1 Timothy 6:4

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

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},

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,

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,

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

1 Timothy 6:4 (KJV) Commentary

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

Context

This verse is part of Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding false teachers who were causing problems within the church in Ephesus. Paul contrasts the attitude and behavior of such individuals with those who teach and live according to sound doctrine. These false teachers were not motivated by genuine faith or love, but by greed (mentioned in the surrounding verses) and intellectual pride. They focused on trivial or controversial topics rather than the core truths of the gospel.

Key Themes

  • Pride and Ignorance: The verse highlights that a key characteristic of these disruptive individuals is pride ("puffed up") coupled with a fundamental lack of true spiritual understanding ("knowing nothing").
  • Obsession with Disputes: They are consumed by unhealthy fixations on speculative questions and arguments over minor points or word meanings ("doting about questions and strifes of words").
  • Negative Consequences: This unproductive focus leads directly to harmful attitudes and divisions within the community: envy, strife, slanderous talk (railings), and suspicious thoughts (evil surmisings).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "proud" is tuphoō (τυφόω), which literally means "to puff up" or "enveloped in smoke," suggesting a state of being blinded or deluded by conceit. The phrase "doting about questions and strifes of words" translates noseō peri zētēseis kai logomachias (νοσέω περὶ ζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας). Noseō means "to be sick" or "to have a morbid fondness," indicating an unhealthy obsession. Zētēseis refers to controversial questions or speculative inquiries, and logomachias means "word battles" or arguments about words. This paints a picture of someone unhealthy in their spiritual focus, addicted to pointless verbal conflict.

Commentary and Application

Paul identifies a dangerous pattern: pride leads to spiritual blindness, which manifests as an unhealthy obsession with trivial or divisive arguments rather than edifying truth. These "word battles" are not just harmless debates; they poison relationships and disrupt the peace of the church, resulting in envy, conflict, slander, and unfounded suspicions.

This verse serves as a timeless warning against allowing pride and a love for contention to dominate spiritual discussion. True spiritual growth is marked by humility and a focus on love and sound doctrine that builds up the body of Christ. We are called to avoid foolish questions and contentions that lead only to division. The negative fruits listed here – envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings – are indicators of a heart that is not aligned with the Spirit, reminiscent of behaviors warned against elsewhere in scripture, such as in lists of the works of the flesh.

Reflection

Consider your own attitudes in discussions about faith. Are you more interested in winning arguments or in seeking truth and promoting love? Does pride ever blind you to simple truths or lead you into unproductive disputes? Strive for humility, focus on essential truths, and cultivate attitudes that build up rather than tear down.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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].

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