1 Timothy 1:8

KJV

But we know that the law [is] good, if a man use it lawfully;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} we know {G1492} that {G3754} the law {G3551} is good {G2570}, if {G1437} a man {G5100} use {G5530} it {G846} lawfully {G3545};

Complete Jewish Bible

We know that the Torah is good, provided one uses it in the way the Torah itself intends.

Berean Standard Bible

Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.

American Standard Version

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, addressing his young protégé Timothy in Ephesus, provides a vital clarification regarding the Mosaic Law, affirming its inherent goodness and divine origin. This verse serves as a crucial corrective to false teachings prevalent in the early church, emphasizing that the Law's beneficial nature is realized only when it is applied according to its God-intended purpose, rather than being misused for self-justification or as a basis for speculative doctrines.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in Paul’s first letter to Timothy, a pastoral epistle focused on church order, sound doctrine, and combating false teaching in Ephesus. Immediately preceding [1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good"), Paul warns against individuals who "desire to be teachers of the law, though they do not understand either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions" ([1 Timothy 1:7](/1_timothy/1-7 "1 Timothy 1:7 - False Teachers of the Law")). These false teachers were likely misinterpreting or misapplying the Mosaic Law, perhaps using it to promote legalism, Gnostic-like asceticism, or endless genealogies and myths, thereby distracting from the core truths of the gospel. Paul's declaration in [1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good") directly counters their erroneous views by affirming the Law's intrinsic goodness while simultaneously setting a critical condition for its proper use, thereby establishing a foundational principle for understanding the Law's role within Christian theology.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Ephesus, like many nascent Christian communities, faced internal and external pressures. Internally, there was a struggle against various forms of false teaching, including a misguided emphasis on the Law, possibly from Jewish Christians who had not fully grasped the implications of Christ's fulfillment of the Law. This could have manifested as an attempt to impose Jewish dietary laws, circumcision, or other ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law on Gentile converts, or to use the Law as a means of achieving righteousness apart from faith in Christ. Culturally, Ephesus was a major metropolitan center, a melting pot of diverse philosophical and religious ideas, including mystery religions and nascent Gnosticism, which often involved complex mythologies and esoteric knowledge. Paul's instruction to Timothy provides a clear, apostolic standard for doctrine and conduct, steering the Ephesian church away from legalistic distortions and speculative fables towards the simplicity and truth of the gospel.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "The Book of 1 Timothy") and Paul's broader theology. First, it underscores the **divine origin and inherent goodness of the Law**, distinguishing it from the flawed interpretations of human teachers. Paul consistently affirms the Law's holiness, justice, and goodness (e.g., [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy")). Second, it highlights the crucial theme of **proper understanding and application of Scripture**. The Law, though good, is only beneficial when "used lawfully," implying that its purpose must be understood within God's overarching redemptive plan, which culminates in Christ. This contrasts with using the Law as a means of self-justification or as a basis for endless debates, as seen in the false teachers of [1 Timothy 1:7](/1_timothy/1-7 "1 Timothy 1:7 - False Teachers of the Law"). Finally, this verse implicitly reinforces the theme of **salvation by grace through faith**, as the Law's primary function in the New Covenant is to reveal sin and point humanity to the need for a Savior, rather than to provide a path to righteousness (cf. [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor to Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication (in the perfect tense) "to know." Paul's use of "we know" signifies a settled, authoritative understanding of the Law's nature, contrasting with the ignorance and misunderstanding of the false teachers mentioned in [1 Timothy 1:7](/1_timothy/1-7 "1 Timothy 1:7 - False Teachers of the Law"). It implies a deep, experiential knowledge rooted in divine revelation.
* **good (Greek, _kalós'_):** From G2570, meaning "beautiful," but chiefly (figuratively) "good" in a sense of being valuable, virtuous, or morally excellent. This word emphasizes the intrinsic quality of the Law as something inherently right and beneficial, reflecting God's character. It distinguishes the Law's divine nature from any human misuse or distortion.
* **lawfully (Greek, _nomímōs'_):** From G3545, an adverb meaning "legitimately," "according to law," or "properly." This is the crucial qualifier in the verse. It indicates that the Law's goodness is contingent upon its application being consistent with its true purpose and intent within God's redemptive plan. It implies understanding the Law's role not as a means of salvation, but as a revealer of sin and a guide for righteous living for those already in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But we know":** This phrase introduces a strong affirmation, serving as a contrast (indicated by "But," G1161, _dé_) to the confusion and ignorance surrounding the Law among false teachers. Paul, speaking with apostolic authority and theological clarity, asserts a fundamental truth that should be universally acknowledged by believers.
* **"that the law is good":** This is a direct, unequivocal declaration of the Law's intrinsic nature. It is not inherently flawed, evil, or obsolete. As a divine revelation, the Law reflects God's holy, just, and good character. This statement is essential for countering any notion that the Law itself is the problem, thereby shifting the focus to its application.
* **"if a man use it lawfully;":** This is the critical conditional clause that defines the practical reality of the Law's goodness. The Law's positive value is realized only when it is employed "lawfully"—that is, in a manner consistent with its divinely intended purpose. This purpose, in the New Covenant era, is not to provide a path to salvation (which is by grace through faith in Christ) but to expose sin, guide believers in righteous living, and point to the need for a Savior. Misusing the Law, such as attempting to earn righteousness through its observance or imposing its ceremonial aspects on others, negates its good intent.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in [1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good") to convey his message effectively. The most prominent is **Contrast**, particularly evident in the opening "But," which sets Paul's clear, authoritative statement against the confused and ignorant teachings of the false teachers described in the preceding verses. This highlights the distinction between sound doctrine and erroneous understanding. Another key device is the **Conditional Statement** ("if a man use it lawfully"), which establishes a crucial qualification for the Law's goodness. This "if...then" structure (though the "then" is implied) underscores that the Law's inherent goodness is actualized only through proper application, making its utility dependent on human action guided by divine understanding. Finally, there is a strong element of **Affirmation** in "we know that the law is good," a declarative statement that serves to firmly establish a theological truth amidst doctrinal uncertainty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The affirmation of the Law's goodness in [1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good") stands as a cornerstone of Pauline theology, demonstrating a consistent view across his epistles. Paul never disparages the Law itself, but rather its misuse. The Law, being from God, is inherently holy, just, and good, reflecting the very character of its divine Author. Its primary function in the New Covenant is not to provide a path to salvation—for humanity cannot perfectly fulfill its demands—but rather to expose sin, thereby revealing humanity's profound need for God's grace and a Savior. For those who are in Christ, the Law continues to serve as a moral guide, providing a standard for righteous living that is now enabled by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort to earn favor.

* [Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy"): "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."
* [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - Knowledge of Sin by the Law"): "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin."
* [Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor to Christ"): "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good") offers profound insights into our relationship with God's commands. It reminds us that the Law, as an expression of God's character and will, is fundamentally good. We are not saved by keeping the Law, but by grace through faith in Christ. However, this does not mean the Law is irrelevant. Instead, it serves as a divine mirror, revealing our sinfulness and our desperate need for a Savior. For those who have been redeemed, the Law continues to function as a guide for righteous living, showing us what pleases God and how to walk in holiness. We are called to "use it lawfully," meaning we understand its purpose in light of the gospel: it points us to Christ, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, it shapes our lives in conformity to His will. This verse guards against both legalism (trying to earn salvation by rules) and antinomianism (disregarding moral standards because of grace), calling us instead to a Spirit-empowered obedience that flows from a heart transformed by Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "misuse" the Law, either by seeking to earn God's favor through my own efforts or by dismissing its moral authority entirely?**
* **How does understanding the Law's goodness and its proper use deepen my appreciation for God's grace in Christ?**
* **How can the Law serve as a practical guide for my daily life, not as a burden, but as a path to pleasing God?**

### FAQ
**Is the Old Testament Law still relevant for Christians today?**

Answer: Yes, the Old Testament Law remains relevant for Christians, though its application is understood through the lens of Christ's fulfillment. As [1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good") states, "the law is good," reflecting God's holy and righteous character. While believers are not under the Mosaic Law as a system for salvation (which is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ), the Law still serves several vital purposes. It reveals God's moral character, exposes the depth of human sin ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")), and points to our need for a Savior. For those in Christ, the moral principles of the Law continue to guide ethical living, as the Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law (cf. [Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 1:8](/1_timothy/1-8 "1 Timothy 1:8 - The Law is Good") finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The Law is "good" because it perfectly reflects the holy character of God, and Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of that holiness. He did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly obeying every command and satisfying its righteous demands on humanity's behalf. Furthermore, Jesus is the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")), meaning that the Law's purpose of revealing sin and pointing to a need for righteousness finds its ultimate conclusion and provision in Him. When Paul speaks of using the Law "lawfully," he implicitly points to its proper application within the context of God's redemptive plan, a plan centered entirely on Christ. The Law, therefore, serves as a "tutor" or "schoolmaster" to lead us to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Tutor to Christ")), demonstrating our inability to achieve righteousness on our own and highlighting our desperate need for His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice. For believers, the Law's righteous requirements are now fulfilled in us, not by our own efforts, but as we "walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Walking According to the Spirit")), whose work in us conforms us to the image of Christ, the Law's perfect fulfillment.

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

Romans 7:12

Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Romans 7:13

Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.

Psalms 19:10

More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Romans 7:16

If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good.

2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also strive for masteries, [yet] is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

Galatians 3:21

[Is] the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.