1 Timothy 1:20

KJV

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of whom {G3739} is {G2076} Hymenaeus {G5211} and {G2532} Alexander {G223}; whom {G3739} I have delivered {G3860} unto Satan {G4567}, that {G2443} they may learn {G3811} not {G3361} to blaspheme {G987}.

Complete Jewish Bible

among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I have turned them over to the Adversary, so that they will learn not to insult God.

Berean Standard Bible

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

American Standard Version

of whom is Hymenæus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's severe apostolic discipline of Hymenaeus and Alexander, two individuals who had evidently strayed from sound doctrine and a good conscience. By "delivering them unto Satan," Paul initiated an extraordinary measure of church discipline, not for their eternal condemnation, but with the explicit redemptive purpose that this harsh experience would lead them to learn not to blaspheme against God or His truth. This act underscores the gravity of doctrinal error and the church's responsibility to maintain purity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's initial charge to Timothy regarding the preservation of sound doctrine in Ephesus. Following his exhortation to Timothy to "wage the good warfare" ([1 Timothy 1:18](/1_timothy/1-18 "1 Timothy 1:18 - Timothy's Charge to Wage Good Warfare")), Paul immediately highlights the importance of holding "faith, and a good conscience" ([1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - Holding Faith and Good Conscience")). He warns that some, by rejecting a good conscience, have "made shipwreck concerning the faith" ([1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - The Danger of Shipwrecked Faith")). [1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Paul's Discipline of Hymenaeus and Alexander") then provides concrete examples of such individuals, Hymenaeus and Alexander, illustrating the severe consequences of such spiritual shipwreck and the drastic measures Paul, as an apostle, was willing to take to safeguard the integrity of the church and its message. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent instructions on church order and conduct in the rest of the letter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus, where Timothy was ministering, was a major metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia, known for its diverse religious practices, including the widespread worship of Artemis. The early Christian community there faced significant challenges from both external pagan influences and internal doctrinal deviations. False teachers, often blending Christian concepts with Gnostic ideas or Jewish legalism, posed a constant threat to the nascent church's purity. In this environment, Paul's apostolic authority was crucial for establishing and maintaining order. The concept of "delivering to Satan" would have resonated with both Jewish traditions of excommunication (being cut off from the covenant community, thereby exposed to external dangers) and the broader ancient understanding of spiritual spheres. It implies a removal from the protective sphere of God's people and a handing over to the realm where Satan's influence might be more directly experienced, often with the intent of physical or spiritual affliction to bring about repentance.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it underscores the **gravity of false teaching and blasphemy**, demonstrating that such deviations from truth are not minor issues but warrant severe intervention. Hymenaeus, for instance, is later identified in [2 Timothy 2:17-18](/2_timothy/2-17-18 "2 Timothy 2:17-18 - Hymenaeus and Philetus' False Teaching") as one who taught that "the resurrection is past already," a significant theological error that undermined the hope of believers. Secondly, it highlights the **necessity and purpose of church discipline**, even in its most severe forms. While seemingly harsh, the explicit goal is corrective and redemptive ("that they may learn not to blaspheme"), aiming for the restoration of the individual and the protection of the community. This aligns with Paul's broader teaching on discipline found in passages like [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Dealing with Immorality in the Church"). Thirdly, it affirms **apostolic authority** as a divinely entrusted power to protect the church from internal corruption and to preserve the integrity of the Gospel, reflecting Paul's commitment to the purity of the faith he preached (e.g., [Galatians 1:8-9](/galatians/1-8-9 "Galatians 1:8-9 - Warning Against False Gospels")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb (G3860) means "to surrender, i.e. yield up, intrust, transmit." In this context, it signifies Paul's authoritative act of handing over Hymenaeus and Alexander from the protective sphere of the church's fellowship and God's direct blessing into the realm of Satan's influence. It is a formal, deliberate act of excommunication and removal from the community, not merely a passive allowing.
* **Satan (Greek, _Satanâs'_):** This noun (G4567), of Chaldean origin, means "the accuser, i.e. the devil." It refers to the chief adversary of God and humanity. To be delivered to Satan means to be exposed to his direct influence, potentially through physical affliction or spiritual distress, outside the spiritual protection afforded by the church community, with the specific intent of bringing about a corrective outcome.
* **blaspheme (Greek, _blasphēméō'_):** This verb (G987) means "to vilify; specially, to speak impiously." In this context, it refers to speaking evil against God, Christ, or the Christian faith, likely through the propagation of false doctrine, slander against spiritual truths, or conduct that dishonored the Gospel. The purpose of the discipline was to teach them to cease this destructive behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander;":** This clause directly identifies two specific individuals who are examples of those who have "made shipwreck concerning the faith" ([1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - The Consequences of Abandoning Faith")). Their naming makes the warning concrete and personal, indicating their prominent role in causing spiritual harm. Hymenaeus is later mentioned in [2 Timothy 2:17-18](/2_timothy/2-17-18 "2 Timothy 2:17-18 - Hymenaeus and Philetus' False Teaching") for teaching a false resurrection, while Alexander might be the coppersmith who opposed Paul ([2 Timothy 4:14](/2_timothy/4-14 "2 Timothy 4:14 - Alexander the Coppersmith")).
* **"whom I have delivered unto Satan,":** This is the core of Paul's disciplinary action. The perfect tense "I have delivered" (paradídōmi) indicates a completed action with ongoing results. This phrase signifies an act of excommunication, removing them from the fellowship and protective sphere of the church and, by extension, from the direct blessing and protection of God that accompanies His people. It is a handing over to the realm of Satan's influence, where they might experience hardship, affliction, or spiritual distress designed to humble them and bring about repentance. This is not a condemnation to eternal damnation but a severe, temporary measure.
* **"that they may learn not to blaspheme.":** This final clause explicitly states the redemptive and corrective purpose of the severe discipline. The Greek word _hína_ (G2443, "in order that") clearly indicates the intent. The aim is not merely punishment but pedagogical: "that they may learn" (paideúō, G3811, "to train up a child, i.e. educate, or discipline by punishment"). The desired outcome is a cessation of their blasphemous speech or teaching, leading to repentance and a return to sound doctrine and conduct.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metonymy** or **synecdoche** is evident in the phrase "delivered unto Satan," where the act of being handed over to the sphere of Satan's influence stands for the broader concept of excommunication and removal from divine protection, often implying a consequence of physical or spiritual affliction. This vivid imagery emphasizes the severity and spiritual gravity of their offense. The verse also functions as a stark example of **Didacticism**, serving as a direct lesson for Timothy and the early church about the consequences of doctrinal deviation and the necessity of firm, albeit redemptive, discipline. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between the "good warfare" and "good conscience" Paul advocates for and the "blasphemy" practiced by Hymenaeus and Alexander, highlighting the spiritual battle for truth and purity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Paul's Discipline of Hymenaeus and Alexander") offers profound theological insights into the nature of God's justice, the purpose of church discipline, and the reality of spiritual warfare. It reveals that God, through His apostles and the church, exercises authority not only to bless and build up but also to correct and, if necessary, to severely discipline those who undermine His truth. This discipline, though harsh, is fundamentally redemptive, demonstrating God's desire for repentance and restoration rather than mere punishment. It underscores that the purity of doctrine and conduct within the church is paramount, reflecting God's holy character. The act of "delivering unto Satan" also highlights the spiritual battle believers are engaged in, acknowledging Satan's sphere of influence while simultaneously asserting God's ultimate sovereignty over it, even using the adversary's realm for His own corrective purposes.

* [1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Delivering to Satan for Restoration")
* [Matthew 18:15-18](/matthew/18-15-18 "Matthew 18:15-18 - Principles of Church Discipline")
* [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline for Our Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific apostolic authority to "deliver unto Satan" is unique to the apostles and not directly replicable by modern church leaders, the underlying principles of [1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Paul's Discipline of Hymenaeus and Alexander") remain profoundly relevant for the church today. This verse serves as a sober reminder of the vital importance of guarding sound doctrine and maintaining a good conscience. It challenges believers to take seriously the spiritual implications of their beliefs and actions, recognizing that deviation from truth can have severe consequences, not only for themselves but for the wider community. For church leaders, it emphasizes the solemn responsibility to protect the flock from false teaching and unrepentant sin, exercising discipline (as outlined in passages like [Matthew 18:15-20](/matthew/18-15-20 "Matthew 18:15-20 - Church Discipline")) with discernment, love, and the ultimate goal of restoration. It also calls individual believers to cultivate a deep reverence for God's truth, to be discerning about what they hear and believe, and to live lives that honor Christ and do not blaspheme His holy name.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take the purity of doctrine in my own life and in the church community I belong to?**
* **What is my understanding of healthy church accountability and discipline, and how does it align with the biblical purpose of restoration?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "blaspheme" or speak evil, either directly or indirectly, against God's truth, His character, or His people?**

### FAQ

**What does "delivered unto Satan" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Delivered unto Satan" is a severe form of church discipline, signifying excommunication. It means removing an individual from the protective spiritual sphere of the church community and, by extension, from the direct blessing and protection of God that accompanies His people. This act exposes them to the realm of Satan's influence, potentially leading to physical affliction, spiritual distress, or other hardships. Crucially, as seen in [1 Corinthians 5:5](/1_corinthians/5-5 "1 Corinthians 5:5 - Purpose of Delivering to Satan"), the purpose of this discipline is not eternal damnation but a corrective and redemptive one: that the individual might be humbled, repent, and ultimately be saved or learn to cease their harmful behavior.

**Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander?**

Answer: Hymenaeus and Alexander were individuals in the Ephesian church who had evidently caused significant spiritual harm through their false teachings or blasphemous actions. Hymenaeus is specifically mentioned again in [2 Timothy 2:17-18](/2_timothy/2-17-18 "2 Timothy 2:17-18 - Hymenaeus and Philetus' False Teaching") as one who taught that "the resurrection is past already," a serious deviation from core Christian doctrine that "overthrows the faith of some." Alexander is likely the "Alexander the coppersmith" mentioned in [2 Timothy 4:14](/2_timothy/4-14 "2 Timothy 4:14 - Alexander the Coppersmith") who "did me much harm," indicating a continued pattern of opposition to Paul and the Gospel. They represent concrete examples of those who "made shipwreck concerning the faith" ([1 Timothy 1:19](/1_timothy/1-19 "1 Timothy 1:19 - The Danger of Shipwrecked Faith")).

**Is this type of discipline still practiced today?**

Answer: While the specific apostolic act of "delivering unto Satan" with its immediate, direct consequences was unique to Paul's authority as an apostle, the *principles* of church discipline remain valid and essential for the health and purity of the church. Churches today practice forms of discipline, such as admonition, rebuke, and, in severe cases of unrepentant sin or persistent false teaching, excommunication (removal from fellowship). The goal, as in [1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Paul's Discipline of Hymenaeus and Alexander"), is always redemptive: to bring the erring individual to repentance, protect the congregation from harmful influences, and uphold the honor of Christ's name. Biblical guidelines for church discipline are found in passages like [Matthew 18:15-20](/matthew/18-15-20 "Matthew 18:15-20 - Principles of Church Discipline") and [1 Corinthians 5](/1_corinthians/5 "1 Corinthians 5 - Dealing with Immorality in the Church").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "1 Timothy 1:20 - Paul's Discipline of Hymenaeus and Alexander"), though a stark account of apostolic discipline, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Firstly, Jesus Christ is the **Head of the Church** ([Ephesians 5:23](/ephesians/5-23 "Ephesians 5:23 - Christ as Head of the Church")), and Paul's actions are an exercise of authority delegated by Him to maintain the purity of His body. Christ Himself taught on church discipline in [Matthew 18:15-20](/matthew/18-15-20 "Matthew 18:15-20 - Principles of Church Discipline"), emphasizing the seriousness of sin within the community and the need for reconciliation. Secondly, the redemptive purpose of this discipline—"that they may learn not to blaspheme"—echoes Christ's own mission to **seek and save the lost** ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")) and His desire for repentance ([Luke 5:32](/luke/5-32 "Luke 5:32 - Jesus Came to Call Sinners to Repentance")). Even severe discipline is a means, under God's sovereign hand, to bring about a change of heart, demonstrating that God's justice is always intertwined with His mercy and desire for restoration. Thirdly, Christ's ultimate victory over Satan ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")) means that even when individuals are "delivered unto Satan," it is within the bounds of God's sovereign control, serving His ultimate purpose. This passage, therefore, points to Christ as the one who guards His church, purifies His people, and ultimately triumphs over all forms of evil and false teaching, ensuring that His bride will be presented to Him "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing" ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ's Love for the Church and Her Purity")).

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 5:4

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 5:5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:17

And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

1 Corinthians 11:32

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

2 Thessalonians 3:15

Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Acts 19:33

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.