1 Timothy 1:10

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 1:10 concludes a list of behaviors and individuals for whom the Law is specifically intended, highlighting moral transgressions that stand in direct opposition to God's righteous standards and the transformative power of the Gospel. This verse underscores the enduring relevance of God's moral framework, not as a means of salvation, but as a revealer of sin, demonstrating what is fundamentally incompatible with the "sound doctrine" that Paul champions for the Christian life and church order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding the proper use of the Law within the Christian community in Ephesus. Following his assertion in [1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good") that "the law is good, if a man use it lawfully," Paul immediately clarifies in [1 Timothy 1:9](/1_timothy/1-9 "1 Timothy 1:9 - The Law for the Lawless") that the Law is "not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient." Verse 10 continues and completes this catalog of those whose actions necessitate the Law's condemnation, providing a stark contrast between unrighteous conduct and the "sound doctrine" that should characterize believers. This list serves to illustrate the types of moral deviations that the Law exposes and addresses, reinforcing the idea that the Law's purpose is to restrain and expose sin, not to justify the already righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering, was a bustling metropolitan center known for its diverse religious practices, philosophical schools, and prevalent immorality. As a major port city, it was a melting pot of cultures, which often brought with it a wide array of ethical challenges and temptations. The specific sins listed in [1 Timothy 1:10](/1_timothy/1-10 "1 Timothy 1:10 - Sins Contrary to Sound Doctrine"), such as sexual immorality, human trafficking ("menstealers"), and perjury, were unfortunately common societal ills in the Greco-Roman world. Paul's emphasis on "sound doctrine" (Greek: _hygiainousē didaskalia_) directly counters the "fables and endless genealogies" ([1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Warning Against False Teachings")) and other false teachings that were infiltrating the Ephesian church, often leading to moral compromise. The Law, in this context, served as a clear ethical standard against the backdrop of a morally ambiguous pagan society and corrupting influences within the church.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in this section of 1 Timothy is the **purpose and proper use of the Law** in the Christian life. Paul emphasizes that while believers are not under the Law for salvation, it remains a divine standard that reveals sin and demonstrates the need for grace. Another prominent theme is **sound doctrine** versus false teaching. The list of sins in [1 Timothy 1:9-10](/1_timothy/1-9-10 "1 Timothy 1:9-10 - The Law's Targets") serves as a practical illustration of what is "contrary to sound doctrine," thereby defining what healthy Christian teaching is _not_. This highlights the inseparable link between **theology and ethics**: true doctrine always leads to righteous living, while false doctrine often results in moral decay. The verse also implicitly touches upon **God's holiness and justice**, as the listed transgressions are presented as affronts to His character and order.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whoremongers (Greek, _pórnos'_):** From a root meaning "to sell," this term refers to a male prostitute or, by extension, any person engaged in illicit sexual activity, a debauchee, or a fornicator. It encompasses a broad range of sexual immorality outside the bounds of God's design for marriage, highlighting a pervasive moral issue in the ancient world and a behavior fundamentally contrary to Christian purity.
* **Them that defile themselves with mankind (Greek, _arsenokoítēs'_):** This compound word, formed from "male" (ἄῤῥην) and "bed" (κοίτη), specifically denotes a male who engages in sexual acts with another male, or a sodomite. Its inclusion highlights the clear biblical condemnation of homosexual practices as contrary to God's created order and the moral law.
* **Menstealers (Greek, _andrapodistḗs'_):** Derived from "man" (ἀνήρ) and "foot" (πούς), this term literally means "one who brings men to his feet," referring to a kidnapper or slave trader. It condemns the heinous act of depriving individuals of their freedom and dignity, underscoring the profound value God places on human life and liberty, and the severity of exploitation.
* **Perjured persons (Greek, _epíorkos'_):** This word, meaning "on oath" but used in a negative sense, describes one who swears falsely or breaks an oath. It points to the grave sin of perjury, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness, integrity, and the sanctity of vows, especially when made before God or in legal contexts.
* **Sound (Greek, _hygiaínō'_):** Meaning "to have sound health" or "to be well," this word is used figuratively here to describe doctrine that is uncorrupt, true, and promotes spiritual health. It implies that true teaching is life-giving and morally wholesome, contrasting sharply with the destructive and unhealthy behaviors listed.
* **Doctrine (Greek, _didaskalía'_):** This term refers to instruction, teaching, or the content of what is taught. In the context of "sound doctrine," it signifies the body of truth revealed by God, which serves as the foundation for Christian belief and practice, and against which all other teachings and behaviors are measured.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind":** This initial clause targets specific forms of sexual sin. "Whoremongers" covers general illicit sexual activity, while "them that defile themselves with mankind" (arsenokoitai) specifically condemns male homosexual acts. This demonstrates God's consistent standard for sexual purity, rooted in His design for human sexuality.
* **"for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons":** This segment continues the enumeration of egregious moral offenses. "Menstealers" highlights the profound sin of human trafficking and enslavement, emphasizing the sanctity of human freedom and dignity. "Liars" and "perjured persons" (those who break oaths or lie under oath) underscore the critical importance of truthfulness and integrity in all human interactions, especially in matters of justice and covenant.
* **"and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine":** This concluding phrase serves as an encompassing statement, indicating that the preceding list is illustrative, not exhaustive. It broadens the scope to include any behavior, attitude, or teaching that fundamentally opposes "sound doctrine" (healthy, wholesome, biblical teaching). This emphasizes that true Christian doctrine is not merely theoretical but has direct ethical implications, promoting righteousness and condemning all forms of ungodliness and injustice.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [1 Timothy 1:10](/1_timothy/1-10 "1 Timothy 1:10 - Sins Contrary to Sound Doctrine") is **Enumeration**, where Paul provides a detailed list of specific sins. This technique serves to concretely illustrate the types of behaviors that are "contrary to sound doctrine," making the abstract concept of "lawlessness" tangible. The repeated use of "for" (implied in the KJV translation, but clearly a linking particle in the Greek) before each category of sinner creates a sense of **Anaphora**, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the Law's condemnation for such actions. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Contrast** by juxtaposing the enumerated sinful behaviors with "sound doctrine," highlighting the fundamental opposition between ungodliness and the truth that leads to spiritual health and righteous living. This contrast underscores the ethical demands of the Gospel and the moral implications of true faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The enumeration of sins in [1 Timothy 1:10](/1_timothy/1-10 "1 Timothy 1:10 - Sins Contrary to Sound Doctrine") is not merely a list of forbidden acts but a theological statement about God's character and the nature of sin. These behaviors are contrary to "sound doctrine" because they fundamentally violate God's holiness, justice, and love. The Law, though not a path to salvation, serves as a mirror reflecting humanity's fallen state and the pervasive nature of sin, thereby pointing to the necessity of God's grace and the redemptive work of Christ. It reveals that true faith in Christ inherently leads to a transformed life that strives for moral purity and integrity, reflecting the character of God. This passage reminds us that while grace covers sin, it does not condone it; rather, it empowers believers to live in accordance with God's righteous standards.

* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Sound Doctrine")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Timothy 1:10 serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian faith is not merely a set of beliefs but a call to a transformed life that aligns with God's holy character. The specific sins listed, while rooted in ancient contexts, represent timeless moral transgressions that continue to plague humanity. For us today, this verse challenges us to examine our own lives and cultures, discerning what truly aligns with "sound doctrine"—that which is healthy, life-giving, and glorifying to God. It calls us to actively resist and repent of any behaviors or attitudes that are contrary to God's revealed will, embracing purity, honesty, and justice. Furthermore, it compels us to uphold biblical ethics in a world that increasingly challenges traditional moral standards, standing firm on the truth of God's Word as the ultimate guide for conduct and belief. Our commitment to sound doctrine must be evident not only in what we affirm with our lips but also in how we live our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the list of sins in 1 Timothy 1:10 challenge my understanding of what is truly "contrary to sound doctrine" in today's world?**
* **In what areas of my life, or in the culture around me, might I be tempted to compromise on God's moral standards?**
* **How can I better align my daily actions and choices with the "sound doctrine" that promotes spiritual health and moral integrity?**
* **What role does the Law, as a revealer of sin, play in my ongoing journey of repentance and reliance on God's grace?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul list these specific sins, and are they still relevant today?**

Answer: Paul lists these specific sins in [1 Timothy 1:9-10](/1_timothy/1-9-10 "1 Timothy 1:9-10 - The Law's Targets") to illustrate the types of behaviors that are fundamentally "contrary to sound doctrine" and for which the Law serves as a condemning standard. These sins—ranging from various forms of sexual immorality and human exploitation to dishonesty and perjury—were prevalent issues in the Greco-Roman world, including Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering. They represent profound violations of God's moral law and human dignity. Yes, these sins are absolutely still relevant today. While cultural expressions may change, the underlying moral principles remain constant. Sexual immorality, human trafficking, lying, and breaking promises continue to be destructive forces in society and are consistently condemned throughout Scripture as antithetical to a life lived in accordance with God's will and the ethics of the Gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 1:10](/1_timothy/1-10 "1 Timothy 1:10 - Sins Contrary to Sound Doctrine") details the Law's condemnation of sin, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in demonstrating humanity's desperate need for a Savior. The Law, through its exposure of sin, acts as a "tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith" ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor")). Jesus Christ, as the embodiment of "sound doctrine" and the perfect fulfillment of the Law ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill its righteous demands on our behalf. He bore the condemnation for the "whoremongers," "menstealers," "liars," and all who are "contrary to sound doctrine," offering forgiveness and new life through His atoning sacrifice ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). Through faith in Him, believers are freed from the Law's curse and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that genuinely reflect "sound doctrine"—lives characterized by love, purity, and truth, which are the very fruit of Christ's transforming work within us ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - Fruit of the Spirit")). Thus, the Law's indictment in this verse ultimately points to the glorious grace and redemptive power found in Christ alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.