1 Timothy 6:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Timothy 6:11 delivers a profound and urgent charge from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, serving as a pivotal call for all believers to decisively turn away from the corrupting influences of the world and, with equal fervor, to actively pursue a life characterized by Christ-like virtues. This verse stands in sharp contrast to the preceding warnings against false teaching, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the spiritual dangers inherent in the love of money, redirecting the "man of God" toward a path of spiritual integrity and unwavering devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a crucial transition within Paul's letter to Timothy. The preceding verses (1 Timothy 6:3-10) are filled with stern warnings against false teachers who peddle godliness for financial gain, highlighting the destructive nature of avarice and the spiritual shipwreck it causes. Paul explicitly states that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")). Against this backdrop of spiritual peril and worldly entanglement, [1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - The Man of God's Pursuit") pivots sharply, shifting from negative warnings to a direct, positive exhortation for Timothy and, by extension, for all who aspire to godly leadership and living. The imperative "But thou, O man of God, flee these things" serves as a powerful antithesis to the corrupt practices just described, setting the stage for the subsequent list of virtues to be pursued.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was stationed in Ephesus, a prominent Roman city known for its wealth, diverse religious practices, and significant philosophical schools. This environment presented unique challenges to the nascent Christian community, including the infiltration of false doctrines and the temptation of materialism. Paul's letters to Timothy (1 & 2 Timothy) are pastoral epistles, providing guidance for church leadership and addressing specific issues within the Ephesian church. The designation "man of God" (Greek: _anthropos theou_) is a significant title, historically applied to prophets and special servants of God in the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 33:1](/deuteronomy/33-1 "Deuteronomy 33:1 - Moses, the Man of God"); [1 Samuel 2:27](/1_samuel/2-27 "1 Samuel 2:27 - A Man of God Sent to Eli")). By applying this title to Timothy, Paul underscores Timothy's divine calling, his prophetic and pastoral authority, and the high standard of conduct and character expected of him as a leader in a challenging spiritual landscape. This title elevates the instruction from a personal admonition to a universal principle for anyone dedicated to God's service.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - The Man of God's Pursuit") is the **radical call to spiritual distinction**. It encapsulates the tension between the world's values and God's kingdom, urging believers to make a clear break from the former and an active commitment to the latter. This distinction is articulated through two primary sub-themes: **decisive renunciation** and **diligent pursuit**. The command to "flee these things" (referring to the love of money, empty disputes, and corrupt gain mentioned in [1 Timothy 6:3-10](/1_timothy/6-3-10 "1 Timothy 6:3-10 - Warnings Against False Teachers and Greed")) emphasizes the necessity of an urgent and active withdrawal from spiritual dangers. Conversely, the exhortation to "follow after" a specific list of virtues highlights the proactive and intentional cultivation of Christ-like character. This dual emphasis underscores that Christian living is not merely about avoiding evil but vigorously embracing and embodying righteousness, godliness, and other essential spiritual qualities that reflect God's nature and purpose for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flee (Greek, _pheúgō_):** This verb signifies to "run away" or "escape" from danger, implying an urgent and decisive departure. It's not a passive avoidance but an active, rapid movement away from something harmful. In this context, it denotes a complete and immediate disengagement from the corrupting influences of worldly desires and false teachings that Paul has just described.
* **follow after (Greek, _diṓkō_):** In stark contrast to "flee," this word means "to pursue" or "press forward toward a goal." While it can sometimes mean "to persecute," here it is used in a positive sense, indicating an earnest, diligent, and intentional chase or pursuit. It conveys the idea of striving with great effort and determination to attain something. Paul uses this same word to describe his own relentless pursuit of Christlikeness in [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Philippians 3:12-14 - Pressing Toward the Goal").
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē_):** This term refers to "equity of character or act," specifically "Christian justification." It encompasses conformity to God's moral standard, both in one's inner disposition and outward conduct. It is about living justly and righteously in all aspects of life, reflecting God's own character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But thou, O man of God,"**: This opening clause serves as a direct, personal address to Timothy, yet it carries universal implications for anyone committed to serving God. The vocative "O" emphasizes the urgency and solemnity of the charge. The title "man of God" elevates Timothy's calling and sets a high standard, distinguishing him from those driven by worldly motives. It implies a person wholly devoted to God, equipped by Him, and living according to His will.
* **"flee these things;"**: This is an imperative command for active disengagement. "These things" refers directly back to the preceding warnings in [1 Timothy 6:3-10](/1_timothy/6-3-10 "1 Timothy 6:3-10 - Warnings Against False Teachers and Greed"), particularly the love of money, the desire to be rich, and the empty disputes of those who have strayed from the truth. The command to "flee" implies that these dangers are potent and require immediate, decisive action to avoid spiritual harm or shipwreck.
* **"and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."**: This second imperative command presents the positive counterpart to fleeing. Instead of merely avoiding evil, the "man of God" is called to actively and diligently pursue a specific set of virtues. This list is comprehensive, encompassing both one's relationship with God (righteousness, godliness, faith) and one's relationship with others (love, patience, meekness), all essential for a life that honors God and effectively serves His people.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **literary devices** in [1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - The Man of God's Pursuit") to convey his urgent message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, where the command to "flee these things" is set in direct opposition to the command to "follow after" a list of virtues. This stark contrast highlights the two distinct paths available to the believer: one leading to destruction, the other to spiritual flourishing. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("flee," "follow after") underscores the non-negotiable and urgent nature of Paul's commands; these are not suggestions but direct orders requiring immediate obedience. Furthermore, the list of virtues—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness—is an example of **Asyndeton**, the omission of conjunctions between words in a list. This stylistic choice creates a sense of rapid accumulation and urgency, emphasizing that these qualities are a collective and indispensable package for the "man of God," to be pursued with equal zeal. The verbs "flee" and "follow after" also function as **Metaphors** for spiritual warfare and pursuit, likening the Christian life to a race or a battle where one must actively run from danger and vigorously chase after the prize.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - The Man of God's Pursuit") is deeply rooted in the biblical theology of sanctification and the pursuit of holiness. It underscores that Christian living is not a passive state but an active, lifelong endeavor of spiritual formation. The call to "flee" evil and "follow after" righteousness reflects the ongoing spiritual battle believers face, requiring decisive action against sin and diligent cultivation of virtue. This verse connects strongly to the broader biblical emphasis on character development as a fruit of genuine faith, demonstrating that true godliness is evidenced by both what one rejects and what one embraces. It highlights the divine expectation for believers to reflect God's character in a fallen world, distinguishing themselves through a lifestyle of integrity and devotion.

* [Philippians 3:12-14](/philippians/3-12-14 "Pressing Toward the Goal")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [2 Peter 1:5-7](/2_peter/1-5-7 "Adding to Your Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful verse serves as an enduring compass for every believer navigating the complexities of modern life. In a world often consumed by the pursuit of wealth, status, and fleeting pleasures, [1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - The Man of God's Pursuit") calls us to a counter-cultural existence. It reminds us that spiritual maturity involves not just avoiding blatant sin, but actively and intentionally cultivating a character that reflects God's own holiness. The command to "flee" is a call to radical detachment from anything that hinders our walk with God—be it materialism, unhealthy relationships, or destructive thought patterns—demanding decisive action. Simultaneously, the call to "follow after" is an invitation to a relentless pursuit of virtues that build our relationship with Christ and empower us to love and serve others effectively. This pursuit is a daily discipline, a conscious choice to invest our energies in spiritual growth, trusting the Holy Spirit to transform us into the "man (or woman) of God" Paul envisions. It challenges us to examine our priorities, ensuring that our deepest desires align with God's will and that our lives bear the fruit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "things" in your life might you need to "flee" with the same urgency Paul commands?**
* **Which of the six virtues listed in this verse do you find most challenging to "follow after," and why?**
* **How does actively pursuing these virtues contribute to your identity as a "man (or woman) of God" in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "man of God" mentioned in this verse, and does it apply to all believers?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (Greek: _anthropos theou_) was traditionally used in the Old Testament to refer to prophets and individuals specially called and set apart by God for His service (e.g., [Moses in Deuteronomy 33:1](/deuteronomy/33-1 "Deuteronomy 33:1 - Moses, the Man of God"), [Elijah in 1 Kings 17:18](/1_kings/17-18 "1 Kings 17:18 - Elijah the Man of God")). In the New Testament, Paul applies it directly to Timothy, highlighting his role as a spiritual leader, pastor, and teacher in the church at Ephesus. While the immediate context is Timothy's leadership, the principles of fleeing evil and pursuing virtue are universal for all who claim to be God's children. Therefore, by extension, this verse applies to every believer who seeks to live a life pleasing to God and dedicated to His purposes, regardless of their specific role in the church. Every Christian is called to be distinct from the world and to pursue Christ-like character.

**What is the significance of the specific virtues listed: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness?**

Answer: The six virtues listed by Paul represent a comprehensive and balanced portrait of Christian character, encompassing both our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationships with others. **Righteousness** (Greek: _dikaiosýnē_) speaks to moral integrity and conformity to God's standards. **Godliness** (Greek: _eusébeia_) refers to reverent devotion and piety toward God, expressed in practical living. **Faith** (Greek: _pístis_) is unwavering trust and reliance on God and His promises. These first three primarily define our walk with God. The next three focus on our interactions: **Love** (Greek: _agápē_) is the unconditional, self-sacrificial love characteristic of God Himself ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")). **Patience** (Greek: _hypomonḗ_) signifies cheerful endurance and steadfastness, especially under trial. **Meekness** (Greek: _praiótēs_) denotes gentleness and humility, not weakness, but strength under control. Together, these virtues form the core of a mature, Christ-like character, essential for effective ministry and a life that honors God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 6:11](/1_timothy/6-11 "1 Timothy 6:11 - The Man of God's Pursuit") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "Man of God," perfectly embodying every virtue Paul commands Timothy to pursue. Christ flawlessly demonstrated **righteousness** in His sinless life ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")), unwavering **godliness** in His complete devotion to the Father's will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")), and absolute **faith** in God's plan, even to the point of death on the cross ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). His life was the epitome of **love**—an _agape_ love that led Him to lay down His life for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Us")). He displayed perfect **patience** in enduring suffering and opposition ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")), and profound **meekness**, inviting the weary to find rest in His gentle and humble spirit ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Gentle Yoke")). Our call to "flee these things" and "follow after" these virtues is, therefore, a call to Christlikeness. It is only through union with Christ, empowered by His indwelling Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), that believers can genuinely pursue and increasingly manifest these divine qualities, reflecting the very character of the One who perfectly fulfilled them.

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

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.