1 Timothy 1:10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

For whoremongers {G4205}, for them that defile themselves with mankind {G733}, for menstealers {G405}, for liars {G5583}, for perjured persons {G1965}, and {G2532} if there be any {G1536} other thing {G2087} that is contrary {G480} to sound {G5198} doctrine {G1319};

the sexually immoral — both heterosexual and homosexual — slave dealers, liars, perjurers, and anyone who acts contrary to the sound teaching

for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching

for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for menstealers, for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine;

1 Timothy 1:10 (KJV) lists specific categories of people for whom the Law is intended, underscoring behaviors that are fundamentally contrary to God's moral standards and the "sound doctrine" of the Christian faith. This verse serves as a stark reminder of the ethical framework that biblical teaching upholds.

Context of 1 Timothy 1:10

This verse is part of Paul's instructions to Timothy, a young church leader in Ephesus, regarding the challenges posed by false teachers. In 1 Timothy 1:8, Paul clarifies that the Law is good if used lawfully, and then in 1 Timothy 1:9, he states that the Law is not made for righteous people but for the lawless and disobedient. Verse 10 continues this list of those whose actions necessitate the Law's condemnation, highlighting severe moral transgressions that undermine societal and spiritual order.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Purpose of the Law: The Law reveals sin and identifies those who practice it, acting as a divine standard against which human behavior is measured. It exposes moral corruption and unrighteousness, leading to a recognition of the need for God's grace.
  • Moral Purity and Integrity: The specific sins listed—sexual immorality, homosexual acts, human trafficking, dishonesty, and perjury—underscore God's unwavering commitment to purity, truth, and justice. These acts are presented as antithetical to a life lived in accordance with God's will and are contrary to Christian conduct.
  • Contrast with Sound Doctrine: The phrase "if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine" serves as an encompassing statement. It indicates that the behaviors listed (and similar ones) are fundamentally opposed to healthy, life-giving biblical teaching. Sound doctrine (Greek: hygiainousē didaskalia, meaning "healthy teaching") promotes spiritual health and moral integrity, while these sins lead to spiritual decay and moral compromise.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Whoremongers" (Greek: pornoi): This term refers broadly to those engaged in sexual immorality, including prostitution or promiscuity. It encompasses various forms of illicit sexual activity.
  • "Them that defile themselves with mankind" (Greek: arsenokoitai): This specific term denotes male homosexual acts, condemning sexual relations between men as contrary to God's design and biblical ethics.
  • "Menstealers" (Greek: andrapodistas): This refers to kidnappers or slave traders, highlighting the grave sin of depriving others of their freedom and dignity for profit. This was a severe crime in the ancient world and remains a profound violation of human rights today.
  • "Perjured persons" (Greek: epiorkous): This describes those who break oaths, lie under oath, or commit perjury, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness and integrity, especially in legal or covenantal contexts. It underscores the seriousness of dishonesty and false witness.

Practical Application

1 Timothy 1:10 reminds believers that God's moral standards are eternal and unchanging. It calls us to:

  • Uphold Biblical Ethics: To live a life that reflects God's righteousness, actively avoiding the grave sins listed and any behavior contrary to biblical truth. This involves a commitment to purity, honesty, and respect for human life and dignity.
  • Discern Sound Doctrine: To recognize that true Christian teaching will always lead to moral uprightness and condemn practices that violate God's law. We must be vigilant against false teachers who might condone such behaviors.
  • Live with Integrity: To be truthful in our words and actions, understanding the seriousness of dishonesty and broken promises before God and others. Our character should reflect the integrity of the Gospel.
This verse emphasizes that while God's grace abounds for the repentant sinner, His Law continues to define sin and call humanity to a higher standard of conduct and a life aligned with His divine will.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    ¶ Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

  • 1 Corinthians 6:10

    Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

  • Leviticus 18:22

    Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it [is] abomination.

  • Romans 1:26

    For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

  • Galatians 5:19

    Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

  • Galatians 5:21

    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

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