1 Timothy 6:3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

If any man {G1536} teach otherwise {G2085}, and {G2532} consent {G4334} not {G3361} to wholesome {G5198} words {G3056}, even the words of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} to the doctrine {G1319} which is according {G2596} to godliness {G2150};

If anyone teaches differently and does not agree to the sound precepts of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah and to the doctrine that is in keeping with godliness,

If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,

If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

Commentary

1 Timothy 6:3 serves as a stern warning against teaching that deviates from the core truths of Christian faith, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to the authentic words of Jesus Christ and doctrine that fosters a godly life.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's pastoral instruction to Timothy, his spiritual son, who was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul is addressing various challenges, including the rise of false teachers who were causing division and promoting unwholesome ideas, often for personal gain (1 Timothy 6:5). The broader context of 1 Timothy 6 focuses on the dangers of covetousness and the pursuit of wealth, contrasting it with contentment and true godliness. Verse 3 establishes the foundational standard by which all teaching should be measured, setting the stage for Paul's further descriptions of those who reject sound doctrine.

Key Themes

  • The Authority of Christ's Words: The phrase "the words of our Lord Jesus Christ" underscores that the ultimate standard for all Christian teaching and practice is the direct revelation and instruction given by Jesus Himself. Any teaching that contradicts or undermines His authority is deemed unacceptable.
  • Sound Doctrine and Godliness: Paul stresses that true doctrine is not merely intellectual but has a transformative effect, leading to "godliness" (eusebeia), which means reverence towards God and a life lived in devotion to Him. Teaching that does not promote genuine godliness is suspect, as true faith always impacts conduct.
  • Warning Against False Teaching: The verse directly confronts those who "teach otherwise" or "consent not to wholesome words." This highlights the constant need for discernment within the church to identify and reject doctrines that are contrary to Christ's truth and do not lead to spiritual health. Paul frequently warns against such deviant teachings in his letters.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "wholesome words" translates from the Greek hygiainousin logois (ὑγιαίνουσιν λόγοις), literally meaning "healthy words" or "sound words." This imagery suggests that true doctrine, like healthy food, nourishes and builds up the spiritual body, leading to spiritual well-being. Conversely, false teachings are unhealthy, even diseased, and can lead to spiritual sickness or death. This concept of "sound doctrine" is a recurring theme in the Pastoral Epistles, emphasizing the vitality and integrity of the message, as seen in Titus 2:1.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Timothy 6:3 offers timeless guidance on evaluating spiritual teaching:

  1. Discernment is Crucial: We are called to test all teaching against the standard of Scripture and the words of Christ (1 John 4:1). Does it align with the character and teachings of Jesus as revealed in the Bible?
  2. Truth Leads to Transformation: Authentic Christian teaching should not only be intellectually sound but also practically transformative, encouraging a life of increasing godliness and devotion to God, rather than merely intellectual debate or personal gain.
  3. Guard Against Deviation: This verse reminds pastors and teachers of their solemn responsibility to uphold and preach sound doctrine, while also encouraging all believers to recognize and reject teachings that lead astray from the truth of the Gospel, especially those that encourage ungodly behavior or promote selfish motives.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 1:3

    As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

  • 1 Timothy 1:10

    For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

  • Titus 1:9

    Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

  • Romans 16:17

    ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

  • 2 Timothy 1:13

    Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

  • Titus 2:1

    ¶ But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
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