1 Timothy 1:5

¶ Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and [of] a good conscience, and [of] faith unfeigned:

Now {G1161} the end {G5056} of the commandment {G3852} is {G2076} charity {G26} out of {G1537} a pure {G2513} heart {G2588}, and {G2532} of a good {G18} conscience {G4893}, and {G2532} of faith {G4102} unfeigned {G505}:

The purpose of this order is to promote love from a clean heart, from a good conscience and from sincere trust.

The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.

But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned:

Commentary

The Apostle Paul, in his first epistle to Timothy, his spiritual son and a leader in the church at Ephesus, pivots from discussing the dangers of false doctrine to articulating the true aim of Christian instruction. In contrast to the "fables and endless genealogies" that lead to endless disputes, this verse beautifully summarizes the authentic purpose of God's 'commandment' or teaching.

Context

Paul is addressing a pressing issue in the early church: the rise of speculative and legalistic teachings that distracted believers from the core tenets of the faith. Timothy, as a young pastor, needed clear guidance on what to prioritize in his ministry. This verse serves as a foundational principle, asserting that the ultimate goal of all divine instruction is not mere intellectual assent or outward conformity, but a profound internal transformation that manifests as genuine love.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The End of the Commandment: The word 'end' here translates the Greek telos (τέλος), which means the goal, purpose, or consummation, not merely cessation. It signifies that the entire body of Christian teaching and the Law's true intent culminate in something far deeper than rules.
  • Charity (Love): The KJV's "charity" is the Greek word agape (ἀγάπη), referring to divine, unconditional, self-sacrificial love. This is not merely human affection but a God-given love that seeks the highest good of others. It is presented as the supreme aim of Christian life and teaching, echoing Paul's emphasis on love in other epistles. As seen in 1 Corinthians 13:13, love is the greatest virtue.
  • Out of a Pure Heart: Genuine love must flow from an internal source that is cleansed and uncorrupted. This speaks to the necessity of inner transformation, where motivations are sincere and not driven by hypocrisy or self-interest. Jesus taught that the pure in heart would see God.
  • And of a Good Conscience: A 'good conscience' implies an awareness of right and wrong that is sensitive to God's will and free from unconfessed sin or willful disobedience. It is a conscience that has been purified by Christ and is actively striving to live in accordance with His commands. Peter links a good conscience to salvation.
  • And of Faith Unfeigned: This refers to faith that is authentic, sincere, and without hypocrisy (Greek: anupokritos - ἀνυπόκριτος). It is a genuine trust in God and His Word, not a superficial or performative belief. This true faith underpins the pure heart and good conscience, providing the foundation for genuine love.

Linguistic Insights

The structure of the verse emphasizes a foundational relationship: agape (love) is the ultimate goal, which springs forth from three interconnected sources: a pure heart, a good conscience, and faith unfeigned. The order suggests a progression from the root (sincere faith) through its internal manifestations (pure heart and good conscience) to its ultimate fruit (love).

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Timothy 1:5 serves as a vital reminder to examine the purpose of our spiritual pursuits. Are we focused on outward religious activity, or are we cultivating an inward transformation that produces genuine love? This verse calls us to:

  • Prioritize Love: Recognize that all Christian teaching and practice should ultimately lead to a deeper love for God and others.
  • Cultivate Inner Purity: Seek a pure heart through repentance and reliance on God's grace, knowing that true love flows from within.
  • Maintain a Clear Conscience: Be diligent in confessing sin and living obediently, allowing our conscience to be a guide for righteous living.
  • Embrace Authentic Faith: Ensure our faith is not merely intellectual or performative, but a deep, sincere trust in Christ that impacts every area of our lives.

This verse encourages a holistic approach to Christian discipleship, where doctrine leads to devotion, and belief results in benevolent action.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 1:19 (19 votes)

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

  • Galatians 5:22 (17 votes)

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • 2 Timothy 2:22 (15 votes)

    ¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

  • Galatians 5:13 (14 votes)

    ¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

  • Galatians 5:14 (14 votes)

    For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

  • 2 Timothy 1:5 (11 votes)

    When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

  • Mark 12:28 (9 votes)

    ¶ And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?