here, of one wife means that he has only one wife, that is, he does not have any other wives or concubines. This also means that he does not commit adultery and may also mean that he has not divorced a previous wife. Alternate translations: “a man who has only one woman” or “a man who is faithful to his wife”

sober, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable

Quote: νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον (1)

Alternate translation: “not do anything to excess, reasonable and behave well, welcoming to strangers”

1 Timothy 3:3

not a drunkard, not a brawler, but gentle, peaceful

Quote: μὴ πάροινον, μὴ πλήκτην, ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ, ἄμαχον (1)

Alternate translation: “not drink alcohol to excess, not fight and argue, but instead, gentle and peaceful”

not money-loving

Quote: ἀφιλάργυρον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

If the expression loving money would not convey the idea of something inappropriate in your language, it might be helpful to use a term that expresses the idea of “greed.” Alternate translation: “not greedy for money”

1 Timothy 3:4

managing

Quote: προϊστάμενον (1)

Alternate translations: “he should lead” or “he should take care of”

in obedience with all honor

Quote: ἐν ὑποταγῇ, μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος (1)

This could mean: (1) the overseer’s children should obey their father and show respect to him. Alternate translation: “who obey him completely respectfully” (2) the overseer’s children should show respect to everyone. Alternate translation: “who obey him and show respect to everyone” or (3) the overseer should show respect to those in his household as he leads them. Alternate translation: “who obey him as he treats them with respect”

1 Timothy 3:5

for if someone does not know {how} to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God

Quote: εἰ δέ τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν, πῶς ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Paul is making a statement, not actually asking a question. He does not expect Timothy to explain how a man who could not manage his own household could take care of God’s church. Instead, Paul is using the question form to emphasize how important it is for an overseer to demonstrate faithfulness in his personal life before assuming a leadership role in the church. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words as a statement. Alternate translation: “I say this because a man who is not able to manage his own household will certainly not be able to take care of the church of God”

the church of God

Quote: ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here the term church refers to a local group of God’s people, not to a building. Alternate translations: “a group of God’s people” or “a local gathering of believers”

1 Timothy 3:6

not a new convert

Quote: μὴ νεόφυτον (1)

Alternate translations: “not still just learning the faith” or “mature from a long, steady growth in the faith”

being puffed up

Quote: τυφωθεὶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Paul is warning that a new convert might become excessively proud if he were given an important leadership position right away. Alternate translation: “becoming proud of himself”

being puffed up

Quote: τυφωθεὶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul describes being proud as if it made a person swell in size. Alternate translation: “thinking that he is better than others”

so that he may not fall, … into the judgment of the devil

Quote: ἵνα μὴ & εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul describes the experience of being condemned for having done wrong as like falling into a hole. Alternate translation: “and have God condemn him … as he condemned the devil”

1 Timothy 3:7

the ones outside

Quote: τῶν ἔξωθεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the church as though it were a place and unbelievers were physically outside of it. Alternate translation: “those who are not believers”

he may not fall into disgrace

Quote: μὴ εἰς ὀνειδισμὸν ἐμπέσῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of disgrace as if it were a hole that a person could fall into. Alternate translation: “so that he does not do anything that would make him ashamed”

a trap of the devil

Quote: παγίδα τοῦ διαβόλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the devil tempting someone to sin as if it were a trap that could catch a person. Alternate translation: “so that the devil is not able to tempt him to sin”

1 Timothy 3:8

Likewise deacons

Quote: διακόνους ὡσαύτως (1)

Alternate translation: “deacons, just like overseers”

not double-talkers

Quote: μὴ διλόγους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about some people as if they could say two things at once. Alternate translation: “not saying one thing but meaning something else”

not double-talkers

Quote: μὴ διλόγους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind not double-talkers positively. Alternate translation: “honest in what they say”

1 Timothy 3:9

holding

Quote: ἔχοντας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of true teaching about God as if it were an object that a person could hold. Alternate translation: “continuing to believe”

the mystery

Quote: τὸ μυστήριον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Paul uses the abstract noun mystery to refer to a truth that had existed for some time but that God was revealing at that moment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this term with a verb such as “reveal.” Alternate translation: “what God has now revealed”

the mystery of the faith

Quote: τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, faith refers to the content of the mystery, that is, the specific things that God has revealed and that followers of Jesus must believe. Alternate translation: “the teachings that God has revealed to us”

with a clean conscience

Quote: ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of a person’s sense of right and wrong being clean, which means that it assures that person that he has done nothing wrong. Alternate translation: “knowing that they are not doing anything wrong”

1 Timothy 3:10

let them also be tested first

Quote: καὶ οὗτοι & δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who would the action. Alternate translations: “the leaders should observe and approve of them first” or “they should first prove themselves”

1 Timothy 3:11

women

Quote: γυναῖκας (1)

This could mean: (1) deacons’ wives. (2) female deacons.

must be} dignified

Quote: σεμνάς (1)

Alternate translations: “must be people who act properly” or “must be people who are worthy of respect”

not slanderers

Quote: μὴ διαβόλους (1)

Alternate translation: “not saying malicious things about other people”

sober

Quote: νηφαλίους (1)

See how you translated sober in 3:2. Alternate translation: “not doing anything to excess”

1 Timothy 3:12

husbands of one wife

Quote: μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες (1)

See how you translated this phrase in 3:2. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translations: “not married to more than one woman” or “faithful to their wives”

managing their own children and households well

Quote: τέκνων καλῶς προϊστάμενοι καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων (1)

Alternate translation: “taking proper care of their children and their personal affairs”

1 Timothy 3:13

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Paul here uses the word For to introduce what the results will be if people with the qualifications he has just described are chosen as church leaders. Alternate translation: “After all”

the ones having served well

Quote: οἱ & καλῶς διακονήσαντες (1)

This phrase could refer either to deacons, whom Paul has just discussed, or to overseers as well, as a conclusion to Paul’s entire discussion of church leaders. Alternate translations: “deacons who serve well” or “church leaders who serve well”

a good standing

Quote: βαθμὸν & καλὸν (1)

This could mean: (1) an honorable position. (2) a good reputation.

and much confidence in the faith that {is} in Christ Jesus

Quote: καὶ πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)

This could mean: (1) they will speak more confidently to other people about believing in Jesus. (2) they will trust in Jesus with even more confidence.

1 Timothy 3:14

in quickness

Quote: ἐν τάχει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The expression in quickness describes Paul’s haste and urgency. Alternate translation: “as soon as I can”

to come

Quote: ἐλθεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go

In some languages it is more natural to say “go” here, rather than come. Alternate translation: “to go”

1 Timothy 3:15

but if I delay

Quote: ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω (1)

This phrase does not imply that Paul might choose to take his time rather than hurrying. Alternate translations: “but in case I cannot get there soon” or “but if something prevents me from getting there soon”

so that you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God

Quote: ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ Θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι (1)

Paul speaks of the group of believers as a family because God adopts each believer as a son or daughter through Christ. This could refer to: (1) the believers in general. Alternate translation: “so that you all may know how to conduct yourselves as members of God’s family” (2) Timothy’s behavior in the church. Alternate translation: “so that you may know how to conduct yourself as a member of God’s family”

the household of God, which is the church of the living God

Quote: οἴκῳ Θεοῦ & ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία Θεοῦ ζῶντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

This phrase gives us further information about the household of God. It is not making a distinction between a household of God that is the church and one that is not the church. Alternate translation: “household of God, by which I mean the community of people who believe in the living God”

a pillar and support of the truth

Quote: στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the truth as if it were a building and of the community of believers as if they were helping to hold up that building. Alternate translation: “which helps to proclaim God’s truth”

a pillar and support

Quote: στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms pillar and support mean basically the same thing. They are architectural features that hold up parts of buildings. Paul uses the terms together for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine them into an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “which helps promote”

of the living God

Quote: Θεοῦ ζῶντος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Alternate translations: “the God who is genuinely alive” or “the true God”

1 Timothy 3:16

great is the mystery of godliness

Quote: μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον (1)

While in most of this letter Paul uses the term godliness to describe godly living, in this instance the term instead seems to describe the reverence for God that would lead a person to live a right life. Alternate translation: “the truth that God has revealed, that leads us to worship him, is great”

great is the mystery of godliness

Quote: μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Since Paul follows this statement by quoting a hymn or poem about the life of Jesus, the implication is that he sees Jesus as having made it possible for people to worship God in the most genuine way. Alternate translation: “the truth that God has revealed about why we worship Jesus is great”

Who was revealed in flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in the world, was taken up in glory

Quote: ὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί, ἐδικαιώθη ἐν Πνεύματι, ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις, ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν, ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ, ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry

This is most likely a song or poem that Paul is quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry, such as through line-by-line formatting, you could use that here.

Who was revealed in flesh

Quote: ὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. (Be sure not to suggest in your translation that Jesus only seemed or appeared to be human.) Alternate translations: “he revealed himself as a human being” or “he came to earth as a human being”

in flesh

Quote: ἐν σαρκί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul uses the term flesh here to mean “in a human body.” He is describing the human body by reference to something associated with it, the flesh that envelops it. Alternate translation: “as a true human being”

was justified in the Spirit

Quote: ἐδικαιώθη ἐν Πνεύματι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit confirmed that he was who he said he was”

was seen by angels

Quote: ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translation: “the angels saw him”

was proclaimed among the nations

Quote: ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people in many nations told others about him”

was believed in the world

Quote: ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people throughout the world believed in him”

was taken up in glory

Quote: ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God the Father took him up to heaven in glory”

was taken up in glory

Quote: ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

The abstract noun glory refers to the way Jesus received power from God the Father and is worthy of honor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this term with an adjective such as “powerful” and a verb such as “admire.” Alternate translation: “God the Father took him up to heaven, making him powerful and making everyone admire him”

1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Paul speaks in 4:14 of prophecy. A “prophecy” is a message that God communicates to people through someone to whom He has given a special gift of hearing and conveying these messages. The specific prophecy that Paul describes revealed how Timothy would become a gifted leader of the church. (See: пророк, пророчиця, пророцтво, пророкувати)

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Cultural practices

In verse 14 Paul speaks of church leaders placing their hands on Timothy. That was one way of indicating publicly that a person was being placed in a leadership position in the church.

Variation in names

In this chapter Paul speaks of church leaders called “elders.” They seem to be the same kind of leaders that he calls “overseers” in chapter 3.

1 Timothy 4:1

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)

Paul here uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help Timothy and the believers in Ephesus understand the next part of his letter. The false teachings that Timothy must oppose are something that the Spirit has already predicted. You can translate the term with the word or phrase in your language that is most similar in meaning and significance.

in later times

Quote: ἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This expression refers to the time period when God’s purposes in history are approaching their culmination and so the evil opposition to them increases. Paul is probably referring to the time period between Jesus’ resurrection and his second coming. Alternate translation: “in these days as God’s purposes advance”

some will leave the faith

Quote: ἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of people ceasing to trust in Christ as if they were physically leaving a place. Alternate translation: “some people will stop trusting in Jesus”

some will leave the faith

Quote: ἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, faith could refer to: (1) the teachings about Jesus. Alternate translation: “some people will stop believing the teachings about Jesus” (2) trust in Jesus. Alternate translation: “some people will stop trusting in Jesus”

attending

Quote: προσέχοντες (1)

Alternate translations: “and turn their attention to” or “because they are paying attention to”

to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons

Quote: πνεύμασι πλάνοις καὶ διδασκαλίαις δαιμονίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two phrases mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If you think having both phrases in your translation might be confusing for your readers, you could combine them into a single expression. Alternate translation: “to the things that evil spirits say to trick people”

1 Timothy 4:2

through the hypocrisy of liars

Quote: ἐν ὑποκρίσει ψευδολόγων (1)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could start a separate sentence here. Alternate translation: “The people who teach these things are hypocrites, and they tell lies”

their own consciences having been seared

Quote: κεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is speaking of these people as if their sense of right and wrong had been ruined like skin that someone had burned with a hot iron. Alternate translation: “they will not have any sense of right and wrong any more”

their own consciences having been seared

Quote: κεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translation: “they will be people who have destroyed their sense of right and wrong”

1 Timothy 4:3

forbidding to marry

Quote: κωλυόντων γαμεῖν (1)

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “These people teach that it is wrong to marry”

forbidding to marry

Quote: κωλυόντων γαμεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication of this phrase is that these false teachers will forbid believers to marry. Alternate translation: “these people will forbid believers to marry”

to abstain from foods

Quote: ἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. He does not mean that these false teachers will forbid believers to abstain from certain foods, but that the false teachers will require them to abstain from certain foods. In other words, the meaning of forbidding does not carry forward from the previous clause; rather, the meaning of “requiring” should be supplied. Alternate translation: “they will require believers to abstain from certain foods”

to abstain from foods

Quote: ἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication of this phrase is that these false teachers will forbid only certain foods and that they will impose this restriction on believers. Alternate translation: “they will forbid believers to eat certain foods”

by the faithful and {the ones} knowing the truth

Quote: τοῖς πιστοῖς καὶ ἐπεγνωκόσι τὴν ἀλήθειαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two expressions mean the same thing. Paul uses them together for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “by the genuine believers”

by the faithful

Quote: τοῖς πιστοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective faithful as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “by people who believe in Jesus”

1 Timothy 4:4

For

Quote: ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word For communicates that what follows is the reason for what Paul just said. Use a natural way in your language to give a reason. Alternate translation: “that is true because”

every creation of God {is} good

Quote: πᾶν κτίσμα Θεοῦ καλόν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the phrase every creation with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “everything that God created is good”

nothing being received with thanksgiving {is} vile

Quote: οὐδὲν ἀπόβλητον μετὰ εὐχαριστίας λαμβανόμενον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “we are free to eat anything that we can thank God for”

1 Timothy 4:5

for

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The word for communicates that what follows is the reason for the last part of what Paul has just said. In other words, it is the reason why “nothing being received with thanksgiving is vile.” Use a natural way in your language to give a reason. Alternate translation: “because”

it is sanctified

Quote: ἁγιάζεται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translations: “it becomes holy” or “it is suitable to eat”

by the word of God

Quote: διὰ λόγου Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

In this context, the term word has a specific meaning. It refers to the pronouncement that God made in his word that everything that he created was good. Alternate translation: “because of what God said about it”

and prayer

Quote: καὶ ἐντεύξεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

In context, the implication is that this refers to prayers of thanksgiving to God for food. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and because of the thanks that people offer to God for it in prayer”

1 Timothy 4:6

Placing these things before the brothers

Quote: ταῦτα ὑποτιθέμενος τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that could be physically placed in front of the other believers. Alternate translation: “if you help the believers remember these things”

these things

Quote: ταῦτα (1)

This refers to the teaching that began in 3:16.

the brothers

Quote: τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul is using the term brothers in a generic sense that includes men and women. Alternate translation: “the brothers and sisters”

the brothers

Quote: τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

The term the brothers means fellow believers in Jesus. Alternative translation: “your fellow believers”

being nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed

Quote: ἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expessed in proper teaching, are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ”

being nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed

Quote: ἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of these statements and teachings as if they could physically feed Timothy and make him strong. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expressed in proper teaching, are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ”

by the words of the faith and of the good teaching

Quote: τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul uses the term words to describe the statements of belief and the teachings that explain them, both expressed in words. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expressed in proper teaching”

1 Timothy 4:7

the profane and old-womanish myths

Quote: τοὺς & βεβήλους καὶ γραώδεις μύθους (1)

See how you translated myths in 1:4 and profane in 1:9. Alternate translation: “foolish, made-up stories in which nothing is sacred”

old-womanish myths

Quote: γραώδεις μύθους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The term old-womanish is an idiom that means “silly” or “foolish.” Paul tells Timothy in 5:2 that he should respect older women as mothers, so Paul’s expression here should be recognized as idiomatic rather than disrespectful. Your language may have a similar expression. Alternate translation: “old wives’ tales”

train yourself for godliness

Quote: γύμναζε & σεαυτὸν πρὸς εὐσέβειαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul tells Timothy to work to develop godly character as if he were an athlete improving his physical conditioning. Alternate translation: “diligently practice acting in ways that please God”

1 Timothy 4:8

for

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

What follows after the word for is a direct quotation of a saying that Paul uses for teaching. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow in the rest of the verse with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation.

bodily training

Quote: σωματικὴ γυμνασία (1)

Alternate translation: “physical exercise”

is valuable for a little

Quote: πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶν ὠφέλιμος (1)

This could mean: (1) it has some small value. (2) it has value for a little while. (3) it does not have very much value.

having promise

Quote: ἐπαγγελίαν ἔχουσα (1)

Alternate translation: “will bring benefits”

1 Timothy 4:9

That word {is} trustworthy

Quote: πιστὸς ὁ λόγος (1)

As in 1:15 and 3:1, in this context, the term word means “statement” or “saying.” (Paul is referring to the entire saying that he quoted in the previous verse.) Alternate translation: “this statement is dependable”

and worthy of all acceptance

Quote: καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος (1)

See how you translated this phrase in 1:15. Alternate translations: “and we should believe it without any doubt” or “and we should have full confidence in it”

1 Timothy 4:10

for unto this

Quote: εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

The term this refers to “godliness,” which Paul mentions in the previous two verses. Paul is giving a reason why Timothy should believe the saying about the value of godliness. He and his other fellow workers are striving very hard to become godly, so it must be valuable. Alternate translation: “after all, it is for godliness that”

we toil and struggle

Quote: κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms toil and struggle mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize the intensity with which he and his fellow workers are serving God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “we work so hard”

we toil and struggle

Quote: κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive

This could be the one place where we does not include the addressee. Paul has just told Timothy to make godliness his priority rather than physical exercise, and he may be offering himself and his other fellow workers as an example of that for Timothy to follow. So if your language makes that distinction, you may wish to use the exclusive form in this phrase. However, we in the next phrase would include Timothy, since Paul is encouraging Timothy to join him and his fellow workers in making godliness his priority as someone who, like them, has hoped in the living God.

the living God

Quote: Θεῷ ζῶντι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated this phrase in 3:15. Alternate translations: “the God who is genuinely alive” or “the true God”

of all men

Quote: πάντων ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “of all people”

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth

Quote: μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω (1)

The term despise here does not mean “hate,” but “think little of” or “scorn.” Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone disrespect you just because you are young”

in word

Quote: ἐν λόγῳ (1)

In this context, the term word means “what you say.” Alternate translation: “in your speech”

1 Timothy 4:13

attend to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching

Quote: πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state explicitly what Timothy is to read and to whom, and whom he is to exhort and teach. Alternate translation: “continue reading the Scriptures to the people in the church there, exhorting them, and teaching them”

attend to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching

Quote: πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the abstract nouns reading, exhortation, and teaching by translating them with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “continue reading the Scriptures to the people in your meeting there, exhorting them, and teaching them”

1 Timothy 4:14

Do not neglect

Quote: μὴ ἀμέλει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

You can translate this phrase in a positive way if that is more natural for your language. Alternate translations: “continue to use” or “make sure you develop”

Do not neglect the gift in you

Quote: μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of Timothy as if he were a container that could hold God’s gift. Alternate translation: “do not neglect the ability that God has given you”

Do not neglect the gift in you

Quote: μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that this gift is the ability that God has given Timothy for ministry. Alternate translation: “do not neglect the ability that God has given you”

which was given to you through prophecy

Quote: ὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “which you received when leaders of the church prophesied about you”

the imposition of the hands of the

Quote: ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

Paul is speaking of a ceremony during which the church leaders put their hands on Timothy and prayed that God would enable him to do the work he had commanded him to do. Alternate translation: “when the elders all laid their hands on you”

1 Timothy 4:15

these things

Quote: ταῦτα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it is helpful in your language, you may want to make explicit what these things are. Alternate translation: “these things that I am telling you”

be in them

Quote: ἐν τούτοις ἴσθι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is speaking as if Timothy could physically be inside the instructions he has just given him. Alternate translation: “and follow them consistently”

your progress

Quote: σου ἡ προκοπὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it is helpful in your language, you may want to make explicit in what way Timothy is to make progress. Alternate translation: “your increasing ability to live the way that Jesus wants you to live”

1 Timothy 4:16

Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching

Quote: ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ (1)

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to how you live and to what you teach”

Continue in these things

Quote: ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς (1)

Alternate translation: “Continue to do these things”

you will save both yourself and your listeners

Quote: καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου (1)

This could mean: (1) Timothy will save himself and those who hear him from God’s judgment (2) Timothy will protect himself and those who hear him from the influence of false teachers. Perhaps Paul means both things since, if Timothy can persuade the people of the church in Ephesus not to listen to the false teachers, then he will also spare them from God’s judgment for the wrong things they would have done if they had listened to those teachers. Alternate translation: “you will keep both yourself and your listeners from believing and doing the wrong things”

1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Honor and respect

Paul encourages younger Christians to honor and respect older Christians. Cultures honor and respect older people in different ways.

Widows

In the ancient Near East, it was important to care for widows because they could not provide for themselves.

Variation in names

In this chapter, as in chapter 4, Paul speaks of church leaders called “elders.” Here, as well, they seem to be the same kind of leaders that he calls “overseers” in chapter 3.

1 Timothy 5:1

Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

General Information:

Paul was giving these commands to one person, Timothy. Languages that have different forms of “you” or different forms for commands would use the singular form here.

Do not rebuke an older man

Quote: πρεσβυτέρῳ μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς (1)

Alternate translation: “Do not reprimand an older man”

but exhort {him

Quote: ἀλλὰ παρακάλει (1)

Alternate translation: “instead, encourage him”

as a father, younger men as brothers

Quote: ὡς πατέρα, νεωτέρους ὡς ἀδελφούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Paul uses these two similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with the same sincere love and respect that he would show to family members. Alternate translation: “as if he were your own father, and encourage younger men as if they were your own brothers”

1 Timothy 5:2

as mothers, younger women as sisters

Quote: ὡς μητέρας, νεωτέρας ὡς ἀδελφὰς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile

Paul uses these two similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with sincere love and respect, just as he would treat family members. Alternate translation: “encourage each of them as if they were your own mother, and encourage younger women as if they were your own sisters”

in all purity

Quote: ἐν πάσῃ ἁγνίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun purity by translating it with an adjective such as “pure.” Alternate translation: “making sure that your thoughts and actions are pure”

1 Timothy 5:3

Honor widows

Quote: χήρας τίμα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Provide for widows”

real widows

Quote: τὰς ὄντως χήρας (1)

Alternate translation: “widows who have no one else to provide for them”

1 Timothy 5:4

children or grandchildren

Quote: τέκνα ἢ ἔκγονα (1)

Here these children and grandchildren are adults who are able to care for others, not young children.

first

Quote: πρῶτον (1)

This could mean one of two things, or possibly both: (1) of all of their religious duties, taking care of their family is the most important one and the one that they should learn to do before anything else. Alternate translation: “as the most basic part of belonging to God’s people” (2) these children and grandchildren should be the first ones to take care of their family members, before the rest of the congregation. Alternate translation: “before the church offers any support”

let them learn to honor

Quote: μανθανέτωσαν & εὐσεβεῖν (1)

Here, learn means to practice, that is, to learn by doing. Alternate translation: “let them become proficient in honoring”

let them learn to honor their own household and to make repayment to their forebears

Quote: μανθανέτωσαν & τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον εὐσεβεῖν, καὶ ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases may: (1) mean similar things and you could combine them if that would be helpful to your readers. If honor is an idiom for “provide” here, as in the previous verse, then Paul may be using repetition for emphasis. Alternate translation: “let them provide the support that their widowed mother or grandmother needs and deserves” (2) have a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. Paul may actually be giving two reasons why people should support their widowed mothers or grandmothers. Alternate translation: “this is a respectful thing to do for widowed family members, and it will repay them for supporting their children and grandchildren as they were growing up”

their own household

Quote: τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul uses this phrase to refer to family members, by association to the way they live in the same house. Alternate translations: “their own family members” or “those living in their homes”

to make repayment to their forebears

Quote: ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις (1)

Alternate translation: “let them do good to their mother or grandmother in return for the good things their parents and grandparents gave them”

for

Quote: γάρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Paul uses the term for to introduce an additional reason why family members should support their widowed mothers or grandmothers. Alternate translation: “also”

this is pleasing before God

Quote: τοῦτο & ἐστιν ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul uses the expression before God, which means “in front of God,” to mean “where God can see.” Alternate translations: “this is pleasing in God’s view” or “this pleases God”

1 Timothy 5:5

the genuine and left-alone widow

Quote: ἡ & ὄντως χήρα καὶ μεμονωμένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The two words genuine and left-alone work together to describe one condition, and they may be combined if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a widow who is genuinely alone” Or it may be that left-alone further defines genuine. Alternate translation: “a real widow, that is, one who has no family”

the … widow

Quote: ἡ & χήρα (1)

Here, the … widow does not refer to any specific widow, but to all widows who meet this description. Alternate translations: “any … widow” or “all … widows”

continues in requests and prayers

Quote: προσμένει ταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Paul leaves a verb unexpressed here that your language might need to express. Alternate translations: “continues in making requests and prayers” or “continues to make requests and to offer prayers”

in requests and prayers

Quote: ταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

The phrase requests and prayers expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word requests tells what kind of prayers Paul is talking about here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this phrase by stating the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translations: “making requests to God in prayer” or “praying to God for what she needs”

night and day

Quote: νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism

The words night and day are used together to mean that she prays to God often, no matter what time it is. It does not mean that she prays all night and all day without ever stopping. Alternate translation: “at all times”

1 Timothy 5:6

living, has died

Quote: ζῶσα τέθνηκεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about people who do not seek to please God as if they were dead. Alternate translation: “has died in her spirit, even though she is still alive physically”

1 Timothy 5:7

Also command these things, so that they may be irreproachable

Quote: καὶ ταῦτα παράγγελλε, ἵνα ἀνεπίλημπτοι ὦσιν (1)

This statement seems to refer back to 4:11, “Command and teach these things,” which Paul tells Timothy after telling him in 4:6 to “place these things before the brothers.” So they seems to refer to all the believers in this situation, including the widows, their families, and the local church that is supposed to organize the list of widows and make sure that the widows are cared for well. Alternate translation: “also give these instructions to the believers, so that no one will be able to accuse them of doing anything wrong”

1 Timothy 5:8

someone does not provide for his own, and especially for household members

Quote: τις τῶν ἰδίων καὶ μάλιστα οἰκείων οὐ προνοεῖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, his own is an idiom that means “his own relatives.” Alternate translation: “a person does not help with his relatives’ needs, and especially those of the family members living in his home”

he has denied the faith

Quote: τὴν πίστιν ἤρνηται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, the faith refers to believing in Jesus and obeying him. Paul explains that this action would be equivalent to denying all of this. Alternate translations: “by doing that, he denies that he belongs to Jesus” or “he has shown that he does not follow the Messiah”

is worse than an unbeliever

Quote: ἔστιν ἀπίστου χείρων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that this person is worse than an unbeliever because even unbelievers take care of their own relatives. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “is worse than those who do not believe in Jesus, because they do take care of their relatives”

1 Timothy 5:9

Let a widow be enrolled

Quote: χήρα καταλεγέσθω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “Have the church put a widow on the register”

Let a widow be enrolled

Quote: χήρα καταλεγέσθω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

There seems to have been a list of widows who had no family to help them. The church members met these women’s needs for food, clothing, and shelter, and these women then devoted their lives to serving the Christian community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this phrase explicitly. Alternate translation: “Have the church put a woman on the list of widows who truly need help”

being not less than 60 years old

Quote: μὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα γεγονυῖα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Paul is using the figure of speech not less than here that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “if she is at least sixty years old”

a wife of one husband

Quote: ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Like the similar expression in 3:2, this could mean: (1) she has only one husband. Alternate translation: “she was always faithful to her husband” (2) she was only married once. If it means this second possibility, it is not clear whether Paul means to exclude women who were married more than once and widowed each time, or more specifically women who divorced their husbands and married other men. Alternate translation: “she had one husband”

1 Timothy 5:10

attested in good works

Quote: ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people must be able to attest to her good deeds”

she has received strangers

Quote: ἐξενοδόχησεν (1)

Alternate translations: “has welcomed strangers into her home” or “has practiced hospitality”

she has washed the feet of the saints

Quote: ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

In this culture, people walked barefoot or in sandals on roads that were dusty or muddy, so washing their feet once they entered a home was a way of helping them be comfortable and clean. If the people of your culture would not be familiar with this practice, you could use a general expression instead. Alternate translation: “she has cared for believers who visited her”

she has washed the feet of the saints

Quote: ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche

Paul may be using one type of humble service to represent humble service in general. Alternate translation: “has done humble things to help other believers”

of the saints

Quote: ἁγίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

The term saints refers to believers in Jesus as people who are “holy” or “set apart” for God. Alternate translations: “the believers” or “God’s holy people”

she has relieved the afflicted

Quote: θλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective afflicted as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this term by translating it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “she has helped people who were suffering”

she has pursued every good work

Quote: παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul uses the word every here as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “she has done many good deeds”

1 Timothy 5:11

But refuse younger widows

Quote: νεωτέρας δὲ χήρας παραιτοῦ (1)

Alternate translation: “But do not add the names of widows who are younger than 60 years old to the list of widows”

when they become wanton against Christ

Quote: ὅταν & καταστρηνιάσωσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication of this phrase is that when a widow accepted a place on the register, she promised to remain unmarried and devote herself to serving other believers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “when they feel bodily desires that are contrary to their pledge of chastity”

1 Timothy 5:12

having judgment

Quote: ἔχουσαι κρίμα (1)

Alternate translation: “and so they incur God’s judgment”

they have broken their first pledge

Quote: τὴν πρώτην πίστιν ἠθέτησαν (1)

The term pledge here refers to a commitment that the widows made, as the last note to 5:11 explains, that they would serve the Christian community for the rest of their lives and not remarry if the community would supply their needs. Alternate translations: “they have not kept their prior commitment” or “they have not done what they had previously promised to do”

1 Timothy 5:13

they also learn to be lazy

Quote: καὶ ἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν (1)

Alternate translation: “they also get into the habit of doing nothing”

lazy

Quote: ἀργαὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective lazy as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this term by translating it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are lazy”

wandering about the houses

Quote: περιερχόμεναι τὰς οἰκίας (1)

Alternate translation: “going from house to house”

babblers and busybodies, saying what they should not

Quote: φλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι, λαλοῦσαι τὰ μὴ δέοντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These three phrases may be ways of speaking about the same activity. Paul may be using repetition to emphasize that these women should not be looking into the private lives of people and telling about them to others who would be no better off after hearing this gossip. If you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases into a single one. Alternate translation: “people who interfere openly in other people’s business” (A doublet can consist of more than two terms.)

babblers

Quote: φλύαροι (1)

Alternate translation: “people who talk nonsense”

1 Timothy 5:14

to the one opposing

Quote: τῷ ἀντικειμένῳ (1)

This expression could refer by implication to: (1) This could refer to: (1) Satan. This is the reading of UST. Alternate translation: “the devil” (2) unbelievers who are opposing the followers of Jesus. Alternate translation: “unbelievers who are opposing you”

1 Timothy 5:15

have turned aside after Satan

Quote: ἐξετράπησαν ὀπίσω τοῦ Σατανᾶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of living in faithfulness to Christ as if it were a path that one can either follow or turn aside from. He means that some younger widows have stopped obeying Jesus and have started to do what Satan would want them to do instead. Alternate translation: “have stopped living in obedience to Jesus and have decided to obey Satan”

1 Timothy 5:16

has widows

Quote: ἔχει χήρας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that she has widows within her extended family. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state that explicitly. Alternate translation: “has relatives who are widows”

and let the church not be weighed down

Quote: καὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the community having to help more people than it is able to help as if it were carrying too much weight on its back. Alternate translations: “so that the church will not have more work than it can do” or “so that the Christian community will not have to support widows whose families could provide for them”

and let the church not be weighed down

Quote: καὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translations: “so that the church will not have more work than it can do” or “so that the Christian community will not have to support widows whose families could provide for them”

genuine widows

Quote: ὄντως χήραις (1)

Alternate translation: “widows who have no one else to provide for them”

1 Timothy 5:17

The elders having ruled well, let {them} be considered worthy

Quote: οἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι & ἀξιούσθωσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “All believers should consider elders who are good leaders to be deserving”

of double honor

Quote: διπλῆς τιμῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

Here, double honor could mean: (1) the congregation should honor the elders in two ways. Alternate translation: “of both respect and payment for their work” (2) they should honor them twice as much as others. Since Paul quotes two Scriptures in the next verse that support the idea of church leaders being paid for their work, the first possibility is more likely. Alternate translation: “of more respect than others receive”

in the word and teaching

Quote: ἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

This phrase may be expressing a single idea by using two phrases (which are actually just two words in Greek) connected with and. The phrase in the word would be identifying the content of the teaching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this connection by stating the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “at teaching from the Scriptures”

the word

Quote: λόγῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul may be using the term word here to describe the Scriptures, which God inspired people to put into words. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures”

1 Timothy 5:18

For the Scripture says

Quote: λέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Paul describes Scripture as if it could speak for itself. Alternate translations: “for it is written in the Scriptures” or “for we read in the Scriptures that”

You will not muzzle a threshing ox

Quote: βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

Here the Scriptures use a statement in order to give a command. Alternate translation: “You must not muzzle an ox while it is treading on grain”

You will not muzzle a threshing ox

Quote: βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is quoting this passage. He is using it to indicate that, just as God wanted oxen to be able to eat some of the grain that they were working to separate from its husks, so church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community that they are serving.

You will not muzzle a threshing ox

Quote: βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

A muzzle is a sleeve that goes over an animal’s snout to prevent it from opening its jaws and eating while it is doing work. If your readers would not be familiar with this object, you could use a more general expression instead. Alternate translations: “Do not keep an ox’s mouth shut” or “You must not prevent an ox from eating”

a threshing ox

Quote: βοῦν ἀλοῶντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown

An ox in this culture would “thresh” grain by walking on it or pulling a heavy object over it to separate the grain from the husks. Alternate translation: “an ox that is separating grain from husks”

The worker {is} worthy of his wages

Quote: ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ (1)

Alternate translations: “A worker has a right to be paid” or “A worker should receive his wages”

1 Timothy 5:19

do not receive an accusation, except if

Quote: κατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου, ἐκτὸς εἰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions

If, in your language, it would appear that Paul was making a statement and then contradicting it, you could reword this statement to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only believe that an accusation is true if”

on two or three witnesses

Quote: ἐπὶ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here, on stands for the concept of “relying on.” You may need to use a more complete phrase in your language. Alternate translations: “you are relying on the testimony of two or three people” or “at least two people give evidence for it”

two or three

Quote: δύο ἢ τριῶν (1)

Alternate translations: “at least two” or “two or more”

1 Timothy 5:20

before all

Quote: ἐνώπιον & πάντων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul uses the expression before to mean “in front of.” Alternate translations: “where everyone can see” or “in public”

so that the rest also may have fear

Quote: ἵνα καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ φόβον ἔχωσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state what, by implication, people will be afraid of doing. Alternate translation: “so that other people will be afraid to sin themselves”

may have fear

Quote: φόβον ἔχωσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will be afraid”

1 Timothy 5:21

I adjure you, before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels

Quote: διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων (1)

By calling on God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels as witnesses to what Paul is saying, Paul is making Timothy responsible to God to do what he says. If this is not clear, then put this into the form that your language uses for an oath. Alternate translation: “as God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels are my witnesses, I put you under oath”

before God and Christ Jesus

Quote: ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul uses the expression before, meaning “in front of,” to indicate “where they can see.” Seeing, in turn, means attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “as God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels are watching”

the chosen angels

Quote: τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

This phrase refers to the angels whom God has chosen to serve him in a special way. Alternate translation: “the angels who are God’s special servants”

you keep these things

Quote: ταῦτα φυλάξῃς (1)

Alternate translation: “you follow these instructions”

these things

Quote: ταῦτα (1)

Grammatically, this could refer either to the instructions Paul has just given Timothy about elders or to the instructions he is about to give Timothy regarding his own personal conduct. But since Paul tells Timothy to follow these instructions without favoring one person over another, it is most likely that this refers to the instructions about elders. Alternate translation: “these things that I have just told you”

without partiality, doing nothing according to favoritism

Quote: χωρὶς προκρίματος, μηδὲν ποιῶν κατὰ πρόσκλισιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms partiality and favoritism mean similar things. Paul may be using repetition to emphasize that Timothy must judge honestly and be fair to everyone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “being completely fair to everyone”

1 Timothy 5:22

Place hands hastily on no one

Quote: χεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction

The “placing of hands” was a ceremony in which one or more church leaders would put their hands on people and pray that God would enable them to serve the church in a way that would please God. Timothy was to wait until a person had shown good character for a long time before officially and publicly setting that person apart in this way to serve the Christian community. Alternate translation: “Do not appoint a person to church leadership until he has consistently demonstrated good character”

Place hands hastily on no one, nor

Quote: χεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει, μηδὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes

Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “Wait until a person has consistently demonstrated good character before appointing that person to church leadership, and do not”

nor share in the sins of others

Quote: μηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις ἀλλοτρίαις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication in context may be that if Timothy appoints a person to leadership before they are ready or without ensuring that their character is exemplary, then Timothy will bear some responsibility for that person’s ultimate failure as a leader, or he will appear to have approved of the person’s sins, once they are uncovered. Alternate translation: “so that you do not become responsible for the moral and leadership failures of others”

1 Timothy 5:23

use a little wine

Quote: οἴνῳ ὀλίγῳ χρῶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Paul is telling Timothy to use wine specifically as medicine. The water in that area was impure and often caused sickness. Alternate translation: “in addition, you should drink some wine from time to time as medicine”

1 Timothy 5:24

of some men

Quote: τινῶν ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “of some people”

are evident, going ahead into judgment

Quote: πρόδηλοί εἰσιν, προάγουσαι εἰς κρίσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Paul speaks of sins as if they could move on their own ahead of a person to the place where that person will be judged for committing them. Here, judgment could refer to: (1) the judgment when the sinner stands before God on the last day. Alternate translation: “are so obvious that everyone knows they are guilty long before God declares them guilty” (2) judgment before the church. Alternate translation: “are clear to everyone, even before the church leaders confront them”

but also they follow after some

Quote: τισὶν δὲ καὶ ἐπακολουθοῦσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification

Paul speaks once again of sins as if they could move on their own. As in the previous clause, this could refer to: (1) judgment by God. Alternate translation: “but the sins of other people do not become evident until God judges them” (2) judgment by the church. Alternate translation: “but the sins of some people remain hidden for a long time” This latter alternative also allows the possibility that Paul is referring to judgment by God.

1 Timothy 5:25

the good works {are} also evident

Quote: καὶ τὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ πρόδηλα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Implicitly, here Paul does not mean all good works, since in the rest of the sentence he speaks of some good works that are not evident. Alternate translation: “most good works are also obvious”

the good works

Quote: τὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication of good works is that these works are considered good because they are consistent with God’s character, purposes, and will. Alternate translation: “actions that God approves”

and the ones having otherwise are not able to be hidden

Quote: καὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of good works as if they were objects that someone could hide. Alternate translation: “and people will find out later about even those good deeds that are not obvious”

and the ones having otherwise are not able to be hidden

Quote: καὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “and people who secretly do good works will not be able to hide them forever”

are not able to be hidden

Quote: κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the double-negative not … hidden in a positive way. Alternate translation: “people will learn about them later”

1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Slavery

In this chapter Paul teaches slaves about honoring, respecting, and diligently serving their masters. This does not mean that he is endorsing slavery as a good thing or as something that God approves of. Instead, Paul is encouraging believers to be godly and content in every situation that they are in. This does not mean that they cannot also work to change those situations.

1 Timothy 6:1

As many slaves as are under a yoke

Quote: ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of people who work as slaves as though they were oxen plowing or pulling with a yoke around their necks. Alternate translation: “Concerning people who are working as slaves”

As many slaves as are

Quote: ὅσοι εἰσὶν & δοῦλοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication in context is that Paul is speaking about believers who are slaves. Alternate translation: “All the believers who are working as slaves”

so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed

Quote: ἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that unbelievers will not insult God’s character or what we believe and teach”

so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed

Quote: ἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται (1)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this negative phrase in a positive way. Alternate translation: “so that unbelievers will always speak respectfully about God’s character and about the things that we teach”

the name of God

Quote: τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Here, name is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. Alternate translations: “God’s character” or “God’s reputation”

the teaching

Quote: ἡ διδασκαλία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Implicitly Paul means the teaching about Jesus and about how his followers should live. Alternate translation: “our teaching about how believers should live”

1 Timothy 6:2

they are brothers

Quote: ἀδελφοί εἰσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here, brothers means fellow believers in Jesus, whether male or female. Alternate translation: “they are fellow believers”

and beloved

Quote: καὶ ἀγαπητοὶ (1)

This could have either, or both, meanings: (1) God loves these people. Alternate translation: “whom God loves” (2) other believers love these people. Alternate translation: “and so their believing slaves should love them”

1 Timothy 6:3

to the healthy words

Quote: ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

See how you translated the term healthy in 1:10. Here, as well, it is a figurative way to say that the teaching is good and reliable in every way and has no defect or corruption. A person with a healthy mind would recognize this teaching as correct. Alternate translations: “to the correct words” or “to the true expression of our faith”

to the healthy words

Quote: ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

Paul uses the term words to describe the verbal expression of what followers of Jesus genuinely believe. Alternate translation: “to the true expression of our faith”

the ones of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: τοῖς τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)

Here, the ones could refer to: (1) the message about the Lord Jesus. (2) words spoken by the Lord Jesus.

1 Timothy 6:4

he is puffed up

Quote: τετύφωται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of a person who is excessively proud as if they were inflated with air. See how you translated this phrase in 3:6. Alternate translation: “he is excessively proud”

he is puffed up

Quote: τετύφωται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the phrase puffed up with an active form. Alternate translation: “he is excessively proud”

he is puffed up

Quote: τετύφωται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Here, he refers to anyone in general who teaches what is not correct. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud”

understanding nothing

Quote: μηδὲν ἐπιστάμενος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul uses the term nothing here as a generalization for emphasis. It is specifically God’s true message that the person does not understand. Alternate translation: “he understands nothing about God’s truth”

being sick about controversies

Quote: νοσῶν περὶ ζητήσεις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of people who feel compelled to engage in useless arguments as if they were ill. Such people greatly desire to argue, and they do not really want to find a way to agree. Alternate translation: “morbidly craves arguments”

controversies and word-battles

Quote: ζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two terms mean basically the same thing, although the second term refers more specifically to arguments about the meaning of words. Paul uses these terms together for emphasis. If these are not separate ideas in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “arguments”

word-battles

Quote: λογομαχίας (1)

Alternate translation: “fights about the meaning of words”

blasphemies

Quote: βλασφημίαι (1)

While the term blasphemies often refers to untrue or disrespectful things that people say about God, in this context it refers to people falsely saying bad things about each other. Alternate translation: “insults”

evil suspicions

Quote: ὑπόνοιαι πονηραί (1)

Alternate translation: “thinking incorrectly that others want to harm them”

1 Timothy 6:5

friction

Quote: διαπαρατριβαὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, friction is the last item in the list that began in the previous verse, a litany of bad things that result from “controversies and word-battles.” This is a metaphor. It compares two results: the heat and damage which occur when two objects rub together and the irritation and anger that can occur when people interact badly. Alternate translation: “and constant conflict”

between men having been corrupted {as to} the mind and having been deprived of the truth

Quote: διεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translation: “between people whose minds are corrupt and who no longer believe the truth”

between men having been corrupted {as to} the mind and having been deprived of the truth

Quote: διεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two phrases mean basically the same thin; Paul uses the repetition for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are no longer able to recognize the truth”

between men

Quote: ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “between people”

1 Timothy 6:6

But

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Paul uses the word But to introduce a contrast between what the false teachers believe about godliness and what is really true about godliness. Alternate translation: “instead”

godliness with contentment

Quote: ἡ εὐσέβεια μετὰ αὐταρκείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the abstract nouns godliness and contentment by stating the ideas behind them with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “doing what is godly along with being content with what a person has”

is great gain

Quote: ἔστιν & πορισμὸς μέγας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun gain with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “makes a person very well off”

1 Timothy 6:7

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Paul uses the word For to introduce the reason for what he said in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “After all”

we brought nothing into the world

Quote: οὐδὲν & εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication of this phrase is that Paul is speaking about when a person is born. Alternate translation: “brought nothing into the world when we were born”

so that

Quote: ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and so it is also clear that”

neither are we able to take anything out

Quote: οὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι δυνάμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication of this phrase is that Paul is speaking about when a person dies. Alternate translation: “we can take nothing out of the world when we die”

1 Timothy 6:8

we will be satisfied

Quote: ἀρκεσθησόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative

Here Paul uses a statement in order to express a moral imperative. Alternate translation: “that should be enough for us”

we will be satisfied

Quote: ἀρκεσθησόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translation: “that should be enough for us”

1 Timothy 6:9

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Paul uses the word Now to indicate that he is returning to the topic of those who think being godly will make them wealthy. You can translate the term with the word or phrase in your language that is most similar in meaning and significance.

fall into temptation and a trap

Quote: ἐμπίπτουσιν εἰς πειρασμὸν, καὶ παγίδα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about those who let the temptation of money cause them to sin as if they were animals that fall into a hole that a hunter is using as a trap. Alternate translation: “will encounter more temptation than they can resist”

and many foolish and harmful desires

Quote: καὶ ἐπιθυμίας πολλὰς ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This phrase continues the figure of speech from the previous phrase. Paul speaks about these desires if they too were a hole that a hunter was using as a trap. Alternate translation: “and will experience destructive impulses than they cannot overcome”

foolish and harmful desires

Quote: ἐπιθυμίας & ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys

Here Paul expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word foolish tells why these desires are harmful. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this connection by stating the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “destructive impulses”

whatever plunges men into ruin and destruction

Quote: αἵτινες βυθίζουσι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

This phrase summarizes the character of the temptations and impulses that Paul has just described. He speaks of them as if they could make people drown in deep water. Alternate translation: “which people cannot escape, and such things destroy them”

men

Quote: ἀνθρώπους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

ruin and destruction

Quote: ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

These two words ruin and destruction mean very similar things. Paul uses them both to emphasize that this is very bad. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use one term with a word that adds emphasis. Alternate translations: “complete destruction” or “total ruin”

1 Timothy 6:10

For

Quote: γὰρ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Paul uses the word For to introduce the reasons for what the previous sentence stated. Alternate translation: “This is because”

a root of all the evils is the love of money

Quote: ῥίζα & πάντων τῶν κακῶν ἐστιν ἡ φιλαργυρία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of evil as if it were a plant, and of the love of money as if it were the root from which that plant grew. Alternate translation: “loving money leads a person to do all kinds of wrong things”

of all the evils

Quote: πάντων τῶν κακῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole

Paul uses the term all here as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “of many kinds of wrong things”

some desiring

Quote: τινες ὀρεγόμενοι (1)

The reference here is to people desiring money, not evil. You could start a new sentence here if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “some people who want to become rich”

have been led away from the faith

Quote: ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of the desire for money as if it were an evil guide that intentionally leads people down the wrong path. Alternate translation: “have stopped believing in Jesus because of their desire for money”

which, some desiring, have been led away from the faith

Quote: ἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι, ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form. Alternate translations: “which has led some people away from believing in Jesus” or “a love for money that has led some people to stop following Jesus”

have pierced themselves with many sorrows

Quote: ἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν ὀδύναις πολλαῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about grief as if it were a sword that people use to stab themselves. Alternate translation: “have experienced great sorrows in their lives”

1 Timothy 6:11

O man of God

Quote: ὦ ἄνθρωπε Θεοῦ (1)

Alternate translations: “You servant of God” or “You person who belongs to God”

flee these things

Quote: ταῦτα φεῦγε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of these temptations and sins as if they were things a person could physically run away from. Alternate translation: “make sure that you do not do these things”

these things

Quote: ταῦτα (1)

This phrase could refer to: (1) everything Paul has been talking about in this section of the letter (false teachings, pride, arguments, and the love of money). (2) what Paul has been talking about most recently (the love of money). If possible, it is best to leave it as a general reference.

pursue

Quote: δίωκε (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of righteousness and other good qualities as if they were things that a person could run after and catch. This metaphor is the opposite of “flee from.” It means to try your best to obtain something. Alternate translation: “seek to acquire”

1 Timothy 6:12

Fight the good fight of the faith

Quote: ἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here, Paul speaks about a person persevering in following Jesus as if he were a warrior fighting at his best, or an athlete doing his best to win an event. Alternate translation: “Do your best to obey Jesus”

grasp eternal life

Quote: ἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about people wanting eternal life so much that they hold onto it firmly in their hands. He may be continuing the metaphor of an athlete who worked hard to win an event and now holds the trophy in his hands. Alternate translations: “eagerly desire to live with God forever” or “do whatever is necessary to pursue life with God forever”

to which you were called

Quote: εἰς ἣν ἐκλήθης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “to which God called you”

confessed the good confession

Quote: ὡμολόγησας τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν (1)

Alternate translation: “you publicly stated your faith in Jesus”

before many witnesses

Quote: ἐνώπιον πολλῶν μαρτύρων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Timothy’s statement of his faith was binding because these witnesses were present and could testify that he had made it. In your translation, you could use the expression used in your culture for a public, legal commitment. Alternate translation: “while many people were watching”

1 Timothy 6:13

before God

Quote: ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Paul is asking God to be his witness that he has given Timothy this command. Alternate translation: “with God as my witness”

the one enlivening all

Quote: τοῦ ζῳοποιοῦντος τὰ πάντα (1)

Alternate translation: “who causes all things to live”

and Christ Jesus

Quote: καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Paul is also asking Jesus to be his witness. Alternate translation: “and with Christ Jesus as my witness as well”

the one having testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate

Quote: τοῦ μαρτυρήσαντος ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πειλάτου τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Paul is offering Jesus to Timothy as an example of someone who publicly affirmed his obedience to God even when others were hostile and threatening. Alternate translation: “who acknowledged God himself when Pontius Pilate put him on trial”

1 Timothy 6:14

spotless, irreproachable

Quote: ἄσπιλον ἀνεπίλημπτον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms spotless and irreproachable mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine these terms and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “completely blameless”

spotless

Quote: ἄσπιλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

A spot means a moral fault. This could mean: (1) Timothy should live in such a way that Jesus will not find fault with him or blame him for doing wrong. (2) Timothy should live in such a way that other people will not find fault with him or blame him for doing wrong. Alternate translation: “blameless”

until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: μέχρι τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)

Alternate translation: “until our Lord Jesus Christ returns”

1 Timothy 6:15

in its own times

Quote: καιροῖς ἰδίοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

See how you translated this expression in 2:6. Alternate translation: “at the time that God will choose”

the blessed and only Sovereign

Quote: ὁ μακάριος καὶ μόνος Δυνάστης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

This expression refers implicitly to God. Alternate translation: “God, the One we praise, who alone rules over the world”

1 Timothy 6:16

the One having immortality alone

Quote: ὁ μόνος ἔχων ἀθανασίαν (1)

Alternate translation: “the only one who has always existed”

occupying unapproachable light

Quote: φῶς οἰκῶν ἀπρόσιτον (1)

Alternate translation: “who lives in light so bright that no one can come near it”

none of men

Quote: οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “no human being”

1 Timothy 6:17

the rich

Quote: τοῖς πλουσίοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

Paul is using the adjective rich as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this term by translating it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are rich”

in the present age

Quote: ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι (1)

The present age is the time period in which we are living, before Jesus returns and establishes God’s rule over all people. Alternate translation: “at this time”

in the uncertainty of riches

Quote: ἐπὶ πλούτου ἀδηλότητι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun uncertainty with a verbal phrase. Alternate translations: “in riches, which are so uncertain” or “in wealth, which a person can lose so easily”

all things richly unto enjoyment

Quote: πάντα πλουσίως εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

By all, Paul is referring to all of the things that anyone actually has, not to everything that it might be possible to have. If it would be helpful in your language, you may want to include words to make that clear. Alternate translation: “all of the things that we have so that we can enjoy them”

1 Timothy 6:18

to be rich in good works

Quote: πλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks of doing things to help others as a way of becoming wealthy, but it is measured in something other than money. Alternate translation: “to serve and help others in many ways”

1 Timothy 6:19

storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is coming

Quote: ἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul speaks about the blessings that God will give to those who have served him faithfully as if they were riches that a person was storing in a safe place. Alternate translation: “securing a good start now on their future life in God’s presence”

storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is coming

Quote: ἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul also speaks about the blessings that God will give as if they were the foundation of a building. He means that they will give a person a good start on their new life in the presence of God forever. Alternate translation: “securing a good start now on their future life in God’s presence”

for what is coming

Quote: εἰς τὸ μέλλον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

In the New Testament, this expression can refer to different things, but in this case it seems to refer to the new life that believers will have in God’s presence after death and the end of history. It is equivalent to the expression “for the coming life” in 4:8. Alternate translation: “for their future life in God’s presence”

so that they may grasp genuine life

Quote: ἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul is using the same image as in the phrase grasp eternal life in 6:12. He is speaking about people wanting eternal life so much that they hold onto it firmly in their hands. Alternate translation: “so that they can indeed live with God forever”

1 Timothy 6:20

guard the deposit

Quote: τὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The implication is that Jesus has entrusted Timothy with the message to proclaim about him. Alternate translation: “protect the message about Jesus that he has put in your care”

avoiding the profane chatter

Quote: ἐκτρεπόμενος τὰς βεβήλους κενοφωνίας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy

In order to avoid profane chatter, Timothy must avoid the people who do the chattering. Alternate translation: “do not pay attention to the talk of people for whom nothing is sacred”

and contradictions

Quote: καὶ ἀντιθέσεις (1)

This could mean: (1) the false teachers are saying things that are contrary to true Christian belief. Alternate translations: “and teachings that contradict us” or “and the opposing statements” (2) the false teachers are saying things that cannot all be true at the same time.

of miscalled knowledge

Quote: τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this passive phrase with an active form, and you could state who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “of what some people falsely call knowledge”

1 Timothy 6:21

have missed the mark regarding the faith

Quote: περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἠστόχησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

See how you translated this expression in 1:6. Paul speaks of faith in Christ as if it were a target that people should aim at. Alternate translation: “have not fulfilled the purpose of faith in Jesus”

Grace {be} with you

Quote: ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν (1)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could state explicitly who will give this grace and who Paul is thinking will make this happen. Alternate translation: “May God give grace to all of you”

Grace {be} with you

Quote: ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you

The word you is plural and refers to Timothy and all the believers at Ephesus. Alternate translation: “May God give grace to all of you”