1 Timothy

1 Timothy front

Introduction to 1 Timothy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of 1 Timothy

Letter opening (1:1–2)
Paul urges Timothy to condemn false teachers (1:3–11)
Paul thanks Jesus and praises God (1:12–17)
Paul warns and encourages Timothy (1:18–20)
Paul gives instructions about prayer and behavior in public worship (2:1–15)
Paul gives instructions about qualifications for church leaders (3:1–16)
Paul gives instructions about how Timothy should behave and what he should teach (4:1–16)
Paul gives instructions about how to treat different types of believers (5:1–6:2)
Paul condemns false teachers and lovers of money (6:3–10)
Paul encourages Timothy (6:11–16)
Paul gives commands for rich people (6:17–19)
Final exhortation and letter closing (6:20–21)

Who wrote the book of 1 Timothy?

The author identifies himself as Paul the apostle. Paul was originally from the city of Tarsus but lived in Jerusalem. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee, and he persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire, telling people about Jesus. Eventually, he was arrested and taken to Rome, the capital of the empire. After several years in jail, he was released. Paul wrote this letter sometime after his release and before he was arrested again and executed.

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, who was Paul’s disciple and his close friend. Timothy was in Ephesus during this time. 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.

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 how to deal with 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 traditional title, “1 Timothy” or “First Timothy.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to Timothy” or “A First Letter from Paul to Timothy.” (See: How to Translate Names)

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Who were the false teachers?

The only information we have about who these false teachers were and what they taught comes from this letter and from the letters called 2 Timothy and Titus. These false teachers were Christians, or at least claimed to be Christians. They taught by using texts and stories that Paul considered unreliable, and they spoke about and debated things that Paul considered unimportant. According to this letter, they told people not to marry and to avoid eating certain kinds of food. Paul critiques them for causing divisions and for desiring to gain money. Since the only information about the false teachers and what they taught come from this letter and 2 Timothy and Titus, it is best not to specify precisely what false teaching this was. You should preserve what Paul said about the false teaching without making it fit into a type of false teaching that might be familiar in your area.

What kind of church structure was Paul describing?

Some Christian churches are organized with strictly defined roles and hierarchies for leaders and relationships between individual churches. Other Christian churches are organized with fewer defined roles and loose relationships between individual churches. What Paul says in this letter relates to these differing church structures, since Paul speaks about several types of leaders and what their qualifications are. He specifically mentions “overseers,” “elders,” and “deacons.” Christians debate whether “overseers” and “elders” are different words for the same type of leader, whether Paul was referring to strictly defined roles with these words, and whether all churches had all these kinds of leaders. Consider how you might translate these titles, especially if your language already has words for specific types of church leaders. If possible, do not use titles that favor one specific group of churches over others. (See: oversee, overseer, keeper, elder, older, old, and deacon)

What was Paul’s attitude towards women in the church?

This letter is significant when Christians debate the roles women should have within the church. Some Christians believe that Paul prohibited women from serving as leaders and teachers over the church. Other Christians believe that Paul was condemning a specific situation in Ephesus, where women were spreading false teaching, and they argue that Paul usually wanted women to teach and lead in the church. Other Christians believe that Paul wanted women to serve as leaders in some ways but not in other ways. What is clear is that Paul worked closely with women who were serving and leading in certain ways (for example, see what Paul says about Phoebe in Romans 16:1–2). So, Paul did not think that women were inferior or not worthy of serving. However, he does include certain restrictions related to women (and men!) serving as leaders and teachers. While translators cannot ignore their own views, it is important to represent what Paul wrote as carefully as possible. If possible, then, a translation should allow for multiple interpretations, just as what Paul wrote allows for multiple interpretations.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

Paul uses the spatial metaphor “in Christ” several times in this letter. This metaphor emphasizes that believers are as closely united to Christ as if they were inside him. Paul believes that this is true for all believers, and sometimes he uses “in Christ” simply to identify that what he is speaking about is true for those who believe in Jesus. At other times he emphasizes union with Christ as the means or the basis for some statement or exhortation. See the notes on specific verses for help in understanding the contextual meaning of “in Christ.” (See: Metaphor)

What does Paul mean when he uses the word “faith”?

Paul uses the abstract noun “faith” 19 times in this letter. The word “faith” could refer to the act of having “faith” or to the content of the “faith,” that is, what it is that Christians believe. In many places in 1 Timothy, Christians debate which meaning Paul intended. In each of these places, a translation note provides examples of how to express the two possible meanings, and the UST models how to express the idea when the word “faith” refers to the act of believing. (See: faith)

Who receives the “love” that Paul mentions in the letter?

Paul uses the abstract noun “love” five times in this letter. He could mean that believers should love each other or that they should love God or that they should love both God and each other. If possible, though, you should express the idea so that it could include all of these possibilities. If you must express whom people are to love, it is recommended that you indicate that it is fellow believers. The UST models how to express the idea in that way. (See: love, beloved)

To whom does Paul refer with the words “we,” “us,” and “our”?

Paul always uses the first-person plural to refer to both himself and Timothy, and often he includes other believers as well. So, you should always use the inclusive form of the first-person plural in your translation if your language marks that distinction. (See: Exclusive and Inclusive ‘We’)

When is “you” singular, and when is “you” plural?

Since this letter is addressed to an individual, Timothy, every form of “you” throughout the letter is singular except for “you” in the final blessing in 6:21. A note will point out this occurrence of a plural form of “you.” (See: Forms of ‘You’ — Singular)

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

In the following verses, ancient manuscripts do not all have the same words. The ULT uses the words that are found in most of the earliest manuscripts. When you translate these verses, you should compare the ULT with any translations with which your readers may be familiar to see what your readers may expect. Unless there is a good reason to use the alternate words, you should follow the ULT. See the footnotes and notes at each of these verses for more information. (See: Textual Variants)

“the only God” (1:17). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the only wise God.”
“I am speaking the truth in Christ” (2:7). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “I am speaking the truth.”
“not a brawler” (3:3). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “not a brawler, not greedy.”
“Who” (3:16). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “God.”
“struggle” (4:10). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “are reproached.”
“in love” (4:12). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “in love, in spirit.”
“believing woman” (5:16). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “believing man or woman.”
“a means of gain” (6:5). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “a means of gain. Withdraw from such.”
“that” (6:7). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “it is clear that.”
“God” (6:17). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “the living God.”
“the real life” (6:19). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “eternal life.”
“you” (6:21). Some ancient manuscripts have this: “you. Amen.”

1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Letter opening (1:1–2)
Paul urges Timothy to condemn false teachers (1:3–11)
- Paul commands Timothy to silence the false teachers (1:3–7)
- The purpose of the law (1:8–11)
Paul thanks Jesus and praises God (1:12–17)
Paul warns and encourages Timothy (1:18–20)

Special Concepts in This Chapter

The prophecies about Timothy

In 1:18, Paul indicates that there were prophecies about Timothy. Paul implies that the prophecies are related to how Timothy will faithfully serve God by proclaiming the gospel. It is not clear when these prophecies were given. They may have been given before Timothy was born, when he was a child, when he became a believer, or when he was commissioned to serve with Paul. It is also not clear who gave these prophecies. When you translate this verse, it is best to refer to these prophecies with as few details as Paul gives.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Spiritual children

In 1:2, Paul calls Timothy a “genuine child in the faith.” He means that Timothy is like a legitimate son to him in the context of their faith in Jesus. The phrase implies that Paul is a mentor to Timothy and that Timothy is a good student. When Paul again calls Timothy “child” in 1:18, he means something very similar: Paul is Timothy’s mentor in the context of their faith in Jesus. Since the use of family language for fellow believers is an important metaphor in the New Testament, if possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. See the notes on these verses for translation options. (See: Metaphor)

Fighting the good fight

In 1:18, Paul exhorts Timothy to “fight the good fight.” He compares how Timothy must serve God by proclaiming the gospel to how soldiers fight in a war. He implies that Timothy will experience conflict, danger, and hardship and that he must obey God and Paul as a soldier obeys his commanders. Since Paul uses warfare language to refer to the Christian life in many verses, if possible preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: Metaphor)

Shipwrecked regarding the faith

In 1:19, Paul refers to people who “have shipwrecked regarding the faith.” As a ship breaks apart and sinks, the faith of these people has ceased to function properly. They do not believe in Jesus any longer. If your readers would not be familiar with shipwrecks, you could consider using a comparable metaphor or stating the meaning plainly. See the notes on this verse for translation options. (See: Metaphor)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in This Chapter

The list in 1:9–10

In these verses, Paul provides a list of some of the kinds of people for whom the law was given. Paul gives four pairs of words connected with “and,” six individual words, and then a concluding phrase. You may need to break this long list into multiple different sentences, as the UST does. If you do, you could still preserve the general structure of Paul’s list, as the UST does in most places. Consider how you would include a list of this kind in your language.

1 Timothy 1:1

Paul, an apostle

Quote: Παῦλος, ἀπόστολος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, referring to themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “From Paul. I am an apostle”

according to the command of God our Savior and of the Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν Θεοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, καὶ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of command, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as it was commanded by God our Savior and by the Lord Jesus Christ”

our Savior

Quote: Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a Savior who saves us. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who saves us”

our … our

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

In this letter, Paul uses the words our, “we,” and “us” to refer either to Timothy and himself or else to all believers, which would also include the two of them. So, use the inclusive forms of those words throughout your translation if your language marks that distinction.

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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translations: “of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one in whom we have hope”

Christ our hope

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Christ, in whom we hope”

1 Timothy 1:2

to Timothy

Quote: Τιμοθέῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would name those to whom they sent the letter, referring to them in the third person. If that is confusing in your language, you could use the second person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the recipient of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here, starting a new sentence. Alternate translation: “This letter is for you, Timothy”

a genuine child

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

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Timothy were his genuine child. Paul means that he is Timothy’s spiritual father, and Paul loves Timothy in the way a father loves his child. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who is like a genuine child to me” or “truly my spiritual son”

genuine

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

Here, the word genuine indicates that the child is considered to be someone’s child in the full legal sense. For example, a chlid born to an unmarried woman would not be considered genuine. In the context of the metaphor, the word indicates that Timothy has acted as a son should act toward Paul. If your readers would not be familiar with the concept of a genuine child, you could use the name of a similar concept in your culture or you could use a more general phrase. Alternate translation: “legitimate” or “true”

in the faith

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “since we both believe” or “as we together believe”

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)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-blessing

After stating his name and the name of the person to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing for Timothy. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” or “I pray that grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord will always be with you”

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)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Grace, mercy, and peace, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “May you be treated graciously, mercifully, and peacefully by God the Father and by Christ Jesus our Lord”

God the Father

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

Father is an important title for God the Father that describes his relationship with Jesus, his Son.

1 Timothy 1:3-4

Just as I, going into Macedonia, urged you to remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain ones not to teach differently … and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which promote arguments rather than the stewardship of God, {which is} by faith

Quote: καθὼς παρεκάλεσά σε προσμεῖναι ἐν Ἐφέσῳ, πορευόμενος εἰς Μακεδονίαν, ἵνα παραγγείλῃς τισὶν μὴ ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν & μηδὲ προσέχειν μύθοις καὶ γενεαλογίαις ἀπεράντοις, αἵτινες ἐκζητήσεις παρέχουσι μᾶλλον ἢ οἰκονομίαν Θεοῦ, τὴν ἐν πίστει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul begins a comparison using the phrase Just as, but he does not complete the comparison. However, he implies that Just as he urged Timothy to do these things at an earlier time, now he urges Timothy to continue to do these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the implied part of the comparison explicit. You could include it at the beginning of the sentence, at the end of the sentence, or somewhere else. Alternate translation: “I urge you now, just as I, going into Macedonia, urged you earlier, to remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain ones not to teach differently and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which promote arguments rather than the stewardship of God, which is by faith.” or “Just as I, going into Macedonia, urged you to remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain ones not to teach differently, and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which promote arguments rather than the stewardship of God, which is by faith, so now I urge you again to do those things.”

1 Timothy 1:3

going into Macedonia

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

Here Paul could be implying that, when he previously urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus, he was: (1) in Ephesus with Timothy and was about to leave for Macedonia. Alternate translation: “being about to leave Ephesus for Macedonia” (2) already on his way to Macedonia. In this case, Paul would be referring to a letter he had previously written to Timothy. Alternate translation: “being on my way to Macedonia”

going

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

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: “coming”

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.

to teach differently

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

The implication is that these people were teaching different things than what Paul and Timothy taught, not that they were teaching in a different way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to teach what is different from what we teach” or “to teach a different doctrine”

1 Timothy 1:4

myths

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

The word myths refers to a certain kind of story that is generally considered to be untrustworthy. This kind of story is often about what important people did a long time ago. Often, many people in a culture know these stories but do not consider them to be reliable historical narratives. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of story, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “fictional narratives” or “traditional tales”

endless genealogies

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

Paul says endless here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “genealogies that seem as if they will never end” or “extremely lengthy genealogies”

genealogies

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

The word genealogies refers to lists of someone’s ancestors. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of list, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “collections of the names of forefathers” or “lists of important people from long ago”

arguments

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

Here, the word translated arguments could refer to: (1) debates or heated discussions. Alternate translation: “debates” (2) questions or enquiries. Alternate translation: “questions” or “speculations”

the stewardship of God

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a stewardship that could: (1) be something that God has and works out. Alternate translation: “the stewardship that God carries out” (2) be given by God to his people. Alternate translation: “the stewardship from God” or “the stewardship given by God”

the stewardship of God

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of stewardship, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure your translation fits with the interpretation you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “how God is stewarding everything” or “what God is working out”

which is} by faith

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

Here Paul could be implying that the stewardship of God: (1) is promoted or accomplished when people have faith. Alternate translation: “which is promoted by faith” or “which is brought about by faith” (2) is known or experienced when people have faith. Alternate translation: “which is known by faith” or “which people learn by faith”

which is} by faith

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the interpretation you chose in the previous note. Alternate translations: “which we promote when we believe” or “which is promoted by believing in Jesus”

1 Timothy 1:5

Now

Quote: δὲ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background

Here Paul uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help Timothy understand the purpose of what he is commanding him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces background information, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “To further explain what I am saying,”

of the command

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

Here, the phrase the command refers to what Paul has instructed Timothy to tell the “certain ones” in Ephesus (see 1:3–4). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of that command” or “of what I have instructed you to command them”

is love

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is that people care for each other”

from a pure heart

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

In Paul’s culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: “from a pure mind” or “from pure thoughts”

a good conscience

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

A conscience that is good is one that does not convict a person of doing anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a clean conscience” or “a conscience that is not guilty”

a sincere faith

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from sincerely believing”

1 Timothy 1:6

from which

Quote: ὧν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun which refers to the pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith in 1:5. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those things more directly. Alternate translation: “from which things” or “from which heart, conscience, and faith”

having missed the mark

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

Paul speaks as if a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith were a mark or target that some people have missed. Paul means that these people have failed to attain those things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not having gained those things”

have turned away to

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

Here Paul speaks of abandoning what is good to focus on foolish talk as if it were turning away from those good things to foolish talk. He means that these people have stopped pursuing the good things that Paul mentioned in the previous verse and instead are focusing on things of little consequence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have deviated and focused on” or “have been distracted by”

1 Timothy 1:7

teachers of the law

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

Here, the word law refers specifically to the laws that God gave the Israelites through Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “teachers of the law of Moses”

not understanding neither … nor

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

The words not, neither, and nor are three negative words. In this construction, the second and third negatives do not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, they give greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use three negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a triple negative here. If your language does not use three negatives in that way, you could translate with one or two negatives. Alternate translation: “understanding neither … nor”

neither what they are saying nor what they insist on

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

Here, the clauses what they are saying and what they insist on mean similar things. Paul is using the two clauses together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single clause. Alternate translation: “anything that they are saying” or “any of the things that they insist on”

1 Timothy 1:8

But

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

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Paul wishes to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now”

the law

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

Here, the word law refers specifically to the laws that God gave the Israelites through Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you referred to this law in 1:7. Alternate translation: “the law of Moses”

if one uses it lawfully

Quote: ἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul indicates that the law {is} good when people use it as God intended it to be used, that is, lawfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translations: “if one uses it as it was intended to be used” or “if one uses it in the way that God intended”

1 Timothy 1:9

knowing this, that the law

Quote: εἰδὼς τοῦτο, ὅτι & νόμος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo

Here, the word this refers directly ahead to that the law is not made for the righteous. Paul expresses the idea in this way to emphasize what he is about to say. If using this to introduce an idea would be a redundancy in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: “knowing that”

knowing this

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

Here, the phrase knowing this introduces a reason why Paul and other believers know that “the law if good” (see 1:8). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: “which we know because we also know this”

the law is not laid down

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

the law

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

Here, the phrase the law could refer to: (1) the laws that God gave the Israelites through Moses. Alternate translation: “the law of Moses” (2) laws in general. Alternate translation: “every law” or “law”

for the righteous but for the lawless and the rebellious, the ungodly and the sinful, the unholy and the profane

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

Paul here uses adjectives as nouns to refer to groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “for righteous people, but for lawless and rebellious people, ungodly and sinful people, unholy and profane people”

father-killers and mother-killers, man-slayers

Quote: πατρολῴαις καὶ μητρολῴαις, ἀνδροφόνοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

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: “those who commit patricides and matricides and 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

Although the term man is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “human-slayers”

1 Timothy 1:10

the sexually immoral

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

Paul is using the adjective phrase sexually immoral as a noun to mean sexually immoral people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are sexually immoral”

homosexuals

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

Here, the word homosexuals refers to men who lie with or have sex with other men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that refers to people who engage in homosexual behavior. Alternate translation: “men who have sex with men” or “men who practice homosexuality”

kidnappers

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

Here, the word kidnappers refers to people who kidnap others and sell them as slaves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that refers to people who kidnap and sell others. Alternate translation: “people who kidnap and sell others”

and if anything else is contrary to the healthy teaching

Quote: καὶ εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that, in many languages, a sentence would need to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and people who do anything else that is contrary to the healthy teaching”

the healthy teaching

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

Here Paul speaks as if teaching could be healthy. He means that this kind of teaching is good and reliable in every way and has no defect or corruption. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “teaching that is like healthy food” or “the correct teaching”

1 Timothy 1:11

the gospel of the glory of the blessed God

Quote: τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς δόξης τοῦ μακαρίου Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here Paul could be using the possessive form to: (1) refer to the gospel that is about the glory that the blessed God has. Alternate translations: “the gospel about the glory that belongs to the blessed God” (2) refer to the gospel that has glory and that came from the blessed God. Alternate translation: “the glorious gospel from the blessed God” (3) refer to the gospel that has glory and that is about the blessed God. Alternate translation: “the glorious gospel about the blessed God”

the gospel of the glory of the blessed God

Quote: τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς δόξης τοῦ μακαρίου Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” or “the gospel of the glorious and blessed God”

of the blessed God

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “of the God whom we bless”

with which I have been entrusted

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

1 Timothy 1:12

I have gratitude

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of gratitude, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I am grateful” or “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-explicit

Here, the phrase placing me into service could be: (1) a result from how Jesus considered him to be trustworthy. Alternate translation: “with the result that he placed me into service” (2) a reason why Paul knows that Jesus considered him to be trustworthy. Alternate translation: “which I know because he placed me into service” (3) a second thing that Jesus did for Paul. Alternate translation: “and he placed me into service”

placing {me} into service

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of service, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translations: “assigning me to serve him” or “appointing me as a servant”

1 Timothy 1:13

formerly being

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

Here, the phrase formerly being introduces something that is unexpected given what Paul said in the previous verse about how Jesus considered him to be trustworthy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something unexpected and contrasting. Alternate translation: “although formerly being” or “and yet formerly I was”

formerly

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

Here Paul is referring specifically to his life before he believed in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “before I believed” or “in my life before I had faith in Jesus”

a blasphemer

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

Here Paul could be implying that he blasphemed: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: “a blasphemer of Jesus” (2) God. Alternate translation: “a blasphemer of God”

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 more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: “not knowing, I acted in unfaithfulness, so I was shown mercy”

I was shown mercy

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that it was: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: “the Messiah showed me mercy” (2) God. Alternate translation: “God showed me mercy”

I was shown mercy

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I was treated mercifully”

not knowing, I acted in unfaithfulness

Quote: ἀγνοῶν, ἐποίησα ἐν ἀπιστίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be implying that: (1) he acted in an ignorant way while he did not have faith. Alternate translation: “I acted ignorantly while I did not have faith” (2) he acted in an ignorant way because he did not have faith. Alternate translation: “I acted ignorantly since I did not have faith” (3) he acted ignorantly and without faith. Alternate translation: “I acted ignorantly and without faith”

not knowing

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

Here Paul implies that he did not fully know or understand the things that he did before he believed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “not knowing what my actions really were” or “not realizing what I was really doing”

in unfaithfulness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of unfaithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “while I did not believe” or “without having trusted him”

1 Timothy 1:14

But

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

Paul here uses the word But to introduce an expanded description of the way Jesus treated him mercifully even though he persecuted the followers of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of explanation, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” or “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 the Lord as if it were a liquid that filled a container until overflowed. He means that he received an extraordinary amount of grace. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I received from the Lord so much grace” or “the Lord gave me very much grace”

the grace of our Lord

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “our Lord acted so graciously that what he did”

of our Lord

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

Here, the phrase our Lord could refer to: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: “of Jesus our Lord” (2) God the Father. Alternate translation: “of our Lord God”

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-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith and love, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “so that, in Christ, I believe and love”

that are} in Christ Jesus

Quote: τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase in Christ Jesus could describe: (1) both faith and love. Alternate translation: “that are both in Christ Jesus” (2) just love. Alternate translation: “that is in Christ Jesus”

that are} in Christ Jesus

Quote: τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ Jesus to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in Christ Jesus, or united to Christ Jesus, explains how Paul has faith and love. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Paul has faith and love as one who has been united to Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “that exist in union with Christ Jesus” or “that come from being united to Christ Jesus”

1 Timothy 1:15

This word {is} trustworthy

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

Here, word represents what Paul is about to write using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What I am about to write is trustworthy” or “The following words are trustworthy”

is} trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance

Quote: πιστὸς & καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “is completely trustworthy” or “worthy of complete acceptance”

worthy of all acceptance

Quote: πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a word that deserves to be accepted. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another. Alternate translation: “should receive all acceptance” or “deserves to receive all acceptance”

of all acceptance

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of acceptance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translations: “of being completely accepted”

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

These words are the word that Paul shares with Timothy. To indicate this, the ULT and UST put quotation marks around these words. The ULT also uses a dash to indicate that the words of whom I am the first are not part of the word that Paul shares with Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use quotation marks or another form to indicate which words are the ones that Paul introduces as the word.

of whom I am first

Quote: ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of the most sinful person, himself, as if he were first in a sequence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “of whom I am the worst” or “of whom I have the most sin”

first

Quote: πρῶτός (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “number one”

1 Timothy 1:16

because of this

Quote: διὰ τοῦτο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun this could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse about being the “first” sinner. Alternate translation: “because of that” or “because I am the first of sinners,” (2) what Paul is about to say in the rest of this verse. Alternate translation: “because of what I am about to tell you,”

I was shown mercy

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

I was shown mercy

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I was treated mercifully”

in me, the first

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

Here Paul could be: (1) again speaking of the most sinful person, himself, as if he were first in a sequence. See how you expressed the idea in 1:15. Alternate translation: “in me, the worst” or “in me, the one with the most sin” (2) indicating that he was shown mercy first, before the ones about to believe in him. Alternate translation: “in me first”

the first

Quote: πρώτῳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “number one”

all patience

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of patience, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how patiently he always acts”

for eternal life

Quote: εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to live eternally”

1 Timothy 1:17

Now

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

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that Paul wants to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God,be} honor and glory

Quote: τῷ & Βασιλεῖ τῶν αἰώνων, ἀφθάρτῳ, ἀοράτῳ, μόνῳ Θεῷ, τιμὴ καὶ δόξα, (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of honor and glory, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “may people honor and glorify the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God,”

to the King of the ages

Quote: τῷ & Βασιλεῖ τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a King who rules during the ages. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to the King who rules during the ages”

the only God

Quote: μόνῳ Θεῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read the only God. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the only wise God.” It is likely that the people who copied these manuscripts accidentally or intentionally included the word “wise” here because of the similar phrase “the only wise God” in Romans 16:27. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

be} honor and glory

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

The terms honor and glory mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “be great honor” or “be much glory”

forever {and} ever

Quote: εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase forever {and} ever identifies an action that will never end, and it strongly emphasizes that it will never end. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that emphasizes that an action will never end. Alternate translation: “without ever ceasing” or “from now on and always”

1 Timothy 1:18

This command

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

Here, the phrase This command could refer to: (1) the command that Paul gave to Timothy in 1:3–5 about staying in Ephesus and what to do there. Alternate translation: “The command that I have already told you about” (2) the instructions later in this verse about fighting the good fight. Alternate translation: “The following command”

I am placing before you

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

Paul speaks of his command as if it were an object that he could physically put in front of Timothy. He means that he has given this command to Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translations: “I am giving you” or “I am ordering you to follow”

my child

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

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Timothy were his child. Paul means that he is Timothy’s spiritual father, and Paul loves Timothy in the way a father loves his child. See how you expressed the similar idea in 1:2. Alternate translation: “who are like a child to me” or “my spiritual son”

the earlier prophecies about you

Quote: τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul implies that some people had given prophecies about Timothy sometime earlier. These prophecies may have been spoken before Timothy was born, before Timothy became a believer, or when Timothy officially joined Paul to proclaim the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. If possible, leave the exact timing of the prophecies unstated, as Paul does. Alternate translation: “the prophecies about you that people gave before” or “what some people prophesied about you some time ago”

in them

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

Here, the phrase in them could indicate that Timothy should fight the good fight: (1) as the prophecies indicated that he would. Alternate translation: “in line with them” or “just as they indicated,” (2) by means of the prophecies, which function like weapons in the fight. Alternate translation: “by means of them” or “with them as weapons” (3) with the prophecies as his motivation. Alternate translation: “by remembering them” or “encouraged by them”

you might fight the good fight

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

Paul speaks about Timothy serving God by preaching the gospel and by confronting false teachers as if he were fighting a good fight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as a soldier fights the good fight, you might preach and defend the gospel” or “you might preach and defend the gospel well”

the good fight

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

Here, the phrase the good fight could indicate: (1) that someone is fighting well. Alternate translation: “the fight well” (2) that the fight is right or just. Alternate translation: “the just fight” or “the correct fight”

1 Timothy 1:19

having faith and

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “believing and having”

a good conscience

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

A conscience that is good is one that does not convict a person of doing anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this phrase in 1:5. Alternate translation: “a clean conscience” or “a conscience that is not guilty”

which

Quote: ἥν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun which could refer: (1) just to good conscience. Alternate translation: “which conscience” (2) to both good conscience and faith. Alternate translation: “both of which”

some

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

Paul is using the adjective some as a noun to mean some people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “some men and women”

have shipwrecked regarding the faith

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

Here Paul refers to how ships that sailed on the ocean could break apart or sink. When this happened, people had to try to survive in the water or swim to shore. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to this kind of event. Alternate translation: “have had their ship sink regarding the faith” or “have had their ship regarding the faith break apart”

have shipwrecked regarding the faith

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

Paul speaks of these people and their faith as if they were on a ship that had sunk. He means that these people have lost their faith, just as people in a shipwreck lose the ship and everything on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have wrecked regarding their faith” or “have destroyed their faith”

regarding the faith

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how they once believed”

1 Timothy 1:20

Hymenaeus … Alexander

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

The words Hymenaeus and Alexander are the names of two men.

I have given over to Satan

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

To give someone over to someone else refers to transferring a person from one authority to another. Here, then, Paul says that he has transferred these two men from under the authority of the church to under the authority of Satan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have turned over to Satan” or “I have put under Satan’s authority”

they may be taught not to blaspheme

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that it was their punishment. Alternate translation: “they might realize that they should not blaspheme” or “this punishment may teach them not to blaspheme”

1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Paul gives instructions about prayer and behavior in public worship (2:1–15)
- Command to pray for all people (2:1–7)
- How men should pray (2:8)
- How women should behave (2:9–15)

Special Concepts in This Chapter

“Quiet” and “quietness”

Paul uses the adjective “quiet” in 2:2, and he uses the noun “quietness” in 2:11 and 2:12. The word “quiet” describes something that is peaceful or calm. However, Christians debate what the word “quietness” describes. First, some argue that it means something similar to what the word “quiet” means: a situation in which things are peaceful and calm. In this case, Paul is commanding the women in the church to behave in peaceful and calm ways. Second, some argue that it means something stronger than what the word “quiet” means: not speaking in a public setting. In this case, Paul is forbidding the women in the church from contributing to public conversations. If possible, use a word or phrase that could have either of these meanings. See the notes on these verses for translation options.

God desires to save “all men,” and Jesus is a ransom for “all”

In 2:4, Paul writes that God desires that “all men” be saved, and in 2:6, he writes that Jesus is a ransom “for all.” Christians debate whether Jesus died to save certain people specifically (either those whom God has chosen or those who will believe) or whether he died to save all people (although some may not accept this salvation). So, Paul could be using the word “all” to refer to all different kinds or groups of people, or he could be using the word “all” to refer to every human. Since Paul uses general terms in these verses, it is recommended that you also use a general term that refers to all people. If this is a significant issue in your area, you could include some of this information in a footnote.

Women in the church

Christians do not agree about what women should and should not do as the church worships and functions. Some Christians believe that women are prohibited from leading and teaching publicly in these settings. Other Christians believe that women can do whatever men do in these settings. Because of that, there are many different interpretations of 2:8–15. While translators cannot ignore their own beliefs, it is important to represent what Paul wrote extremely carefully. If possible, then, a translation should allow for multiple interpretations, just as what Paul wrote allows for multiple interpretations.

Women’s clothing, jewelry, and hairstyles

As in many cultures, in Paul’s culture what women wore and how they did their hair and makeup indicated certain things about them. Wearing fancy hairstyles and expensive jewelry and clothes would indicate that a woman was showing off her or her husband’s wealth. Further, she was drawing attention to herself. People would often criticize women for showing off more than was appropriate for their social status. When Paul prohibits certain types of clothing, hairstyles, and jewelry, he likely has this context in mind. He may be concerned that some women in the church are showing off, or he may want to prevent women in the church from being criticized by others. Either way, your translation should make it clear that Paul refers to clothing, jewelry, and hairstyles to prohibit showing off and drawing attention to oneself. See the notes on 2:9 for translation options.

Adam and Eve

In 2:13–14, Paul refers to two stories about Adam and Eve, the first humans that God created. The first story is about how God made them. He made Adam first, and then he made Eve using one of Adam’s ribs. You can read this story in Genesis 2:5–25. The second story is about how Adam and Eve first sinned. A talking serpent came to Eve and convinced her to eat fruit from a specific tree, even though God had commanded them not to eat fruit from that tree. Once Eve ate the fruit, she gave some fruit to Adam, and he too ate some of it. After that, God came to them and judged them. You can read this story in Genesis 3:1–7. If your readers would not be familiar with these stories, you could include some of this information in footnotes. (See: Eve and Adam)

“She will be saved through childbearing”

In 2:15, Paul writes that “she will be saved through childbearing.” Christians debate what Paul was claiming, and there are many interpretations of the clause. The most common interpretations are the following:

“She” could refer to Eve or to women in general, and “childbearing” refers to how many women gave birth until eventually Mary gave birth to Jesus. In this case, God saves Eve, or women in general, by using the process of childbearing to send the Messiah, who saves everyone who believes.
“She” refers to women in general, and “childbearing” refers to how women give birth to children and raise them. In this case, God saves women as they are acting as wives and mothers.
“She” could refer to Eve or to women in general, and “childbearing” refers to the birth of a specific child, Jesus. In this case, God saves Eve, or women in general, by sending Jesus, who saves everyone who believes.
“She” refers to women in general, and “childbearing” refers to the process of giving birth. In this case, God preserves and protects women as they give birth.

It is recommended that you follow one of the first two options, and only those two options will appear in the translation note on this issue. If possible, your translation should allow for several options.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in This Chapter

Men and women, or husbands and wives

In 2:8–10 Paul refers to “men” and “women” using plural nouns that can refer generally to male and female humans and that can also refer more specifically to husbands and wives. In 2:11–12, Paul switches to the singular form: “woman.” Again, this noun can refer generally to a female human and can also refer more specifically to a wife. Some Christians believe that Paul switches to the singular form and later refers to the stories about Adam and Eve because he is giving instructions specifically to wives in 2:11–12. Other Christians believe that Paul is still referring to women in general when he switches to the singular form, which he does to apply the stories about Adam and Eve to the instructions he gives to women in 2:11–12. If your language has a word that could refer to women in general and more specifically to wives, you could use it here. Otherwise, you may need to choose which option to follow. In this case, you could put the other option in a footnote. See the notes on these verses for translation options.

1 Timothy 2:1

I urge, therefore

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

Here, the word therefore introduces an exhortation that is based on what Paul has said in chapter 1. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an exhortation based on a previous section. Alternate translation: “Because of all that, I urge” or “Given what I have written, I urge”

first of all

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

Here Paul could be using the word first: (1) to indicate that what he is about to urge is the most important thing he will urge. Alternate translation: “most importantly” (2) to indicate that what he is about to urge is the first of several commands he will give. Alternate translation: “as the first of the following commands”

first

Quote: πρῶτον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “number one”

for requests, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings to be made

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who should do the action, it is clear from the context that it should be Christians. Alternate translation: “that Christians make requests, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings”

for requests, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings to be made

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “for believers to request things, pray, intercede, and thank God”

requests, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings

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

Here Paul uses four words that refer to four types of prayer. The word prayers is the most general, and the word thanksgivings refers to thanking God for something rather than asking for something. The words requests and intercessions both refer to asking God to do something, and they mean very similar things. Paul uses these four words to indicate that believers should be praying for all men in many different ways. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the idea by referring to two or three types of prayer. Alternate translation: “prayers and thanksgivings” or “for prayers, requests, and thanksgivings”

men

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

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “men and women”

1 Timothy 2:2

all the ones being in authority

Quote: πάντων τῶν ἐν ὑπεροχῇ ὄντων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “all the ones being authorized to govern”

so that

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

Here, the phrase so that introduces the purpose for which believers should pray for kings and all the ones being in authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: “in order that”

we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of life, godliness, and dignity, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “we may live peacefully and quietly, in a godly and dignified way”

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 similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a very peaceful life” or “a completely quiet life”

1 Timothy 2:3

This

Quote: τοῦτο (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun This refers to praying as Paul has urged in 2:1–2. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to this idea more directly. Alternate translation: “That kind of prayer” or “Praying for those things”

is} good and acceptable before God our Savior

Quote: καλὸν καὶ ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase before God our Savior could go with: (1) just acceptable. Alternate translation: “is good, and it is acceptable before God our Savior” (2) both good and acceptable. Alternate translation: “is good before God our Savior and acceptable to him”

is} good and acceptable

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

The terms good and acceptable mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very good” or “extremely acceptable”

before God our Savior

Quote: ἐνώπιον τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν, Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom

Here, the phrase before God refers to God’s evaluation or view about something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the eyes of God our Savior” or “to God our Savior”

our Savior

Quote: τοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

1 Timothy 2:4

who

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

Here, the word who could primarily introduce: (1) a further description of God, who is “our Savior” (see 2:3). Alternate translation: “he who” (2) a reason why praying for all people is “good and acceptable” to God (see 2:3). Alternate translation: “since he”

all men to be saved and to come

Quote: πάντας ἀνθρώπους & σωθῆναι, καὶ & ἐλθεῖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be God. Alternate translation: “that he might save all men and that they might come”

all men

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

to come to knowledge

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

Paul speaks of knowledge of the truth as if it were a place where people could come. He means that God desires that all people gain knowledge of the truth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to acquire knowledge” or “to gain knowledge”

to knowledge of the truth

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of knowledge and truth, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to learn the true teachings”

1 Timothy 2:5

For

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

Here, the word For introduces a basis for Paul’s claim in the previous verse that God desires all people to be saved and to know the truth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a basis for a claim. Alternate translation: “We know that because” or “That claim is supported by this:”

and one mediator of God and of men

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mediator who mediates between God and men. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and one who mediates between God and men”

of men

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

the man Christ Jesus

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

Here Paul uses the word man to emphasize that Christ Jesus is human, just like the men for whom he functions as a mediator. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, who also is human”

1 Timothy 2:6

having given himself

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

Here, the phrase having given himself implies that Jesus died willingly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “having allowed himself to die” or “having died willingly”

as} a ransom for all

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

Here Paul speaks as if Jesus were a price or ransom he himself gave to free all from someone or something that owned or controlled them. He means that Jesus obtained forgiveness for his people’s sins and keeps those sins from controlling them. This is an important biblical image, so if possible preserve the figure of speech or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: “as if he were a ransom to set all free from sin”

all

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

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “all men and women”

the testimony

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

Here, the word testimony could refer to: (1) people giving testimony about what Jesus did. Alternate translation: “about which people testify” (2) what Jesus did, giving testimony to how God wants to save all people. Alternate translation: “which testifies” or “which testifies that God desires to save all”

the testimony

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “which is testified to”

in its own times

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

Here, the phrase translated in its own times indicates that something happens at an appropriate time or period of time. More specifically, the times could be appropriate because: (1) they fit with the testimony. Alternate translation: “at the times appropriate to it” or “during the time appropriate to it” (2) God chose them. Alternate translation: “at the times that God chose” or “during the time that God chose”

1 Timothy 2:7

for which I was made a herald and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ,I am not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth

Quote: εἰς ὃ ἐτέθην ἐγὼ κῆρυξ καὶ ἀπόστολος (ἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν Χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι), διδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

In this verse, Paul interrupts himself to affirm strongly that he is telling the truth. The ULT indicates this by using dashes. Most likely, Paul is affirming that everything he writes in this verse is true. Consider where you would naturally put an affirmation like this. Alternate translation: “for which—I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying—I was made a herald and an apostle, a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth”

for which

Quote: εἰς ὃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun which refers back to “the testimony” in the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to “the testimony” more directly. Alternate translation: “for which testimony”

I was made

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, Paul could be implying that: (1) Jesus did it. Alternate translation: “Christ made me” (2) God the Father did it. Alternate translation: “God made me”

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 readers would not be familiar with a person who performs this kind of task, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translations: “an announcer” or “a messenger”

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

Quote: ἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν Χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea in negative form. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses into one strong statement. Alternate translation: “I am speaking the whole trust in Christ” or “in Christ I am not lying at all”

the truth

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “truthfully”

in Christ

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

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ to describe his union with Christ. In this case, Paul claims that he is speaking the truth as surely as he is in Christ, or united to Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Paul is referring to his union with Christ to strengthen his claim to be speaking the truth. Alternate translation: “as one who is united to Christ” or “in my union with Christ”

in Christ

Quote: ἐν Χριστῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read in Christ. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

in faith and truth

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

Here, the phrase in faith and truth could provide: (1) the content of what Paul teaches. Alternate translation: “who teaches about faith and truth” (2) the manner in which Paul teaches. Alternate translation: “who is faithful and true”

in faith and truth

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

Here, the phrase faith and truth could: (1) refer to two distinct things that Paul teaches. Alternate translation: “in faith and in truth” (2) express a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word truth tells what the faith is like. Alternate translation: “in the true faith”

in faith and truth

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith and truth, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure your translation fits with the options you chose in the previous two notes. Alternate translation: “concerning what they should trust and what they should accept as true”

1 Timothy 2:8

Therefore

Quote: οὖν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word Therefore introduces a further development of what Paul has said about praying for people in 2:1–7. Now, he gives commands concerning how people should pray. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: “Now” or “In light of that”

the men

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

Here the word men refers specifically to males. The term does not refer to people in general, since Paul next addresses women specifically. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that refers specifically to adults who are male. Alternate translations: “the males”

in every place

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

Here Paul implies that every place is any location where the believers are worshiping God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “in every place of worship” or “in every location where worship is happening”

lifting up holy hands

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

In Paul’s culture, lifting up one’s hands was a common posture for someone who was praying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a common posture for prayer in your culture, or you could explain the meaning of this posture. Alternate translation: “folding holy hands” or “lifting up holy hands to pray”

lifting up holy hands

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

Paul describes as holy one part of the person, the hands, to indicate that the entire person is to be holy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being holy as they lift up their hands” or “lifting up their hands as men who are holy”

without anger and argument

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of anger and argument, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “without being angry and arguing”

argument

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

Here, the word translated argument could be describing: (1) quarrels or conflicts. Alternate translation: “conflict” (2) doubts. Alternate translation: “doubt”

1 Timothy 2:9

likewise women to adorn

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

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. If you do so, you may need to end the previous verse with a semicolon or period. Paul could be implying that: (1) what follows is how he wants the women to behave. Alternate translation: “likewise I want the women to adorn” (2) what follows is how he wants the women to pray. Alternate translation: “likewise I want the women to pray, adorning”

with modesty and self-control

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of modesty and self-control, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “modestly and in a self-controlled way”

not in braids and gold, or pearls, or very expensive clothing

Quote: μὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν, καὶ χρυσῷ, ἢ μαργαρίταις, ἢ ἱματισμῷ πολυτελεῖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul gives examples of specific types of hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing that, in his culture, could have indicated that a woman was showing off her wealth, power, or beauty. These types of hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing may not be used in your culture, or they may not indicate that a woman is showing off in your culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate more explicitly why Paul is using these examples. Alternate translation: “not by being ostentatious or showy by wearing braids and gold or pearls or expensive clothing” or “not by showing off with braids and gold or pearls or expensive clothing”

not in braids

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

In Paul’s culture, women used many different kinds of hairstyles. People considered some of them to be more elaborate and ostentatious than others. Paul implies with the word braids that he is referring to a hairstyle that people would consider to be elaborate or ostentatious. Because it is not clear exactly what kind of hairstyle Paul had in mind, you could use a general word or phrase that refers to this kind of hairstyle. Alternate translations: “not in fancy hairstyles” or “not in elaborate hairstyles”

gold

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

Here Paul is referring to ornaments or jewelry made out of gold. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “gold ornaments”

pearls

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

The word pearls refers to beautiful and valuable mineral balls that people use as jewelry. If your readers would not be familiar with pearls, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: “jewelry” or “valuable beads”

1 Timothy 2:10

but—what is proper for women professing godliness—through good works

Quote: ἀλλ’ ὃ πρέπει γυναιξὶν ἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν, δι’ ἔργων ἀγαθῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

If it would be more natural in your language, you could state how the women are supposed to adorn themselves before you indicate why this is proper. If you use the following alternate translation, you should delete the dash before it. Alternate translation: “but through good works, which is proper for women professing godliness”

but—what

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

what is proper for women professing godliness—through good works

Quote: ὃ πρέπει γυναιξὶν ἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν, δι’ ἔργων ἀγαθῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul implies that the women should “adorn themselves” through good works. He speaks of these good works as if they were articles of clothing in order to indicate that it should be good works that characterize these women, just as clothing characterizes people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as is proper for women professing godliness—to be characterized by good works”

godliness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be godly”

1 Timothy 2:11

Let a woman learn

Quote: γυνὴ & μανθανέτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A woman must learn”

a woman

Quote: γυνὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word woman represents Christian women in general, not one particular woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “believing women” or “female Christians”

a woman

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

Here, the word translated woman could refer: (1) generally to any female believer. Alternate translation: “women who believe” (2) specifically to any woman who is married. This is indicated by the switch from the plural “women” in the previous verses to the singular “woman” here. Alternate translation: “a wife” or “wives”

in quietness

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

Here, the word translated quietness could describe: (1) learning unobtrusively and peacefully. Paul used a similar word (“quiet”) in 2:2, where it described a life that is calm and peaceful. Alternate translation: “calmly” or “in peace” (2) learning without speaking. Alternate translation: “in silence” or “without speaking”

in quietness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of quietness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “quietly”

in all submission

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

Here Paul does not state to whom or what the women are to be in all submission. If possible, you also should not express to whom or what they are to be in all submission. If you must include the object of submission, Paul could imply that the submission is to: (1) the leaders and teachers of the church. Alternate translation: “in all submission to the leaders” or “in all submission to the people who teach” (2) husbands (or other close male relatives). Alternate translation: “in all submission to their husbands”

in all submission

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of submission, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “always submitting”

1 Timothy 2:12

But

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

Here, the word But introduces a development of what Paul wrote in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Even more,”

a woman

Quote: γυναικὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word woman represents Christian women in general, not one particular woman. See how you expressed the idea in 2:11. Alternate translation: “believing women” or “female Christians”

a woman … a man

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

Here, just as in 2:11, the word translated woman could refer: (1) generally to any female believer. In this case, the word man refers generally to any male believer. Alternate translation: “women who believe … men who believe” (2) specifically to any woman who is married. This is indicated by the switch from the plural “women” in 2:9–10 to the singular “woman” in 2:11 and here. In this case, the word man refers to the wife’s husband. Alternate translation: “a wife … her husband” or “wives … their husbands”

to teach

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

Here Paul could be implying that women are not permitted to teach: (1) men. Alternate translation: “to teach a man” (2) anyone during a public meeting of believers. Alternate translation: “to teach anyone when believers gather together to worship”

to have authority over

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

Here, the word translated to have authority over could refer to: (1) any kind of rule or leadership. Alternate translation: “to be an authority over” or “to lead” (2) dominating or exercising abusive authority. Alternate translation: “to dominate” or “to control”

but to be

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

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I require her to be”

to be in quietness

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

Here, just as in 2:11, the word translated quietness could describe: (1) being unobtrusive and peaceful. Paul used a similar word (“quiet”) in 2:2, where it described a life that is calm and peaceful. Alternate translation: “to avoid interrupting” or “to be in peace” (2) not speaking. Alternate translation: “to be in silence” or “to avoid speaking”

in quietness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of quietness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “quiet”

1 Timothy 2:13

For

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

Here, the word For introduces a support or basis for the commands that Paul has given. This support comes from the story in the Old Testament that tells how God created the first humans. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a support or basis for commands. Alternate translation: “In support of what I have commanded, the Scriptures record that” or “Indeed,”

Adam was formed first, then Eve

Quote: Ἀδὰμ & πρῶτος ἐπλάσθη, εἶτα Εὕα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul refers to a story found in Genesis 2:5–25. In this story, when God made the first humans, he created a man named Adam. After that, he created a woman named Eve. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the reference more explicit or include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the original man, Adam, was formed first, before the original woman, Eve” or “as the story in Genesis shows, Adam was formed first, then Eve”

Adam was formed

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

then Eve

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

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “then Eve was formed”

1 Timothy 2:14

Adam was not deceived, but the woman, having been deceived, came into transgression

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

Here Paul refers to a story found in Genesis 3:1–7. In this story, a talking serpent approaches Eve and convinces her to eat fruit that God had commanded her and Adam not to eat. She ate some of it, and then she gave some to Adam, and he also ate some of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the reference more explicit or include some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Adam was not deceived by the serpent, but the woman, Eve, having been deceived, came into transgression by eating the fruit that God had forbidden” or “as the next story in Genesis shows, Adam was not deceived, but the woman, having been deceived, came into transgression”

Adam was not deceived, … having been deceived

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the story that Paul is referring to indicates that a talking serpent, who is sometimes identified as Satan, did it. Alternate translation: “the serpent did not deceive Adam … when the serpent deceived her”

came into transgression

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

Here Paul speaks as if transgression were a location that Eve came into. He means that she committed a transgression. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “committed a transgression”

came into transgression

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of transgression, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “transgressed”

1 Timothy 2:15

But

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

Here, the word But introduces something good that will happen in contrast to the bad things that Paul described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Despite that,”

she will be saved … they remain

Quote: σωθήσεται & μείνωσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here Paul uses both the singular form she and the plural form they. It could be that: (1) the pronoun she refers to Eve, and the pronoun they refers to women in general. Alternate translation: “the woman Eve will be saved … women remain” (2) both the pronouns she and they refer to women in general. Alternate translation: “women will be saved … these women remain” (3) the pronoun she refers to Eve as a representative of all women, and the pronoun they refers to all women. Alternate translation: “she and all other women will be saved … they remain”

she will be saved through childbearing

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

Christians debate the meaning of this clause. For some of the possible interpretations, see the chapter introduction. The two most likely interpretations are that: (1) she (Eve or women in general) will be saved by God, who will use childbearing as the means by which he sends the Messiah into the world. In this case, childbearing describes one means by which God accomplishes salvation. Alternate translation: “she will be saved through how the Messiah came by means of women bearing children” (2) she (women in general) will be saved spiritually as they have children and act as mothers. In this case, childbearing describes the circumstances in which the women will be saved. Alternate translation: “they will be saved while they give birth and raise children”

she will be saved

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

if they remain

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

If the word she earlier in this verse refers specifically to Eve, then Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and all other women will be saved too, if they remain”

if

Quote: ἐὰν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical

Here Paul uses if to introduce a true possibility. He means that women might remain in these things, or they may not. He has already specified the result for if they do remain in these things: they will be saved. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that introduces a true possibility. Alternate translation: “supposing that” or “given that”

they remain in faith and love and holiness with self-control

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith, love, holiness, and self-control, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “they persevere in believing in the Messiah, loving others, and living in a holy way along with being self-controlled”

with self-control

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

Here, the phrase with self-control could provide: (1) the fourth and last item in the list. Alternate translation: “and self-control” (2) the manner in which the women should remain in faith and love and holiness. Alternate translation: “and act with self-control as they do those things” (3) the manner in which the women should remain in holiness. Alternate translation: “characterized by self-control”

1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Paul gives instructions about qualifications for church leaders (3:1–16)
- Qualifications for overseers (3:1–7)
- Qualifications for deacons (3:8–13)
- The reason for the letter and the mystery of godliness (3:14–16)

Some translations set each line of poetry farther to the right than the rest of the text to make it easier to read. The ULT does this with the poetry in 3:16, which is probably a quotation from a Christian confession or hymn.

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Overseers and deacons

In this chapter, Paul discusses whom to select to fill the roles of “overseer” and “deacon.” The word “overseer” refers to someone with authority, and Paul indicates that an “overseer” must be able to teach. The word “deacon” refers to someone who serves or assists others. Christians use various different terms for the people who lead and serve in the church. Before you translate this chapter, consider what terms in your language might refer clearly to the roles that Paul describes in this chapter. (See: oversee, overseer, keeper and deacon)

Qualifications for overseers and deacons

In 3:1–7, Paul provides a list of characteristics that indicate who would be a good overseer, and in 3:8–12 he provides a similar list of characteristics that indicate who would be a good deacon. These lists are meant to be general guidelines, not precise lists of exactly every characteristic that an overseer or deacon must have. For example, Paul indicates that both deacons and overseers must be husbands “of one wife,” but most Christians believe that this does not mean that overseers and deacons must be married. Instead, most Christians believe that this means that, if they are married, they must be husbands “of one wife.” Consider what form you might use in your language to give a general list of qualifications.

Women as overseers and deacons

Christians debate whether Paul intended women to function as overseers and deacons along with men. There are a number of issues related to this question.

Paul often uses masculine forms in his list of qualifications, but in his language, masculine forms were often used by writers who wanted to refer to both men and women.
More specifically, Paul indicates that both overseers and deacons must be husbands “of one wife.” Some Christians argue that this phrase indicates that overseers and deacons must be men. Other Christians argue that Paul also implied that overseers and deacons, if they are female, must be wives “of one husband.”
Paul refers to a specific group of people in 3:11 with a word that could refer more generally to women or more specifically to wives. Some Christians argue that the word means “women” and that Paul was giving specific qualifications for female deacons in this verse. Other Christians argue that the word means “wives” and that Paul was giving specific qualifications for the wives of deacons in this verse.

In the end, some Christians conclude that only men can serve as overseers and deacons. Other Christians conclude that only men can serve as overseers but that both men and women can serve as deacons. Other Christians conclude that both men and women can serve as overseers and deacons. While translators cannot ignore their own views, it is best to preserve the genders that Paul chose to use in these verses, if that is possible. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could include in footnotes some of the information about the issues described above. (See: When Masculine Words Include Women)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in This Chapter

The generic noun “overseer”

In 3:2–7, Paul lists what kind of person “the overseer” must be. As the ULT illustrates, Paul uses singular forms throughout these verses to describe any person who could be an overseer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use plural forms in these verses to indicate that Paul is speaking generally. The UST illustrates one way to do this. (See: Generic Noun Phrases)

The confession or hymn in 3:16

Most scholars believe that Paul quotes from an early Christian hymn or confession of faith in 3:16. The ULT and UST put quote marks around these words and format them as poetry. Each clause is short and compact, and each clause implies extra information that is not always obvious. If possible, you should preserve this compact and brief form in your translation. If a form-based translation of the clause makes sense in your language, it is recommended that you do not make any implied information explicit.

1 Timothy 3:1

This word {is} trustworthy: “If someone aspires to overseership, he desires a good work

Quote: πιστὸς ὁ λόγος: εἴ τις ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται, καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ. (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure

Here, the clause This word {is} trustworthy could refer: (1) ahead to what Paul is about to say. Alternate translation: “Here is a word that is trustworthy: ‘If someone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work’” (2) back to what Paul said in the previous verse or verses. Alternate translation: “The word I have given is trustworthy. Now if someone aspires to be an oversee, he desires a noble task”

This word {is} trustworthy

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

Here, just as in 1:15, word represents what Paul writes by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What I write is trustworthy” or “These words are trustworthy”

If someone aspires to overseership, he desires a good work

Quote: εἴ τις ἐπισκοπῆς ὀρέγεται, καλοῦ ἔργου ἐπιθυμεῖ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks

These words are the word that Paul shares with Timothy. To indicate this, the ULT and UST put quotation marks around these words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use quotation marks or another form to indicate which words are the ones that Paul introduces as the word.

If someone

Quote: εἴ τις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact

Paul speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that this does certainly happen. If your language does not state something as a condition if it does happen, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “When someone”

someone … he desires

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

Here, the words translated as someone and he desires do not specify whether the person is male or female. Since Christians debate whether overseership is something that both men and women can have, if possible you should use words and phrases here that do not indicate the person’s gender. Alternate translation: “a person … that person desires”

overseership

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of overseership, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “be an overseer” or “to oversee the church”

1 Timothy 3:2

Therefore

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

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference based on what Paul said in the previous verse about how “overseership” is a “good work.” Since it is a good work, the people who do the work need to have certain qualifications. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of inference. Alternate translation: “So then,” or “Since overseership is a good work,”

for the overseer

Quote: τὸν ἐπίσκοπον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The word overseer represents overseers in general, not one particular overseer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for each overseer”

a husband of one wife

Quote: μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, the phrase a husband of one wife could indicate that an overseer: (1) must be sexually faith to one woman, his wife. Alternate translation: “a man who is faithful to his wife” (2) must have no more than one wife at a time. Alternate translation: “a husband of only one wife at a time” (3) must have been married no more than once, even if the marriage ended in divorce or death. Alternate translation: “a man who has been married only once”

temperate, self-controlled

Quote: νηφάλιον, σώφρονα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms temperate and self-controlled mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very self-controlled” or “completely temperate”

1 Timothy 3:3

not addicted to wine

Quote: μὴ πάροινον (1)

Alternate translation: “not one who drinks much wine”

not a brawler

Quote: μὴ πλήκτην (1)

Alternate translation: “not one who is violent” or “not one who likes to fight”

not a brawler

Quote: μὴ πλήκτην (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read not a brawler. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “not a brawler, not greedy.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

not money-loving

Quote: ἀφιλάργυρον (1)

Alternate translation: “not greedy for money”

1 Timothy 3:4

leading

Quote: προϊστάμενον (1)

Alternate translations: “managing” or “taking care of”

in submission with all dignity

Quote: ἐν ὑποταγῇ, μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase with all dignity could describe: (1) another characteristic of the children. Alternate translation: “in submission, children with all dignity” (2) another way the children treat their parent, the overseer. Alternate translation: “in submission who treat him with dignity” (3) how the overseer should treat his children. Alternate translation: “in submission as he treats them with all dignity”

in submission with all dignity

Quote: ἐν ὑποταγῇ, μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of submission and dignity, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “who submit and are very dignified”

1 Timothy 3:5

but

Quote: δέ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word but introduces an explanation about why Paul included the requirement that overseers lead their own families well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave but untranslated. Alternate translation: “I include that because,” or “indeed,”

if someone does not know {how} to lead his own household, how

Quote: εἰ & τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν, πῶς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo

Here Paul uses an imaginary situation to show that people who do not lead their own households well are not able to lead the church well. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: “suppose that someone does not know how to lead his own household well. In that case, how”

to lead

Quote: προστῆναι (1)

Alternate translations: “to manage” or “to take care of”

how will he take care of the church of God

Quote: πῶς ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται? (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion

Paul is using the question form to strongly deny that this kind of person can take care of the church of God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: “he will not take care of the church of God well.” or “he 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-explicit

Here Paul refers to the specific church whom the person would be taking care of. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the church of God in his charge” or “the church of God to which he is assigned”

the church of God

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a church that worships and belongs to God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the church that worships God”

1 Timothy 3:6

not a new convert

Quote: μὴ νεόφυτον (1)

Alternate translations: “not having believed recently” or “mature in the faith”

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

Here Paul refers to experiencing judgment as if it were falling into a hole. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that he may not be overcome … by the judgment of the devil” or “so that he may not experience … the judgment of the devil”

being puffed up

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

Here Paul speaks of becoming prideful as if it were being puffed up by air. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “becoming conceited”

being puffed up

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

Here Paul implies that a new convert might be puffed up, or prideful, because of being made an overseer so quickly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “being puffed up by becoming a leader so quickly”

the judgment of the devil

Quote: κρίμα & τοῦ διαβόλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a judgment that could be: (1) the same kind of judgment that the devil received. Alternate translation: “the judgment that the devil received” (2) a judgment that the devil administers. Alternate translation: “judgment from the devil” or “judgment given by the devil”

the judgment of the devil

Quote: κρίμα & τοῦ διαβόλου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “being judged as the devil was”

1 Timothy 3:7

But

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

Here, the word But introduces the next requirement for being an overseer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

to have a good testimony from

Quote: μαρτυρίαν καλὴν ἔχειν ἀπὸ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for it to be testified about him that he is good by”

a good testimony from

Quote: μαρτυρίαν καλὴν & ἀπὸ (1)

Alternate translation: “a good reputation with”

the ones outside

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

The phrase the ones outside identifies people who do not belong to the group of believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to people who are not part of the group of believers. Alternate translation: “the outsiders” or “the people who are not part of your group”

he may not fall into reproach and

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

Here Paul refers to experiencing reproach as if it were falling into a hole. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he may not be overcome by reproach and fall into” or “he may not experience reproach and fall into”

he may not fall into reproach and

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of reproach, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he may not be reproached and fall into”

a trap of the devil

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

Here Paul speaks of how the devil gains power or control over people as if he were trapping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “be like an animal that the devil has trapped” or “the power of the devil” or “the control of the devil”

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

Here Paul refers to people who change what they say to match the situation as if they were double-talkers, or people who say two words at the same time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not two-tongued” or “speaking with integrity”

not greedy

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

Here, the word translated as greedy could refer to: (1) strong desire for more money and goods than one needs. Alternate translation: “not always longing for more money” (2) gaining money and goods by shameful means. Alternate translation: “not pursuing dishonest gain” or “not being shamed by greed”

1 Timothy 3:9

having the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience

Quote: ἔχοντας τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase with a pure conscience could describe: (1) these people’s lives in general. Alternate translation: “having the mystery of the faith and having a pure conscience” (2) the manner in which these people have the mystery. Alternate translation: “having a pure conscience about how they have the mystery of the faith”

having

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

Here, the word having implies that these people are faithful to and continue to believe what they are having. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “continuing to believe” or “holding firmly to”

the mystery of the faith

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mystery that could: (1) contain what people accept by faith. Alternate translation: “the mystery that is the teaching we accept in faith” (1) be what people accept by faith. Alternate translation: “the mystery that we believe”

the mystery of the faith

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mystery and faith, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “what we believe that was once hidden” or “the hidden things that we believe”

with a pure conscience

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

A conscience that is pure is one that does not convict a person of doing anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrases in 1:5 and 1:19. Alternate translation: “with a clean conscience” or “with a conscience that is not guilty”

1 Timothy 3:10

But

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

Here, the word But introduces the next requirement for being a deacon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

let them also be tested first; then let them serve

Quote: καὶ οὗτοι & δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον; εἶτα διακονείτωσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they also should be tested first; then they can serve”

let them also be tested

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be believers, perhaps those who are already leaders. Alternate translation: “let some of the believers also test them” or “let those who are already leaders also test them”

let them serve, being blameless

Quote: διακονείτωσαν, ἀνέγκλητοι ὄντες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase being blameless could give: (1) the condition that must be fulfilled for them to serve. Alternate translation: “let them serve if they are blameless” (2) a description of the people who can serve. Alternate translation: “let the ones being blameless serve”

1 Timothy 3:11

women

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

Here, the word translated women could refer to: (1) female deacons. Alternate translation: “women who are deacons” (2) the wives of deacons. Alternate translation: “their wives”

must be} dignified

Quote: σεμνάς (1)

Alternate translations: “must be worthy of respect”

1 Timothy 3:12

Let deacons be

Quote: διάκονοι ἔστωσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Deacons should be”

deacons

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

After speaking about “women” in the previous verse, Paul could be using the word deacons to refer to: (1) male deacons. Alternate translation: “male deacons” (2) all deacons. Alternate translation: “all deacons”

husbands of one wife

Quote: μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Paul used a very similar phrase in 3:2, and you should express the idea as you did there. He could mean that deacons: (1) each must be sexually faith to one woman, his wife. Alternate translation: “men who are faithful to their wives” (2) each must have no more than one wife at a time. Alternate translation: “husbands of only one wife at a time” (3) each must have been married no more than once, even if the marriage ended in divorce or death. Alternate translation: “men who have been married only once”

leading

Quote: προϊστάμενοι (1)

Alternate translations: “managing” or “taking care of”

children and their own households

Quote: τέκνων & καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

The phrase children and their own households is not making a distinction between children and households by indicating that the children are not part of the household. Rather, the phrase emphasizes that the children are a particularly important part of the households. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “children and the rest of their own households” or “their own households, and particularly their children,”

1 Timothy 3:13

For

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

Here, the word For introduces a reason why deacons should be the kind of people that Paul has described in 3:8–12. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason to keep a set of requirements, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “They should strive to be that kind of people, since” or “Here is why they should do those things:”

the ones having served

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

Here, the phrase the ones having served could refer: (1) just to the deacons, whom Paul has discussed in 3:8–12. Alternate translation: “the deacons who have served” (2) both to the deacons and to the overseers, whom he has discussed in 3:1–12. Alternate translation: “the overseers and the deacons who have served”

good standing

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

Here Paul speaks as if these people will have good standing. He could be indicating that they will gain: (1) respect and influence among believers. Alternate translation: “a good reputation” or “honor among believers” (2) a specific position or office that is respected. Alternate translation: “a respected position” or “an honored office”

much confidence in the faith

Quote: πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase much confidence in the faith could mean that these people: (1) will have much confidence in their faith. Alternate translation: “much confidence about their faith” (2) will speak with much confidence about the faith. Alternate translation: “much confidence in speaking about the faith”

the faith {that is} in Christ Jesus

Quote: πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase the faith {that is} in Christ Jesus could refer to: (1) the act of having faith in Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “the faith that they have in Christ Jesus” (2) what people believe about Christ Jesus when they have faith in him. Alternate translation: “what Christians believe about Christ Jesus”

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

Quote: πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of confidence and faith, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the options you chose in the previous notes. Alternate translation: “be able to be very confident as they believe in Christ Jesus” or “be very confident about how they believe in Christ Jesus”

1 Timothy 3:14

I am writing

Quote: γράφω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense

Here Paul refers to the writing of this letter from his perspective, which is in the present. However, when Timothy receives the letter, the writing of this letter would be in the past. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever form people would use in your language to refer to the writing of a letter. Alternate translation: “I have written”

these things

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

Here, the phrase these things could refer to: (1) everything that Paul has included in the letter. Alternate translation: “everything in this letter” (2) what Paul has written in the letter so far. Alternate translation: “what I have included so far” or “those things”

hoping

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

Here, the word hoping introduces something that is unexpected given what Paul has said about writing the letter. Usually, people in Paul’s culture did not write letters to someone if they planned to visit that person soon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: “even though I hope” or “despite the fact that I hope”

to come

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

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “to go”

in quickness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of quickness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “quickly” or “before long”

1 Timothy 3:15

but if I delay

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

Here Paul is indicating that, instead of coming quickly to Timothy, he may delay. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that indicates that Paul may delay in contrast to what he said in the previous verse about what he was hoping for. Alternate translation: “but knowing that I may delay” or “yet being aware that I might delay”

I delay

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

Here Paul may be implying that: (1) he himself might choose to delay. Alternate translation: “I choose to wait” or “I need to stay away longer” (2) something might cause or force Paul to delay. Alternate translation: “I am delayed” or “anything delays me”

it is necessary to behave

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

Here Paul could be implying that he is instructing Timothy in how: (1) believers should behave. Alternate translation: “it is necessary for believers” (2) Timothy should behave. Alternate translation: “it is necessary for you to behave”

in the household of God

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

Here Paul speaks of believers as if they were part of the household of God. He means that God considers them to be members of his own family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “among people who are like the household of God” or “among God’s people”

which is the church of the living God

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

This phrase introduces further information about the household of God. It does not distinguish between a household of God that is the church and one that is not the church. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces further information, not a distinction. Alternate translation: “by which I mean the church of the living God”

the church of the living God

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe the church that worships and belongs to the living God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the church that worships the living God”

of the living God

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

Here, the phrase the living God identifies God as the one who “lives.” The primary point is that God actually “lives,” unlike idols and other inanimate things that people call “god.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes that God really “lives.” Alternate translation: “of the God who lives” or “of the true God”

a pillar and support of the truth

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

Here Paul speaks as if the truth were the roof of a building and of the church as if it were a pillar and support that held up that roof. He means that the church helps to preserve and proclaim the truth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “which is like a pillar and support of the truth” or “which preserves and presents the truth”

a pillar and support

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

The terms pillar and support mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “a foundation” or “a strong support”

of the truth

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of the true teaching”

1 Timothy 3:16

the mystery of godliness

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mystery that could: (1) lead to or cause godliness. Alternate translation: “the mystery that leads to godliness” (2) contain godliness. Alternate translation: “the mystery that is godliness”

the mystery of godliness

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mystery and godliness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “what was hidden that makes us godly”

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/figs-quotemarks

Here it is likely that Paul is quoting a confession or hymn. In order to indicate this, the ULT and UST put quote marks around these words and format them as poetry. Consider how you might indicate in your language that these words are from a confession or hymn.

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

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the actions, it is clear from the context that either God or Jesus himself did the revealing, that the Spirit did the justifying, that the angels did the seeing, that believers did the proclaiming, that people in general did the believing, and that God did the taking up. Alternate translation: “God revealed him in flesh, the Spirit justified him, angels saw him, believers proclaimed him among the nations, people in the world believed in him, God took him up in glory”

Who

Quote: ὃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun Who refers to Jesus Christ. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person's name here. Alternate translation: “Jesus” or “The Christ”

Who

Quote: ὃς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read Who. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

in flesh

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

Here, the word flesh refers to human existence in its weakness and frailty. Paul means that Jesus was human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as a human being”

was justified in the Spirit

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

Here, the phrase was justified could indicate that Jesus was: (1) proved by the Holy Spirit to be who he said he was. Alternate translation: “was proven right by the Spirit” (2) declared innocent by the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: “was proven guiltless by the Spirit” or “was vindicated by the Spirit”

among the nations

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

Here, the word nations could refer to: (1) non-Jewish people. Alternate translation: “among the Gentiles” (2) all groups of people. Alternate translation: “among all people groups”

in the world

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

Here, the phrase in the world indicates that people in many places throughout the world believed in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “by people throughout the world”

was taken up

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

Here Paul implies that Jesus was taken up into heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “was taken up to heaven”

in glory

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

Here, the phrase in glory could describe: (1) how Jesus was taken up. Alternate translation: “with much glory” (2) Jesus, as he was taken up. Alternate translation: “as a glorious being” or “as a person with glory”

in glory

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

1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Paul gives instructions about how Timothy should behave and what he should teach (4:1–16)
- Condemnation of the false teachers (4:1–5)
- Timothy should train himself for godliness (4:6–10)
- How Timothy should act as a leader (4:11–16)

Special Concepts in This Chapter

False teachers

In 4:1, Paul indicates that some people will stop believing in Jesus. In 4:2, he indicates that “liars” will teach them what is wrong. These “liars” are false teachers that Paul wants Timothy to confront and discredit. Paul does not include very much about what these false teachers were saying, but he does say that they were telling people not to marry and to avoid certain foods (4:3). He also implies that these false teachers use or tell stories that Paul calls “myths” (4:7). Christians debate what ideas these false teachers were spreading. What is clear is that they were using stories that were not in the Scriptures, and they were convincing people to abstain from things that God said were good. Make sure that this is clear in your translation.

Timothy’s “gift”

In 4:14, Paul speaks about the “gift” that Timothy received. When he received it, someone prophesied about it, and the elders laid their hands on Timothy to commission him. It is clear in the context that God gave this “gift,” which is a special skill or ability that Timothy had. Most likely, this skill or ability enabled Timothy to teach and lead believers well. Since Paul does not state or even imply what the “gift” was, you should use a general word or phrase that refers to a special skill or ability.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Training

In 4:7, Paul instructs Timothy to “train” himself for godliness. In the following verse, he indicates that “bodily training” is helpful for a little while, but godliness is always helpful. In Timothy’s culture, education included both physical and mental training, and people often used words and ideas related to physical training to describe mental training. Paul similarly uses a word for physical training to describe the hard work required to become godly. Since this is a common metaphor in the Bible, if possible preserve the figure of speech or express the idea in simile form. (See: Metaphor)

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in This Chapter

Which verse contains the trustworthy word?

In 4:9, Paul indicates that the “word,” or statement, is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance. It is not clear whether Paul is referring back to something he wrote in 4:8 or whether he is referring ahead to something he will write in 4:10. Because of that, the ULT makes 4:9 its own sentence to preserve the ambiguity. If it is possible, you could express the idea in such a way that the “word” could be either before or after verse 9. If you choose to make the reference explicit, the UST illustrates how you might express the idea if the “word” is in verse 10. Here is how you might express the idea if the “word” is in verse 8: * “[8] for ‘bodily training is useful for little, but godliness is useful for all, having promise of life, now and coming.’ [9] That word is trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance. [10] For unto this we toil and struggle, because we have hoped in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”

1 Timothy 4:1

Now

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

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic that Paul wishes to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: “Next,”

the Spirit says specifically

Quote: τὸ & Πνεῦμα ῥητῶς λέγει (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

Here Paul does not indicate when or where the Spirit says these things. He could be referring to prophecies in the Old Testament, prophecies that were given more recently by Christian prophets, or things that the the Spirit was revealing to him. Since it is not clear where and when the Spirit speaks, if possible use a general phrase here. Alternate translation: “the Spirit has spoken specifically” or “the Spirit is indicating specifically”

in later times

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

Here, the phrase later times could refer to: (1) the last days in general, the period between Jesus’ resurrection and second coming. Alternate translation: “in the last days” or “near the end of this current period of time” (2) sometime later than when the Spirit spoke. Alternate translation: “later on” or “sometime later”

will fall away from the faith

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

Here Paul speaks of rejecting or failing to persist in the faith as if it were falling away from a location where the faith was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “turn away from the faith” or “will reject the faith”

the faith

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

Here, the word faith could refer to: (1) the act of having faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “the faith that they have” (2) what people believe about Jesus when they have faith in him. Alternate translation: “what Christians believe”

the faith

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “believing in Jesus”

paying attention to

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

Here, the phrase paying attention to could introduce: (1) a further description of what these people do. Alternate translation: “and they will pay attention to” (2) the reason why these people fall away. Alternate translation: “which they will do because they pay attention to” (3) the means by which these people fall away. Alternate translation: “which they will do by paying attention to”

deceiving spirits

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

Here, the phrase deceiving spirits refers to evil spiritual beings who deceive people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “deceptive devils” or “evil spirits who deceive”

teachings of demons

Quote: διδασκαλίαις δαιμονίων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here Paul is using the possessive form to describe teachings that come from demons. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “teachings from demons”

1 Timothy 4:2

in the hypocrisy of liars

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

Here, the word in could introduce: (1) the means or cause by which some people will pay attention to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons. Alternate translation: “which they will pay attention to through the hypocrisy of liars” or “because of the hypocrisy of liars” (2) the means by which they learn the teachings of demons. Alternate translation: “which are taught through the hypocrisy of liars”

in the hypocrisy of liars

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hypocrisy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “through liars who act hypocritically”

having been seared {in} their own conscience

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

Here Paul could be speaking as if these people’s conscience: (1) had been seared, so that it can no longer feel anything. In this case, he means that they no longer feel convicted about what is right and wrong. Alternate translation: “who live as if they had been seared in their own conscience” or “no longer being convicted of what is right or wrong” (2) had been branded and thus marked either as belonging to Satan or as a sinner. Alternate translation: “who live as if they had been branded in their own conscience as belonging to Satan” or “having been marked as sinners”

having been seared {in} their own conscience

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that: (1) they did it themselves. Alternate translation: “having seared their own consciences” (2) their hypocrisy and lies did it. Alternate translation: “their hypocrisy having seared their own consciences”

in} their own conscience

Quote: τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one conscience, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: “in their own consciences”

1 Timothy 4:3

to abstain

Quote: ἀπέχεσθαι (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. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “requiring to abstain”

to abstain from foods

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

Here Paul implies that the false teachers were telling people to abstain from certain kinds of foods. They were not telling people to abstain from eating in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to abstain from specific foods” or “to abstain from certain types of food”

from foods that God created

Quote: βρωμάτων ἃ ὁ Θεὸς ἔκτισεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here Paul is further describing the foods from which the false teachers required people to abstain. He is not distinguishing between some foods that God created and other foods that God did not create. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that describes something rather than distinguishes between things. Alternate translation: “from foods, those which God created” or “from foods. God created these foods”

with thanksgiving

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of thanksgiving, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “thankfully”

the truth

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the true teaching”

1 Timothy 4:4

For

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

Here, the word For introduces support for what Paul stated in the previous verse about what God made foods for. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces support for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I write that about foods because” or “In fact,”

every creation of God

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of creation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “everything that has been created by God”

creation of God

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe every creation that is made by God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “creation made by God”

nothing being received with thanksgiving {is} to be rejected

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

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas with active forms or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the actions, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “people should reject nothing that they receive with thanksgiving”

with thanksgiving

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of thanksgiving, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “thankfully”

1 Timothy 4:5

for

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

Here, the word for introduces an explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse about how nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “and here is why:”

it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer

Quote: ἁγιάζεται & διὰ λόγου Θεοῦ καὶ ἐντεύξεως (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the word of God and prayer sanctify it” or “God uses his word and prayer to sanctify it”

the word of God

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

Here, word represents something God has communicated using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the message from God” or “what God has spoken”

the word of God

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

Here, the phrase the word of God refers to something that God has said. It could refer more specifically to God’s declaration that everything he made was good, to the gospel in general, to passages of Scripture that were read before meals, or to God’s response to people’s prayer. However, since Paul used a very general phrase here, if possible, you should use a general phrase that could refer to anything that God has said. Alternate translation: “words from God” or “things that God has spoken”

prayer

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

Here Paul implies that this prayer contains the thanksgiving he referred to in 4:4. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “prayers of thanksgiving” or “thankful 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

Here Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that Timothy would place before other people. He means that Timothy will speak his instructions to these people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Passing these things along to the brothers” or “Teaching these things to the brothers”

these things

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

Here, the phrase these things could refer to the instructions that Paul has given in 4:1–5, 3:14–4:5, or to the whole letter so far. Since Paul used a general phrase, if possible you should use a general phrase that could refer to any of these sections. Alternate translation: “what I have said to you” or “these instructions”

the brothers

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

Paul is using the term brothers to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the believers”

the brothers

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

Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.

a good servant of Christ Jesus

Quote: καλὸς & διάκονος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a servant who could: (1) serve Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: “a good servant who obeys Christ Jesus” (2) have been appointed by Christ Jesus to serve others. Alternate translation: “a good servant appointed by Christ Jesus”

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 your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed nourishing you”

being nourished

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

Here, the phrase being nourished could introduce: (1) a description of a good servant. Alternate translation: “one who is nourished” (2) another condition for being a good servant. Alternate translation: “if you are nourished” (3) the result of being a good servant. Alternate translation: “and so you will be nourished” or “with the result that you will be nourished”

being nourished

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

Here Paul speaks as if the words of the faith and of the good teaching were food that nourished Timothy. He means that these words train Timothy and make him stronger spiritually. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as if being nourished” or “being strengthened spiritually” or “being trained”

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-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe words that could: (1) be those in which believers have faith and that contain the good teaching. Alternate translation: “by the words in which we have faith and that contain the good teaching” (2) contain the good news in which believers have faith and the good teaching. Alternate translation: “by the words that contain the Christian faith and the good teaching”

of the faith and

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

of the good teaching that you have followed

Quote: τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish

Here Paul is further describing the good teaching. He is not distinguishing between some good teaching that Timothy has followed and some that he has not followed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that describes something rather than distinguishes between things. Alternate translation: “of the good teaching, which you have followed” or “of the good teaching. You have followed that good teaching”

1 Timothy 4:7

But

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

Here, the word But introduces how Paul wants Timothy to treat the profane and old-womanish myths in contrast to how he should treat “the good teaching” (4:6). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,” or “Now”

old-womanish

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

The term old-womanish describes something that is silly or foolish. Paul does not mean that these myths always came from older women or that older women were more likely to believe the myths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “foolish” or “groundless”

myths

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

The word myths refers to a certain kind of story that is generally considered to be untrustworthy. This kind of story is often about what important people did a long time ago. Often, many people in a culture know these stories but do not consider them to be reliable historical narratives. See how you translated this word in 1:4. Alternate translation: “fictional narratives” or “traditional tales”

but

Quote: δὲ (2)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast

Here, the word but introduces what Paul wants Timothy to do instead of listening to the myths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces that kind of contrast, or you could leave but untranslated. Alternate translation: “and instead” or “and in contrast”

train yourself

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

Here Paul speaks as if Timothy were an athlete who needed to train himself. He means that Timothy needs to work hard, as an athlete does, in order to become godly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “always strive”

for godliness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be godly”

1 Timothy 4:8-10

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

The word that Paul refers to in verse 9 could be found in verse 10 or it may be in verse 8. See the chapter introduction for more information. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use quote marks or some other form to indicate which words are the word that Paul gives to Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:8

for

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

Here, the word for introduces a further explanation about why Timothy should train himself for godliness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “and here is why:” or “since”

for little, … for all

Quote: πρὸς ὀλίγον & πρὸς πάντα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj

The phrases for little and for all could refer to: (1) a little time and all time. Alternate translation: “for some times … for all times” or “sometimes … always” (2) little usefulness and all usefulness. Alternate translation: “in some ways … in all ways” or “for a few things … for all things”

but godliness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “but being godly”

having promise

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

Here, the phrase having promise introduces something about godliness that supports the claim that godliness is useful for all. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “since with godliness comes a promise” or “because godliness leads to a promise”

promise of life

Quote: ἐπαγγελίαν & ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a promise that could: (1) promise this life. Alternate translation: “a promise that guarantees life” (2) be in effect while a person has this life. Alternate translation: “promise for life” or “promise during life”

of life, now and coming

Quote: ζωῆς τῆς νῦν, καὶ τῆς μελλούσης (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul is referring to true life with God that people can have now and in the coming future, when God resurrects people after they have died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “of true life, both now and after the resurrection” or “of life in Christ now and after God renews everything”

1 Timothy 4:9

The word {is} trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance

Quote: πιστὸς ὁ λόγος, καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος (1)

This verse is identical to the first clause in 1:15. Express the idea as you did there.

The word

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

Here, the phrase The word could refer: (1) ahead to what Paul is about to write in 4:10. Alternate translation: “The following word” (2) back to what Paul wrote in 4:8. Alternate translation: “That word”

1 Timothy 4:10

For

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

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the statement is trustworthy and should be accepted (see 4:9). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for something, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “That is because” or “It is trustworthy because”

unto this we toil and struggle,that

Quote: εἰς τοῦτο & κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα, ὅτι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun this could refer: (1) to what Paul is about to say in the rest of this verse about hoping in God. Alternate translation: “the reason why we toil and struggle is this, that” (2) to what Paul said in 4:8 about gaining godliness that leads to life. Alternate translation: “to gain that godliness and life we toil and struggle, because” or “that is why we toil and struggle, because”

we toil and struggle

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

The terms toil and struggle mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “we keep toiling” or “we always struggle”

struggle

Quote: ἀγωνιζόμεθα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read struggle. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “are reproached.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

the living God

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

Here, the phrase the living God identifies God as the one who “lives.” The primary point is that God actually “lives,” unlike idols and other things that people call “god.” See how you translated this phrase in 3:15. Alternate translation: “the God who lives” or “the true God”

of all men

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

especially of believers

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

Here Paul could mean that God is the Savior of believers: (1) in a special way compared to how he saves all men. Alternate translation: “and in a special way, of believers” (2) in reality, compared to how he is the only potential Savior for all men. Alternate translation: “who acts as Savior for believers”

1 Timothy 4:11

these things

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

Here, the phrase these things could refer to the instructions that Paul has given in 4:6–10, 4:1–10, or the whole letter so far. Since Paul used a general phrase, if possible you should use a general phrase that could refer to any of these sections. Alternate translation: “what I have said to you” or “these instructions”

1 Timothy 4:12

Let no one despise your youth

Quote: μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People must not despise your youth” or “You must not tolerate anyone despising your youth”

your youth

Quote: σου τῆς νεότητος (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of youth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how young you are”

your youth

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

Here Paul implies that people might despise Timothy because of his youth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “you because of your youth”

in word, in conduct, in love,in faith, in purity

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for some or all of the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “as you speak, act, love, believe, and act purely”

in word

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

Here, word represents things that Timothy speaks using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in the things you say” or “in words”

in love

Quote: ἐν ἀγάπῃ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read in love. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “in love, in spirit.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

1 Timothy 4:13

I come

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

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “I go to you”

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

Here Paul implies that the reading, exhortation, and teaching take place in public meetings of the church where Timothy was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “attend, in the gathering of believers, to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching” or “attend to the public reading of the Scriptures, to the exhortation of fellow believers, to the teaching of the truth”

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 your language does not use abstract nouns for some or all of the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “attend to reading, exhorting, teaching”

1 Timothy 4:14

Do not neglect

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

If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb neglect. Alternate translation: “Cherish” or “Attend to”

the gift in you

Quote: 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. He means that Timothy has this gift. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the gift that you have”

the gift in you

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

Here Paul implies that this gift is a specific ability or skill that God had given Timothy for his ministry. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the skill that you have as a gift” or “the gift in you, your special ability”

was given

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

through prophecy

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of prophecy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “through someone prophesying” or “when a person prophesied about you”

with the laying on of the hands of the council of elders

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

Here Paul is speaking of a ceremony during which the church leaders put their hands on Timothy. When they did that, they were commissioning Timothy to go with Paul and proclaim the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a comparable action in your culture, or you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “with the laying on of the hands of the council of elders to commission you” or “when the council of elders authorized you by laying their hands on you”

1 Timothy 4:15

these things

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

Here, the phrase these things could refer to the instructions that Paul has given in 4:11–14, 4:6–14, or the whole letter so far. Since Paul used a general phrase, if possible you should use a general phrase that could refer to any of these sections. Alternate translation: “what I have said to you” or “these instructions”

be in these things

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

Here Paul speaks as if Timothy could physically be inside the instructions he has given to Timothy. He means that Timothy always needs to focus on and perform these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “be absorbed by them” or “follow them consistently”

your progress

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

Here Paul implies that Timothy’s progress will be in his Christian life and ministry. In other words, he will have progress as he believes in Jesus, learns more about the gospel, and serves others using his gift. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “your progress in your Christian life” or “your progress as a believer”

your progress

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of progress, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “how you are progressing” or “how you are improving”

to all

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

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all people, or perhaps more specifically all believers. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to all people” or “to all believers”

1 Timothy 4:16

Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching

Quote: ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul means that Timothy should Pay attention to himself and to the teaching in order to make sure that neither he nor his teaching include anything bad or wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Pay attention so that you and the teaching are right and proper” or “Watch out lest anything corrupt you or the teaching”

Continue in them, for, doing this, you will save both yourself and the ones hearing you

Quote: ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς, τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν, καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses since the second and third clauses give the basis for the command in the first clause. Alternate translation: “Doing this, you will save both yourself and the ones hearing you. Therefore, continue in them”

in them

Quote: αὐτοῖς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

Here, the pronoun them could refer to: (1) “these things” in 4:15. Alternate translation: “in the things I have written about” (2) paying attention to himself and the teaching. Alternate translation: “in proper behavior and right teaching”

1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Paul gives instructions about how to treat different types of believers (5:1–6:2)
- How Timothy should treat various people in the church (5:1–2)
- Qualifications for real widows whom the church will support (5:3–10)
- Reasons for not supporting younger widows (5:11–16)
- How to treat elders (5:17–21)
- Miscellaneous instructions to Timothy (5:22–25)

Special Concepts in This Chapter

The list of widows

In 5:3–16, Paul gives instructions for how to honor certain widows by supporting them financially. He implies in 5:9 that there was an official list on which widows could be “enrolled.” Christians debate whether widows who were enrolled on this list had official positions in the church or were required to perform certain responsibilities. It is likely that these widows were expected to do certain things, but it is unlikely that all of them had offices or positions in the church. In your translation, you should make it clear that the church had a list of widows that it supported, but it is not recommended that you include any further implied information.

“Real” widows

In 5:3, 5:5, and 5:16, Paul refers to “real” widows. He is not distinguishing between widows whose husbands have died and “widows” whose husbands have not actually died. Rather, he is distinguishing between widows who have no family to support them (“real” widows) and widows who do have family to support them. Paul indicates that it is these “real” widows, and even more specifically the ones who meet the qualifications in 5:9–10, who can be enrolled on the list of supported widows.

Qualifications for widows who are supported by the church

In 5:9–10, Paul provides a list of characteristics that indicate which widows the church should support. This list is meant to be a general guideline, not a precise list of exactly every characteristic that a widow must have. For example, Paul indicates that widows must have raised children, but most Christians believe that this does not mean that supported widows must have had children. Instead, Paul is indicating that raising children is a good example of the kind of good works that these widows must have done. Consider what form you might use in your language to give a general list of qualifications.

Younger widows

In 5:11–15, Paul indicates that younger widows should not be on the list of supported widows. To support this command, he gives examples of ways in which younger widows often behaved. There are at least three primary ways to understand the situation that Paul speaks about:

These young women’s husbands have died, which leaves them poor and unable to live comfortably. Even with the support of the church, they would have to live without very much. Paul anticipates that these young women will desire to live wealthier and more luxurious lives. To do so, they would need to marry again, and Paul is concerned that they would marry any rich man, even an unbeliever. In that case, they would be abandoning their faith in Jesus so that they can have what they want. Meanwhile, they do not do anything productive but instead spend their time interfering and gossiping. Because of that, Paul wants these young widows to go ahead and get married (to fellow believers).
When widows were enrolled on the list of women that the church would support, they had to promise to serve the church and never marry again. Paul anticipates that the younger widows will desire to have sex and to have husbands again. To do so, they might break their promise not to marry again. Meanwhile, they do not do anything productive but instead spend their time interfering and gossiping. Because of those things, Paul wants these widows to marry again instead of making a promise to remain widows.
The term “younger widows” refers to young women who have made vows to remain single and never marry. Paul anticipates that these young women will regret their vows and desire to have sex and to have husbands. To do so, they might break those vows. Meanwhile, they do not do anything productive but instead spend their time interfering and gossiping. Because of those things, Paul does not want the church to support these young women, who should instead marry and have families.

Since Paul’s descriptions are general enough to refer to any of these three situations, if possible your translation should allow for all of these possibilities, but especially the first two.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in This Chapter

The “Scripture” in 5:18

In 5:18, Paul introduces two quotations with the phrase “the Scripture says.” The first quotation is from Deuteronomy 25:4. The second quotation comes from Jesus and is recorded in Luke 10:7. Paul may have had a copy of the Gospel of Luke, or he may have known about this saying of Jesus from some other source. Further, Paul may have intended the word “Scripture” to refer to both quotations, in which case he would be indicating that the sayings of Jesus or perhaps even the Gospel of Luke count as Scripture. On the other hand, since the word “Scripture” is singular, Paul may have intended to identify only the first quotation as Scripture. Some translations format both quotations in the same, and other translations format them differently. Since Christians disagree about this, if possible your translation should allow for both possibilities. If you must choose one possibility, it is recommended that you identify both quotations as “Scripture.”

The coherence of 5:22-25

In 5:22–25, Paul gives instructions and advice to Timothy. Christians debate whether these general instructions and pieces of advice are not closely connected or whether they are all related to which people should serve as elders and leaders in the church. For example, Paul could be talking about the sins and good works of people in general, or he could be speaking specifically about sins and good works that disqualify or qualify people to serve as elders. Since Paul speaks in general terms in these verses, if possible your translation should allow for both possibilities.

1 Timothy 5:1

as a father, … as brothers

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

Paul wants Timothy to exhort each older man as he would speak to his own father, and he wants Timothy to exhort younger men as he would speak to his own younger brothers. He means that Timothy should speak to these people as if they filled the roles of father and brothers in his own family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that more explicitly. Alternate translation: “as you would respectfully exhort your own father … as you would exhort your own brothers”

younger men

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

younger men

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

Here Paul could be implying that these men are younger than: (1) Timothy. Alternate translation: “men younger than you” (2) the older men. In this case, Paul is using the word younger to refer to a general category. Alternate translation: “young men”

1 Timothy 5:2

older women … younger women

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

older women … younger women

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

Here Paul could be implying that these women are older or younger: (1) than Timothy. Alternate translation: “women older than you … women younger than you” (2) in general terms. In this case, Paul is using the words older and younger to refer to general categories. Alternate translation: “elderly women … young women”

as mothers, … as sisters

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

Paul wants Timothy to exhort older women as he would speak to his own mother, and he wants Timothy to exhort younger women as he would speak to his own younger sisters. He means that Timothy should speak to these people as if they filled the roles of mother and sisters in his own family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state that more explicitly. Alternate translation: “as you would respectfully exhort your own mother … as you would exhort your own sisters”

as sisters, in all purity

Quote: ὡς ἀδελφὰς, ἐν πάσῃ ἁγνίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase in all purity could describe: (1) only how Timothy should exhort younger women. In this case, Paul is especially concerned about sexual purity. Alternate translation: “in all sexual purity, as sisters” (2) how Timothy should exhort older and younger men and older and younger women. In this case, Paul is speaking about purity in general. Alternate translation: “as sisters, exhorting all those people in all purity”

in all purity

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of purity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in a very pure way”

1 Timothy 5:3

Honor widows

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

Here, the command Honor is singular. However, Paul probably implies that Timothy should make sure that other believers also Honor widows. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that includes Timothy and also other believers. Alternate translation: “You and the rest of the believers should honor widows”

Honor widows

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

Here Paul implies that one of the ways to Honor widows is to provide for their needs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “Honor widows, especially by providing for them”

real widows

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

Here Paul defines which category of widows he is particularly referring to. The word real indicates that these women are not only widows but also have no close relatives to support them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “and I especially mean widows who have no one else to provide for them” or “I mean widows with no family left”

1 Timothy 5:4

children or grandchildren

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

Here Paul implies that these children and grandchildren are adults who are able to care for others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “grown children or grandchildren”

first

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

Here, the word first indicates that doing what Paul commands in this verse is very important. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “first of all” or “before anything else,”

let them learn

Quote: μανθανέτωσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they must learn”

let them learn

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

Here, learn represents experiencing something by doing it repeatedly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let them consistently act” or “let them figure out how”

to treat their own household in a godly way

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

Here Paul implies that one important way to treat one’s family in a godly way is to take care of and provide for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “to treat their own household in a godly way, especially by providing for them,”

to make repayment to their forebears

Quote: ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of repayment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to repay their forebears”

to make repayment to their forebears

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

Here Paul speaks as if people taking care of their forebears were a repayment for how their forebears took care of them. He means that this is an appropriate way for people to treat their forebears given what the forebears did for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to provide for their forebears in return for how their forebears provided for them”

for

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

Here, the word for introduces a reason why children and grandchildren should care for their ancestors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a command, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: “since” or “which they should do because”

before God

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

1 Timothy 5:5

But

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

Here, the word But introduces the real and left-alone widow in contrast to a widow who has living family members. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In contrast,” or “Now”

the real widow and one having been left alone

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

The two phrases real widow and one having been left alone express a single idea. The phrase one having been left alone explains what it means to be a real widow. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning in a different way. Alternate translation: “the real widow, one who has been left alone,” or “the real widow, by which I mean one who has been left alone,”

the real widow and one having been left alone

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

The word widow represents widows in general, not one particular widow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “each one who is a real widow and who has been left alone”

the real widow and one having been left alone

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

Here Paul again defines what kind of widow he is particularly referring to. As in 5:3, the word real indicates that these women are not only widows but also have no close relatives to support them. The phrase having been left alone similarly indicates that this kind of widow has no close relatives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “the widow who has no relatives and no one to provide for her” or “the widow with no family left and no one to support her”

remains in requests and prayers

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

Here Paul speaks as if requests and prayers were a location that a widow remains in. He means that this widow frequently and persistently makes requests and prayers to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “consistently makes requests and prayers”

in requests and prayers

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

The terms requests and prayers mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “in many prayers” or “in urgent requests”

night and day

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

Here, the phrase night and day indicates that this widow prays during both the day and the night. This means that she was praying very often every day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all the time” or “during every day and every night”

1 Timothy 5:6

the one living self-indulgently

Quote: ἡ & σπαταλῶσα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun

The phrase the one represents this kind of widow in general, not one particular widow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “each one who lives self-indulgently”

living self-indulgently

Quote: σπαταλῶσα (1)

Alternate translation: “living for pleasure” or “living in a luxurious way”

living, has died

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

Here Paul describes widows who act like this as if they had died even though they are living. He means that they are like dead people because they are spiritually dead. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “although still living, is like someone who has died” or “living, has died spiritually”

1 Timothy 5:7

these things also

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

Here, the phrase these things refers to the instructions about widows and their families in the preceding verses (see 5:4–6). Paul includes the word also because he earlier told Timothy to “command” other things (see 4:11). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “what I have written about widows, too,” or “also what I have said about widows and their families”

they may be

Quote: ὦσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun they could refer to: (1) all the believers who are with Timothy. Alternate translation: “all the believers may be” (2) widows and their families. Alternate translation: “the widows and their families” (3) widows. Alternate translation: “the widows may be”

1 Timothy 5:8

But

Quote: δέ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word But introduces a further development related to taking care of widows in one’s family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,”

for his own, … he has denied

Quote: τῶν ἰδίων & ἤρνηται (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations

Although the terms his and he are masculine, Paul is using the words in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use phrases that make this clear. Alternate translation: “for his or her own … he or she has denied” or “for his or her own … that person has denied”

for his own

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

Paul is using the adjective phrase his own as a noun to mean someone’s extended family. The phrase may also include servants and close friends. Your language may use adjective phrases in the same way. If not, you could translate this adjective phrase with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for his own extended family” or “for his own people”

for household members

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

Here, the phrase household members refers specifically to one’s close family, the family members who live together in one house. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for family living in his house” or “for his closest relatives”

the faith

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

Here, the word faith could refer to: (1) the act of having faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “the faith that he has” (2) what people believe about Jesus when they have faith in him. Alternate translation: “what Christians believe”

the faith

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

is worse than an unbeliever

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

Here Paul implies that this person is a worse sinner than an unbeliever, since unbelievers generally do take care of their families. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “is a worse sinner than an unbeliever who does take care of his own” or “does what is wrong more than an unbeliever does”

1 Timothy 5:9

Let a widow be enrolled

Quote: χήρα καταλεγέσθω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A widow should be enrolled”

Let a widow be enrolled

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be the leaders of the group of believers, including Timothy. Alternate translation: “Let the leaders enroll a widow” or “You may enroll a widow”

Let a widow be enrolled, not less than

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

Here Paul implies that the church had a list of widows who truly needed the church to support them. In this and the following verse, Paul gives a list of qualifications for which widows could be put on this list. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make those ideas more explicit. Alternate translation: “Let a widow be counted as one of the widows who truly need help, as long as she is not less than” or “Let a widow’s name be included on the list of widows whom the church will support if she is not less than”

not less than

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

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative phrase less than. Alternate translation: “over”

a wife of one husband

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

Paul used a very similar phrase in 3:2, and you should express the idea in a similar way here. Paul could mean that the widows: (1) each must have been sexually faith to one man, her late husband. Alternate translation: “a women who was faithful to her husband” (2) each must have been married no more than once, even if the marriage ended in divorce or death. Alternate translation: “a woman who was married only once”

1 Timothy 5:10

being testified in

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

good works: if she has raised children, if she has received strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has aided the afflicted, if she has followed every good work

Quote: ἔργοις καλοῖς & εἰ ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν, εἰ ἐξενοδόχησεν, εἰ ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν, εἰ θλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν, εἰ παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here the clauses that begin with if could be: (1) examples of good works that the widow should have done. Alternate translation: “good works such as raising children, receiving strangers, washing the feet of the saints, relieving the afflicted, pursuing every good work” (2) separate requirements for being enrolled as a widow in need of support. Alternate translation: “good works. Let her be enrolled if she has raised children, if she has received strangers, if she has washed the feet of the saints, if she has aided the afflicted, if she has followed every good work”

she has received strangers

Quote: ἐξενοδόχησεν (1)

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

she has washed the feet of the saints

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

In this culture, people walked barefoot or in sandals on roads that were dusty or muddy. When they arrived at a house, usually they or a servant would wash their feet to clean off the dust or mud. Washing off someone’s feet was generally considered a menial or lowly task. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of practice, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general phrase. Alternate translation: “she has helped the saints take off their shoes when they went inside” or “she has cared for the saints who visited her”

she has washed the feet of the saints

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

Here Paul may be referring to washing feet in order to: (1) give another specific example of the good works that this widow has done. Alternate translation: “she has cleaned the saints’ feet” (2) describe more generally any kind of humble service. Alternate translation: “has done humble things to help the saints” or “she has performed menial tasks for the saints”

the afflicted

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

Paul is using the adjective afflicted as a noun to mean people who are afflicted. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are afflicted”

the afflicted

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: “the ones experiencing hardship” or “those whom others have afflicted”

she has followed

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

Here, Paul speaks as if every good work were a person whom this widow followed. He means that she has worked hard always to do every good work. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “she has been eager to perform” or “she has strived to do”

every good work

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

Paul says every here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “every kind of good work” or “very many good works”

1 Timothy 5:11

reject younger widows

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

Here Paul implies that Timothy should refuse to enroll the younger widows on the list of widows whom the church would support (see 5:9). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “refuse to enroll younger widows” or “refuse to include younger widows on the list of widows whom the church will support”

they indulge themselves against Christ

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

Here, the phrase indulge themselves against Christ could mean that these widows: (1) desire to live self-indulgently in contrast to obeying Christ. Alternate translation: “they desire to live self-indulgently instead of obeying Christ” or “they want to indulge themselves” (2) desiring to have sex in contrast to serving Christ as widows. Alternate translation: “they have sexual desires that overcome their loyalty to Christ” or “their sexual desires turn them away from Christ”

they want to marry

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

Since in 5:14 Paul recommends that these widows marry again, here he must have a specific situation in mind where wanting to marry is wrong. He could be implying that these widows want to marry: (1) anyone who has money and can support their self-indulgent lifestyles, even if that person is an unbeliever. Alternate translation: “they want to marry anyone who can support their self-indulgent desires” or “they want to marry even unbelievers so they can live as they desire” (2) after they have promised to serve in the church as widows without marrying again. Alternate translation: “they want to marry even though they have promised to remain widows” or “they want to marry despite their pledge to serve as widows”

1 Timothy 5:12

having judgment because they have annulled the first faith

Quote: ἔχουσαι κρίμα ὅτι τὴν πρώτην πίστιν ἠθέτησαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “and because they have annulled the first faith, they have judgment”

having judgment

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being judged”

the first faith

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

Here, the word faith could refer to: (1) the faith that the younger widows had in Jesus. In this case, they have annulled this faith by marrying anyone, even an unbeliever, so that they can indulge their selfish desires. Alternate translation: “the first faith that they had in Christ” (2) a commitment that the widows made that they would remain as widows and serve the Christian community for the rest of their lives. In this case, they have annulled this commitment by choosing to marry when they said that they would not marry. Alternate translations: “their first commitment to remain single” or “what they first promised to do”

the first faith

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

Here, the word first refers to faith that the widows had before they wanted to get married. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “the earlier faith” or “the faith that they had earlier”

the first faith

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

1 Timothy 5:13

But

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

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Paul wants to write. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,”

they also learn to be

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

Here, learn represents experiencing something by doing it repeatedly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar idea in 5:4. Alternate translation: “they are also consistently” or “they figure out how to be”

wandering about the houses

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

Here Paul implies that these young widows may visit one house after another. The rest of the verse implies that they would do this in order to gossip and learn what other people were doing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “going from house to house”

babblers and meddlers, saying what they should not

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

These two terms and a phrase mean similar things. The word babblers refers to people who say many things that do not mean very much. The word meddlers refers to people who try to figure out what others are doing and interfere in it. The phrase saying what they should not refers to speaking about things that should not be spoken about. Paul is using these three terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with two phrases or one general statement. Alternate translation: “meddling and saying what they should not” or “meddling by their gossip”

1 Timothy 5:14

younger ones

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

Here Paul is referring to the younger widows whom he has been speaking about in 5:11–13. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “those younger widows”

to give no opportunity for reviling to the one opposing

Quote: μηδεμίαν ἀφορμὴν διδόναι τῷ ἀντικειμένῳ λοιδορίας χάριν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of opportunity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “do nothing that would allow the one opposing to revile”

for reviling

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

Here, the reviling could be directed toward: (1) believers in general. Alternate translation: “for reviling us” (2) just the widows. Alternate translation: “for reviling them”

to the one opposing

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

Here, the phrase the one opposing could refer to: (1) Satan. In this case, Satan probably would use other people to revile believers. Alternate translation: “to the devil” (2) any person who opposes or attacks believers. Alternate translation: “to people who oppose us” or “to enemies of the believers”

1 Timothy 5:15

For

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

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Paul has given the instructions in the previous verses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for instructions, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Here is why I have included those instructions:”

have turned away after Satan

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

Here Paul speaks of abandoning what God wants believers to do and instead focusing on what Satan wants them to do as if they were turning away after Satan. He means that these people have stopped doing what God wants and are instead doing what Satan wants. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have deviated from obeying God to obeying Satan” or “have started to obey Satan instead of God”

1 Timothy 5:16

believing woman

Quote: πιστὴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read believing woman. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “believing man or woman.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

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 make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “has relatives who are widows”

let her aid

Quote: ἐπαρκείτω (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “she must aid”

and

Quote: καὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word and introduces what the intended result is when believing women aid the widows in their own families. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an intended result. Alternate translation: “and so” or “and thus”

let the church not be weighed down

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

Paul speaks of the church having to help more widows than it is able to help as if it were carrying too much weight on its back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translations: “let the church not have more work than it can do” or “let the church not have to support widows whose families could provide for them”

let the church not be weighed down

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say what would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be supporting widows who have family members who could support them instead. Alternate translation: “let supporting those widows not weigh down the church”

let the church not be weighed down

Quote: μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the church must not be weighed down”

the real widows

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

Here Paul again defines the kind of widow to which he is particularly referring. As in 5:3, the word real indicates that these women are not only widows but also have no close relatives to support them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the widows who have no one else to provide for them” or “the widows with no family left”

1 Timothy 5:17

Let the elders having led well be considered worthy

Quote: οἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι & ἀξιούσθωσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The elders having led well must be considered worthy”

Let the elders having led well be considered worthy

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be the believers whom these elders have led. Alternate translation: “The believers should consider the elders having led them well to be worthy”

having led

Quote: προεστῶτες (1)

Alternate translations: “having managed” or “having taken care”

of double honor

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

Here, the phrase double honor could refer to: (1) two different kinds of honor, respect and payment. Alternate translation: “of both honor and payment” (2) a large amount of honor. Alternate translation: “of much honor” (3) double the honor or payment given to other people whom the church supported. Alternate translation: “of double the honor given to others” or “of double the payment that is given to others”

of double honor

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of honor, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “of being honored in both ways” or “of being both honored and paid”

word

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

Here, word represents what these elders preach using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “preaching”

1 Timothy 5:18

For

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

Here, the word For introduces a support for the command that Paul gave in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces support or basis for a command, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “In fact,” or “Here is why:”

the Scripture says, “You will not muzzle an ox threshing,” and, “The worker {is} worthy of his wages

Quote: λέγει & ἡ Γραφή, βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις, καί, ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations

Here Paul quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures, specifically from Deuteronomy 25:4. Then he quotes something that Jesus said, which can be found in Luke 10:7. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could format these words in a different way and include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “the Scripture says in Deuteronomy, ‘You will not muzzle an ox threshing,’ and in the Gospel of Luke, ‘The worker is worthy of his wages’”

the Scripture says

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

Here, Paul speaks of the Scripture as if it were a person who could say something. He means that these words can be read in the Scripture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you can read in the Scripture” or “it is written in the Scripture”

You will not muzzle

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

The author of the quotation is using the future form to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea using a form that expresses a command or obligation. Alternate translation: “You should not muzzle” or “You must not muzzle”

You will not muzzle an ox threshing,” and

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

When he quotes this passage, Paul is implying that the leaders of the church are like an ox that is threshing. Both are doing work, and both deserve to be supported as they do that work. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the comparison between the ox and the church leaders more explicit. Alternate translation: “‘You will not muzzle an ox threshing,’ and this applies to the elders as well, who should be supported for the work they do. Also,”

You will not muzzle an ox threshing

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

In Paul’s culture, farmers often would make oxen thresh, that is, walk on harvested wheat to separate the kernels of grain from the wheat stalks. Some people would muzzle an ox while it was threshing in order to keep the ox from eating the grain. The point of the command is that the ox should be allowed to eat what it is working to produce: the grain. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of farming practice, you could give more information about what the ox is doing, or you could use a more general description. Alternate translation: “You will not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating the grain it is threshing” or “You will not prevent an animal from eating while it is working to produce food”

is} worthy of his wages

Quote: ἄξιος & τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe someone who is worthy to receive his wages. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “deserves his wages” or “should receive his wages”

his

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

Although the term his is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “his or her”

1 Timothy 5:19

Against an elder, do not receive an accusation

Quote: κατὰ πρεσβυτέρου κατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of accusation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “When someone accuses an elder, do not receive it”

do not receive an accusation unless

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 here and then contradicting it, you could reword this to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “receive an accusation only if”

unless on

Quote: ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ ἐπὶ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

two or three

Quote: δύο ἢ τριῶν (1)

Alternate translations: “two or more”

1 Timothy 5:20

The ones sinning

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

Here, the phrase The ones sinning could refer to: (1) elders who have sinned. Alternate translation: “The elders who are sinning” (2) believers who have sinned. Alternate translation: “Believers who are sinning”

all

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

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all the believers. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “all believers” or “the whole group of believers”

the rest

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

Paul is using the adjective rest as a noun. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Paul could be referring to the rest of: (1) the elders. Alternate translation: “the rest of the elders” (2) the believers. Alternate translation: “the rest of the believers”

may have fear

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

Here Paul implies that these people will have fear of sinning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “may have fear of themselves sinning”

may have fear

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of fear, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “may fear”

1 Timothy 5:21

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

Quote: διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων, ἵνα (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula

Here Paul puts Timothy under oath, making him swear by God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels, that he will do what Paul has written. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “I make you swear before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that” or “I require that you solemnly promise God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels that”

the chosen angels

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

these things

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

Here, the phrase these things refers to the instructions that Paul has given to Timothy about how to treat elders (see 5:17–20). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “those rules about elders”

without prejudgment, doing nothing according to partiality

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

The terms prejudgment and partiality mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “in a way that is completely fair to everyone”

without prejudgment, doing nothing according to partiality

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of prejudgment and partiality, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “without deciding what to do ahead of time, doing nothing that benefits only some people”

1 Timothy 5:22

Place hands hastily on no one

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

Here Paul is speaking of a ceremony during which church leaders would Place their hands on a person. When they did that, they were commissioning that person to serve God in a specific way, usually as a leader. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a comparable action in your culture, or you could explain what this action means. Alternate translation: “Place hands on no one hastily to commission him” or “Authorize no one by placing hands on him hastily”

nor share in the sins of others

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

Here, Paul implies that Timothy might share in the sins of others if he helps to appoint leaders who are sinning or if he does not confront leaders who are sinning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “nor participate in the sins of others by appointing and affirming them as leaders” or “nor join in with or affirm others who are sinning”

1 Timothy 5:23

use a little wine

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

Here Paul means that Timothy should have a little wine in addition to the water he was drinking. In Paul’s culture, people believed that wine could help with certain physical problems and illnesses. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “also use a little wine as medicine”

because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses

Quote: διὰ τὸν στόμαχον καὶ τὰς πυκνάς σου ἀσθενείας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

Paul does not imply what kind of stomach problems and illnesses Timothy was experiencing. However, it is clear that Paul thought that a little wine would help with these problems. Since Paul does not state what kind of health problems Timothy was having, you should use general terms for stomach problems and sicknesses. Alternate translation: “because of your digestion problems and your frequent sicknesses”

1 Timothy 5:24

of some men

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

going ahead into judgment, but also they follow after some

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

Here Paul speaks of sins as if they were people who could be going ahead of or who could follow those who sinned into the place where judgment happens. He means that everyone knows that some people are guilty before they experience judgment, but with other people no one knows that they are guilty before they experience judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being obvious before judgment, but also they are not obvious for some” or “showing that they are guilty before judgment, but also some people’s sins are hidden until judgment”

into judgment

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

Here, the word judgment could refer to: (1) how God will judge everyone when Jesus comes back. Alternate translation: “into the final judgment” or “God’s judgment” (2) how the church or its leaders will judge people who are sinning. Alternate translation: “into the church’s judgment” or “into the judgment of the church leaders”

into judgment

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “to when they are judged”

1 Timothy 5:25

also the good works {are} evident

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

Here Paul implies that these are the good works of some people, since he states in the second half of the verse that some good works are not evident. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “also the good works of some are evident”

the ones having otherwise

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

Here Paul is referring to good works that are otherwise because they are not immediately evident. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the ones that are not immediately evident” or “the good works that are secret”

are not able to be hidden

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

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb hidden. Alternate translation: “will necessarily be revealed”

are not able to be hidden

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “cannot stay secret” or “are not able to remain unknown”

1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Paul gives instructions about how to treat different types of believers (5:1–6:2)
- How slaves should treat their masters (6:1–2)
Paul condemns false teachers and lovers of money (6:3–10)
Paul encourages Timothy (6:11–16)
Paul gives commands for rich people (6:17–19)
Final exhortation and letter closing (6:20–21)

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Slavery

In 6:1–2, Paul teaches Christian slaves to honor and serve 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. Be sure that your translation does not imply that Paul is encouraging people to have slaves.

Wealth and money

In 6:5–10, Paul condemns some people for thinking that godliness is a means of gain, and he instead indicates that godliness with contentment is the real gain. Then Paul explains that loving money causes many kinds of evil desires and behavior. Later on, in 6:17–19, he indicates that people who are rich should focus on gaining blessings from Jesus when he returns. To do that, they should give away and share their money and possessions. So, throughout this chapter, Paul indicates that being rich and desiring to be rich are dangerous. Paul does not mean that no rich people can be believers, but he does mean that rich people must do good things, including giving and sharing what they have. Make sure that your translation expresses that idea.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Fighting the good fight

In 6:12, Paul exhorts Timothy to “fight the good fight of the faith.” He compares how Timothy must act in faith to how soldiers fight in a war. He implies that Timothy will experience conflict, danger, and hardship and that he must obey God and Paul as a soldier obeys his commanders. Since Paul uses warfare language to refer to the Christian life in many verses, if possible, preserve the metaphor or express the idea in simile form. See the notes on this verse for translation options, and see how you expressed the similar idea in 1:18. (See: Metaphor)

1 Timothy 6:1

slaves under a yoke

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

Here Paul speaks of people who work as slaves as though they were working animals with a yoke around their necks. He could mean: (1) that these people truly are slaves and not just workers or servants. Alternate translation: “truly salves” (2) that these slaves work for cruel or strict masters. Alternate translation: “slaves under strict masters”

let them consider

Quote: ἡγείσθωσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they must consider”

worthy of all honor

Quote: πάσης τιμῆς ἀξίους (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe masters who are worthy to receive all honor. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as deserving all honor” or “as those who should receive all honor”

of all honor

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of honor, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of being honored always”

the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be unbelievers. Alternate translation: “unbelievers may not blaspheme the name of God and the teaching”

the name of God

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

Here, name represents a person, especially that person’s reputation and nature. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the reputation of God” or “who God is”

1 Timothy 6:2

But

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

Here, the word But introduces a command that is related to what Paul said in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a related command, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “Further,” or “More specifically,”

let them not despise {them} because they are brothers

Quote: μὴ καταφρονείτωσαν, ὅτι ἀδελφοί εἰσιν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

Here, the word translated as because could introduce: (1) the reason why slaves might despise their believing masters. Alternate translation: “let them not, since they are brothers, despise them” (2) the reason why slaves should not despise their believing masters. Alternate translation: “because they are brothers, let them not despite them”

let them not despise {them} … let them serve {them

Quote: μὴ καταφρονείτωσαν & δουλευέτωσαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative3p

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “they must not despise them … they must serve them”

brothers

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

Paul is using the term brothers to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “believers”

brothers

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

but rather, let them serve {them} because the ones taking the benefaction are believers and beloved

Quote: ἀλλὰ μᾶλλον δουλευέτωσαν, ὅτι πιστοί εἰσιν καὶ ἀγαπητοὶ, οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the command that the first clause gives. Alternate translation: “but rather, because the ones taking the benefaction are believers and beloved, let them serve them”

rather, let them serve {them

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

Here, the word translated rather could: (1) introduce what the slaves should do instead of despising their masters. Alternate translation: “let them serve them instead” (2) indicate that slaves should serve believing masters even better than they might serve unbelieving masters. Alternate translation: “let them serve them more” or “let them serve them even better”

the ones taking the benefaction

Quote: οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul could be indicating that: (1) the masters receive benefaction from the slaves. Since benefaction was usually something that someone with money and resources gave to someone without those things, Paul is indicating that believing slaves can actually function as benefactors for their believing masters. Alternate translation: “the ones for whom their slaves function as benefactors” or “the ones for whom their slaves do good” (2) the masters give benefaction to their slaves. Alternate translation: “the ones functioning as benefactors for their slaves” or “the ones doing good for their slaves” (3) the masters and slaves together give benefaction to others. Alternate translation: “the ones sharing with them in benefaction”

the ones taking the benefaction

Quote: οἱ τῆς εὐεργεσίας ἀντιλαμβανόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of benefaction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the ones who are benefited”

beloved

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that it is: (1) God. Alternate translation: “those whom God loves” (2) other believers, including the slaves. Alternate translation: “those whom believers love” or “those whom the slaves love”

these things

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

Here, the phrase these things refers back to the instructions that Paul has given to Timothy. These instructions could be the ones in 6:1–2, 5:3–6:2, or even the whole letter so far. Since Paul used a general phrase, if possible you should use a general phrase that could refer to any of these sections. Alternate translation: “what I have said to you” or “these instructions”

1 Timothy 6:3

If

Quote: εἴ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-fact

Paul speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that it is true. If your language does not state something as a condition if it is certain or true, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: “When”

is teaching differently

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

The implication is that some people were teaching different things than what Paul and Timothy taught, not that they were teaching in a different way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you expressed the similar idea in 1:3. Alternate translation: “is teaching what is different from what we teach” or “is teaching a different doctrine”

does not come to the healthy words, … to the teaching

Quote: μὴ προσέρχεται ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις & τῇ & διδασκαλίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor

Here Paul speaks of someone agreeing with words and teaching as if that person were coming to those words and teaching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does not agree with the healthy words … with the teaching”

to the healthy words

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

Here Paul speaks as if words could be healthy. He means that these words are good and reliable in every way and have no defect or corruption. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar phrase in 1:10. Alternate translation: “to the words that are like healthy food” or “to the correct words”

to the healthy words

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

Here, words represents things spoken using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the healthy statements” or “to the healthy declarations”

the ones of our Lord Jesus Christ

Quote: τοῖς τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a words that could: (1) have been spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “the ones spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ” (2) have been spoken about our Lord Jesus Christ. Alternate translation: “the ones about our Lord Jesus Christ”

to the teaching according to godliness

Quote: τῇ κατ’ εὐσέβειαν διδασκαλίᾳ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to the teaching that is godly” or “to the teaching that makes people godly”

1 Timothy 6:4

he is puffed up

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

Although the term he is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “that person is puffed up” or “he or she is puffed up”

he is puffed up

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

Here Paul speaks of becoming prideful as if it were being puffed up by air. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the idea in 3:6. Alternate translation: “he is conceited”

he is puffed up

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he puffs himself up”

understanding nothing

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

Paul says nothing here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “understanding almost nothing” or “having basically no understanding”

being sick with

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

Here Paul speaks as if these false teachers were sick and as if their illnesses were controversies and word battles. He means that they are constantly participating in these controversies and word battles, but those things are bad for them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “being like people who are sick with” or “constantly seeking out”

controversies and battles about words

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of controversies, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “debating and battling about words”

battles about words

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

Here Paul refers to arguments about what words mean as if they were battles. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disputes about words”

1 Timothy 6:4-5

come envy, strife, blasphemies, evil suspicions … constant friction of men

Quote: γίνεται φθόνος, ἔρις, βλασφημίαι, ὑπόνοιαι πονηραί & διαπαρατριβαὶ & ἀνθρώπων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for some or all of the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “people become envious, quarrelsome, blasphemous, suspicious in evil ways, annoying each other as men”

1 Timothy 6:4

evil suspicions

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

Here, the word evil could indicate that the suspicions: (1) themselves are evil. Alternate translation: “suspicions that are evil” (2) are that others have done what is evil. Alternate translation: “suspicions that others are evil”

1 Timothy 6:5

constant friction

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

Here, Paul speaks of frequent quarrels and arguments between people as if they were constant friction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “constant grating” or “consistent bickering”

of men

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

having been corrupted {in} the mind and having been deprived of the truth

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was they themselves. Alternate translation: “whose minds are corrupt and who no longer have the truth” or “who have corrupted their minds and who have deprived themselves of the truth”

in} the mind

Quote: τὸν νοῦν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns

If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one mind, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: “in their minds”

of the truth

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “of the true teachings”

godliness

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being godly”

a means of gain

Quote: πορισμὸν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts end this verse with the phrase a means of gain. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read include the following sentence after a means of gain: “Withdraw from such.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast. Alternate translation: “Despite what they think,” or “And yet”

godliness with contentment

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of godliness and contentment, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “being godly and content”

great gain

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

Here, the word gain is the same word that Paul used in 6:5 for gaining money. Here, he uses the word to refer to gaining something else, which he does not state explicitly. He could be referring to salvation, spiritual blessings, or something else. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the distinction between gain here and in 6:5 more explicit. However, it is recommended that you do not specify exactly what is the content of the gain in this verse. Alternate translation: “great gain in other things” or “great gain in things besides money”

1 Timothy 6:7

For

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

Here, the word For introduces a reason why Paul focuses on gaining things besides money in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “I say that since” or “Trying to gain money is wrong because”

we brought nothing into the world

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

Here Paul is referring to when a person is born. At birth, a person does not own anything or contribute anything to the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “we brought nothing into the world when we were born”

that

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

Here, the word translated that could: (1) introduce something that is clear or obvious. In this case, Paul has omitted the words that indicate that the second sentence is clear or obvious. Alternate translation: “and it is clear that” (2) introduce a reason for the first clause. In this case, the reason why people bring nothing into the world is because they will bring nothing out of the world. Alternate translation: “because” (3) function as a simple connector. Alternate translation: “and”

that

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

Many ancient manuscripts read that. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “it is clear that.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

neither are we able to take anything out

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

Here Paul is referring to when a person dies. At death, a person no longer owns anything or contributes anything to the world. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “neither are we able to take anything out when we die”

to take anything out

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

1 Timothy 6:8

But

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

Here, the word But introduces a development of the ideas from the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “So then,” or “Given that,”

covering

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

Here, the word covering could refer to: (1) clothing primarily. Alternate translation: “clothing” (2) any kind of protection from the elements, whether clothing, house, or shelter. Alternate translation: “shelter” or “protection from the weather”

we will be satisfied

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

Here Paul could be using the future tense to: (1) give a command or instruction. Alternate translation: “we must be satisfied” or “let us be satisfied” (2) describe a result. Alternate translation: “we will then be satisfied”

with these we will be satisfied

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say what would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be food and clothing. Alternate translation: “with these we will find satisfaction” or “these will satisfy us”

1 Timothy 6:9

But

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

Here, the word But introduces what some people desire in contrast to those who are satisfied (see 6:8). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: “On the other hand,”

fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires

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

Here Paul speaks as if temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires were holes that people could fall into. He means that these people will experience these things and be unable to escape from them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “experience temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires” or “will not be able to escape being tempted and being trapped and desiring foolish and harmful things”

into temptation and

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of temptation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “into being tempted and into”

a trap

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

Here Paul speaks of how these people are not free to do whatever they want as if they had fallen into a trap. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar figure of speech in 3:7. Alternate translation: “something like a trap” or “a lack of freedom”

and

Quote: καὶ (2)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word and could introduce: (1) a third thing that these people fall into. Alternate translation: “and also” (2) a definition of the trap. Alternate translation: “that is”

whatever sinks men into ruin and destruction

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

Here Paul speaks as if these people’s desires would sink or drown them in ruin and destruction. He means that these desires will lead to complete ruin and destruction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whatever overwhelms men with ruin and destruction” or “whatever causes men to experience ruin and destruction”

men

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

into ruin and destruction

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of ruin and destruction, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “so that they are ruined and destroyed”

ruin and destruction

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

The terms ruin and destruction mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. 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

Here, the word For introduces a reason for what Paul stated in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason or basis for a statement, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: “Here is why:”

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. He means that the love of money leads to all the evils. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the love of money is like a root of all the evils” or “the love of money leads to all the evils”

of all the evils

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

Paul says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “of many kinds of evils”

the love of money

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “loving money”

which desiring

Quote: ἧς & ὀρεγόμενοι (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun which refers to money. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to it more directly. Alternate translation: “and desiring money”

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

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say what did the action, it is clear from the context that it was the desire for money. Alternate translations: “which desire has led some people away from the faith, and they have pierced” or “and when some people desired money, it led them away from the faith, and they have pierced”

have been led away from the faith

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

Paul speaks of desiring money as if it were an evil guide that intentionally leads people down the wrong path. He means that desiring money causes people to stop having faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have left the faith” or “have ceased to have faith”

from the faith

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

Here, the word faith could refer to: (1) the act of having faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “from the faith that they had” (2) what people believe about Jesus when they have faith in him. Alternate translation: “from what Christians believe”

from the faith

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

have pierced themselves with many sorrows

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

Paul speaks about people who cause grief for themselves as if they were using a sword to stab themselves. He means that they are responsible for the many sorrows that they experience. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have caused themselves many sorrows, as if they had stabbed themselves with swords” or “have caused themselves to have many sorrows”

with many sorrows

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of sorrows, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “by often making themselves sorrowful”

1 Timothy 6:11

man of God

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a man who serves and obeys God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translations: “man who obeys God” or “man who worships 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. He means that Timothy should always avoid these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “make sure that you do not do these things”

these things

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

Here, the phrase these things refers to sinful behaviors and desires that Paul has been writing about. He could be referring more specifically to everything he has written about in this section of the letter (false teachings, pride, arguments, and the love of money). On the other hand, he could be referring just to what he wrote about most recently (the love of money). Since Paul used a general phrase, if possible, you should use a general phrase that could refer to any of these ideas. Alternate translation: “these sinful things” or “the things I have been writing about”

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. He means that Timothy should try very hard to be characterized by these good things. Alternate translation: “seek to acquire” or “work hard to be characterized by”

righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness

Quote: δικαιοσύνην, εὐσέβειαν, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, ὑπομονήν, πραϋπαθίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for some or all of the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “becoming more righteous, godly, believing, loving, persistent, gentle”

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 how Timothy should persevere in believing in and obeying Jesus as if he were a warrior fighting at his best or an athlete doing his best to win an event. He means that Timothy will encounter opposition, pain, and problems, but he should persist and persevere in believing in and obeying Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have faith as if you were fighting a good fight” or “Persevere in believing, no matter how hard it is”

the good fight of the faith

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

Here, the phrase the good fight could indicate: (1) that someone is fighting well. Alternate translation: “the fight of the faith well” (2) that the fight is right or just. Alternate translation: “the just fight of the faith” or “the correct fight of the faith”

the good fight of the faith

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a good fight that could be: (1) the struggle of maintaining faith. Alternate translation: “the good fight to persist in faith” (2) caused by faith. Alternate translation: “that is caused by your faith” (3) the work of defending the faith, understood as Christianity and its teachings. Alternate translation: “the good fight for the faith”

of the faith

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

grasp eternal life

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

Here Paul tells Timothy to desire and focus on eternal life so much that it is like holding onto it firmly with his hands. Paul may be continuing the metaphor of an athlete who worked hard to win an event and now holds the trophy in his hands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translations: “eagerly desire eternal life” or “do whatever is necessary to gain eternal life”

eternal life

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being able to live eternally”

you were called

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

and {for which} you confessed

Quote: καὶ ὡμολόγησας (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases

Here, the word and could introduce: (1) a second thing that Timothy experienced that is related to eternal life. Alternate translation: “and also for which you confessed” (2) when it was clear that Timothy was called to eternal life. Alternate translation: “when you confessed”

for which} you confessed the good confession

Quote: ὡμολόγησας τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the phrase the good confession refers to what Christians would say when they publicly declared that they were Christians. Most likely, they confessed that they considered Jesus to be Lord and that they believed in him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “for which you confessed your faith in Jesus” or “for which you confessed the good confession that Jesus is Lord”

the good confession

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of confession, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the good things that we believe” or “the good things that you said”

before many witnesses

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

Here Paul implies that Timothy’s confession of his faith was binding because these witnesses were present and could testify that he had made it. In your translation, you could use an expression in your language for a public, legal commitment. Alternate translation: “while many people were watching” or “in a public and binding way”

1 Timothy 6:13

I command you before God

Quote: παραγγέλλω σοι ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula

Here Paul puts Timothy under oath; he makes him swear by God and Christ Jesus when he gives him a command. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. See how you expressed the similar oath formula in 5:21. Alternate translation: “I command you, asking you to swear before God” or “I command you by God”

all

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

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all living things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “all living things”

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

Here Paul refers to what happened when Jesus was on trial before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. When Pilate asked Jesus who he was, Jesus told the truth even though it was dangerous to do so. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the one having declared the good confession about who he was when he was being examined by the governor, Pontius Pilate”

the good confession

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of confession, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the good things about himself” or “the truth”

1 Timothy 6:14

that you keep the commandment spotless, irreproachable

Quote: τηρῆσαί σε τὴν ἐντολὴν ἄσπιλον ἀνεπίλημπτον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the adjectives spotless and irreproachable could modify: (1) you. In this case, Timothy should be spotless and irreproachable as he keeps the commandment. Alternate translation: “that you keep the commandment in a spotless and irreproachable way” (2) the commandment. In this case, Timothy is supposed preserve the commandment that he obeys and teaches so that it remains spotless and irreproachable. Alternate translation: “that you preserve the commandment so that it is spotless and irreproachable”

the commandment

Quote: τὴν ἐντολὴν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo

Here Paul does not specify what the commandment is. He could be referring to the instructions he just wrote, to the instructions in the letter as a whole, to what Timothy is supposed to do as a leader, or to what all believers are supposed to do. If possible, use a general phrase that could refer to any of these specific commands. If you need to be more specific, you could indicate that either God or Paul gave this commandment. Alternate translation: “the commandment that you know”

the commandment

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of commandment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what you were commanded” or “what we have been commanded”

spotless, irreproachable

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

The terms spotless and irreproachable mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “completely blameless”

spotless

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

Here Paul speaks as if he wants Timothy to be physically clean, without any spots or defects. He means that Timothy should not commit any sins or do anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “pure” or “without sinning”

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 comes back”

1 Timothy 6:15

which

Quote: ἣν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns

The pronoun which refers to “appearance” in the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to it more directly. Alternate translation: “which appearance”

in its own times

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

Here, the phrase translated in its own times indicates that Jesus’ appearance will happen at an appropriate time or period of time. See how you translated this expression in 2:6. More specifically, the times could be appropriate because: (1) they fit with Jesus’ appearance. Alternate translation: “at the times appropriate to it” or “during the time appropriate to it” (2) God chose them. Alternate translation: “at the times that he chose” or “during the time that he chose”

the blessed and only Sovereign

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

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, it is clear from the context that it is believers. Alternate translation: “the only Sovereign whom believers bless”

only Sovereign

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

Here Paul means that God is the only Sovereign over whom no one else rules. He does not mean that no one else rules. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “most powerful Sovereign” or “highest Sovereign”

the King of the ones reigning and Lord of the ones ruling

Quote: ὁ Βασιλεὺς τῶν βασιλευόντων, καὶ Κύριος τῶν κυριευόντων (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The phrases King of the ones reigning and Lord of the ones ruling mean similar things. Paul is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “King and Lord of all kings and lords” or “Ruler of all rulers”

1 Timothy 6:16

the only One having immortality

Quote: ὁ μόνος ἔχων ἀθανασίαν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here Paul means that God is the only One who always has and always will exist. He will never die or cease to exist. While Christians believe that those who trust in Jesus will live forever, God is the one who enables them to do that. So, God is the only one who lives forever without the help of someone else’s power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that makes that more explicit. Alternate translation: “the only One who has always existed” or “the only One who is by himself immortal”

having immortality

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of immortality, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “who is immortal”

dwelling {in} unapproachable light

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

Here Paul describes the light that fills God’s dwelling place in heaven. No one can come near this place because of how bright that light is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make it more explicit that Paul is referring to God’s dwelling place in heaven. Alternate translation: “who lives in heaven in light so bright that no one can come near it”

no one of men

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

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes all humans, both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: “no one of humans” or “no human being”

to whom {be} honor and eternal power

Quote: ᾧ τιμὴ καὶ κράτος αἰώνιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit

Here, the word translated as eternal could describe: (1) power. Alternate translation: “to whom be honor and power that is eternal” (2) how God has honor and power. Alternate translation: “to whom be honor and power forever”

to see, to whom {be} honor and eternal power

Quote: ἰδεῖν & ᾧ τιμὴ καὶ κράτος αἰώνιον (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of honor and power, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: “to see. May he be honored and always powerful”

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 mean rich people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are rich”

in the present age

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

Here, the phrase the present age refers to the time period in which Paul and Timothy lived, the time period before Jesus comes back and God transforms everything. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “during the current time period” or “in this time before Jesus returns”

the uncertainty of riches

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

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe riches that are characterized by uncertainty. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: “uncertain riches” or “riches, which are characterized by uncertainty”

the uncertainty of riches

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uncertainty, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translations: “riches, which are so uncertain” or “riches, which a person can lose so easily”

but in God

Quote: ἀλλ’ ἐπὶ Θεῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis

God

Quote: Θεῷ (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read God. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the living God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

all things

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

Paul says all here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “very many things”

for enjoyment

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of enjoyment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “to be enjoyed”

1 Timothy 6:18

to do good, to be rich in good works

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

The phrases to do good and to be rich in good works mean similar things. Paul is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to be rich in doing what is good” or “to do good at all times”

to be rich in good works

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

Here Paul speaks of good works as if they were money that could make people rich if they did many good works. He means that these believers should do very many good works. If it would be helpful in your language, you could explain the figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be rich in good works instead of in money” or “to accomplish a large number of good works”

to be generous, willing to share

Quote: εὐμεταδότους εἶναι, κοινωνικούς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet

The terms generous and willing to share mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to be extremely generous” or “to share everything at all times”

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

Here Paul speaks of doing the good works that he has just listed as if that were to be storing up treasure. He means that good things done in this life will ensure good things for life after Jesus comes back. Paul also speaks as if doing those good works would construct a good foundation. He means that people who do those good works will be certain to experience good things from the moment when Jesus comes back. If it is possible, you could preserve both these metaphors. Otherwise, you could: (1) only use the treasure metaphor. Alternate translation: “storing up for themselves good treasure for what is coming” or “ensuring that they will have good things in what is coming as if they were storing up treasure for themselves” (2) only use the foundation metaphor. Alternate translation: “building for themselves a good foundation for what is coming” or “ensuring that they will have good things in what is coming as if they were building a good foundation” (3) state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ensuring that they will have good things in what is coming”

for what is coming

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

Here Paul is referring to the coming age, or time period. This coming age contrasts with “the present age” that Paul referred to in 6:17. The coming age is the time period after Jesus comes back and God transforms everything. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the future time period” or “for the time after Jesus returns”

so that

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

Here, the phrase so that could introduce: (1) the result of doing good for others and storing up a good foundation. Alternate translation: “with the result that” (2) the purpose for which the rich believers should do good for others and store up a good foundation. Alternate translation: “in order that”

they may grasp the real life

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

Here Paul speaks about believers gaining real life as if they were holding onto it firmly in their hands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you expressed the similar figure of speech in 6:12. Alternate translations: “they may be sure of having real life” or “they may attain real life”

the real life

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “being able to really live”

the real life

Quote: τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read the real life. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “eternal life.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

1 Timothy 6:20

guard the deposit

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

Here, the word deposit refers to something that has been entrusted to Timothy and that he must guard. This deposit could be: (1) the gospel, which God entrusted to Timothy. Alternate translation: “guard the deposit of the gospel” or “guard the gospel that God entrusted to you” (2) the instructions Paul has given in this letter. Alternate translation: “guard the deposit of these instructions” or “guard what I have instructed you to do” (3) Timothy’s commission or ministry. Alternate translation: “guard the deposit of your commission” or “guard the ministry that you were given”

the profane, empty sayings

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

Here Paul implies that the sayings are empty of useful or true information. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: “the profane sayings that have no meaning”

oppositions of falsely-named knowledge

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

Here, the word oppositions could refer to: (1) things that false teachers say to contradict and critique the gospel. Alternate translations: “critiques based on falsely-named knowledge” or “opposing statements from falsely-named knowledge” (2) things that the false teachers say that are not consistent. Alternate translation: “self-contradictions found in falsely-named knowledge”

oppositions of falsely-named knowledge

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

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of oppositions and knowledge, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: “the things that people falsely claim to be true that they use to oppose the gospel” or “what people use to oppose the gospel that they falsely call wise”

of falsely-named knowledge

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

1 Timothy 6:21

have missed the mark concerning the faith

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

Paul speaks as if the faith were a mark or target that some people have missed. Paul means that these people have failed to continue in the faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrase in 1:6. Alternate translation: “have not remained in the faith” or “have ceased to have faith”

concerning the faith

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

Here, the word faith could refer to: (1) the act of having faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: “regarding the faith that they had” (2) what people believe about Jesus when they have faith in him. Alternate translation: “regarding what Christians believe”

concerning the faith

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

Grace {be} with you

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

As was customary in his culture, Paul closes his letter with a blessing for Timothy and the believers with him. He implies that the Grace is from God. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: “May you experience kindness from God within you” or “I pray that you will have grace from God”

Grace {be} with you

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

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “May God act graciously toward you”

you

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

Because Paul gives this blessing to Timothy and all the believers who are with him, this is the only place in the letter where you is plural.

you

Quote: ὑμῶν (1)
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants

Many ancient manuscripts read you. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “you. Amen.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

open-licensed biblical content

1 Timothy

1 Timothy front

Introduction to 1 Timothy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the book of 1 Timothy

Who wrote the book of 1 Timothy?

What is the book of 1 Timothy about?

How should the title of this book be translated?

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Who were the false teachers?

What kind of church structure was Paul describing?

What was Paul’s attitude towards women in the church?

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

What does Paul mean when he uses the word “faith”?

Who receives the “love” that Paul mentions in the letter?

To whom does Paul refer with the words “we,” “us,” and “our”?

When is “you” singular, and when is “you” plural?

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

1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

Special Concepts in This Chapter

The prophecies about Timothy

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Spiritual children

Fighting the good fight

Shipwrecked regarding the faith

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in This Chapter

The list in 1:9–10

1 Timothy 1:1

Paul, an apostle

according to the command of God our Savior and of the Lord Jesus Christ

our Savior

our … our

of the Lord Jesus Christ our hope

Christ our hope

1 Timothy 1:2

to Timothy

a genuine child

genuine

in the faith

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

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

God the Father

1 Timothy 1:3-4

Just as I, going into Macedonia, urged you to remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain ones not to teach differently … and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which promote arguments rather than the stewardship of God, {which is} by faith

1 Timothy 1:3

going into Macedonia

going

you

to teach differently

1 Timothy 1:4

myths

endless genealogies

genealogies

arguments

the stewardship of God

the stewardship of God

which is} by faith

which is} by faith

1 Timothy 1:5

Now

of the command

is love

from a pure heart

a good conscience

a sincere faith

1 Timothy 1:6

from which

having missed the mark

have turned away to

1 Timothy 1:7

teachers of the law

not understanding neither … nor

neither what they are saying nor what they insist on

1 Timothy 1:8

But

the law