1 Timothy 1:4-6
New English Translation
4 nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies.[a] Such things promote useless speculations rather than God’s redemptive plan[b] that operates by faith. 5 But the aim of our instruction[c] is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.[d] 6 Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion.
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- 1 Timothy 1:4 sn Myths and interminable genealogies. These myths were legendary tales characteristic of the false teachers in Ephesus and Crete. See parallels in 1 Tim 4:7; 2 Tim 4:4; and Titus 1:14. They were perhaps built by speculation from the patriarchal narratives in the OT; hence the connection with genealogies and with wanting to be teachers of the law (v. 7).
- 1 Timothy 1:4 tc A few Western mss (D* latt Ir) read οἰκοδομήν (oikodomēn, “[God’s] edification”) rather than οἰκονομίαν (oikonomian, “[God’s] redemptive plan”), which is read by the earliest and best witnesses.tn More literally, “the administration of God that is by faith.”sn God’s redemptive plan. The basic word (οἰκονομία, oikonomia) denotes the work of a household steward or manager or the arrangement under which he works: “household management.” As a theological term it is used of the order or arrangement by which God brings redemption through Christ (God’s “dispensation, plan of salvation” [Eph 1:10; 3:9]) or of human responsibility to pass on the message of that salvation (“stewardship, commission” [1 Cor 9:17; Eph 3:2; Col 1:25]). Here the former is in view (see the summary of God’s plan in 1 Tim 2:3-6; 2 Tim 1:9-10; Titus 3:4-7), and Paul notes the response people must make to God’s arrangement: It is “in faith” or “by faith.”
- 1 Timothy 1:5 tn Grk “the instruction,” referring to orthodox Christian teaching and ministry in general, in contrast to that of the false teachers mentioned in 1:3-4.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 tn Grk “love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
1 Timothy 1:4-6
New International Version
4 or to devote themselves to myths(A) and endless genealogies.(B) Such things promote controversial speculations(C) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart(D) and a good conscience(E) and a sincere faith.(F) 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.
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