1 Timothy 6 (BHT-ATN)

“As for Any Who Are under the Yoke as Slaves”

1 As for any who are under the yoke as slaves, their own masters they are to regard as deserving of indeed the highest respect, lest the name of God be profaned and our teaching be discredited.+ 2 Those whose masters are believers, moreover, must not show them less respect on account of the fact that it is their brothers whom they are serving.+ On the contrary, they should render them even better service, since those who will benefit from such excellent work are exactly that—believers—and so dear to them.

“With These We Will Be Content”

These are the things you are to continually teach and exhort.3 If someone teaches things that are contrary to the accepted teachings and refuses to consent to the sound instruction+ of our Lord Jesus the Messiah and the teaching that promotes a godly life,+ 4 he is full of pride and conceit, understanding nothing, having, instead, a sick craving for controversies and quarrels about words,+ which give rise+ to envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant quarrels from people whose minds are corrupt and who are robbed of the truth, who consider godliness+ to be nothing more than a means of financial gain. 6 There is great gain, however, in godliness with contentment. 7 We didn’t bring a thing into the world, you see, and so neither are we able a thing to carry out. 8 If we have food and clothing,+ though, with these we will be content. 9 Those who are set on becoming rich, however, fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into disaster and utter ruin. 10 The love of money is a root,+ you see, of all kinds of evil, as a result of which+ some, in their eagerness to be wealthy,+ have strayed from the faith and pierced their own hearts with many sorrows.

“Keep Running the Good Race of the Faith”

11 ˢYou, however, servant+ of God, must flee from all these things. Chase hard after righteousness, a godly life,+ faith, love, patient endurance, and meekness. 12 Keep running the good race of the faith,+ receive as your own prize+ the life of the coming age,+ the life to which you were summoned+ and with respect to which+ you made the noble+ profession in the presence of a great many witnesses. 13 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Messiah Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the noble+ profession, 14 to observe the way of life that has been laid down+ spotlessly and irreproachably until the appearing of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, 15 which the Sovereign Ruler, who is blessed and stands alone, will bring about in indeed his own appointed time+—the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable, whom no human being has seen or is of seeing even capable. To him be honor and eternal supremacy! Amen.

17 As for those who are rich in the present age, instruct them not to have a prideful and arrogant attitude, and to place their hope not in such an uncertain thing as riches, + but in God, who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. 18 Instruct them to show kindness,+ to be rich in good deeds, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves a dependable treasure+ for the age to come, so that they may receive as their own prize the life that is truly life.

20 O Timothy, that which has been entrusted to you guard carefully, keeping away from that empty chatter which is so irreverent,+ and the contradictions of what is called “knowledge,” but which, in fact, is not. 21 Some, by laying claim to such, have with respect to the faith gone astray. Grace be with all+ of ᵖyou.

+1:3Cf NRSV. An infinitive is used in the Greek text here (lit just as I urged you to remain in Ephesus when I was leaving for Macedonia). The construction doesn’t transfer naturally into the receptor language here (English), and most translations compensate in various ways (cf, eg, ESV, NRSV, ISV, TEV).+1:3Unless otherwise noted (through superscript—ᵖyou—or some other means), all second person pronouns are in the second person singular.+1:3The context indicates that the “different doctrines” are already being taught. Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, NLT, TEV; UBSHS (1 Ti), 14.+1:4Or idle disputes, or controversies.+1:4Lit the stewardship/management/administration of God. ME (see translation and notes at Eph 1:10; NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 1:4; UBSHS [1 Ti], 16). Cf HCSB, NET, TEV.+1:8Lit uses it lawfully. ME (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 21; cf TEV).+1:9Or profane.+1:12Or faithful.+1:13Cf Rm 10:1-4.+1:14Cf Rm 5:20.+1:15Or faithful.+1:16This is a more literal rendering of ζωὴν αἰώνιον ( zōēn aiōnion), which most English translations render as “eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+1:18Lit by them. ME. Cf TEV.+1:20παιδεύω ( paideuō) in this context is referring to training through divine discipline (see BDAG, 749, sv 2.b.α.).+1:20Cf 1 Co 5:5.+2:2Or godliness.+2:5Lit a man, Messiah Jesus. ME. Cf CJB, HCSB, NCV, NET, NRSV.+2:6Or in its own appointed time. Cf Ac 1:7; Eph 1:10, 2:12; Ga 4:4-7.+2:7Or to teach the Gentiles in a trustworthy and true manner. Lit a teacher of the Gentiles in faith/trustworthiness and truth. ME. Cf TEV. “In faith and truth” here can be understood as the content of a message (cf NLT; NIV, TEV), or as the manner in which the message is proclaimed (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 53).+2:8Cf Ps 24:4.+2:8Lit I wish the men to pray in every place lifting up holy hands. ME (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 54). Cf CJB, NIV.+2:9Lit likewise women.+2:9Or with modesty and self-control.+2:9Or with appropriate clothing. According to ANLEX, καταστολή ( katastolē) here “may denote an adjustment in behavior or dress” (see ANLEX, 222, sv).+2:11Or a wife.+2:11Or without creating disruption, or respectfully. While ἡσυχία ( ēsuchia) can mean silence, it can also refer to disturbing the peace (see translation and notes at 1 Th 4:1-2; 2 Th 3:12; cf also 1 Pt 3:4). 1 Co 14:35, however, seems to favor the interpretation included in the text. Cf NAC (1 Ti), 98; UBSHS (1 Ti), 58.+2:12Or over her husband.+2:14Lit has come to be in violation/deviation/transgression (of an express command). ME (see BDAG, 707, sv ὁμοίωμα 1; Ibid, 758, sv παραβαίνω 2.b.; UBSHS [1 Ti], 60).+2:15Or through faithfulness to her proper role, such as in bearing children. Lit through childbearing. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 2:15). This verse is very difficult to interpret (for a good summary of interpretive options, see NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 2:15). It is possible that διά ( dia) here is signaling a concessive attendant circumstance (see BDAG, 224, sv 3.c.; NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 2:15, interpretation 4). If this is the case (which seems to me to be likely), then the article may be pointing us back to Gn 3:16. This is the interpretation reflected in the translation. In this case, the “salvation” being referred to is the redemption of the body (see Rm 8:23).+2:15Cf Rm 8:23.+2:15Or with self-control.+3:2Or a man devoted solely to his wife, or a man married only once, or a man who has only one wife. Lit a husband of one wife, or a man of one woman. ME. The precise meaning of this phrase is disputed (for a brief summary of the primary interpretive options, see NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 3:2; FSB, 1 Ti 3:2; NAC [1 and 2 Ti], 109; UBSHS [1 Ti], 66). The position advocated in the FSB and the NAC is strong in my mind, and is therefore the option represented in the translation (cf CJB, ISV footnote; NEB; NET footnote; NLT). The alternatives, however, have also been included in a footnote.+3:4Or his children obedient under his care, and conducting himself honorably in every respect. Lit children having in submission, with all respectableness/honorable conduct. ME (see NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 3:4; UBSHS [1 Ti], 69). The prepositional phrase here can be applied either to the father or the children.+3:6Lit not newly planted. ME (I/F) (see ANLEX, 270, sv νεόφυτος; L-N, 11.21).+3:6Lit lest having become wrapped in smoke. ME(I/F) (see ANLEX, 386, sv τυφόω 2; L-N, 88.218; UBSHS [1 Ti], 70).+3:6Or fall into the punishment that would be meted out by the devil. Cf 1 Ti 1:20.+3:8Or helpers, or servants. Cf TEV; NCV at Rm 16:1.+3:8Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 73).+3:9Or holding fast to. In this context, the meaning ἔχω ( echō) is similar to κρατέω ( krateō) at 2 Th 2:15 (see translation and notes there; UBSHS [1 Ti], 73).+3:10IT. Genuineness, dependability, and reliability of character are implied by the verb here (see ANLEX, sv δοκιμή 1; L-N, 27.45; BDAG, 255, sv δοκιμάζω 1). Cf 2 Co 8:22; Php 2:22.+3:11Or women (ie, deaconesses, or femle assistants/helpers). For a brief discussion of interpretative positions here, see NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 3:11.+3:11Or faithful.+3:12Or men devoted solely to their wives, or men who have married only once, or men who only have one wife. Lit husbands of one wife, or men of one woman. ME. See translation and notes at v 3:2 above. The same options apply here.+3:13Or boldness, or confidence.+3:13Or with regard to.+3:16Or the mystery of godliness, or the mystery of our devotion. Depending on the context, the word used here (εὐσέβεια [ eusebeia]) can denote (1) devout practice and an attitude of worship and devotion; (2) godly behavior; or (3) the things that form the basis of belief and practice and devotion (see L-N, 53.1, 53.5; NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 3:16; UBSHS [1 Ti], 82). The nature of the content in the rest of the verse, and v 3:9 above, indicate that the third option is most likely in view here. Cf NET, NLT, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+3:16Lit in flesh. ME (see BDAG, 915, sv σάρξ 2.c.α., 3.a; FBT Chart, C, F, G; translation and notes at 1 Co 15:50, Php 2:7, and Rm 8:3). Cf Rm 8:3; Php 2:6-11.+3:16Or was acquitted, or was pronounced righteous, or was set free. Cf Is 50:8.+3:16Or vindicated in a state of spirit (not implying immateriality; see Lk 24:39; notes at 1 Co 15:45), or vindicated by the Spirit. 1 Co 15:45 and 1 Pt 3:18 favor the interpretation of ἐν ( en) as a marker of state or condition (see BDAG, 327, sv 2.a.; cf NAC [1 an 2 Ti], 125). Cf also Lk 24:36 (“they...thought they saw a spirit [πνεῦμα ( pneuma)]” [ESV]). In Rm 1:4, Paul uses κατὰ πνεῦμα ( kata pneuma) (“according to the Spirit/spirit”—see translation and notes there; cf also Is 11:1-3), with the resurrection seemingly portrayed as the means of being “declared/appointed” (cf Ac 13:32-35).+3:16Or to angels. In the LXX, ἄγγελος ( angelos), “angel,” is often used not in reference to celestial beings, but to human messengers (see, eg, Hg 1:13; Ml 2:7). This usage is also found in a number of places in the NT (see, eg, Mt 11:10; Lk 9:52; Jm 2:25). The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus to those who would be his witnesses (see, eg, Lk 24:34 [ὤφθη Σίμωνι ( ōphthē Simōni)]; 1 Co 15:5-8 [where ὤφθη ( ōphthē) is used with a noun in the dative case four times]), make “messengers” just as likely a possibility here as “angels” (here ὤφθη [ ōphthē] is also used with a noun in the dative case [ἀγγέλοις ( angelois)—“to angels/messengers”]). On the other hand, cf Dn 7:1-14; Mt 28:2-7; Mk 16:4-7; Lk 24:1-8; Ac 2:33; Heb 9:11-12.+3:16Or the nations.+3:16Or believed on.+4:1Or in later times.+4:2Lit in/through hypocrisy of liars. ME (see BDAG, 1038, ὑπόκρισις; UBSHS [1 Ti], 98). Translating the genitive as an attributed genitive. Cf NIV.+4:2Or whose consciences are branded with the devil’s mark. Lit who are seared/branded in respect to their own conscience. ME (see ANLEX, 226; sv καυστηριάζω; FSB, 1 Ti 4:2, sv καυστηριάζω; L-N, 27.54; NET Bible Notes, 1 Ti 4:2; UBSHS [1 Ti], 90).+4:3Or who require people to abstain from food. Cf NIV, NLT, TEV. For a brief summary of interpretive options here, see UBSHS (1 Ti), 91. Cf Col 2:20-23.+4:4Lit nothing. ME. Cf NET. The context makes it clear that food is being referred to here.+4:6Or sayings. Lit words. In this context, λόγος ( logos) is referring to teachings and the contents of a message (see BDAG, 600, sv λόγος 1.a.β; UBSHS [1 Ti], 97). Cf NIV.+4:6Lit which you have followed. ME (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 97).+4:7Or worthless, or profane.+4:7Lit old-womanish. ME (see ANLEX, sv γραώδης; UBSHS [1 Ti], 98).+4:11Lit Instruct/command these things and teach [them]. ME (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 102). Cf CEV, NLT.+4:14IT/ME(OTB) (see translation and notes at Ac 6:6; UBSHS [1 Ti], 105).+4:14Lit with the laying on of the hands of the body of elders. Cf CJB, ESV, NCV, NET, NIV, NLT, RSV, TEV.+4:16Lit to yourself. ME. Cf HCSB, ISV, NIV.+4:16Lit in them. Cf ISV, NASB, NRSV.+5:3Lit Honor widows who are truly widows. ME (see BSL, 1 Ti 5:3, sv τιμάω; L-N, 57.117; UBSHS [1 Ti], 112). Cf CJB, NET, NIV, NLT, TEV.+5:4Or their own household.+5:5Lit and continues in the (her) pleas and the (her) prayers night and day. ME. Cf NCV, NIV, TEV.+5:6Lit though living. ME. Physical existence is being referred to here (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 115).+5:7Lit command/instruct. ME.+5:8Or the members of his family.+5:9Or a woman devoted solely to her husband, or a woman who was married only once, or a woman who had only one husband. Lit a wife of one husband, or a woman of one man. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Ti 3:2 and 3:12 above. The only difference here is that now the wife is in view, rather than the husband).+5:10Lit the holy ones/saints.+5:11Lit when they have sexual passion against/away from the Messiah. ME (see UBSHS [1 Ti], 120).+5:12Or judgment, or condemnation.+5:13Or they get into the habit of being idle/lazy. Lit they learn to be unproductive/idle/lazy. ME (see BDAG, 128, sv ἀργός 1, 3; UBSHS [1 Ti], 121). Cf NCV, NIV, TEV+5:13Lit And not only idle/unproductive. Cf ISV, TEV.+5:13Or saying things they shouldn’t. Cf NLT, TEV.+5:16Lit has widows. Cf HCSB, NCV, NIV, TEV.+5:16Lit the assembly must not be burdened. ME (see ANLEX, 87, sv βαρέω 1; BDAG, 166, βαρέω b; L-N, 57.224; BSL, 1 Ti 3:5:16, sv βαρέω).+5:17Or double.+5:18Dt 25:4+5:18Mt 10:10; Lk 10:7+5:20Or As for those who persist in sin. Cf NET.+5:20The lexeme here assumes some degree of argumentation in an effort to convince, and also a measure of firmness in the correction (see translation and notes at Mt 18:15).+5:22Lit nor share in the sins of others. ME (see BDAG, κοινωνέω, 1.b.β.; UBSHS [1 Ti], 132).+5:24Lit for others they follow. ME. Cf ESV, ISV, NCV, NRSV, TEV.+6:1Lit so that the name of God and the [our] teaching are not blasphemed/slandered. This is an example of zeugma (ie, where one word applies to two or more different words in a different sense). In this case, “blasphemed,” used in reference to the “name of God,” means to profane (cf translation and notes at Rm 2:24). When used in reference to “the teaching,” it means something along the lines of being “discredited” (cf ISV, NET), or falling into “disrepute” (CJB).+6:2Lit because they are brothers.+6:3Or words, or sayings.+6:3Or the godly teaching, or the teaching according to the faith. Cf translation and note at 1 Ti 3:16; TEV.+6:4Or quarrels about the meaning of words.+6:4Lit from which come. ME. Cf ISV, NET.+6:5Or devotion, or religion, or piety.+6:8Or food and shelter.+6:10Or the root.+6:10Lit of which, or by which, or from which. “The love of money” is the antecedent here.+6:10Lit aspiring to/striving for/eagerly longing for [it]. ME. Cf ISV, NRSV.+6:11Lit man. ME (OTB) (see ESS [2 Ti], 109, interpretation 2; CEV and TEV at 2 Ti 3:17). Cf, eg, Dt 33:1, Jsh 14:6, Jg 13:6, 1 Sm 2:27.+6:11Or devotion.+6:12Or Keep fighting the good fight of the faith.+6:12The meaning of ἐπιλαμβάνομαι ( epilambanomai) in this context is similar to λαμβάνω ( lambanō) and καταλαμβάνω ( katalambanō) at Php 3:12-14 and 1 Co 9:24-26 (see translation and notes there; cf UBSHS [1 Ti], 157; TEV). Cf Php 3:10-14; 1 Co 9:24-26. Note that in these passages, eternal life/resurrection is explicitly mentioned as the prize. Cf also Jn 6:40; Heb 12:1-2; Re 2:7, 10.+6:12This is a more literal rendering of τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς ( tēs aiōniou zōēs), which most English translations render as “of the eternal life.” See UBSHS (Jn), 88.+6:12Or called, or invited. Cf 1 Th 2:12; Php 3:14+6:12Or when.+6:12Or honorable, or good.+6:13Or honorable, or good.+6:14Lit to keep/observe the command. ME (see BDAG, 340, ἐντολή 2.b.ζ.; NAC [2 Pt], 361; UBSHS [2 Pt], 138). Cf 1 Co 4:17.+6:15Or in its own appointed time.+6:17Lit the uncertainty of riches. ME (see BDAG, 19, sv ἀδηλότης). Cf TEV.+6:18Or to do good.+6:19Or a stable/dependable/good reserve. Lit a good foundation. ME (see BDAG, 449, sv θεμέλιος 2.c.). Cf HCSB. It seems that “foundation” here is being used to denote something stable, as opposed to the “uncertainty” of riches (v 17). Cf Mt 6:19-21.+6:20Or worthless, or profane.+6:21“All of” is drawn from the plural “you” here.