1TI front intro wy83 0 # Introduction to 1 Timothy<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of the Book of 1 Timothy<br><br>In this letter, Paul alternates between personal commands to Timothy that empower him to act as his representative and with his authority, and instructions for how followers of Jesus should live in community.<br><br>1. Greetings (1:1-2)<br>1. Paul commands Timothy to tell people not to teach false doctrines (1:3-20)<br>1. Instructions about how to re-establish order and decency in the church (2:1-15)<br>1. Instructions about how to ensure that elders and deacons are properly qualified (3:1-13)<br>1. Paul commands Timothy regarding his own personal conduct (3:14-5:2)<br>1. Instructions to ensure church support for worthy widows (5:3-16) and elders (5:17-20)<br>1. Paul commands Timothy that he must be impartial (5:21-25)<br>1. Instructions to ensure order in master-servant relationships (6:1-2a)<br>1. Paul commands Timothy regarding how he should teach and conduct himself (6:2b-16)<br>1. Instructions for how people who are rich should live (6:17-19)<br>1. Paul commands Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to his care (6:20-21a)<br>1. Closing good wish to the whole church (6:21b)<br><br>### Who wrote the Book of 1 Timothy?<br><br>A man named Paul wrote 1 Timothy. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.<br><br>Paul may have written other letters to Timothy, but this is the earliest one we still have. That is why it is known as 1 Timothy or First Timothy. Timothy was his disciple and close friend. Paul probably wrote this letter near the end of his life.<br><br>### What is the Book of 1 Timothy about?<br><br>Paul had left Timothy in the city of Ephesus to help the believers there. Paul wrote this letter to instruct Timothy about various matters. The topics he addressed included church worship, qualifications for church leaders, and warnings against false teachers. This letter shows how Paul was training Timothy to be a leader among the churches.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>Translators may choose to call this book by its customary title, “1 Timothy” or “First Timothy.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “Paul’s First Letter to Timothy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What is discipleship?<br><br>Discipleship is the process of making people to be disciples of Christ. The goal of discipleship is to encourage other Christians to be more like Christ. This letter gives many instructions about how a leader should train a less mature Christian. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ”?<br><br>Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.<br><br>### What are the major textual issues in the text of the Book of 1 Timothy?<br><br>In [6:5](../06/05.md), most modern versions of the Bible say something equivalent to “considering godliness to be a means of gain.” There is a more traditional reading that adds “withdraw from such things” after that. The ULT text gives the modern reading and puts the more traditional reading in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider using the reading found in those versions. If not, translators are advised to follow the modern reading. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])
1TI 1 intro a4v2 0 # 1 Timothy 01 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Spiritual children<br>In this chapter, Paul calls Timothy a “son” and his “child.” Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul called Timothy his “son in the faith.” (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])<br><br>### Metaphor<br><br>In this chapter Paul speaks figuratively of people who are not fulfilling the purpose of their faith as if they had “missed the mark” that they were aiming at, as if they had “turned away” down a wrong path, and as if they had been “shipwrecked.” He speaks figuratively of following Jesus faithfully as “fighting the good fight.”
1TI 1 1 i3zz Παῦλος 1 Paul In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first. Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Immediately after introducing the writer, you might also want to indicate to whom the letter was written. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am the one writing this letter to you, Timothy.”
1TI 1 1 xl6d κατ’ ἐπιταγὴν Θεοῦ 1 by the command of God Alternate translation: “by the authority of God”
1TI 1 1 wb8j Θεοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν 1 God our Savior Alternate translation: “God, who saves us”
1TI 1 1 sw77 figs-metonymy Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τῆς ἐλπίδος ἡμῶν 1 the Lord Jesus Christ our hope Here “our hope” refers figuratively to the person in whom we have hope. Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, the one in whom we have confidence” or “Christ Jesus, whom we trust” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 1 2 pyi6 figs-metaphor γνησίῳ τέκνῳ 1 a true son Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Paul’s sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Paul personally led Timothy to trust in Christ, and that would be another reason why Paul considered him to be like his own child. Alternate translation: “who is truly like a son to me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 2 rd5v χάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη 1 Grace, mercy, peace In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Alternate translation: “I hope you are experiencing God’s kindness, mercy, and peace”
1TI 1 2 p4lz guidelines-sonofgodprinciples Θεοῦ Πατρὸς 1 God the Father Here “Father” is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God, who is our Father” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])
1TI 1 2 zx37 Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 Christ Jesus our Lord Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, who is our Lord”
1TI 1 3 k4tm καθὼς παρεκάλεσά σε 1 As I urged you Alternate translation: “As I told you”
1TI 1 3 k35a figs-you σε 1 you 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](../06/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1TI 1 3 v4g2 figs-explicit ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν 1 teach differently The implication is that these people were not teaching in a different way, but teaching different things. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a different doctrine from what we teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 1 4 pw2h μύθοις 1 fables These were fanciful stories of some kind, perhaps about the supposed exploits of various spiritual beings. But since we no longer know exactly what these stories were about, it would probably be best to use a general term for them. Alternate translation: “made-up stories”
1TI 1 4 qpv9 figs-hyperbole γενεαλογίαις ἀπεράντοις 1 endless genealogies Paul use the term **endless** as an exaggeration to emphasize that these are very long. Alternate translation: “lists of names that seem as if they will never end” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1TI 1 4 ft33 γενεαλογίαις 1 genealogies Usually this term refers to a record of a person’s ancestors. However, in this case it could also mean a record of the supposed ancestors of spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “lists of names”
1TI 1 4 qb9l αἵτινες ἐκζητήσεις παρέχουσι 1 which promote arguments The people were debating about these stories and lists of names, but no one could know for certain whether they were true. Alternate translation: “These make people disagree angrily”
1TI 1 4 eu9f figs-abstractnouns μᾶλλον ἢ οἰκονομίαν Θεοῦ, τὴν ἐν πίστει 1 rather than the stewardship of God, which is by faith If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun **stewardship** with a concrete noun such as “plan” or “work.” Alternate translation: “rather than helping us to understand God’s plan to save us, which we learn by faith” or “rather than helping us to do God’s work, which we do by faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 1 5 myi5 δὲ 1 Now Paul uses this word to introduce background information that will help Timothy understand the purpose of what he is commanding him. You can translate it with the word or phrase in your language that is most similar in meaning and significance.
1TI 1 5 l7un παραγγελίας 1 command This refers to the instructions that Paul has given Timothy in [1:3](../01/03.md) and [1:4](../01/04.md).
1TI 1 5 i9rs ἐστὶν ἀγάπη 1 is love This could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: “is to help us love God” or (2) “is to help us love other people.”
1TI 1 5 t123 figs-metaphor ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας 1 from a pure heart Here the **heart** figuratively represents the thoughts and inclinations. Alternate translation: “from desires only for what is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 5 mbe6 figs-metonymy ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας 1 from a pure heart Here **pure** figuratively indicates the person wants only good things and does not have mixed motives including some bad ones. Alternate translation: “from desires only for what is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 1 5 ar8t συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς 1 a good conscience This is a second thing that leads to love, the one goal of the command, not a second goal of the command. Alternate translation: “and from a conscience that leads a person to choose right instead of wrong”
1TI 1 5 m53g πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου 1 a sincere faith This is a third thing that leads to love, the one goal of the command, not a third goal of the command. Alternate translation: “and from faith that is genuine” or “and from faith that is without hypocrisy”
1TI 1 6 j4z3 figs-metaphor τινες ἀστοχήσαντες 1 some, having missed the mark Paul speaks figuratively of faith in Christ as if it were a target that people should aim at. Paul means that some people are not fulfilling the purpose of their faith, which is to love, as he has just explained. Alternate translation: “some people are not fulfilling the purpose of faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 6 se38 figs-metaphor ἐξετράπησαν 1 have turned away Here **turned away** figuratively means these people have stopped doing what God has commanded. Alternate translation: “are no longer doing what God commands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 7 v28u νομοδιδάσκαλοι 1 teachers of the law Here **law** refers specifically to the law of Moses.
1TI 1 7 kz8x μὴ νοοῦντες 1 not understanding Alternate translation: “even though they do not understand” or “and yet they do not understand”
1TI 1 7 t131 figs-doublenegatives μὴ…μήτε…μήτε 1 not…either…or Paul uses a double negative in Greek for emphasis here, “not…neither…nor.” The second negative (“neither…nor”) does not cancel the first negative (“not”) to create a positive meaning. If your language uses double negatives for emphasis that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
1TI 1 7 t132 figs-parallelism ἃ λέγουσιν, μήτε περὶ τίνων διαβεβαιοῦνται 1 what they are saying or about which they make confident affirmations These two phrases mean similar things. Paul uses the repetition for emphasis. You do not need to put both phrases in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “the things that they say so confidently are true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1TI 1 8 d6dz οἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι καλὸς ὁ νόμος 1 we know that the law is good Alternate translation: “we understand that the law is useful” or “we understand that the law is beneficial”
1TI 1 8 t134 figs-inclusive οἴδαμεν 1 we know In this letter, Paul uses the words **we**, **us,** and **our** to refer either to Timothy and himself, or else to all believers, which would also include the two of them. So generally these words include the addressee. A note will discuss the one possible exception in [4:10](../04/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
1TI 1 8 r86g ἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται 1 if one uses it lawfully Alternate translation: “if a person uses it correctly” or “if a person uses it the way God intended”
1TI 1 9 xs94 εἰδὼς τοῦτο 1 knowing this Alternate translation: “We also know this”
1TI 1 9 fq4i figs-activepassive δικαίῳ νόμος οὐ κεῖται 1 the law is not made for the righteous If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God did not make the law for people who are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 1 9 dl5l figs-nominaladj δικαίῳ 1 the righteous Paul is using this adjective as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 1 9 t139 figs-nominaladj ἀνόμοις δὲ καὶ ἀνυποτάκτοις, ἀσεβέσι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς, ἀνοσίοις καὶ βεβήλοις 1 the lawless and the rebellious, the ungodly and the sinful, the godless and the profane Paul is also using these adjectives as nouns, to refer to the classes of people that they describe. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate each of these adjectives with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who break the law, people who defy authority, people who do not honor God, people who commit sins, people who live as if God did not matter, people who live as if nothing was sacred” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 1 9 t141 πατρολῴαις καὶ μητρολῴαις, ἀνδροφόνοις 1 father-killers and mother-killers, man-slayers 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 theses compound words are in this verse, and two more are in the next verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate them either with single terms or with phrases. Alternate translation: “patricides and matricides, murders” or “people who kill other people, even their own fathers and mothers”
1TI 1 9 t142 figs-gendernotations ἀνδροφόνοις 1 man-slayers Paul uses the term **man** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “murderers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 1 10 y5dx figs-nominaladj πόρνοις 1 the immoral Paul is using this adjective as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who have sexual relations outside of marriage” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 1 10 v1gh figs-idiom ἀρσενοκοίταις 1 male-liers This is the fourth compound word on the list. The term “lie” figuratively means to have sexual relations. Alternate translation: “men who have sexual relations with other males” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 1 10 bzw4 figs-gendernotations ἀνδραποδισταῖς 1 man-stealers This is the fifth and last compound word on the list. Paul uses the term **man** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people who kidnap other people to sell them as slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 1 10 gg42 καὶ εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται 1 and if anything else is contrary to healthy teaching Here Paul leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need to be complete. He means that if anything else is contrary, then the law is made for people who do that too. Alternate translation: “and for people who do anything else that is against true teaching”
1TI 1 10 t147 τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ 1 healthy teaching This means not that the teaching is in good health, but that it is health-giving or life-giving. Alternate translation: “true teaching”
1TI 1 11 mg4t τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς δόξης τοῦ μακαρίου Θεοῦ 1 to the gospel of glory of the blessed God This could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: “the gospel about the glory that belongs to the blessed God” or “the glorious gospel about the blessed God”
1TI 1 11 a58d figs-activepassive ὃ ἐπιστεύθην ἐγώ 1 with which I have been entrusted If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “which God gave me and made me responsible for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 1 12 uu6n πιστόν με ἡγήσατο 1 he considered me trustworthy Alternate translation: “he believed that he could rely on me”
1TI 1 12 ff1n figs-metaphor θέμενος εἰς διακονίαν 1 placing me into service Paul speaks of the task of serving God as if it were a location that one could be placed in. Alternate translation: “he assigned me to serve him” or “he appointed me as his servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 13 q75p figs-explicit ὄντα βλάσφημον 1 being a blasphemer Paul is referring to his character before he was a Christian. The implication is that he is referring to the way that he said people should not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Alternate translation: “I was a person who said wrong things about Jesus.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 1 13 gbd4 figs-explicit διώκτην 1 a persecutor Paul is referring to his character before he was a Christian. Alternate translation: “a person who persecuted those who believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 1 13 k85c figs-explicit ὑβριστήν 1 an aggressor Paul is referring to his character before he was a Christian. Alternate translation: “a violent person” or “a person who used violence against those who believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 1 13 rq2m grammar-connect-logic-result ἠλεήθην, ὅτι ἀγνοῶν, ἐποίησα ἐν ἀπιστίᾳ 1 I was shown mercy because not knowing, I acted in unfaithfulness If it would be clearer in your language, you could change the order of these phrases, since the second phrase, “not knowing,” gives the reason for the action that the first phrase, “I was shown mercy,” describes. Alternate translation: “I did not act the way God would have trusted me to act. But that was because I did not know what I was doing, and so Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1TI 1 13 nv6k figs-activepassive ἠλεήθην 1 I was shown mercy If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 1 14 t158 δὲ 1 Indeed Paul uses this word to introduce an expanded description of the way Jesus treated him mercifully, even though he persecuted the followers of Jesus. This description will help Timothy and the other believers in Ephesus understand how great the mercy of Jesus is. Alternate translation: “In fact”
1TI 1 14 c1lg figs-metaphor ὑπερεπλεόνασεν…ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν 1 the grace of our Lord overflowed Paul speaks of the grace of Jesus as if it were a liquid that fills a container until it flows over the top. Alternate translation: “Jesus showed me unlimited grace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 14 z5lv figs-idiom μετὰ πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus This could mean one of two things. (1) Paul could be referring to the faith and love that Jesus himself possesses and saying that these were the basis of the mercy that Jesus showed him. Alternate translation: “because he believed in me and loved me” (2) Paul could also be referring to faith and love that he received from Jesus when he became **in** him, which would mean figuratively “in relationship with” him. Alternate translation: “and enabled me to trust him and love him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 1 15 z48s πιστὸς ὁ λόγος 1 This word is trustworthy In this context, the term **word** has a specific meaning. Alternate translation: “This statement is dependable”
1TI 1 15 rh2r καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος 1 and worthy of all acceptance Alternate translation: “and we should believe it without any doubt” or “and we should have full confidence in it”
1TI 1 15 t163 figs-quotemarks ὅτι 1 Paul uses this term to introduce a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
1TI 1 15 t164 ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ 1 of whom I am the first Here the term **first** has the sense of the superlative example of a class, in this case a negative class. Alternate translation: “and I am the worst one of all”
1TI 1 16 z5kg figs-activepassive ἠλεήθην 1 I was shown mercy If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 1 16 epe2 ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ 1 so that in me, the first Alternate translation: “so that through me, the worst sinner of all”
1TI 1 17 k9sc δὲ 1 Now Paul uses this word to introduce a different kind of material within this letter. He is about to speak a blessing to and about God in the midst of his commands and instructions to Timothy.
1TI 1 17 ts5z figs-abstractnouns τιμὴ καὶ δόξα 1 be honor and glory If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **honor** and **glory** with verbs. Alternate translation: “may people honor and glorify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 1 18 ijn8 figs-metaphor ταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν παρατίθεμαί σοι 1 This command I am placing before you Paul speaks of his instructions as if he could physically put them in front of Timothy. Alternate translation: “I am entrusting you with this command” or “This is what I am commanding you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 18 b6uq figs-metaphor τέκνον 1 child Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Paul’s sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Paul personally led Timothy to trust in Christ, and that would be another reason why Paul considered him to be like his own child. Alternate translation: “you who are like my very own child” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 18 y6jg κατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας 1 in accordance with the earlier prophecies about you If it would be clearer in your language, you could say who did this action. Alternate translation: “in agreement with what other believers prophesied about you”
1TI 1 18 w2ex figs-metaphor στρατεύῃ…τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν 1 fight the good fight Paul speaks figuratively about Timothy doing his best for the Lord as if he were a soldier fighting a battle. Alternate translation: “continue to do your best on behalf of the Lord” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 19 ly6q ἀγαθὴν συνείδησιν 1 a good conscience See how you translated this in [1:5](../01/05.md). Alternate translation: “a conscience that leads a person to choose right instead of wrong”
1TI 1 19 h2wk figs-metaphor τινες…περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἐναυάγησαν 1 have shipwrecked regarding the faith Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were a ship that had sunk. He means that these people no longer believe in Jesus and live as his followers. You could use this same figure, or a similar one from your culture, if your readers would understand it. Otherwise, you could say as an alternative translation, “no longer believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 20 pv7f translate-names Ὑμέναιος…Ἀλέξανδρος 1 Hymenaeus…Alexander These are names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1TI 1 20 ty7n figs-metaphor οὓς παρέδωκα τῷ Σατανᾷ 1 whom I have given over to Satan Paul speaks as if he physically handed these men to Satan. This probably means that Paul expelled them from the community of believers. Since they are no longer a part of the community, Satan has access to them and can harm them. Alternate translation: “I have allowed Satan to make them suffer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 1 20 s76c figs-activepassive ἵνα παιδευθῶσι 1 so that they may be taught If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that God may teach them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 intro c6rf 0 # 1 Timothy 02 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Peace<br>Paul encourages Christians to pray for everyone. They should pray for rulers so that Christians can live peacefully, in a godly and dignified way.<br><br>### Women in the church<br><br>Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe that God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Other scholars believe that God wants women to use the gifts He gives them on an equal basis with men. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.
1TI 2 1 yk2z figs-idiom πρῶτον πάντων 1 first of all As in [1:15](../01/32.md), the term **first** figuratively means the superlative example of a class. Alternate translation: “most importantly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 2 1 iag7 παρακαλῶ 1 I urge Alternate translation: “I encourage” or “I ask”
1TI 2 1 ql7a figs-activepassive ποιεῖσθαι δεήσεις, προσευχάς, ἐντεύξεις, εὐχαριστίας 1 for requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings to be made If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “I urge all believers to make requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 1 t183 figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 2 2 g4va figs-doublet ἤρεμον καὶ ἡσύχιον βίον 1 a peaceful and quiet life The terms **peaceful** and **quiet** mean the same thing. Paul uses them together for emphasis. He wants all believers to be able to live their lives without having trouble with the authorities. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “an undisturbed life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 2 2 pb58 figs-abstractnouns ἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ καὶ σεμνότητι 1 in all godliness and dignity If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns **godliness** and **dignity** with phrases that use verbs such as “honor” and “respect.” Alternate translation: “that honors God and that other people will respect” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 2 3 t186 figs-doublet καλὸν καὶ ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον…Θεοῦ 1 good and acceptable before God The terms **good** and **acceptable** mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If you think that having both terms in your translation might be confusing for your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “very pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 2 4 i3ze figs-activepassive ὃς πάντας ἀνθρώπους θέλει σωθῆναι 1 who desires all men to be saved If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who wants to save everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 4 t188 figs-gendernotations πάντας ἀνθρώπους 1 all men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 2 4 n26m figs-metaphor εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν 1 to come to the knowledge of the truth Paul speaks of learning the truth about God as if it were a place where people could come. Alternate translation: “to know and accept what is true” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 2 5 t666 translate-unknown εἷς…μεσίτης Θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων 1 one mediator of God and of men A mediator is a person who helps negotiate a peaceful settlement between two parties who disagree with each other. Alternate translation: “one person who brings about reconciliation between God and people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1TI 2 5 t191 figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 2 5 t192 figs-gendernotations ἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς 1 the man Christ Jesus Paul is likely using the term **man** in a generic sense to refer to the humanity of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, who was human himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 2 6 fm1c figs-explicit τὸ μαρτύριον 1 the testimony If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make it explicit that this demonstrated specifically that God wants to save all people. Alternate translation: “as the proof…that God wants to save all people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 2 6 fq7r figs-idiom καιροῖς ἰδίοις 1 in its own times This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at the time that God had chosen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 2 7 qxv9 εἰς ὃ 1 for which Alternate translation: “of this testimony”
1TI 2 7 iz4y figs-activepassive ἐτέθην ἐγὼ κῆρυξ καὶ ἀπόστολος 1 I was made a herald and an apostle If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus made me, Paul, a preacher and a representative” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 7 h18q διδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ 1 a teacher of the nations in faith and truth This could mean one of two things. (1) It could be describing the content of what Paul teaches. Alternate translation: “I teach the Gentiles the message of faith and truth.” (2) It could also be describing Paul’s character as a teacher. Alternate translation: “a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles”
1TI 2 7 t201 figs-hendiadys διδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ 1 a teacher of the nations in faith and truth If this phrase has the second meaning that the previous note discusses, Paul may be using the two terms **faith** and **truth** together to express one idea. Alternate translation: “I teach the Gentiles about the true faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1TI 2 7 t202 ἐθνῶν 1 the nations This term refers to members of other people groups who are not Jewish. Alternate translation: “the Gentiles” or “non-Jewish people groups”
1TI 2 8 a841 figs-gendernotations τοὺς ἄνδρας ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ 1 the men in every place Here the word **men** refers specifically to males. The term is not generic, since Paul addresses women next. Alternate translation: “the males in all places” or “men everywhere” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 2 8 unw6 translate-symaction προσεύχεσθαι…ἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας 1 to pray, lifting up holy hands It was the customary posture in this culture for people to raise their hands while praying. You could translate this in a way that would make that clear. Alternate translation: “when they lift up their hands reverently to pray” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1TI 2 8 yzg3 figs-synecdoche προσεύχεσθαι…ἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας 1 to pray, lifting up holy hands Paul describes one part of the person, the **hands**, as holy to indicate that the entire person is to be holy. Alternate translation: “lifting up their hands to pray in holiness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1TI 2 8 t206 figs-hendiadys χωρὶς ὀργῆς καὶ διαλογισμοῦ 1 without anger and argument Here Paul expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and.** The word **anger** tells what kind of **argument** the men should avoid. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “without angry arguments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1TI 2 9 t207 figs-ellipsis ὡσαύτως 1 likewise Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “In the same way, I also want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1TI 2 9 sw21 translate-unknown μὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν 1 not in braided hair During this time, many Roman women braided their hair lavishly to try to make themselves attractive. If your readers would not be familiar with the practice of braiding hair, you could express this idea in a more general way. Alternate translation: “They should not have fancy hairstyles” or “They should not have elaborate hairstyles that attract attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1TI 2 9 t210 figs-synecdoche μὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν 1 not in braided hair Paul mentions **braided hair** as one way a woman could give undue attention to her hair. Alternate translation: “They should not have fancy hairstyles” or “They should not have elaborate hairstyles that attract attention” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1TI 2 9 rf5v translate-unknown μαργαρίταις 1 pearls These are beautiful and valuable mineral balls that people use as jewelry. They are formed inside the shell of a small animal that lives in the ocean. If your readers would not be familiar with pearls, you could express this idea in a more general way. Alternate translation: “decorations made from valuable materials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1TI 2 10 g35m ἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν, δι’ ἔργων ἀγαθῶν 1 professing godliness through good works Alternate translation: “who want to honor God by the good things they do”
1TI 2 11 gb7a figs-idiom ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ 1 in quietness Paul may be saying that he wants the women to listen, rather than to speak. Alternate translation: “by listening” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 2 11 c7sh ἐν πάσῃ ὑποταγῇ 1 in all submission Alternate translation: “and submit to what is taught”
1TI 2 12 e2hg γυναικὶ οὐκ ἐπιτρέπω 1 I do not permit a woman Alternate translation: “I do not allow a woman”
1TI 2 12 t216 εἶναι ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ 1 to be in quietness As in [2:11](../02/11.md), Paul could be saying that he wants the women to listen, rather than to speak. Alternate translation: “she should listen”
1TI 2 13 iv31 figs-activepassive Ἀδὰμ…πρῶτος ἐπλάσθη 1 Adam was formed first If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God created Adam first” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 13 v7v6 figs-ellipsis εἶτα Εὕα 1 then Eve Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and then God created Eve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1TI 2 14 wq5k figs-activepassive Ἀδὰμ οὐκ ἠπατήθη 1 Adam was not deceived If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Adam was not the one the serpent deceived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 14 n6td figs-activepassive ἡ δὲ γυνὴ ἐξαπατηθεῖσα, ἐν παραβάσει γέγονεν 1 but the woman, having been deceived, came into transgression If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “but it was the woman who disobeyed God when the serpent deceived her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 14 t221 figs-abstractnouns παραβάσει 1 transgression If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract noun **transgression** with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “disobeyed God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 2 15 t222 σωθήσεται…διὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας 1 she will be saved through child-bearing Here **she** likely refers to Eve in the preceding verse, whom Paul describes as “the woman.” **They** later in the sentence refers to women in general. To show how Paul shifts the topic from Eve, a representative woman, to all women, the word **she** could be translated her as **women**.
1TI 2 15 u8iv σωθήσεται…διὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας 1 she will be saved through child-bearing This could mean one of two things. (1) In this context, the term **saved** may have a specific meaning. Paul could be saying that God will keep women physically safe as they give birth to children. (2) **Child-bearing** could also be a reference to the birth of Jesus as a human child to be the Savior. Alternate translation: (1) “God will keep women safe during childbirth” or (2) “God will save women through Jesus, who was born as a child”
1TI 2 15 n818 figs-activepassive σωθήσεται 1 she will be saved If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God will keep women safe” or “God will save women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 2 15 gh3c ἐὰν μείνωσιν 1 if they remain Here **they** refers to women. It is not clear why Paul switches from the singular to the plural. Alternate translation: “if women continue living.”
1TI 2 15 sl57 figs-abstractnouns ἐν πίστει, καὶ ἀγάπῃ, καὶ ἁγιασμῷ 1 in faith and love and holiness If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **faith**, **love**, and **holiness** with verbs. Alternate translation: “trusting Jesus, loving others, and living a holy life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 2 15 dcf3 figs-idiom μετὰ σωφροσύνης 1 with self-control Possible meanings of this expression here are (1) “with good judgment,” (2) “with modesty,” or (3) “with clear thinking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 3 intro d9db 0 # 1 Timothy 03 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>[1 Timothy 3:16](./16.md) was probably a song, poem, or creed the early church used to express what it understood to be the meaning of who Jesus was and what he did.<br><br>### Overseers and deacons<br>The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include elder, pastor, and bishop. The word “overseer” reflects the Greek term in verses 1-2, which means literally an “over-seer.” The word “bishop” is derived directly from the letters of this Greek term. Paul writes about another kind of church leader, a “deacon,” in verses 8 and 12.<br><br>### Character qualities<br>This chapter lists several qualities that an overseer or deacon in the church must have. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 3 1 t227 πιστὸς ὁ λόγος 1 This word is trustworthy As in [1:15](../01/15.md), in this context, the term **word** has a specific meaning. Alternate translation: “This statement is dependable”
1TI 3 1 t228 figs-quotemarks πιστὸς ὁ λόγος 1 This word is trustworthy Paul uses this phrase to introduce a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow in the rest of the verse with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
1TI 3 1 t229 translate-unknown ἐπισκοπῆς 1 overseer This term describes a leader of the early Christian church whose work was to take care of the spiritual needs of believers and make sure that they received accurate biblical teaching. Alternate translation: “spiritual leader” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1TI 3 1 f133 καλοῦ ἔργου 1 a good work Alternate translation: “an honorable task” or “an honorable role”
1TI 3 2 dff6 μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα 1 a husband of one wife This could mean one of two things. (1) Paul could be saying that an overseer cannot be married to more than one woman. If so, it is not clear whether this would exclude men who have remarried after being widowed or divorced. It is also not clear whether Paul is saying that an overseer must be married, in which case this would exclude unmarried men who were single, widowed, or divorced. Alternate translation: “not married to more than one woman” (2) This could also be an idiom that means the overseer must always have been faithful to his wife. Alternate translation: “faithful to his wife”
1TI 3 2 qnq9 δεῖ…εἶναι…νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον 1 must be…sober, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable Alternate translation: “He must not do anything to excess, he must be reasonable and behave well, and he must be welcoming to strangers”
1TI 3 3 c2c7 μὴ πάροινον, μὴ πλήκτην, ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ, ἄμαχον 1 not a drunkard, not a brawler, but gentle, peaceful Alternate translation: “He must not drink alcohol to excess, and he must not fight and argue. Instead, he must be gentle and peaceful”
1TI 3 3 pc2g figs-metaphor ἀφιλάργυρον 1 not money-loving If the expression **loving** money would not convey the idea of something inappropriate in your language, it might be helpful to use a term that expresses the idea of “greed.” Alternate translation: “not greedy for money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 4 a8gu προϊστάμενον 1 managing Alternate translation: “He should lead” or “He should take care of”
1TI 3 4 w3un ἐν ὑποταγῇ, μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος 1 in obedience with all honor This could mean one of several things. (1) The overseer’s children should obey their father and show respect to him. Alternate translation: “who obey him completely respectfully” (2) The overseer’s children should show respect to everyone. Alternate translation: “who obey him and show respect to others” (3) The overseer should show respect to those in his household as he leads them. Alternate translation: “who obey him as he treats them with respect”
1TI 3 5 n5lt figs-rquestion εἰ δέ τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν, πῶς ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται? 1 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God? Paul is making a statement, not actually asking a question. He does not expect Timothy to explain how a man who could not manage his own household could take care of God’s church. Instead, Paul is using the question form to emphasize how important it is for an overseer to demonstrate faithfulness in his personal life before assuming a leadership role in the church. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could translate these words as a statement. Alternate translation: “After all, a man who is not able to manage his own household will certainly not be able to take care of the church of God.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1TI 3 5 c814 figs-metonymy ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ 1 the church of God Here the term **church** refers to a local group of God’s people, by association to the way they have gathered together. Alternate translation: “a group of God’s people” or “a local gathering of believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 3 6 q7hu μὴ νεόφυτον 1 not a new convert Alternate translation: “He should not be still just learning the faith” or “He must be mature from a long, steady growth in the faith”
1TI 3 6 t240 figs-explicit τυφωθεὶς 1 puffed up Paul is warning that a new convert might become excessively proud if he were given an important leadership position right away. He is describing being proud figuratively as if it would make a person swell in size. Alternate translation: “become too proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 3 6 t241 figs-metaphor τυφωθεὶς 1 puffed up Paul describes being proud figuratively as if it made a person swell in size. Alternate translation: “become too proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 6 v6f5 figs-metaphor ἵνα μὴ…εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου 1 so that he may not fall…into the judgment of the devil Paul describes the experience of being condemned for having done wrong as like falling into a hole. Alternate translation: “and have God condemn him as he condemned the devil” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 7 si1d figs-metaphor τῶν ἔξωθεν 1 those outside Paul speaks of the church figuratively as though it were a place and unbelievers were physically outside of it. Alternate translation: “those who are not believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 7 qsa6 figs-metaphor μὴ εἰς ὀνειδισμὸν ἐμπέσῃ 1 so that he may not fall into disgrace Paul speaks of disgrace figuratively as if it were a hole that a person could fall into. Alternate translation: “so that he does not do anything that would make him ashamed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 7 t245 figs-metaphor παγίδα τοῦ διαβόλου 1 the trap of the devil Paul speaks of the devil tempting someone to sin as if it were a trap that could catch a person. Alternate translation: “so that the devil is not able to tempt him to sin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 8 nz2w διακόνους ὡσαύτως 1 Likewise deacons Alternate translation: “Deacons, just like overseers”
1TI 3 8 sxq4 figs-metaphor μὴ διλόγους 1 not double-talkers Paul speaks figuratively about some people as if they could say two things at once. Alternate translation: “they should not say one thing but mean something else” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 9 c44a figs-metaphor ἔχοντας 1 holding Paul speaks of true teaching about God as if it were an object that a person could hold. Alternate translation: “They must continue to believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 9 jda1 figs-abstractnouns τὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως 1 the mystery of the faith Paul uses the abstract noun **mystery** to refer to a truth that had existed for some time but that God was then revealing at that moment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind this term with a verb such as “reveal.” Alternate translation: “to believe what God has now revealed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 3 9 y91f figs-metaphor ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει 1 with a clean conscience Paul speaks figuratively of a person’s sense of right and wrong being **clean** if it assures that person that he has done no wrong. Alternate translation: “knowing that they are not doing anything wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 10 hl1p figs-activepassive οὗτοι…δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον 1 let them…be tested first If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would the action. Alternate translation: “Other believers should test and approve of them first” or “They should first prove themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 3 11 xyc9 γυναῖκας 1 the women This could mean one of two things. (1) Alternate translation: “deacons’ wives” (2) Alternate translation: “female deacons”
1TI 3 11 q5qx σεμνάς 1 dignified Alternate translation: “people who act properly” or “people who are worthy of respect”
1TI 3 11 a12k μὴ διαβόλους 1 not slanderers Alternate translation: “They must not say malicious things about other people”
1TI 3 11 akm5 νηφαλίους 1 sober See how you translated this in [3:2](../03/02.md). Alternate translation: “not do anything to excess.”
1TI 3 12 wji2 μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες 1 husbands of one wife See how you translated this in [3:2](../03/02.md). Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translations: (1) “not married to more than one woman” or (2) “faithful to their wives”
1TI 3 12 dv31 τέκνων καλῶς προϊστάμενοι καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων 1 managing their own children and households well Alternate translation: “taking proper care of their children and their personal affairs”
1TI 3 13 rfq2 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For Paul uses this word to introduce what the results will be if people with the qualifications he has just described are chosen as church leaders. Alternate translation: “After all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1TI 3 13 t259 οἱ…καλῶς διακονήσαντες 1 those having served well This could refer either to deacons, whom Paul has just discussed, or to overseers as well, as a conclusion to Paul’s entire discussion of church leaders. Alternate translation: “deacons who serve well” or “church leaders who serve well”
1TI 3 13 cv34 βαθμὸν…καλὸν 1 a good standing This could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: (1) “an honorable position” or (2) “a good reputation”
1TI 3 13 m684 καὶ πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ 1 much confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus This could mean one of two things. Alternate translation: (1) “and they will trust in Jesus with even more confidence” or (2) “and they will speak more confidently to other people about believing in Jesus”
1TI 3 15 z9z8 ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω 1 but if I delay This does not imply that Paul might choose to take his time rather than hurrying. Alternate translation: “But in case I cannot get there soon” or “But if something prevents me from getting there soon”
1TI 3 15 p9u4 figs-metaphor ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ Θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι 1 so that you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God Paul speaks of the group of believers figuratively as if they were a family. Possible meanings are (1) Paul is referring only to Timothy’s behavior in the church. Alternate translation: “so that you may know how to conduct yourself as a member of God’s family” or (2) Paul is referring to the believers in general. Alternate translation: “so that you all may know how to conduct yourselves as members of God’s family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 15 wzk3 figs-distinguish οἴκῳ Θεοῦ…ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 the household of God, which is the church of the living God This phrase gives us further information about **the household of God**. It is not making a distinction between a household of God that is the church and one that is not the church. Alternate translation: “household of God, by which I mean the community of people who believe in the living God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
1TI 3 15 cd5r figs-metaphor στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας 1 a pillar and support of the truth Paul speaks of the truth as if it were a building and of the community of believers as if it were helping to hold up that building. Alternate translation: “which helps maintain God’s truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 3 15 t267 figs-doublet στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα 1 a pillar and support The terms **pillar** and **support** mean basically the same thing. They are architectural features that hold up parts of buildings. Paul uses the terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “which helps maintain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 3 15 sg64 figs-idiom Θεοῦ ζῶντος 1 the living God Alternate translation: “the God who is genuinely alive” or “the true God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 3 16 w473 μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον 1 great is the mystery of godliness While in most of this letter Paul uses the term **godliness** to describe godly living, in this instance the term instead seems to describe the reverence for God that would lead a person to live a right life. Alternate translation: “the truth that God has revealed about our piety is great”
1TI 3 16 t271 figs-explicit μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον 1 great is the mystery of godliness Since Paul follows this statement by quoting a hymn or poem about the life of Jesus, the implication is that he sees Jesus as having made it possible for people to worship God in the most genuine way. Alternate translation: “the truth that God has revealed about the grounds of our piety is great” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 3 16 y8sp writing-poetry ὃς ἐφανερώθη…ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ 1 Who was revealed…taken up in glory This is most likely a song or poem that Paul is quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry, such as through line-by-line formatting, you could use that here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]])
1TI 3 16 m4xi figs-activepassive ὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί 1 Who was revealed in flesh If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. (Be sure not to suggest in your translation that Jesus only seemed or appeared to be human.) Alternate translation: “he appeared as a human being” or “he came to earth as a human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 3 16 rqp6 figs-metonymy ἐν σαρκί 1 in flesh Paul uses the term **flesh** figuratively here to mean “in a human body.” He is describing the human body by reference to something associated with it, the flesh that envelops it. Alternate translation: “as a true human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 3 16 gm36 figs-activepassive ἐδικαιώθη ἐν Πνεύματι 1 was justified in the Spirit If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit confirmed that he was who he said he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 3 16 fn1k figs-activepassive ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις 1 was seen by angels If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the angels saw him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 3 16 c3wx figs-activepassive ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν 1 was proclaimed among the nations If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “people in many nations told others about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 3 16 h9mb figs-activepassive ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ 1 was believed in the world If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “people throughout the world believed in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 3 16 jz11 figs-activepassive ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ 1 was taken up in glory If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God the Father took him up to heaven in glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 3 16 mr3a figs-abstractnouns ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ 1 was taken up in glory The abstract noun **glory** refers to the way Jesus received power from God the Father and is worthy of honor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind this term with an adjective such as “powerful” and a verb such as “respect.” Alternate translation: “God the Father took him up to heaven, making him powerful and making everyone respect him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 4 intro b39h 0 # 1 Timothy 04 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>Paul speaks in [4:14](./14.md) of prophecy. Prophecy means generally a message that God communicates to believers through a person to whom He has given a special gift of conveying these messages. The specific prophecy Paul describes revealed how Timothy would become a gifted leader of the church. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Cultural practices<br><br>In verse 14 Paul speaks of church leaders placing their hands on Timothy. That was one way of indicating publicly that a person was being placed in a leadership position in the church.<br><br>### Variation in names<br><br>In this chapter Paul speaks of church leaders called “elders.” They seem to be the same kind of leaders that he calls “overseers” in chapter 3.
1TI 4 1 jzr9 δὲ 1 Now Paul uses this word to introduce background information that will help Timothy and the believers in Ephesus understand the next part of his letter. The false teachings that Timothy must oppose are something that the Spirit has already predicted. You can translate the term with the word or phrase in your language that is most similar in meaning and significance.
1TI 4 1 b739 figs-idiom ἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς 1 in later times This expression refers to the time when God’s purposes in history are approaching their culmination and so the evil opposition to them increases. Alternate translation: “as God’s purposes advance” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 4 1 b931 figs-metaphor ἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως 1 some will leave the faith Paul speaks of people ceasing to trust in Christ as if they were physically leaving a place. Alternate translation: “some people will stop trusting in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 1 q13m προσέχοντες 1 attending to Alternate translation: “and turn their attention to” or “because they are paying attention to”
1TI 4 1 ae5w figs-doublet πνεύμασι πλάνοις καὶ διδασκαλίαις δαιμονίων 1 deceiving spirits and teachings of demons These two phrases mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If you think having both phrases in your translation might be confusing for your readers, you could combine them into a single expression. Alternate translation: “the things that evil spirits say to trick people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 4 2 pw29 ἐν ὑποκρίσει ψευδολόγων 1 in false-speaking hypocrisy If it would be clearer in your language, you could start a separate sentence here. Alternate translation: “These people will be hypocrites, and they will tell lies”
1TI 4 2 u2f4 figs-metaphor κεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν 1 their own consciences having been seared Paul is speaking figuratively of these people as if their sense of right and wrong had been ruined like skin that someone had burned with a hot iron. Alternate translation: “They will not have any sense of right and wrong any more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 2 t288 figs-activepassive κεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν 1 their own consciences having been seared If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “They will not have any sense of right and wrong any more” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 4 3 t289 κωλυόντων γαμεῖν 1 forbidding to marry If it would be helpful to your readers, you could begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “These people will forbid believers to marry”
1TI 4 3 wd2l figs-explicit κωλυόντων γαμεῖν 1 forbidding to marry The implication is that these false teachers will forbid believers to marry. Alternate translation: “These people will forbid believers to marry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 4 3 t291 figs-ellipsis ἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων 1 to abstain from foods 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 they will require them to do that. In other words, the meaning of **forbidding** does not carry forward from the previous clause, rather, the meaning of “requiring” should be supplied. Alternate translation: “they will forbid believers to eat certain foods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1TI 4 3 m1d6 figs-explicit ἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων 1 to abstain from foods The implication is that these false teachers will forbid only certain foods, and that they will impose this restriction on believers. Alternate translation: “they will forbid believers to eat certain foods” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 4 3 t293 figs-doublet τοῖς πιστοῖς καὶ ἐπεγνωκόσι τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 the faithful and the ones knowing the truth These two expressions mean the same thing. Paul uses them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “genuine believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 4 3 t294 figs-nominaladj τοῖς πιστοῖς 1 the faithful Paul is using this adjective as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 4 3 t295 figs-nominaladj ἐπεγνωκόσι τὴν ἀλήθειαν 1 the ones knowing the truth Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who understand the truth about Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 4 4 dv4s figs-distinguish πᾶν κτίσμα Θεοῦ καλόν 1 every creature of God is good If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the expression **creature of God** with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “everything that God created is good” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])
1TI 4 4 a15j figs-activepassive οὐδὲν ἀπόβλητον μετὰ εὐχαριστίας λαμβανόμενον 1 nothing being received with thanksgiving is vile If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would the action. Alternate translation: “We are free to eat anything that we can thank God for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 4 5 m5mb figs-activepassive ἁγιάζεται 1 it is sanctified If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “it becomes holy” or “it is suitable to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 4 5 fhd6 figs-metonymy διὰ λόγου Θεοῦ 1 by the word of God In this context, the term **word** has a specific meaning. It refers to the pronouncement that God made that everything he created was **good**. Alternate translation: “because of what God said about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 4 5 t300 figs-explicit καὶ ἐντεύξεως 1 and prayer In context, the implication is that this refers to prayers of thanksgiving to God for food. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and because of the thanks people offer to God for it in prayer” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 4 6 ks5x figs-metaphor ταῦτα ὑποτιθέμενος τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς 1 Placing these things before the brothers Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that could be physically placed in front of the other believers. Alternate translation: “If you help the believers remember these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 6 hfx3 ταῦτα 1 these things This refers to the teaching that began in [3:16](../03/16.md).
1TI 4 6 h6qr figs-gendernotations τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς 1 the brothers Paul is using the term **brothers** in a generic sense that includes men and women. Alternate translation: “the brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 4 6 uyeb figs-metaphor τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς 1 the brothers This term figuratively means a fellow believer in Jesus. Alternative translation: “your fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 6 t304 figs-activepassive ἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας 1 being nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expessed in proper teaching, are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 4 6 f8vs figs-metaphor ἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας 1 being nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed Paul speaks of these statements and teachings as if they could physically feed Timothy and make him strong. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expessed in proper teaching, are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 6 ny78 figs-metonymy τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας 1 the words of the faith and of the good teaching Paul uses the term **words** figuratively to describe the statements of belief and the teachings that explain them, both expressed in words. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expessed in proper teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 4 7 th4i τοὺς…βεβήλους καὶ γραώδεις μύθους 1 profane and old-womanish fables See how you translated **fables** in [1:4](../01/of.md) and **profane** in [1:9](../01/09.md). Alternate translation: “foolish, made-up stories in which nothing is sacred”
1TI 4 7 elk7 figs-idiom τοὺς…γραώδεις μύθους 1 old-womanish fables The term **old-womanish** is an idiom that means “silly” or “foolish.” Paul tells Timothy in [5:2](../05/02.md) that he should respect older women as mothers, so Paul’s expression here should be recognized as idiomatic rather than disrespectful. Your language may have a similar expression. Alternate translation: “old wives’ tales” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 4 7 sea5 figs-metaphor γύμναζε…σεαυτὸν πρὸς εὐσέβειαν 1 train yourself for godliness Paul tells Timothy figuratively to work to develop godly character as if he were an athlete improving his physical conditioning. Alternate translation: “diligently practice acting in ways that please God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 8 t311 figs-quotemarks γὰρ 1 for Paul uses this term to introduce a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow in the rest of the verse with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])
1TI 4 8 t313 πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶν ὠφέλιμος 1 is valuable for a little This could mean one of two things. Alternate translations: (1) “may have some small value” or (2) “does not have very much value”
1TI 4 9 t315 πιστὸς ὁ λόγος 1 This word is trustworthy As in [1:15](../01/32.md) and [3:1](../03/01.md), in this context, the term **word** has a specific meaning. (Paul is referring to the saying that he quoted in the previous verse.) Alternate translation: “This statement is dependable”
1TI 4 9 hc1t καὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος 1 and worthy of all acceptance See how you translated this in [1:15](../01/32.md). Alternate translation: “and we should believe it without any doubt” or “and we should have full confidence in it”
1TI 4 10 l2yl grammar-connect-logic-result εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ 1 for unto this The term **this** refers to **godliness**, which Paul mentions in the previous two verses. Paul is giving a reason why Timothy should believe the saying about the value of godliness. He and his other fellow workers are striving very hard to become godly, so it must be valuable. Alternate translation: “after all, it is for godliness that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1TI 4 10 c9db figs-doublet κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα 1 we toil and struggle The terms **toil** and **struggle** mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize the intensity with which he and his fellow workers are serving God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “we work so hard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 4 10 t320 figs-inclusive κοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα 1 we toil and struggle This could be the one place where **we** does not include the addressee. Paul has just told Timothy to make godliness his priority, rather than physical exercise, and he may be offering himself and his other fellow workers as an example of that for Timothy to follow. So if your language makes that distinction, you may wish to use the exclusive form in this phrase. However, **we** in the next phrase would include Timothy, since Paul is encouraging Timothy to join him and his fellow workers in making godliness his priority as someone who, like them, has **hoped in the living God**. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-inclusive]])
1TI 4 10 qmj6 figs-idiom Θεῷ ζῶντι 1 the living God See how you translated this in [3:15](../03/15.md). Alternate translation: “the God who is genuinely alive” or “the true God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 4 10 t322 figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 4 12 qi8l μηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω 1 Let no one despise your youth The term **despise** here does not mean “hate,” but “think little of” or “scorn.” Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone disrespect you just because you are young”
1TI 4 13 t326 figs-explicit πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ 1 to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what Timothy is to read and to whom, and whom he is to exhort and teach. Alternate translation: “continue reading the Scriptures to the people in the church there, exhorting them, and teaching them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 4 13 kky7 figs-abstractnouns πρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ 1 to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the abstract nouns **reading**, **exhortation**, and **teaching** with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “continue reading the Scriptures to the people in your meeting there, exhorting them, and teaching them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 4 14 t221 figs-metaphor μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος 1 Do not neglect the gift in you Paul speaks of Timothy as if he were a container that could hold God’s gift. Alternate translation: “Do not neglect the ability that God has given you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 14 hdd9 figs-explicit μὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος 1 Do not neglect the gift in you The implication is that this **gift** is the ability that God has given Timothy for ministry. Alternate translation: “Do not neglect the ability that God has given you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 4 14 xp1k figs-activepassive ὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας 1 which was given to you through prophecy If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “which you received when leaders of the church prophesied about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 4 14 rr8f translate-symaction ἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου 1 with the imposition of the hands of the elders Paul is speaking of a ceremony during which the church leaders put their hands on Timothy and prayed that God would enable him to do the work he had commanded him to do. Alternate translation: “when the elders all laid their hands on you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1TI 4 15 m65m figs-metaphor ταῦτα μελέτα, ἐν τούτοις ἴσθι 1 Study these things, be in them Paul is speaking figuratively as if Timothy could physically be inside the instructions he has just given him. Alternate translation: “Give careful attention to these instructions and follow them consistently” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 4 16 uq6c ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ 1 Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching Alternate translation: “Pay attention to how you live and to what you teach”
1TI 4 16 zxe7 ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς 1 Continue in these things Alternate translation: “Continue to do these things”
1TI 4 16 u7ez καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου 1 you will save both yourself and your listeners Possible meanings are (1) Timothy will save himself and those who hear him from God’s judgment or (2) Timothy will protect himself and those who hear him from the influence of false teachers. Perhaps both meanings are in view, since if Timothy can persuade the people of the church in Ephesus not to listen to the false teachers, then he will also spare them from God’s judgment upon the wrong things they would have done if they had listened to those teachers. Alternate translation: “you will keep yourself and your listeners from believing and doing the wrong things”
1TI 5 intro jx4e 0 # 1 Timothy 05 General Notes<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Honor and respect<br><br>Paul encourages younger Christians to honor and respect older Christians. Cultures honor and respect older people in different ways.<br><br>### Widows<br><br>In the ancient Near East, it was important to care for widows, because they could not provide for themselves.<br><br>### Variation in names<br><br>In this chapter, as in chapter 4, Paul speaks of church leaders called “elders.” Here as well they seem to be the same kind of leaders that he calls “overseers” in chapter 3.
1TI 5 1 wt5y figs-you 0 General Information: Paul was giving these commands to one person, Timothy. Languages that have different forms of “you” or different forms for commands would use the singular form here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
1TI 5 1 l4w5 πρεσβυτέρῳ μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς 1 Do not rebuke an older man Alternate translation: “Do not speak harshly to an older man”
1TI 5 1 dnf2 ἀλλὰ παρακάλει 1 but exhort him Alternate translation: “Instead, encourage him”
1TI 5 1 enp9 figs-simile ὡς πατέρα…ὡς ἀδελφούς 1 as a father…as brothers Paul uses these similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with sincere love and respect as he would family members. Alternate translation: “as if he were your own father…encourage them as if they were your own brothers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1TI 5 2 t1pv figs-simile ὡς μητέρας…ὡς ἀδελφὰς 1 as mothers…as sisters Paul uses these similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with sincere love and respect as he would family members. Alternate translation: “encourage each of them as if they were your own mother…encourage them as if they were your own sisters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
1TI 5 2 ivl7 figs-abstractnouns ἐν πάσῃ ἁγνίᾳ 1 in all purity If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind the abstract noun **purity** with an adjective such as “pure.” Alternate translation: “making sure that your thoughts and actions are pure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 5 3 smp5 figs-idiom χήρας τίμα 1 Honor widows This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Provide for widows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 5 3 qc6s τὰς ὄντως χήρας 1 real widows Alternate translation: “widows who have no one else to provide for them”
1TI 5 4 w38h πρῶτον 1 first Alternate translation: “before the church offers any support”
1TI 5 4 t344 figs-parallelism μανθανέτωσαν…τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον εὐσεβεῖν, καὶ ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις 1 let them learn to honor their own household and to make repayment to their forebears These two phrases may mean similar things. If **honor** is an idiom for “provide” here, as in the previous verse, then Paul may be using repetition for emphasis. Alternate translation: “let them provide the support that their widowed mother or grandmother needs and deserves” However, there is a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. Paul may actually be giving two reasons why people should support their widowed mothers or grandmothers. Alternate translation: “This is a respectful thing to do for senior family members, and it will repay them for supporting their children and grandchildren as they were growing up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1TI 5 4 g5mu figs-metonymy τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον 1 their own household Paul uses this phrase figuratively to refer to family members, by association to the way they live in the same house. Alternate translation: “their own family members” or “those living in their homes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 5 4 q5c8 ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις 1 make repayment to their forebears Alternate translation: “Let them do good to their mother or grandmother in return for the good things their parents and grandparents gave them”
1TI 5 4 t347 grammar-connect-logic-result γάρ 1 for Paul uses this term to introduce an additional reason why family members should support their widowed mothers or grandmothers. Alternate translation: “also” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1TI 5 4 t348 figs-metaphor τοῦτο…ἐστιν ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 this is pleasing before God Paul uses the expression **before God**, which means “in front of God,” to mean “where God can see.” Alternate translation: “this is pleasing in God’s view” or “this pleases God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 5 xp1u ἡ…ὄντως χήρα καὶ μεμονωμένη 1 the genuine and left-alone widow Alternate translation: “a real widow, one who has no family”
1TI 5 5 u1lj figs-metaphor προσμένει ταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς 1 continues in requests and prayers Paul is speaking figuratively as if these widows could physically be inside their own prayers. Alternate translation: “continues to make requests and offer prayers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 5 rwp4 figs-hendiadys ταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς 1 requests and prayers The phrase **requests and prayers** expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and**. The word **requests** tells what of **prayers** Paul is talk about here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “prayers on behalf of other people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]).
1TI 5 5 rb9f figs-merism νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας 1 night and day The words **night** and **day** are used together to mean “at all times.” Alternate translation: “all the time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1TI 5 6 t353 figs-nominaladj ἡ…σπαταλῶσα 1 the one cavorting Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun, to describe such a woman as a member of a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “a woman who lives wantonly and extravagantly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 5 6 qy5h figs-metaphor ζῶσα τέθνηκεν 1 living, has died Paul speaks figuratively about people who do not seek to please God as if they were dead. Alternate translation: “is spiritually dead, even though she is still alive physically” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 7 qw6m καὶ ταῦτα παράγγελλε, ἵνα ἀνεπίλημπτοι ὦσιν 1 Also command these things, so that they may be irreproachable This statement seems to refer back to [4:11](../04/11.md), “Command and teach these things,” which Paul tells Timothy after telling him in [4:6](../04/06.dm) to “place these things before the brothers.” So **they** seems to refer to all the believers in this situation, including the widows, their families, and the local church that is supposed to organize the list and make sure that the widows are cared for well. Alternate translation: “Also give these instructions to the believers, so that no one will be able to accuse them of doing anything wrong.”
1TI 5 8 p7h2 figs-idiom τις τῶν ἰδίων καὶ μάλιστα οἰκείων οὐ προνοεῖ 1 does not provide for his own, and especially for household members Here **his own** is an idiom that means “his own relatives.” Alternate translation: “does not help with his relatives’ needs, and especially those of the family members living in his home” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 5 8 y645 τὴν πίστιν ἤρνηται 1 he has denied the faith Paul explains that this action would be equivalent to denying the faith itself. Alternate translation: “he has acted contrary to the way we believe”
1TI 5 8 evm7 figs-explicit ἔστιν ἀπίστου χείρων 1 is worse than an unbeliever The implication is that this person is worse than an unbeliever because even unbelievers take care of their own relatives. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “is worse than those who do not believe in Jesus, because they do take care of their relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 9 s8ql figs-activepassive χήρα καταλεγέσθω 1 Let a widow be enrolled There seems to have been a list of widows. The church members met these women’s needs for food, clothing, and shelter, and these women then devoted their lives to serving the Christian community. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “have the church put a widow on the register” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 5 9 i27x figs-litotes μὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα γεγονυῖα 1 being not less than sixty years old Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “if she is at least sixty years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1TI 5 9 q9dj figs-idiom ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή 1 a wife of one husband Like the similar expression in [3:2](../01/32.md), this could mean one of two things. (If it means the second possibility, it is not clear whether Paul means to exclude women who were married more than once and widowed each time, or more specifically women who divorced their husbands and married other men.) Alternate translations: (1) “she was always faithful to her husband” or (2) “she had one husband” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 5 10 l8nm figs-activepassive ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη 1 attested in good works If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “People must be able to attest to her good deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 5 10 mik7 ἐξενοδόχησεν 1 has received strangers Alternate translation: “has welcomed strangers into her home” or “practiced hospitality”
1TI 5 10 ygl3 translate-symaction ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν 1 has washed the feet of the saints In this culture people walked barefoot or in sandals on roads that were dusty or muddy, so washing their feet once they entered a home was a way of helping them be comfortable and clean. If the people of your culture would not be familiar with this practice, you could use a general expression instead. Alternate translation: “has cared for believers who visited her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1TI 5 10 t366 figs-synecdoche ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν 1 has washed the feet of the saints Paul may be using one type of humble service figuratively to represent humble service in general. Alternate translation: “has done humble things to help other believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
1TI 5 10 bw4h figs-idiom ἁγίων 1 the saints This expression refers to believers in Jesus as people who are “holy” or “set apart” for God. Alternate translation: “the believers” or “God’s holy people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 5 10 ey6i figs-nominaladj θλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν 1 relieved the afflicted Paul is using the adjective **afflicted** as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “has helped people who were suffering” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 5 10 h96j figs-hyperbole παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν 1 pursued every good work Paul uses the word **every** here as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “done all kinds of good deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1TI 5 11 rv5h νεωτέρας δὲ χήρας παραιτοῦ 1 But refuse younger widows Alternate translation: “But do not put widows who are younger than 60 years old on the list”
1TI 5 11 vqq9 figs-explicit ὅταν…καταστρηνιάσωσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 when they become wanton against Christ The implication that when a widow accepted a place on the register, she promised to remain unmarried and devote herself to serving other believers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “when they feel bodily desires that are contrary to their pledge of chastity” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 12 nha7 τὴν πρώτην πίστιν ἠθέτησαν 1 they have broken their first pledge The term **pledge** here refers to a commitment the widows made, as the last note to [5:11](../05/11.md) explains, that they would serve the Christian community for the rest of their lives, and not remarry, if the community would supply their needs. Alternate translation: “they do not keep their prior commitment” or “they do not do what they promised before”
1TI 5 13 t4iv ἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν 1 they learn to be lazy ones Alternate translation: “they get into the habit of doing nothing”
1TI 5 13 t375 figs-nominaladj ἀργαὶ 1 lazy ones Paul is using the adjective **lazy** as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are lazy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 5 13 nll4 figs-doublet φλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι, λαλοῦσαι τὰ μὴ δέοντα 1 babblers and busybodies, saying what they should not These three phrases may be ways of speaking about the same activity. Paul may be using repetition to emphasize that the people shoudl not be looking into the private lives of others and telling about them to further people who are no better off after hearing. If you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases into a single one. Alternate translation: “people who interfere openly in other people’s business” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) (A doublet can consist of more than two terms.)
1TI 5 14 u94k τῷ ἀντικειμένῳ 1 the one opposing This expression could refer by implication to Satan (that is the reading of UST) or collectively to unbelievers who are opposing the followers of Jesus. Alternate translation: “the devil” or “unbelievers who are opposing you”
1TI 5 15 fy54 figs-metaphor ἐξετράπησαν ὀπίσω τοῦ Σατανᾶ 1 having...turned aside after Satan Paul speaks of living in faithfulness to Christ as if it were a path to be followed. He means that some younger widows have stopped obeying Jesus and have started to do instead what Satan would want them to do. Alternate translation: “having stopped living in obedience to Jesus and decided to obey Satan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 16 g8k5 figs-nominaladj τις πιστὴ 1 any believing woman Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “any woman who believes in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 5 16 mf4s figs-explicit ἔχει χήρας 1 has widows The implication is that she has widows within her extended family. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “has widows among her relatives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 16 y6hf figs-metaphor καὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία 1 let the church not be weighed down Paul speaks figuratively of the community having to help more people than it is able to as if it were carrying too much weight on its back. Alternate translation: “so that the church will not have more work than it can do” or “so that the Christian community will not have to support widows whose families could provide for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 16 t384 figs-activepassive καὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία 1 let the church not be weighed down If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “so that the church will not have more work than it can do” or “so that the Christian community will not have to support widows whose families could provide for them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 5 16 d35m ὄντως χήραις 1 genuine widows Alternate translation: “widows who have no one else to provide for them”
1TI 5 17 u93q figs-activepassive οἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι…ἀξιούσθωσαν 1 The elders having ruled well, let them be considered worthy If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “All believers should consider elders who are good leaders to be deserving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 5 17 wp9d διπλῆς τιμῆς 1 double honor This could mean one of two things. Since Paul quotes two Scriptures in the next verse that support the idea of church leaders being paid for their work, the first possibility is more likely. Alternate translations: (1) “both respect and payment for their work” or (2) “more respect than others receive”
1TI 5 17 r8ew figs-nominaladj οἱ κοπιῶντες 1 the ones toiling Paul is using the participle **toiling**, which functions as an adjective, as a noun, to describe members of a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “elders who work hard” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 5 17 t389 figs-hendiadys ἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ 1 in the word and in teaching This phrase may be expressing a single idea by using two phrases (which are actually just two words in Greek) connected with **and**. The phrase **in the word** would be identifying the content of the **teaching**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “at teaching from the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1TI 5 17 t390 figs-metonymy λόγῳ 1 the word Paul may be using the term **word** here figuratively to describe the Scriptures, which God inspired people to put into words. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 5 18 kh55 figs-personification λέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή 1 For the Scripture says Paul figuratively describes Scripture as if it could speak for itself. Alternate translation: “For we read in the Scriptures that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1TI 5 18 t392 figs-declarative βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις 1 You will not muzzle a threshing ox Here the Scriptures use a statement in order to give a command. Alternate translation: “You must not muzzle an ox while it is treading on grain” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])
1TI 5 18 vw3a figs-metaphor βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις 1 You will not muzzle a threshing ox Paul is quoting this passage figuratively. He is using it to indicate that just as God wanted oxen to be able to eat some of the grain they were working to separate from its husks, so church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community that they are serving. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 18 g985 translate-unknown φιμώσεις 1 you will not muzzle A **muzzle** is a sleeve that goes over an animal’s mouth to prevent it from opening its mouth and eating while it is doing work. If your readers would not be familiar with this object, you could use a more general expression instead. Alternate translation: “keep an ox’s mouth shut” or “prevent an ox from eating” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1TI 5 18 t6kp translate-unknown ἀλοῶντα 1 a threshing ox An ox in this culture would **thresh** grain by walking on it on or pulling a heavy object over it to separate the grain from the husks. Alternate translation: “an ox that is separating grain from husks” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1TI 5 18 kys1 ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ 1 The worthy is worthy of his wages Alternate translation: “A worker has a right to be paid” or “A worker should receive his wages”
1TI 5 19 af68 grammar-connect-exceptions κατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου, ἐκτὸς εἰ 1 do not receive an accusation, except if If, in your language, it would appear that Paul was making a statement and then contradicting it, you could reword this statement to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only believe that an accusation is true if” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])
1TI 5 19 t399 figs-metaphor ἐπὶ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων 1 upon two or three witnesses Here **upon** is a spatial metaphor that indicates “relying on.” Alternate translation: “at least two people give evidence for it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 19 kmy5 δύο ἢ τριῶν 1 two or three Alternate translation: “at least two” or “two or more”
1TI 5 20 m4uh figs-nominaladj τοὺς ἁμαρτάνοντας 1 the ones sinning Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “elders who doing wrong things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 5 20 db63 figs-metaphor ἐνώπιον…πάντων 1 before all Paul uses the expression **before** to mean “in front of.” Alternate translation: “where everyone can see” or “in public” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 20 ql4m figs-explicit ἵνα καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ φόβον ἔχωσιν 1 so that the rest also may have fear If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say what, by implication, people will be afraid of. Alternate translation: “so that other people will be afraid to sin themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 20 t404 figs-idiom φόβον ἔχωσιν 1 may have fear This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will be afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 5 21 t405 figs-metaphor ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels Paul uses the expression **before**, meaning “in front of,” to indicate “where they can see.” Seeing, in turn, figuratively means attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “as God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels are watching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 21 t7jq figs-idiom τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων 1 the chosen angels This means the angels whom God has chosen to serve him in a special way. Alternate translation: “the angels who are God’s special servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 5 21 dph6 ταῦτα φυλάξῃς 1 keep these things Alternate translation: “follow these instructions”
1TI 5 21 t408 figs-doublet χωρὶς προκρίματος, μηδὲν ποιῶν κατὰ πρόσκλισιν 1 without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism The terms **partiality** and **favoritism** mean similar things. Paul may be using repetition to emphasize that Timothy must judge honestly and be fair to everyone. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “being completely fair to everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 5 21 t409 ταῦτα 1 these things Grammatically this could refer either to the instructions Paul has just given Timothy about elders, or to the instructions he is about to give Timothy regarding his own personal conduct. But since Paul tells Timothy to follow these instructions without favoring one person over another, it is most likely that this refers to the instructions about elders. Alternate translation: “these things that I have just told you”
1TI 5 22 qb71 translate-symaction χεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει 1 Place hands hastily on no one The **placing of hands** was a ceremony in which one or more church leaders would put their hands on people and pray that God would enable them to serve the church in a way that would please God. Timothy was to wait until a person had shown good character for a long time before officially and publicly setting that person apart in this way to serve the Christian community. Alternate translation: “wait until a person has demonstrated good character consistently before appointing that person to church leadership” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1TI 5 22 t411 figs-litotes χεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει 1 Place hands hastily on no one Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “wait until a person has demonstrated good character consistently before appointing that person to church leadership” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])
1TI 5 22 pyl8 figs-explicit μηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις ἀλλοτρίαις 1 nor share in the sins of others The implication in context may be that if Timothy appoints a person to leadership before they are ready, or without ensuring that their character is exemplary, then Timothy will bear some responsibility for that person’s ultimate failure as a leader, or he will appear to have approved of the person’s sins, once they are uncovered. Alternate translation: “so that you do not become responsible for the moral and leadership failures of others” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 23 xl32 figs-explicit οἴνῳ ὀλίγῳ χρῶ 1 use a little wine Paul is telling Timothy to use wine specifically as medicine. The water in that area was impure and often caused sickness. Alternate translation: “also drink some wine from time to time as medicine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 24 uk56 figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 5 24 ug1z figs-personification πρόδηλοί εἰσιν, προάγουσαι εἰς κρίσιν 1 are evident, going ahead into judgment Paul speaks of sins as if they could move on their own ahead of a person to the place where that person will be judged for committing them. Alternate translation: “are so obvious that everyone knows they are guilty even before God declares them guilty” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1TI 5 24 i1c6 figs-personification τισὶν δὲ καὶ ἐπακολουθοῦσιν 1 but they also follow after some Paul speaks once again of sins as if they could move on their own. Alternate translation: “but the sins of other people do not become evident until God judges them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1TI 5 25 pd8v figs-explicit καὶ τὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ πρόδηλα 1 good works are also evident Implicitly Paul does not mean all good works here, since in the rest of the sentence he speaks of some good works that are not evident. Alternate translation: “most good works are also obvious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 25 qlu5 figs-explicit τὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ 1 good works The implication is that these works are considered **good** because they are consistent with God’s character, purposes, and will. Alternate translation: “actions that God approves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 5 25 bl51 figs-metaphor καὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί 1 and the ones having otherwise are not able to be hidden Paul speaks of good works as if they were objects that someone could hide. Alternate translation: “and people will find out later about even those good deeds that are not obvious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 5 25 t420 figs-activepassive καὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί 1 and the ones having otherwise are not able to be hidden If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “and people will later find out about even those good deeds that are not obvious” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 intro rks4 0 # 1 Timothy 06 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Slavery<br><br>In this chapter Paul teaches slaves about honoring, respecting, and diligently serving their masters. This does not mean that he is endorsing slavery as a good thing, or as something that God approves of. Instead, Paul is encouraging believers to be godly and content in every situation that they are in. This does not mean that they cannot also work to change those situations.
1TI 6 1 nm4n figs-metaphor ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι 1 As many slaves as are under the yoke Paul speaks of people working as slaves as if they were oxen plowing or pulling with a yoke around their necks. Alternate translation: “people who are working as slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 1 ep1l figs-explicit ὅσοι εἰσὶν 1 as many…as are The implication in context is that Paul is speaking about believers who are slaves. Alternate translation: “believers who are working as slaves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 1 he2n figs-activepassive ἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται 1 so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that unbelievers will always speak respectfully about God’s character and about what Christians believe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 1 xb92 figs-metonymy τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 the name of God Here **name** is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. Alternate translation: “God’s character” or “God’s reputation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 6 1 f5pc figs-explicit ἡ διδασκαλία 1 the teaching Implicitly Paul means the teaching about Jesus and about how his followers should live. Alternate translation: “our Christian teaching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 2 fvv7 figs-gendernotations ἀδελφοί εἰσιν 1 they are brothers Here **brothers** figuratively means fellow believer sin Jesus, whether male or female. Alternate translation: “they are fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 6 2 nmh9 ἀγαπητοὶ 1 beloved Alternate translations: (1) “and so their believing slaves should love them” or (2) “whom God loves”
1TI 6 3 t430 ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις 1 the healthy words See how you translated the term **healthy** in [1:10](../01/10.md). Here as well it means not that the words are “in good health” but that they are “health-giving.” Alternate translation: “the true expression of our faith”
1TI 6 3 t431 figs-metonymy ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις 1 the healthy words Paul uses the term **words** figuratively to describe expression in words of what Christians genuinely believe. Alternate translation: “the true expression of our faith” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1TI 6 4 pn8n figs-metaphor τετύφωται…νοσῶν 1 he is puffed up Paul speaks figuratively of a person who is excessively proud as if they were inflated with air. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 4 t433 figs-activepassive τετύφωται…νοσῶν 1 he is puffed up If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 4 t434 figs-gendernotations τετύφωται…νοσῶν 1 he is puffed up Here **he** refers to anyone in general who teaches what is not correct. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 6 4 z2rb figs-hyperbole μηδὲν ἐπιστάμενος 1 understanding nothing Paul uses the term **nothing** here as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “understands nothing about God’s truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1TI 6 4 qu86 figs-metaphor νοσῶν περὶ ζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας 1 ailing about controversies and word-battles Paul speaks of people who feel compelled to engage in useless arguments as if they were ill. Such people greatly desire to argue, and they do not really want to find a way to agree. Alternate translation: “morbidly craves arguments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 4 i3lk figs-doublet ζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας 1 controversies and word-battles These two terms mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “arguments” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 6 4 xt1z λογομαχίας 1 word-battles Alternate translation: “fights about the meaning of words”
1TI 6 4 y3mx βλασφημίαι 1 blasphemies While this term often refers to untrue or disrespectful things that people say about God, in this context, it refers to people falsely saying bad things about each other. Alternate translation: “insults”
1TI 6 4 kn69 ὑπόνοιαι πονηραί 1 evil suspicions Alternate translation: “people feeling unfairly as if others want to harm them”
1TI 6 5 z2d8 figs-activepassive διεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας 1 men having been corrupted as to the mind and having been deprived of the truth If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “people whose minds are corrupt and who no longer believe the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 5 tyf7 figs-parallelism διεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας 1 men having been corrupted as to the mind and having been deprived of the truth These two phrases mean the same thing. Paul uses the repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are no longer able to recognize the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1TI 6 5 t443 figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπων 1 men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 6 6 q5sq grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 But Paul uses this term to introduce a contrast between what the false teachers believe about godliness and what is really true about godliness. Alternate translation: “Instead” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1TI 6 6 ya9z figs-abstractnouns ἔστιν…πορισμὸς μέγας ἡ εὐσέβεια μετὰ αὐταρκείας 1 godliness with contentment is great gain If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns **godliness** and **contentment** with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “a person is very well off if they do what is godly and are content with what they have” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1TI 6 7 t446 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For Paul uses this word to introduce the reason for what he said in the previous sentence described. Alternate translation: “After all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1TI 6 7 j6qv figs-explicit οὐδὲν…εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον 1 we brought nothing into the world The implication is that Paul is speaking about when a person is born. Alternate translation: “brought nothing into the world when we were born” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 7 t448 figs-ellipsis ὅτι 1 that Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and so it is also clear that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
1TI 6 7 jlv8 figs-explicit οὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι δυνάμεθα 1 neither are we able to take anything out The implication is that Paul is speaking about when a person dies. Alternate translation: “we can take nothing out of the world when we die” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 8 lbk5 figs-declarative ἀρκεσθησόμεθα 1 we will be satisfied Here Paul uses a statement in order to express a moral imperative. Alternate translation: “that should be enough for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])
1TI 6 8 t451 figs-activepassive ἀρκεσθησόμεθα 1 we will be satisfied If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that should be enough for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 9 ij4j grammar-connect-logic-contrast δὲ 1 Now Paul uses this term to indicate that he is returning to the topic of those who think being godly will make them wealthy. You can translate the term with the word or phrase in your language that is most similar in meaning and significance. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
1TI 6 9 t453 figs-nominaladj οἱ…βουλόμενοι 1 the ones wanting Paul is using this participle, which functions as adjective, as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 6 9 pl5d figs-metaphor ἐμπίπτουσιν εἰς πειρασμὸν, καὶ παγίδα 1 fall into temptation and a trap Paul speaks figuratively about those who let the temptation of money cause them to sin as if they were animals that fall into a hole that a hunter is using as a trap. Alternate translation: “will encounter more temptation than they can resist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 9 gfy7 figs-metaphor καὶ ἐπιθυμίας πολλὰς ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς 1 and many foolish and harmful desires This phrase continues the figure of speech from the previous phrase. Paul speaks about these desires as well as if they were a hole that a hunter was using as a trap. Alternate translation: “and will experience destructive impulses than they cannot overcome” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 9 t456 figs-hendiadys ἐπιθυμίας…ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς 1 foolish and harmful desires Here Paul expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and.** The word **foolish** tells why these desires are **harmful**. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “destructive impulses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1TI 6 9 nc3i figs-metaphor αἵτινες βυθίζουσι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν 1 whatever plunges men into ruin and destruction This phrase summarizes the character of the temptations and impulses that Paul has just described. He speaks of them figuratively as if they could make people drown in deep water. Alternate translation: “people cannot escape from such things and they destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 9 t458 figs-gendernotations ἀνθρώπους 1 men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 6 9 t459 figs-hendiadys ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν 1 ruin and destruction Here Paul expresses a single idea by using two words connected with **and.** Alternate translation: “complete destruction” or “total ruin” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1TI 6 10 t460 grammar-connect-logic-result γὰρ 1 For Paul uses this word to introduce the reasons for what the previous sentence stated. Alternate translation: “This is because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1TI 6 10 xs9d figs-metaphor ῥίζα…πάντων τῶν κακῶν ἐστιν ἡ φιλαργυρία 1 a root of all evils is the love of money Paul speaks figuratively of evil as if it were a plant and of the love of money as if it were the root from which that plant grew. Alternate translation: “loving money leads a person to do all kinds of wrong things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 10 t462 figs-hyperbole πάντων τῶν κακῶν 1 all evils Paul uses the term **all** here as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “all kinds of wrong things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1TI 6 10 j5z9 ἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι 1 which, some desiring The reference here is to people desiring money, not evil. You could start a new sentence here if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “People who want to become rich”
1TI 6 10 b83v figs-metaphor ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως 1 have been led away from the faith Paul speaks figuratively of the desire for money as if it were an evil guide that intentionally leads people down the wrong path. Alternate translation: “have stopped believing in Jesus because of their desire for money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 10 t465 figs-activepassive ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως 1 have been led away from the faith If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “have stopped believing in Jesus because of their desire for money” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 10 a1fx figs-metaphor ἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν ὀδύναις πολλαῖς 1 have pierced themselves with many sorrows Paul speaks about grief as if it were a sword that people use to stab themselves. Alternate translation: “have experienced great sorrows in their lives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 11 tp97 ὦ ἄνθρωπε Θεοῦ 1 O man of God Alternate translation: “you servant of God” or “you person who belongs to God”
1TI 6 11 h9c6 figs-metaphor ταῦτα φεῦγε 1 flee these things Paul speaks of these temptations and sins as if they were things a person could physically run away from. Alternate translation: “completely avoid these things” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 11 a88g ταῦτα 1 these things This phrase could refer to what Paul has been talking about most recently, or about everything he has been talking about in this section of the letter. Alternate translations: (1) “the love of money” or (2) “false teachings, pride, arguments, and the love of money”
1TI 6 11 zjl3 figs-metaphor δίωκε 1 pursue Paul speaks of righteousness and other good qualities as if they were things that a person could run after and catch. This metaphor is the opposite of “flee from.” It means to try your best to obtain something. Alternate translation: “Seek to acquire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 12 w21p figs-metaphor ἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως 1 Fight the good fight of the faith Here Paul speaks figuratively about a person persevering in following Jesus as if they were a warrior fighting at their best. Alternate translation: “Do your best to obey Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 12 y6m8 figs-metaphor ἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς 1 grasp eternal life Paul speaks figuratively about people wanting eternal life so much that they hold onto it firmly in their hands. Alternate translation: “eagerly desire to live with God forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 12 usd1 figs-activepassive εἰς ἣν ἐκλήθης 1 to which you were called If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “to which God called you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 12 qw96 ὡμολόγησας τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν 1 you confessed the good confession Alternate translation: “you publicly stated your faith in Jesus”
1TI 6 12 vm6q figs-explicit ἐνώπιον πολλῶν μαρτύρων 1 before many witnesses The implication is that Timothy’s statement of his faith was binding because these witnesses were present and could testify that he had made it. In your translation, you can use the expression in your culture for a public, legal commitment. Alternate translation: “while many people were watching” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 13 t476 figs-explicit ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ 1 before God The implication is that Paul is asking God to be his witness that he has given Timothy this command. Alternate translation: “with God as my witness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 13 t477 figs-explicit καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ 1 and Christ Jesus The implication that Paul is also asking Jesus to be his witness. Alternate translation: “and with Christ Jesus…as my witness as well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 13 amy1 figs-explicit τοῦ μαρτυρήσαντος ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πειλάτου τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν 1 the one having testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate Paul is offering Jesus to Timothy as an example of someone who publicly affirmed his obedience to God even when others were hostile and threatening. Alternate translation: “who acknowledged God himself when Pontius Pilate put him on trial” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 14 p9n9 figs-doublet ἄσπιλον ἀνεπίλημπτον 1 spotless, irreproachable The terms **spotless** and **irreproachable** mean similar things thing. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “completely blameless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1TI 6 14 t480 figs-metaphor ἄσπιλον 1 spotless A **spot** figuratively means a moral fault. Possible meanings are (1) Jesus will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong or (2) other people will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong. Alternate translation: “blameless” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 14 nk52 μέχρι τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ 1 until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ Alternate translation: “until our Lord Jesus Christ returns”
1TI 6 15 t482 figs-idiom καιροῖς ἰδίοις 1 in its own times See how you translated this expression in [2:6](../01/32.md). Alternate translation: “at the time that God will choose” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 6 15 ac6y figs-explicit ὁ μακάριος καὶ μόνος Δυνάστης 1 the blessed and only Sovereign This expression refers implicitly to God. Alternate translation: “God, the One we praise, who alone rules over the world” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 16 l9i8 ὁ μόνος ἔχων ἀθανασίαν 1 the One having immortality alone Alternate translation: “the only one who has always existed”
1TI 6 16 t485 figs-nominaladj ὁ μόνος ἔχων ἀθανασίαν 1 the One having immortality alone Paul is using the participle **having**, which functions as adjective, as a noun, to refer to God as a member, though the only member, of a class that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the only one who has always existed and always will exist” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 6 16 t487 figs-gendernotations οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων 1 none of men Paul uses the term **men** here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “no human being” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1TI 6 17 te3z figs-nominaladj τοῖς πλουσίοις 1 the rich Paul is using this adjective as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are rich” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])
1TI 6 17 drj6 ἐπὶ πλούτου ἀδηλότητι 1 in the uncertainty of riches Alternate translation: “in riches, which are so uncertain” or “in wealth, which a person can lose so easily”
1TI 6 17 iq61 figs-hyperbole πάντα πλουσίως εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν 1 all things richly unto enjoyment Paul uses the term **all** here as an exaggeration for emphasis. Alternate translation: “everything we need to be truly happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
1TI 6 18 cii3 figs-metaphor πλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς 1 to be rich in good works Paul speaks figuratively of doing things to help others as if this would make a person wealthy. Alternate translation: “serve and help others in many ways” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 19 zc9d figs-metaphor ἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον 1 storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is coming Paul speaks figuratively about the blessings that God will give to those who have served him faithfully as if they were riches that a person was storing in a safe place. Alternate translation: “securing a good start now on their future life in God’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 19 t493 figs-metaphor ἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον 1 storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is coming Paul also speaks figuratively about the blessings that God will give as if they were the foundation of a building. He means that they will give a person a good start on their new life in the presence of God forever. Alternate translation: “securing a good start now on their future life in God’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 19 t494 figs-idiom εἰς τὸ μέλλον 1 for what is coming In the New Testament, this expression can refer to different things, but in this case it seems to refer to the new life that believers will have in God’s presence after death and the end of history. It is equivalent to the expression “the coming life” in [4:8](../04/08.md). Alternate translation: “their future life in God’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1TI 6 19 z5ru figs-metaphor ἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς 1 so that they may grasp genuine life Paul is using the same image as in the phrase **grasp eternal life** in [6:12](../06/12.md). He is speaking figuratively about people wanting eternal life so much that they hold onto it firmly in their hands. Alternate translation: “so that they can indeed live with God forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 20 u9wd figs-activepassive τὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον 1 guard the entrustment If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “protect what Jesus has put in your care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 20 dd1v figs-explicit τὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον 1 guard the entrustment The implication is that Jesus has entrusted Timothy with the message to proclaim about him. Alternate translation: “protect the message about Jesus that he has put in your care” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1TI 6 20 vgr8 ἐκτρεπόμενος τὰς βεβήλους κενοφωνίας 1 avoiding the godless chatter Alternate translation: “Do not pay attention to the talk of people for whom nothing is sacred”
1TI 6 20 t498 καὶ ἀντιθέσεις 1 and contradictions This could mean that the false teachers are saying things that cannot all be true at the same time, or that they are saying things that are contrary to true Christian belief. Alternate translation: “and the opposing statements”
1TI 6 20 y2u7 figs-activepassive τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως 1 of miscalled knowledge If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “of what some people falsely call knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1TI 6 21 e6rb figs-metaphor τὴν πίστιν ἠστόχησαν 1 have missed the mark regarding the faith See how you translated this expression in [1:6](../01/06.md). Paul speaks of faith in Christ as if it were a target that people should aim at. Alternate translation: “have not fulfilled the purpose of faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1TI 6 21 t501 ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 Grace be with you If it would be clearer in your language, you could say who Paul is wishing to make this happen. Alternate translation: “May God give grace to all of you.”
1TI 6 21 hix2 figs-you ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν 1 Grace be with you The word **you** is plural and refers to Timothy and all the believers at Ephesus. “May God give grace to all of you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
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