1 Timothy 6:3

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Timothy 6:3 issues a profound warning against any teaching that deviates from the established truths of the Christian faith. It underscores the non-negotiable authority of the very words of Jesus Christ and insists that all true doctrine must inherently lead to a life characterized by genuine godliness. This verse serves as a critical standard for discerning authentic spiritual instruction from harmful falsehoods, emphasizing the vital connection between sound belief and righteous living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's first letter to Timothy, his protégé and a leader in the Ephesian church. The immediate preceding verses (1 Timothy 6:1-2) deal with the conduct of slaves and masters, but the broader context of 1 Timothy 6 pivots sharply to confront the dangers of false teaching and the pursuit of material wealth. Paul is providing Timothy with essential guidance for maintaining doctrinal purity and pastoral integrity in a challenging environment. Verse 3 establishes the fundamental criteria for evaluating teaching, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent and scathing critique of those who "teach otherwise," describing their character and motives, often driven by a love of money and a desire for disputation rather than spiritual edification (e.g., [1 Timothy 6:4-5](/1_timothy/6-4-5 "1 Timothy 6:4-5 - The Character of False Teachers")). This verse functions as a foundational premise for the warnings that follow, highlighting the absolute necessity of adhering to Christ's words and doctrine that produces godliness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor, was a melting pot of diverse philosophical schools, mystery religions, and Gnostic-leaning tendencies that often sought to infiltrate early Christian communities. Paul's letters, especially the Pastoral Epistles, frequently address the challenges posed by these syncretistic influences and internal deviations from apostolic teaching. The concept of "soundness" (as in "wholesome words") was particularly relevant in a world where spiritual and intellectual health was often contrasted with the "sickness" of false ideologies. The early church was in its formative stages, and clear, authoritative teaching was crucial for its stability and growth. Paul's emphasis on the "words of our Lord Jesus Christ" was a direct counter to speculative myths and human traditions that lacked divine authority, a common problem in the Greco-Roman world where new religious ideas constantly emerged.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Timothy 6:3 powerfully articulates several core themes central to Paul's pastoral concerns. Firstly, it champions **The Authority of Christ's Words**, asserting that the teachings of Jesus are the ultimate standard against which all other doctrines must be measured. Any instruction that contradicts or undermines the explicit or implicit revelation of Christ is to be rejected. Secondly, it highlights the intrinsic link between **Sound Doctrine and Godliness**. Paul insists that true Christian teaching is not merely an intellectual exercise but possesses a transformative power, leading to a life of piety, reverence, and devotion to God. Doctrine that does not cultivate genuine godliness is inherently suspect, as authentic faith always produces righteous conduct (compare [Titus 1:1](/titus/1-1 "Titus 1:1 - Doctrine according to godliness")). Finally, the verse serves as a stern **Warning Against False Teaching**, directly confronting those who "teach otherwise." This underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and discernment within the church to identify and reject teachings that are contrary to Christ's truth and do not lead to spiritual health, a theme Paul returns to repeatedly throughout his letters (e.g., [2 Timothy 4:3-4](/2_timothy/4-3-4 "2 Timothy 4:3-4 - People will turn away from truth")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Teach otherwise (Greek, _heterodidaskaléō'_):** From G2085, meaning "to instruct differently." This term signifies teaching that deviates from the established, apostolic doctrine. It implies introducing novel or foreign teachings that are not in harmony with the received tradition of the Gospel, rather than merely teaching in a different style. It highlights a qualitative difference in content, not just methodology.
* **Wholesome (Greek, _hygiaínō'_):** From G5198, meaning "to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)." This word carries the imagery of health and soundness. When applied to "words" (lógos), it suggests that true doctrine is spiritually healthy, nourishing, and life-giving, promoting spiritual well-being and integrity, much like healthy food sustains the body. Conversely, teaching that is not "wholesome" is spiritually unhealthy or diseased.
* **Godliness (Greek, _eusébeia'_):** From G2150, meaning "piety; specially, the gospel scheme." This term denotes reverence towards God, expressed through a life of devotion and moral uprightness. It's not merely outward religious observance but an inner disposition that manifests in righteous living. Paul consistently connects true doctrine with the production of godliness, indicating that genuine faith transforms character and conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If any man teach otherwise":** This clause introduces the subject of concern: individuals who propagate doctrines that are distinct from, and implicitly contrary to, the apostolic teaching. The phrase "teach otherwise" (heterodidaskaléō) implies a deviation from the core, foundational truths of the Christian faith, suggesting a departure from orthodoxy rather than a mere difference in interpretation on secondary matters.
* **"and consent not to wholesome words":** This phrase further defines the nature of the false teacher: they actively refuse to agree with or submit to "wholesome words." The word "wholesome" (hygiaínō) carries the sense of being healthy, sound, or uncorrupted. Thus, these individuals reject teaching that is spiritually healthy, nourishing, and true, indicating a deliberate opposition to sound doctrine.
* **"[even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ":** This specifies the supreme standard for "wholesome words." The ultimate authority for Christian teaching is the direct revelation and instruction given by Jesus Christ Himself, as preserved and transmitted through the apostles. Any teaching that does not align with or uphold Christ's words is deemed unacceptable and spiritually unhealthy.
* **"and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;":** This final clause provides a crucial criterion for evaluating doctrine: it must be "according to godliness." True Christian teaching is not merely intellectually correct but also morally transformative. It leads to a life of piety, reverence for God, and ethical conduct. Doctrine that fails to promote genuine godliness, or worse, encourages ungodly behavior, is fundamentally flawed, regardless of its intellectual appeal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, setting up a clear dichotomy between those who "teach otherwise" and those who adhere to "wholesome words" and "doctrine which is according to godliness." This highlights the stark choice between truth and error. The phrase "wholesome words" utilizes **Imagery** or **Metaphor**, drawing on the concept of physical health to describe spiritual well-being. Just as healthy food nourishes the body, sound doctrine nourishes the soul, leading to spiritual vitality. Conversely, false teaching is implied to be spiritually unhealthy or even poisonous. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through parallelism, as "the words of our Lord Jesus Christ" and "the doctrine which is according to godliness" are presented as two sides of the same indispensable coin, reinforcing the dual nature of true Christian teaching: its divine origin and its transformative outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Timothy 6:3 profoundly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on the nature of truth, the authority of divine revelation, and the transformative power of God's Word. The "words of our Lord Jesus Christ" are not merely human pronouncements but divine truth, embodying the very character and will of God. This verse asserts that fidelity to Christ's teachings is paramount for the health and integrity of the church, reflecting a consistent biblical theme that God's people are called to walk in truth and righteousness. The linkage between "doctrine" and "godliness" underscores that Christian faith is never purely intellectual; it is always practical, shaping one's life to reflect the holiness of God. Rejecting sound doctrine is not a neutral act; it leads to spiritual sickness and ungodly living, demonstrating a departure from the very essence of what it means to follow Christ.

* [2 Timothy 4:3](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3 - People will not endure sound doctrine")
* [Titus 2:1](/titus/2-1 "Titus 2:1 - Speak things which become sound doctrine")
* [2 Peter 2:1](/2_peter/2-1 "2 Peter 2:1 - False teachers among you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Timothy 6:3 serves as a timeless compass for believers in navigating the vast landscape of spiritual teaching. It calls us to cultivate a profound discernment, not merely accepting every idea presented as "truth," but rigorously testing it against the unchanging standard of God's Word, particularly the teachings and character of Jesus Christ. This verse challenges us to consider not only the intellectual coherence of a doctrine but, more importantly, its practical fruit in our lives. Does it foster genuine godliness—a deeper reverence for God, a greater love for others, and a more Christ-like character? If a teaching, no matter how appealing, fails to produce this spiritual health and moral transformation, it falls short of the "wholesome words" Paul describes. For those who teach, this verse is a solemn reminder of the immense responsibility to faithfully steward the truth of the Gospel, ensuring that every word proclaimed is both biblically sound and spiritually nourishing, leading hearers into a deeper walk with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively discern between true and false teaching in my daily life and in the content I consume?**
* **In what ways does the doctrine I embrace genuinely lead to increased godliness and transformation in my character and actions?**
* **What is my personal responsibility in upholding and promoting sound, wholesome doctrine within my sphere of influence and my local church community?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "teach otherwise"?**

Answer: To "teach otherwise" (Greek: _heterodidaskaléō_) means to propagate doctrines that deviate from or are contrary to the established, apostolic teaching of the Christian faith. It refers to introducing novel, foreign, or unbiblical ideas that are not in harmony with the foundational truths revealed by Christ and passed down through His apostles. This is distinct from minor differences in interpretation; it implies a fundamental departure from orthodoxy, often leading to spiritual error or ungodly living.

**Why are "wholesome words" important?**

Answer: "Wholesome words" (Greek: _hygiaínō logois_) are crucial because they are spiritually healthy, nourishing, and life-giving. Just as healthy food sustains the physical body, sound doctrine sustains the spiritual life, promoting spiritual well-being, integrity, and growth. Conversely, unwholesome or unsound teachings are spiritually damaging, leading to sickness, confusion, and deviation from the path of righteousness. Paul emphasizes that true teaching builds up and preserves the spiritual health of believers and the church.

**How does "doctrine" relate to "godliness"?**

Answer: According to 1 Timothy 6:3, true "doctrine" is intrinsically linked to "godliness" (Greek: _eusébeia_). This means that authentic Christian teaching is not merely an intellectual exercise or a set of abstract propositions; it has a profound moral and practical outcome. Doctrine "according to godliness" is teaching that cultivates a life of reverence, devotion, and obedience to God. It transforms one's character, actions, and priorities, leading to a life that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God. If a doctrine does not lead to increased godliness, it is suspect, as true faith always impacts conduct.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Timothy 6:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the subject of "wholesome words" but the very embodiment of them, for He Himself is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). His words are not just sound, but "spirit and life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words are spirit and life")), possessing the power to bring spiritual health and eternal life. The "doctrine which is according to godliness" is perfectly exemplified in Christ, who lived a life of perfect piety and obedience to the Father, ultimately laying down His life as the supreme act of godliness and love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Therefore, to "teach otherwise" is to deviate from Christ Himself, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The Gospel message, centered on Christ's atoning death and glorious resurrection, is the most wholesome and godliness-producing doctrine, transforming believers into His likeness ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His image")). Any teaching that diminishes Christ's authority, corrupts His message, or fails to lead to Christ-like character is fundamentally at odds with the divine standard set forth in this verse.

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 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: