1 Timothy 6:4

KJV

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

KJV (with Strong's)

He is proud {G5187}, knowing {G1987} nothing {G3367}, but {G235} doting {G3552} about {G4012} questions {G2214} and {G2532} strifes of words {G3055}, whereof {G1537}{G3739} cometh {G1096} envy {G5355}, strife {G2054}, railings {G988}, evil {G4190} surmisings {G5283},

Complete Jewish Bible

he is swollen with conceit and understands nothing. Instead, he has a morbid desire for controversies and word-battles, out of which come jealousy, dissension, insults, evil suspicions,

Berean Standard Bible

he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,

American Standard Version

he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul warns Timothy about the destructive characteristics and consequences of false teachers who, driven by intellectual pride and a fundamental lack of spiritual understanding, become morbidly obsessed with trivial and divisive disputes. This unhealthy preoccupation with speculative questions and arguments over words inevitably gives rise to a host of negative attitudes and behaviors within the Christian community, including envy, strife, slanderous accusations, and unfounded suspicions, all of which undermine the unity and health of the church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's first letter to Timothy, a pastoral epistle offering guidance for leadership and the proper ordering of the church in Ephesus. Specifically, [1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers") follows Paul's strong admonition in [1 Timothy 6:3](/1_timothy/6-3 "1 Timothy 6:3 - Sound Doctrine vs. False Teaching") against those who teach "different doctrine" and do not assent to "sound words" or "the doctrine which is according to godliness." The preceding verses ([1 Timothy 6:1-2](/1_timothy/6-1-2 "1 Timothy 6:1-2 - Instructions for Servants")) address practical aspects of Christian conduct, while the subsequent verses ([1 Timothy 6:5-10](/1_timothy/6-5-10 "1 Timothy 6:5-10 - The Danger of Greed")) further elaborate on the motivations of these false teachers, linking their divisive behavior to a love of money and a corrupt mind. Thus, [1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers") serves as a crucial description of the character and immediate effects of such ungodly teaching, contrasting sharply with the humility and edification that should characterize true ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a significant metropolitan center in the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus was a melting pot of diverse philosophical schools, mystery religions, and Jewish traditions, some of which had infiltrated the early Christian community. The "questions and strifes of words" likely refer to speculative theological debates, perhaps influenced by nascent Gnostic ideas, Jewish myths, or legalistic interpretations that diverted attention from the core truths of the gospel. The early church was still defining its doctrine and practices, making it vulnerable to individuals who sought influence through intellectual showmanship or who genuinely, but misguidedly, pursued obscure knowledge. Paul's warnings here, and elsewhere in his pastoral epistles (e.g., [Titus 3:9](/titus/3-9 "Titus 3:9 - Avoid Foolish Disputes")), reflect a common challenge faced by nascent Christian communities: how to maintain doctrinal purity and unity amidst various competing ideologies and internal disagreements.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers") contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "The First Letter of Paul to Timothy") and the broader New Testament. Foremost among these is the theme of **sound doctrine versus false teaching**. Paul consistently emphasizes the importance of teaching "sound words" ([1 Timothy 6:3](/1_timothy/6-3 "1 Timothy 6:3 - Sound Doctrine vs. False Teaching")) and warns against those who deviate from it. The verse also highlights the **dangers of intellectual pride and spiritual ignorance**, portraying them as foundational to divisive behavior. It underscores that true spiritual wisdom is not found in endless speculation but in godliness and contentment ([1 Timothy 6:6](/1_timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment")). Furthermore, the verse vividly illustrates the **destructive nature of contentious speech and disunity** within the church, showing how envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings are the bitter fruits of an unhealthy spiritual focus, echoing warnings found in passages like [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh") regarding the works of the flesh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **proud (Greek, _typhóō_):** This verb literally means "to envelop with smoke" or "to puff up." Figuratively, it describes someone inflated with self-conceit, blinded by their own importance, and thus unable to see or receive true spiritual understanding. It suggests a state of mental fog or delusion caused by arrogance, making genuine knowledge impossible.
* **doting (Greek, _noséō_):** Derived from the word for "sickness" (nósos), _noséō_ means "to be sick," or metaphorically, "to have a morbid fondness" or "to hanker after." It conveys an unhealthy, diseased appetite or obsession. In this context, it describes an unhealthy, almost addictive, fixation on trivial or contentious matters, indicating a spiritual illness rather than a healthy pursuit of truth.
* **strifes of words (Greek, _logomachía_):** This compound word literally means "word battles" or "disputation about trifles." It refers to arguments that are contentious, unproductive, and focused on minor, often irrelevant, points or mere semantics, rather than substantive truth. It highlights the empty, divisive nature of the false teachers' discussions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He is proud, knowing nothing":** This clause immediately identifies the core problem of the false teacher: a paradoxical combination of arrogance and ignorance. "Proud" (G5187, _typhóō_) indicates an inflated sense of self-importance, a spiritual conceit that blinds them. Despite their outward show of intellectual prowess, they are "knowing nothing" (G1987, _epístamai_ with G3367, _mēdeís_), meaning they lack true, deep spiritual comprehension or understanding of the gospel's essence. Their pride prevents them from acquiring genuine knowledge.
* **"but doting about questions and strifes of words":** The conjunction "but" (G235, _allá_) introduces a contrast, showing what these proud, ignorant individuals *do* occupy themselves with. "Doting" (G3552, _noséō_) signifies an unhealthy, almost pathological obsession. Their focus is not on edifying truth but on "questions" (G2214, _zḗtēsis_), which are controversial or speculative inquiries, and "strifes of words" (G3055, _logomachía_), which are empty, contentious arguments about trivial matters rather than substantive theological points. This reveals their sick spiritual appetite.
* **"whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings":** This final clause details the destructive consequences that "come from" (G1537, _ek_, G3739, _hós_, G1096, _gínomai_) such pride and unproductive contention. The list of negative fruits is a direct result of their unhealthy preoccupations: "envy" (G5355, _phthónos_) – resentment of others' success or gifts; "strife" (G2054, _éris_) – contention and quarreling; "railings" (G988, _blasphēmía_) – abusive speech, slander, or vilification; and "evil surmisings" (G4190, _ponērós_, G5283, _hypónoia_) – malicious suspicions or ill-willed conjectures about others' motives. These are the antithesis of Christian love and unity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey his warning. The primary device is **Cause and Effect**, where the character flaws of the false teacher (pride, ignorance, doting on disputes) are directly linked to the negative outcomes within the community (envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings). This highlights the destructive chain reaction initiated by unhealthy spiritual attitudes. There is also a strong element of **Contrast**, as the behavior of these teachers stands in stark opposition to the "sound words" and "godliness" Paul advocates. The use of the word "doting" (from _noséō_, "to be sick") functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the false teachers' obsession as a spiritual illness or morbid addiction, underscoring its unhealthy and unnatural nature. Finally, the concluding list of "envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings" is an example of **Enumeration**, effectively cataloging the bitter fruits of such divisive behavior and emphasizing their collective harm to the church's peace and unity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical understanding of wisdom, humility, and the nature of true spiritual growth. It posits that genuine knowledge and godliness are incompatible with intellectual arrogance and a contentious spirit. The "questions and strifes of words" are not merely harmless academic debates but symptoms of a deeper spiritual malady, leading to a breakdown of fellowship and a manifestation of the "works of the flesh" rather than the "fruit of the Spirit." True wisdom, as taught throughout Scripture, begins with the fear of the Lord and is characterized by humility, peace, and a desire to build up, not tear down. The destructive consequences listed here—envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings—are consistently condemned in the New Testament as antithetical to the love and unity that should define the body of Christ.

* [James 3:14-16](/james/3-14-16 "James 3:14-16 - Earthly vs. Heavenly Wisdom")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [2 Timothy 2:23-25](/2_timothy/2-23-25 "2 Timothy 2:23-25 - Avoid Foolish Disputes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with information and prone to polarization, [1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers") serves as a timeless warning for believers. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and motivations when engaging in theological discussions or expressing our views. Are we driven by a genuine desire for truth and edification, or by a subtle pride that seeks to display our knowledge, win arguments, or assert intellectual superiority? The verse reminds us that an obsession with trivial or divisive matters, even under the guise of spiritual inquiry, can be a symptom of a deeper spiritual illness and will inevitably produce bitter fruit in our relationships and communities. True spiritual maturity is marked not by intellectual showmanship but by humility, a love for sound doctrine that leads to godliness, and a commitment to fostering peace and unity within the body of Christ. We are called to discern between healthy theological inquiry that builds up and "strifes of words" that tear down, always prioritizing love and truth over contention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does pride manifest in my own spiritual life, particularly in my approach to learning or discussing theological topics?**
* **Am I more inclined to engage in divisive arguments or to build up the body of Christ with truth spoken in love?**
* **What "questions and strifes of words" might I be doting on that hinder my own spiritual growth or contribute to disunity in my community?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and a focus on essential truths that foster peace rather than contention?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "false teachers" Paul is referring to here, and what were they teaching?**

Answer: Paul is referring to individuals within the Ephesian church who were promoting doctrines contrary to the sound teaching of the apostles. While the exact content of their false teaching isn't fully detailed in [1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers"), other parts of [1 Timothy](/1_timothy/1 "The First Letter of Paul to Timothy") and [Titus](/titus/1 "The Letter of Paul to Titus") suggest it involved a mix of Jewish myths, endless genealogies, legalistic rules (e.g., forbidding marriage or certain foods), and speculative philosophical ideas that led to "empty talk" rather than godliness (e.g., [1 Timothy 1:3-7](/1_timothy/1-3-7 "1 Timothy 1:3-7 - Warning Against False Teachers")). Their teaching was often characterized by a focus on trivialities and controversies, rather than the core truths of the gospel, and was driven by pride and often greed.

**Why is "knowing nothing" linked with "pride" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "knowing nothing" (G1987, _epístamai_ with G3367, _mēdeís_) in [1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers") refers not to a complete absence of information, but to a lack of true, saving, spiritual understanding. These false teachers might have possessed intellectual knowledge or engaged in complex theological debates, but their "pride" (G5187, _typhóō_) blinded them to the genuine, transformative truth of the gospel. Pride creates a self-sufficient mindset that resists divine revelation and humility, which are prerequisites for true spiritual wisdom. Therefore, their intellectual arrogance paradoxically led them to be spiritually ignorant and incapable of discerning what truly matters for godliness and edification.

**What is the practical difference between healthy theological debate and "strifes of words"?**

Answer: Healthy theological debate is characterized by a humble pursuit of truth, a desire for deeper understanding, mutual respect among participants, and a focus on edification and unity. It aims to clarify doctrine, apply Scripture, and build up the body of Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")). "Strifes of words" (G3055, _logomachía_), as described in [1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers"), are unproductive, contentious arguments focused on trivialities, semantics, or speculative matters that do not lead to godliness. They are driven by pride, a desire to win rather than learn, and ultimately result in division, envy, and other negative fruits, as seen in [2 Timothy 2:23](/2_timothy/2-23 "2 Timothy 2:23 - Avoid Foolish and Ignorant Disputes"). The key differentiator lies in the motive, the methods, and the ultimate fruit of the discussion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[1 Timothy 6:4](/1_timothy/6-4 "1 Timothy 6:4 - Warning Against False Teachers") vividly describes the antithesis of Christ's character and ministry. While the false teachers are proud and ignorant, doting on divisive questions, Jesus is the very embodiment of humility and truth. He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")). He did not engage in "strifes of words" but spoke with authority and grace, offering words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Words of Eternal Life")) and revealing the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever has seen me has seen the Father")). Unlike those who cause envy and strife, Christ prayed for the unity of His followers ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")) and gave His life to reconcile humanity to God and to one another. His wisdom is not speculative or divisive, but "from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" ([James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Wisdom from Above")). In Christ, we find the antidote to pride, ignorance, and division, as He is the source of all true wisdom and knowledge ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge")) and the ultimate example of a life lived in humble obedience and love.

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 2:23

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2 Timothy 3:4

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

1 Timothy 3:6

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

2 Timothy 2:14

¶ Of these things put [them] in remembrance, charging [them] before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, [but] to the subverting of the hearers.

2 Peter 2:12

But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

Jude 1:10

But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].