1 Timothy 6:11

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

But {G1161} thou {G4771}, O {G5599} man {G444} of God {G2316}, flee {G5343} these things {G5023}; and {G1161} follow after {G1377} righteousness {G1343}, godliness {G2150}, faith {G4102}, love {G26}, patience {G5281}, meekness {G4236}.

But you, as a man of God, flee from these things; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Commentary on 1 Timothy 6:11 (KJV)

This powerful verse is a direct charge from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, his spiritual son and a leader in the early church. It stands in stark contrast to the warnings given in the preceding verses regarding false teachers, worldly gain, and the dangers of the love of money which is a root of all kinds of evil. Paul calls Timothy, and by extension all believers who seek to live righteously, to actively turn away from such destructive pursuits and earnestly chase after virtues that reflect Christ.

Context

Chapter 6 of 1 Timothy addresses various issues within the Ephesian church, including the behavior of slaves, the dangers of false doctrine motivated by greed, and the destructive nature of the pursuit of wealth. Paul warns against those who think godliness is a means to financial gain and highlights the discontentment and ruin that come from desiring to be rich. Verse 11 marks a pivot point, shifting from the negative examples to a positive exhortation for a true servant of God. The title "man of God" (Greek: anthropos theou) is used elsewhere in scripture to denote a prophet or a servant specially called and equipped by God, emphasizing Timothy's role and the high standard expected of him.

Key Themes

  • Fleeing Worldly Pursuits: The command to "flee these things" is an urgent call to actively escape the temptations and dangers just described, particularly those related to greed and false teaching. It requires decisive action to avoid spiritual shipwreck.
  • Pursuing Godly Virtues: In contrast to fleeing, the believer is commanded to "follow after" or pursue (Greek: dioko, meaning to chase or press on toward a goal) essential spiritual qualities.
  • The Virtues of the Man of God: The verse lists six specific virtues to pursue:
    • Righteousness: Living in conformity to God's moral standard.
    • Godliness: Piety and reverence towards God, lived out in practical devotion.
    • Faith: Trust and reliance upon God and His promises.
    • Love: Specifically agape love, the unconditional, self-sacrificial love characteristic of God.
    • Patience: Endurance (Greek: hypomone) under trial and perseverance in faith.
    • Meekness: Gentleness and humility (Greek: prautes), strength under control.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "flee," pheugo, implies a rapid escape from danger, much like running from an enemy. It’s not a passive avoidance but an active departure. The word for "follow after," dioko, is often translated "pursue" or "press toward," the same word Paul uses to describe his own relentless pursuit of Christlikeness (see Philippians 3:14). This highlights the intentional and active effort required in cultivating these virtues. The list of virtues encompasses both our relationship with God (godliness, faith) and our relationship with others (love, meekness, patience), grounded in a foundation of righteousness.

Reflection

This verse remains highly relevant for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not merely about avoiding sin, but also about actively cultivating positive, Christlike character traits. We are called to make a conscious decision daily to turn away from the world's temptations – whether greed, envy, or other harmful desires – and to instead invest our energy in pursuing virtues that build our relationship with God and enable us to better serve others. This pursuit is a lifelong journey, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we strive to become more like the "man (or woman) of God" Paul describes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 2:22

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

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • 1 Timothy 4:12

    Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

  • Hebrews 12:14

    Follow peace with all [men], and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

  • 2 Peter 1:5

    ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

  • 2 Peter 1:7

    And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

  • Philippians 4:8

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

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