1 Timothy 4:3

KJV

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

KJV (with Strong's)

Forbidding {G2967} to marry {G1060}, and commanding to abstain from {G567} meats {G1033}, which {G3739} God {G2316} hath created {G2936} to {G1519} be received {G3336} with {G3326} thanksgiving {G2169} of them which believe {G4103} and {G2532} know {G1921} the truth {G225}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods which God created to be eaten with thanksgiving by those who have come to trust and to know the truth.

Berean Standard Bible

They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

American Standard Version

forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Timothy 4:3, Paul warns against false teachers who will arise in the latter times, characterized by their prohibition of marriage and their command to abstain from certain foods. He emphatically states that these practices contradict God's design, as God created both marriage and food to be received with gratitude by those who believe in and understand the truth of the Gospel. This verse serves as a foundational text against ascetic legalism and for the affirmation of God's good creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's prophetic warning to Timothy regarding the apostasy that will occur "in the latter times" ([1 Timothy 4:1](/1_timothy/4-1 "The Spirit's Warning")). Paul identifies the source of these false teachings as "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" ([1 Timothy 4:1](/1_timothy/4-1 "The Spirit's Warning")), propagated by hypocritical liars whose consciences are seared ([1 Timothy 4:2](/1_timothy/4-2 "Seared Consciences")). Verse 3 then provides concrete examples of these deceptive doctrines, specifically targeting two areas of life: marriage and diet. This immediate context sets up a stark contrast between the freedom and truth of the Gospel and the restrictive, unbiblical regulations imposed by these false teachers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The specific prohibitions mentioned in [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings") reflect common ascetic tendencies prevalent in the Greco-Roman world and in various emerging religious movements, including early forms of Gnosticism. These philosophies often posited a dualistic worldview, viewing the material world (including the body, marriage, and physical sustenance) as inherently evil or inferior, while the spiritual realm was considered good. Consequently, adherents sought to achieve spiritual purity through severe self-denial and abstinence from physical pleasures. While not fully developed Gnosticism at this stage, the "doctrines of devils" Paul refers to likely included proto-Gnostic ideas or similar syncretistic beliefs that blended pagan philosophy with distorted Christian teachings, leading to legalistic practices.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings") contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **False Doctrine and Legalism**, highlighting how human-made rules can supplant God's revealed will and lead believers astray from genuine faith in Christ. Secondly, it powerfully affirms the **Goodness of God's Creation**, echoing the Genesis account where God declared everything He made "very good" ([Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "God's Creation is Very Good")). Paul argues that marriage and food are divine gifts, not hindrances to spirituality. Thirdly, the verse champions **Christian Liberty and Thanksgiving**, emphasizing that believers, who "know the truth," are free to enjoy God's provisions with gratitude, rather than being bound by joyless, unbiblical restrictions. This contrasts sharply with the burdensome yokes imposed by false teachers, promoting a spirit of joy and thankfulness in Christ ([Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray With Thanksgiving")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forbidding (Greek, _kōlýō'_):** This word signifies to "estop," "prevent," or "hinder," often by word or act. In this context, it denotes an active prohibition, not merely a recommendation or preference. The false teachers were not simply encouraging celibacy or dietary choices but were imposing them as mandatory requirements, thereby hindering believers from exercising their God-given freedom and enjoying His good gifts.
* **Meats (Greek, _brōma'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to eat," this term refers broadly to "food" or "victuals," especially in a ceremonial sense, distinguishing between articles allowed or forbidden by law. Here, it indicates specific types of food from which abstinence was commanded, rather than a general prohibition on all eating. This points to dietary regulations similar to Old Testament laws or pagan cultic practices, which these false teachers were inappropriately imposing on New Covenant believers.
* **Thanksgiving (Greek, _eucharistía'_):** This word denotes "gratitude" or "grateful language," particularly as an act of worship directed towards God. Its inclusion is crucial, emphasizing that the proper response to God's creation is not ascetic denial but joyful and grateful reception. It highlights the spiritual posture of a true believer who acknowledges God as the benevolent Giver of all good things.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Forbidding to marry":** This clause identifies the first specific false teaching: the mandatory prohibition of marriage. This was a direct contradiction to God's institution of marriage from creation ([Genesis 2:18-24](/genesis/2-18-24 "The Institution of Marriage")) and its affirmation throughout Scripture as a good and honorable estate ([Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable")). The false teachers elevated celibacy to a universal requirement, particularly for spiritual leaders or those seeking higher spiritual standing, thereby undermining a divinely ordained relationship.
* **"and commanding to abstain from meats":** The second specific false teaching involves mandatory abstinence from certain foods. This points to legalistic dietary restrictions that were not part of the New Covenant's freedom in Christ. While Old Testament law had dietary regulations, the New Testament teaches that all foods are clean when received with thanksgiving ([Romans 14:14](/romans/14-14 "All Food is Clean"), [Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")). This command to abstain imposed an unnecessary burden and often stemmed from a dualistic view that physical matter was inherently evil.
* **"which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving":** This is Paul's theological counter-argument. He asserts the divine origin and purpose of both marriage and food. God, as the Creator, made these things not for denial but for reception. The phrase "with thanksgiving" is key, indicating that the proper Christian response to God's provisions is one of gratitude and joyful acceptance, transforming ordinary acts into spiritual worship.
* **"of them which believe and know the truth":** This final phrase identifies the recipients of God's good creation and the ones who understand its proper use. "Them which believe" refers to those who have placed their faith in Christ, while "know the truth" implies a spiritual discernment rooted in the Gospel. True believers, enlightened by God's truth, understand that genuine spirituality is not found in ascetic self-denial but in gratefully enjoying God's good gifts within the bounds of His will.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message in [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings"). A prominent device is **Antithesis**, directly contrasting the false teachers' prohibitions ("forbidding to marry," "commanding to abstain from meats") with God's benevolent design ("which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving"). This stark opposition highlights the ungodly nature of the false doctrines. There is also an element of **Theological Affirmation**, as Paul grounds his argument in the very act of creation ("God hath created"), appealing to a foundational biblical truth to refute the error. The phrase "know the truth" also implies **Epistemological Contrast**, distinguishing between those who are deceived by false doctrines and those who possess genuine understanding, rooted in divine revelation rather than human tradition or philosophy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings") serves as a vital theological safeguard against legalism and Gnostic tendencies that seek to diminish the goodness of God's material creation. It underscores the biblical principle that true spirituality is not achieved through self-imposed asceticism or adherence to human traditions, but through faith in Christ and a grateful reception of all that God has provided. This verse stands as a testament to the holistic nature of biblical faith, affirming that God's redemptive work extends to every aspect of life, including the physical, and that His creation is inherently good, designed for humanity's blessing and His glory. The problem lies not with the created things themselves, but with a distorted understanding of God's will and the nature of true holiness.

* [Colossians 2:16-23](/colossians/2-16-23 "Freedom from Legalism") – Paul warns against those who judge others regarding food, drink, festivals, and self-made religion, which have "an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed worship and humility and ascetic severity to the body, but are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh."
* [Romans 14:1-6](/romans/14-1-6 "Conscience and Christian Liberty") – Paul discusses liberty concerning food and days, emphasizing that believers should not judge one another on such matters, as each person should be fully convinced in their own mind and act to the Lord.
* [Genesis 1:31](/genesis/1-31 "God's Creation is Very Good") – After creating everything, "God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good." This foundational truth affirms the inherent goodness of the material world, including marriage and food.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings") remains a powerful and relevant warning against any form of legalism or unbiblical asceticism that attempts to add human-made rules as requirements for spiritual growth or acceptance before God. We are called to exercise discernment, carefully evaluating teachings that impose burdens not found in Scripture, especially those that demonize aspects of God's good creation, such as marriage, family, or the enjoyment of food and other physical blessings. Instead of a spirit of deprivation, this verse encourages a spirit of profound gratitude, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from our benevolent Creator. Our spiritual maturity is not measured by what we abstain from, but by how we receive and steward God's provisions with a thankful heart, living in the freedom and truth of the Gospel. It reminds us that true holiness is found in Christ, not in external regulations, and that a joyful, grateful heart is a hallmark of genuine faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might modern Christian culture subtly promote forms of legalism or asceticism that contradict the spirit of [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings")?**
* **How does a spirit of thanksgiving for God's creation, as encouraged by Paul, protect us from falling into unbiblical restrictions or a dualistic view of the material world?**
* **What does it mean to "know the truth" in the context of receiving God's gifts, and how can we grow in this discernment?**
* **How can we celebrate God's good gifts, like marriage and food, responsibly and with gratitude, without indulging in excess or idolatry?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse condemn celibacy or fasting?**

Answer: No, [1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings") does not condemn celibacy or fasting in themselves. Paul himself practiced celibacy for the sake of ministry ([1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "Paul's Gift of Singleness")), and Jesus taught about fasting ([Matthew 6:16-18](/matthew/6-16-18 "Jesus on Fasting")). The issue addressed here is the *prohibition* or *commanding* of these practices as a universal, mandatory requirement for all believers or as a means of achieving spiritual superiority. The false teachers were imposing these as legalistic rules, denying the freedom and goodness of God's creation. The verse condemns the forced abstinence and the false teaching behind it, not the voluntary and Spirit-led practice of celibacy or fasting for specific spiritual purposes, which are to be undertaken with the right heart and motive.

**What "meats" (foods) are being referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The term "meats" (Greek: _brōma_) here refers to food in general, but specifically to certain types of food that the false teachers were commanding abstinence from. This likely included foods deemed "unclean" under Old Testament dietary laws or those associated with pagan sacrifices, which some early Christians struggled with ([Acts 15:29](/acts/15-29 "Apostolic Decree on Food")). Paul's point is not about the specific food items but about the imposition of such dietary restrictions as a spiritual requirement. He asserts that God created all food to be received with thanksgiving by believers, implying that such distinctions are no longer binding under the New Covenant, as Christ declared all foods clean ([Mark 7:19](/mark/7-19 "Jesus Declares All Foods Clean")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 4:3](/1_timothy/4-3 "Paul's Warning Against False Teachings") finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the embodiment of truth and the liberator from legalism. The false teachers' prohibitions on marriage and certain foods represent a distortion of God's good creation and an attempt to earn righteousness through human effort, a system from which Christ has set us free. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, perfectly fulfilled the Law and inaugurated a new covenant of grace, where believers are no longer bound by external regulations but by the Spirit's leading and the truth of the Gospel ([Romans 8:2](/romans/8-2 "Freedom from the Law of Sin and Death")). He is the one through whom "all things were created" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Christ as Creator")), affirming the inherent goodness of creation, including marriage and food, as gifts to be received with thanksgiving. Our freedom to enjoy these gifts responsibly is a direct result of Christ's work, which frees us from the "elementary principles of the world" ([Colossians 2:20](/colossians/2-20 "Dead to the World's Principles")) and empowers us to live lives of grateful obedience, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessings. In Christ, we "know the truth" that God's kingdom is not about "eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "The Kingdom of God")).

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 4:4

For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Romans 14:6

He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

1 Corinthians 8:8

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse.

Genesis 9:3

Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.

1 Corinthians 10:30

For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.