Keraia
1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1:4

Correcting False Teachers · 1 Timothy 1:3–11
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Translations

Modern
…or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
Traditional
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Literal
…nor to give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which cause controversies rather than the stewardship of God that is in faith.
Latin
…neque intenderent fabulis, et genealogiis interminatis: quæ quæstiones præstant magis quam ædificationem Dei, quæ est in fide.

Original

Greek
English
…or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

Notes

1 Timothy 1:4

  • myths and endless genealogies … speculation: Paul might be dismissing their teachings as not significant, or he might rejecting their interpretations and their justification of bad behavior (1:7; see also 2 Timothy 4:3–4; Titus 1:14; 3:9; 2 Peter 1:16; 1 Timothy 1:8–11; 4:1–2, 7; see also Titus 1:15–16).

  • endless genealogies: In Judaism, a genealogy (list of ancestors) established a person's spiritual heritage. The false teachers might have focused too much on this. They probably also used Old Testament genealogies in imaginary interpretations of the law (Genesis 2–4; 5:1–32).

  • rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith: The Greek uses an important word (“stewardship,” “household management”) connected to managing a household (see 1 Timothy 3:15). This phrase can also imply other meanings, including faithfulness to God's household management or faithfulness in managing God's household.

1 Timothy 1:3–11

Paul's greetings usually include a mention of thanks or blessing to God. Greco-Roman letters were often structured this way. First Timothy and Titus probably do not include this because they are official letters authorizing a delegate (see 1 Timothy Book Introduction, “Literary Genre”). Instead, Paul first addresses his concern about stopping false teachers.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul)

Parallels

Titus 1:10–16

Glossary

Genealogy Timothy, First Letter to

Topics

Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Doctrines: False Edification: Foolish Questions Opposed To Fable: General Scriptures Concerning Fables Fairy Tales Faith: Through It Is: Edification False Doctrines: should be Avoided by Ministers Genealogies: Subject of, to be Avoided Genealogy of No Spiritual Significance Tradition: Not Authoritative