1 Timothy 1:19

KJV

Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

KJV (with Strong's)

Holding {G2192} faith {G4102}, and {G2532} a good {G18} conscience {G4893}; which {G3739} some {G5100} having put away {G683} concerning {G4012} faith {G4102} have made shipwreck {G3489}:

Complete Jewish Bible

armed with trust and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, some have made shipwreck of their trust;

Berean Standard Bible

holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.

American Standard Version

holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul's instruction in 1 Timothy 1:19 serves as a profound warning and an essential guide for Christian living, emphasizing the indispensable connection between maintaining genuine faith and preserving a clear, unburdened conscience. It powerfully illustrates that to abandon one's moral compass is to risk a catastrophic spiritual collapse, akin to a ship foundering at sea, leading to the complete destruction of one's spiritual convictions and relationship with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's opening charge to Timothy, his spiritual son and a leader in the Ephesian church. Paul has just urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus to confront false teachers who were promoting "fables and endless genealogies" ([1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Fables and Genealogies")). The apostle underscores that the "end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned" ([1 Timothy 1:5](/1_timothy/1-5 "1 Timothy 1:5 - The Goal of the Commandment")). Immediately preceding [1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and a Good Conscience"), Paul charges Timothy to "wage a good warfare" ([1 Timothy 1:18](/1_timothy/1-18 "1 Timothy 1:18 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")), framing the Christian life as a spiritual battle. Verse 19 then specifies the crucial spiritual armor required for this warfare: steadfast faith and an uncompromised conscience, contrasting this with the devastating outcome for those who discard them, thereby setting a foundational principle for sound doctrine and godly living within the nascent church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a prominent Roman city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse religious practices, including the worship of Artemis (Diana) and various mystery cults, as well as significant Jewish and Christian communities. This environment was ripe for syncretism and the proliferation of false teachings, which Paul addresses throughout the epistle. The Ephesian church, though established, faced internal challenges from individuals who distorted the law and promoted speculative doctrines, leading to moral decay. In a culture where honor and shame were paramount, the concept of a "good conscience" would have resonated deeply, signifying integrity and moral uprightness. The metaphor of "shipwreck" would have been particularly vivid and understandable to an audience living in a major port city with extensive maritime trade, where the dangers of sea travel were well known.

* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and a Good Conscience") contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it highlights the **interdependence of faith and conscience**. Paul consistently presents genuine faith not merely as intellectual assent but as a holistic commitment that profoundly impacts one's moral and ethical life. A defiled conscience, therefore, can directly undermine and ultimately destroy one's spiritual convictions, as seen in the examples of Hymenaeus and Alexander in [1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Hymenaeus and Alexander"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **peril of apostasy and spiritual ruin**. The "shipwreck" metaphor powerfully conveys the catastrophic consequences of intentionally rejecting moral truth or suppressing the inner voice of conscience, leading to a complete collapse of one's spiritual journey. This theme is echoed in other warnings against falling away from the faith, such as in [Hebrews 6:4-6](/hebrews/6-4-6 "Hebrews 6:4-6 - The Danger of Falling Away"). Finally, it reinforces the **necessity of sound doctrine and godly living**, emphasizing that true faith must be accompanied by a life of integrity, contrasting with the "vain jangling" and "profane and old wives' fables" that Paul warns against throughout [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "The Book of 1 Timothy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holding (Greek, _échō_):** From G2192, a primary verb meaning "to hold," used in various applications including possession, ability, continuity, or condition. In this context, it implies an active, continuous, and deliberate effort to maintain or cling to faith and a good conscience. It's not a passive state but an ongoing spiritual discipline.
* **put away (Greek, _apōthéomai_):** From G683, meaning "to push off" or "to reject." This strong verb indicates an intentional, willful act of thrusting aside or discarding something. It signifies a deliberate rejection of the conscience, rather than a mere lapse or oversight, highlighting the agency and responsibility of those who suffer shipwreck.
* **shipwreck (Greek, _nauagéō_):** From G3489, meaning "to be shipwrecked" (stranded, "navigate"), literally or figuratively. This vivid nautical metaphor, drawn from Paul's own experiences ([2 Corinthians 11:25](/2_corinthians/11-25 "2 Corinthians 11:25 - Paul's Sufferings")), powerfully illustrates the complete and devastating failure of one's faith. It conveys a sense of total destruction and loss, emphasizing the gravity of losing one's spiritual bearings due to a discarded conscience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Holding faith, and a good conscience;":** This initial clause presents two essential, intertwined components for a steadfast Christian life. "Faith" (G4102, _pístis_) refers to genuine trust in God and adherence to Christian truth, while "a good conscience" (G18, _agathós_ + G4893, _syneídēsis_) signifies an inner moral awareness that is clear, unburdened by guilt, and aligned with God's will. The participle "holding" (G2192, _échō_) implies a continuous, active effort to maintain both, suggesting they are not static possessions but require diligent preservation.
* **"which some having put away":** This clause introduces the tragic consequence of neglecting the preceding instruction. The pronoun "which" (G3739, _hós_) refers to "a good conscience," indicating that the act of "putting away" (G683, _apōthéomai_) specifically relates to the conscience. This is a deliberate, willful rejection or thrusting aside of one's moral compass, implying a conscious decision to disregard the inner promptings of right and wrong, or to suppress moral convictions in favor of sinful desires or false doctrines.
* **"concerning faith have made shipwreck:":** This final clause describes the devastating outcome of having "put away" a good conscience. The phrase "concerning faith" (G4012, _perí_ + G4102, _pístis_) clarifies that the "shipwreck" (G3489, _nauagéō_) directly impacts their faith. The nautical metaphor vividly portrays a complete and utter spiritual ruin, where the individual's faith is not merely damaged or weakened but utterly destroyed, analogous to a ship that has foundered and is lost at sea. This implies a total collapse of their spiritual standing and relationship with God, often due to a prior compromise of their moral integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in [1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and a Good Conscience") to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is the **Metaphor** of "shipwreck," which vividly illustrates the catastrophic spiritual failure of those who abandon their conscience. This imagery, drawn from the maritime world familiar to his audience, evokes a sense of total destruction, loss, and irretrievability, far beyond a mere setback. It implies that once the moral compass (conscience) is discarded, the vessel of faith is left adrift and vulnerable to the storms of false doctrine and sin, ultimately leading to its complete collapse. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Juxtaposition** in the verse. Paul contrasts the active, continuous effort of "holding faith and a good conscience" with the passive yet destructive act of "having put away" the conscience, leading to the "shipwreck." This stark contrast highlights the clear choice and its inevitable consequences. The verse also functions as a powerful **Warning** and **Exhortation**, not only describing a potential outcome but also implicitly urging Timothy and, by extension, all believers, to diligently guard both their faith and their moral integrity to avoid such a tragic fate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and a Good Conscience") profoundly underscores the biblical truth that genuine faith is never merely an intellectual assent to doctrine but must be inextricably linked to moral integrity and a responsive conscience. This verse highlights that a defiled or deliberately suppressed conscience can act as a spiritual anchor, dragging one's faith down into ruin. It teaches that the health of one's spiritual life is directly proportional to the purity of one's conscience, which serves as an internal monitor, guiding believers in obedience to God's revealed will. To disregard this inner voice, informed by the Holy Spirit and God's Word, is to invite spiritual disaster, demonstrating that practical godliness is not optional but integral to the preservation of true faith.

* [Romans 13:5](/romans/13-5 "Romans 13:5 - Conscience and Obedience")
* [Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near with a True Heart")
* [1 Peter 3:21](/1_peter/3-21 "1 Peter 3:21 - The Appeal of a Good Conscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and a Good Conscience") serves as a timeless and urgent call for believers to cultivate a vigilant spiritual life, characterized by both robust faith and an active, good conscience. In a world that often blurs moral lines or encourages compromise, this verse reminds us that our inner moral compass is a precious gift, designed to keep us aligned with God's truth. To "put away" our conscience, whether through deliberate sin, rationalization, or a casual disregard for biblical principles, is to dismantle the very navigational system that protects our faith from spiritual storms. This requires not only intellectual understanding of doctrine but also a sensitive heart that is quick to confess sin, repent, and seek reconciliation, thereby preserving the integrity of our faith. We are called to live consistently with our beliefs, allowing our conscience, informed by the Holy Spirit and the Word, to guide our choices and actions, ensuring that our spiritual journey remains on course towards eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to "put away" or suppress the promptings of my conscience?**
* **How can I actively cultivate and maintain a "good conscience" that is sensitive to God's will and quick to respond to conviction?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my actions consistently align with my professed faith, thereby guarding against spiritual "shipwreck"?**
* **How does my understanding of God's grace and forgiveness impact my willingness to confront and cleanse a troubled conscience?**

### FAQ
**Can a true believer really "make shipwreck" of their faith, implying a loss of salvation?**

Answer: The interpretation of "shipwreck" in [1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and a Good Conscience") is a subject of theological debate. Some interpret it as a warning against losing genuine salvation, while others view it as a loss of effective Christian witness, ministry, or a temporary falling away from sound doctrine and practice, without necessarily implying eternal damnation. The passage clearly indicates a devastating spiritual failure, where individuals abandon the core tenets of faith due to a compromised conscience. Paul's subsequent mention of Hymenaeus and Alexander being "delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme" ([1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Hymenaeus and Alexander")) suggests a severe disciplinary action, intended to bring them back to repentance, rather than an irreversible state of damnation. Regardless of one's theological stance on eternal security, the verse serves as a sober warning against the real and present danger of apostasy and the profound consequences of neglecting one's conscience and sound doctrine. It emphasizes the necessity of perseverance and vigilance in the Christian walk.

**What does it mean to have a "good conscience"?**

Answer: A "good conscience" (Greek: _agathos syneidesis_) refers to an inner moral awareness that is clear, unburdened by guilt, and aligned with God's revealed will. It is not merely a feeling but a faculty that judges one's thoughts, words, and actions against a moral standard. For the believer, this standard is God's Word, illuminated by the Holy Spirit. A good conscience is one that is sensitive to sin, quick to convict, and prompts repentance and obedience. It is "good" because it functions as God intended, leading to moral integrity and spiritual health. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing the Conscience") speaks of Christ's blood cleansing our conscience from dead works, enabling us to serve the living God, highlighting that a truly good conscience is one that has been purified by Christ and is continually informed by His truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and a Good Conscience"), while a stern warning, finds its ultimate hope and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that we are first given "faith" – not merely a human effort, but a divine gift that enables us to believe in Him for salvation ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")). Moreover, it is His atoning work on the cross that provides the basis for a "good conscience." Our consciences, naturally defiled by sin, are cleansed and purified not by our own works, but by the precious blood of Christ, who "through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God" ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing the Conscience")). He is the one who bears our sins, removing the guilt that would otherwise burden and corrupt our inner moral compass. Thus, holding faith and a good conscience is not a legalistic burden, but a Spirit-empowered response to the grace received in Christ. He is the anchor for our souls, "both sure and stedfast" ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - The Anchor of Hope")), ensuring that those who truly abide in Him will not make shipwreck of their faith, for He is "able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy" ([Jude/1-24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - Keeping from Falling")). Our perseverance in faith and a good conscience is ultimately sustained by His faithfulness and His finished work.

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 Timothy 3:9

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

Revelation 3:10

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

1 Peter 3:15

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1 Peter 3:16

¶ Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

1 Timothy 6:9

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Titus 1:9

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Hebrews 6:4

For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,