1 Timothy 6:21

KJV

Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace [be] with thee. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} some {G5100} professing {G1861} have erred {G795} concerning {G4012} the faith {G4102}. Grace {G5485} be with {G3326} thee {G4675}. Amen {G281}. The first {G4413} to {G4314} Timothy {G5095} was written {G1125} from {G575} Laodicea {G2993}, which {G3748} is {G2076} the chiefest city {G3390} of Phrygia {G5435} Pacatiana {G3818}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For many who promise this “knowledge” have missed the mark, as far as the faith is concerned. Grace be with you.

Berean Standard Bible

which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all.

American Standard Version

which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul concludes his first letter to Timothy with a poignant warning and a pastoral benediction. He highlights the grave danger of those who, despite claiming to adhere to Christian truth, have fundamentally deviated from "the faith"—the body of revealed doctrine. This final admonition serves as a strong caution against doctrinal drift and speculative error, immediately followed by a heartfelt prayer for God's sustaining grace upon Timothy, affirming the divine enablement essential for faithful ministry amidst such challenges.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement of Paul's first epistle to Timothy, immediately following a series of urgent warnings against false teaching and worldly entanglements. In [1 Timothy 6:3-5](/1_timothy/6-3-5 "1 Timothy 6:3-5 - Warnings Against False Doctrine"), Paul explicitly condemns those who teach "other doctrine" and promote "disputes of words," leading to envy, strife, and corrupt minds. The preceding verse, [1 Timothy 6:20](/1_timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Guarding the Deposit"), specifically instructs Timothy to "guard the deposit" and avoid "profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called." Thus, [1 Timothy 6:21](/1_timothy/6-21 "1 Timothy 6:21 - Final Warning and Benediction") acts as a summary indictment of those who have succumbed to these errors, reinforcing the letter's overarching theme of upholding sound doctrine and godly conduct within the church. The final "Grace [be] with thee. Amen." is a characteristic Pauline closing, providing a personal and encouraging benediction after the stern warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a prominent Roman city in Asia Minor, known for its diverse religious practices and philosophical schools. The early church in Ephesus, like many nascent Christian communities, faced internal and external pressures. Internally, there were emerging heresies, often characterized by a blend of Jewish legalism, asceticism, and speculative Gnostic-like philosophies, as hinted at in [1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Fables and Genealogies") and [1 Timothy 4:1-3](/1_timothy/4-1-3 "1 Timothy 4:1-3 - False Teachers and Asceticism"). These "oppositions of science falsely so called" (KJV) refer to intellectual challenges or philosophical systems that claimed superior knowledge but ultimately undermined the simplicity and truth of the gospel. Paul's warnings reflect the pastoral necessity of equipping leaders like Timothy to discern and counter such deviations, preserving the purity of Christian belief and practice in a complex cultural milieu. The postscript in the KJV, though considered a later addition not found in the earliest manuscripts, reflects a historical understanding of Paul's movements and the geographical context of his ministry.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout 1 Timothy. Firstly, the **Danger of Spiritual Error** is paramount. Paul consistently warns against those who depart from truth, whether through false doctrine ([1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warnings Against False Teachers")), worldly pursuits ([1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money")), or speculative knowledge ([1 Timothy 6:20](/1_timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Guard the Deposit")). Secondly, the **Importance of Sound Doctrine** is underscored by the phrase "the faith," referring to the objective body of Christian truth that must be guarded and taught faithfully. This "deposit" ([1 Timothy 6:20](/1_timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Guard the Deposit")) is the foundation for healthy church life and individual piety. Finally, Paul’s **Pastoral Care and Benediction** for Timothy is evident in the closing "Grace [be] with thee. Amen." This reflects Paul's deep affection and his reliance on God's divine enablement for Timothy to fulfill his challenging ministry, emphasizing that spiritual perseverance is ultimately sustained by divine favor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **professing (Greek, _epangéllō'_):** This verb, derived from "to announce upon," implies engaging to do something or asserting something about oneself. Here, it refers to those who claim or declare themselves to be adherents of the Christian faith, or perhaps even teachers within it. Their error is particularly grievous because it comes from within the professing community, making their deviation more insidious and potentially damaging.
* **erred (Greek, _astochéō'_):** From a compound meaning "without an aim" or "to miss the mark," this term signifies a deviation from truth or a swerving from the correct path. It suggests a failure to hit the target of sound doctrine, implying a fundamental departure from the core tenets of belief. This error is not merely a minor misstep but a significant spiritual misalignment that can lead to profound consequences.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** While _pístis_ can refer to personal belief or trust, in this context, especially when preceded by the definite article "the," it refers to the objective body of Christian truth, the established doctrine, or the "faith once for all delivered to the saints." It is the system of religious truth derived from the Gospel, which these individuals have deviated from.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which some professing have erred concerning the faith."**: This clause identifies a specific group: individuals who outwardly claim adherence to Christian truth ("professing") but have, in reality, strayed from its essential doctrines ("erred concerning the faith"). The error is not a minor theological disagreement but a fundamental deviation from the core tenets of Christian belief, likely encompassing the "vain babblings" and "oppositions of science falsely so called" mentioned in the preceding verse. Their profession makes their error particularly dangerous, as it can mislead others within the community.
* **"Grace [be] with thee."**: This is a standard Pauline benediction, a prayer and declaration of divine favor. It expresses Paul's deep pastoral concern and desire for God's unmerited favor and enabling power to be with Timothy. In the context of the warnings against error, this grace is understood as the divine strength and wisdom necessary for Timothy to stand firm, discern truth, and fulfill his ministry effectively, protecting him from succumbing to the very errors he is called to combat.
* **"Amen."**: This Hebrew-derived word, meaning "truly," "so be it," or "firm," serves as a solemn affirmation. It expresses Paul's conviction in the truth of his preceding words—both the warning and the blessing—and his confidence in God's faithfulness to uphold Timothy and His church. It seals the letter with a powerful declaration of certainty and hope.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Warning** is central to the first clause, serving as a final, urgent caution against doctrinal deviation, summarizing the epistle's recurrent theme. This warning is immediately followed by a **Benediction**, "Grace [be] with thee," which functions as a pastoral blessing and a prayer for divine enablement, characteristic of Paul's letter closings. The **Juxtaposition** of the warning against error and the prayer for grace highlights the twin realities of ministry: the constant threat of spiritual danger and the indispensable need for God's empowering presence. The use of "the faith" as a concise term for the entire body of Christian doctrine is an example of **Metonymy**, where a concept (faith) stands for the established system of belief. Finally, the concluding "Amen" acts as an **Affirmation**, lending solemnity and certainty to Paul's message and prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 1 Timothy 6:21 are profound, underscoring the vital importance of doctrinal integrity and the sustaining power of divine grace in the life of a believer and the church. The "faith" here is not merely subjective belief but the objective, revealed truth of God, the "deposit" entrusted to the church. To "err concerning the faith" is to deviate from this divine standard, leading to spiritual shipwreck. Paul consistently emphasizes that genuine piety is inextricably linked to sound doctrine, and that guarding this truth is a primary responsibility for spiritual leaders. The concluding benediction reminds us that while vigilance against error is crucial, it is God's unmerited favor that empowers us to stand firm and fulfill our calling.

* [Jude 1:3](/jude/1-3 "Jude 1:3 - Contend for the Faith")
* [2 Timothy 4:7](/2_timothy/4-7 "2 Timothy 4:7 - Paul's Good Fight of Faith")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 6:21 serves as a timeless call to spiritual discernment and reliance on God's grace. In an age of diverse philosophies and shifting truths, the warning against "erring concerning the faith" remains acutely relevant. Believers are exhorted to be vigilant, to test all teachings against the unchanging standard of God's Word, and to guard against subtle deviations that can undermine the foundational truths of the Gospel. This requires a deep commitment to studying Scripture, engaging in sound theological reflection, and cultivating a discerning spirit. Simultaneously, the benediction "Grace [be] with thee" reminds us that this vigilance is not sustained by human effort alone. It is God's unmerited favor, His divine enablement, that empowers us to stand firm, to resist error, and to live out our faith faithfully in a challenging world. We are called to lean into this grace daily, recognizing our dependence on Him for wisdom, strength, and perseverance in the Christian walk.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or understanding might I be subtly "erring concerning the faith," perhaps unknowingly deviating from biblical truth?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a deeper understanding of "the faith" (sound doctrine) to better discern and resist error in my own life and in the broader Christian community?**
* **How does Paul's concluding prayer for "Grace" encourage me in my own spiritual battles and challenges, reminding me of God's provision?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "guard the deposit" of truth in my own sphere of influence, whether in my family, church, or community?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "the faith" in this context?**

Answer: When Paul refers to "the faith" (Greek: _hē pístis_), especially with the definite article, he is not primarily speaking of subjective personal belief or trust, but rather the objective body of Christian truth and doctrine that was revealed through Christ and the apostles. It encompasses the foundational teachings of the Gospel, the system of Christian belief that was delivered once for all to the saints. This "faith" is the content of what Christians believe and teach, the "deposit" that Timothy was instructed to guard in [1 Timothy 6:20](/1_timothy/6-20 "1 Timothy 6:20 - Guard the Deposit"). To "err concerning the faith" means to deviate from or abandon these essential, revealed truths.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Timothy 6:21 is a direct pastoral charge, its theological undercurrents find ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "faith" that some have erred concerning is not merely a set of abstract doctrines, but the truth revealed in and through Christ Himself, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). To deviate from "the faith" is ultimately to deviate from Christ, the very embodiment of truth and the object of our saving belief. He is the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures in Christ")). Moreover, the "grace" that Paul prays for Timothy is poured out lavishly through Christ, for "from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace" ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Grace for Grace")). It is Christ's empowering grace that enables believers to stand firm against error, to discern truth, and to persevere in sound doctrine, guarding the precious deposit of the Gospel until His glorious return. Thus, the warning and the benediction of [1 Timothy 6:21](/1_timothy/6-21 "1 Timothy 6:21 - Final Warning and Benediction") are deeply rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the source and sustainer of all true faith and grace.

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 2:18

Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

Colossians 4:18

The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace [be] with you. Amen.

1 Timothy 1:19

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

1 Timothy 1:6

From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Hebrews 10:1

¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.