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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Timothy 6:1–5. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.Here is the duty of servants.
The apostle had spoken before of church-relations, here of our family-relations. Servants are here said to be under the yoke, which denotes both subjection and labour; they are yoked to work, not to be idle. If Christianity finds servants under the yoke, it continues them under it; for the gospel does not cancel the obligations any lie under either by the law of nature or by mutual consent. They must respect their masters, count them worthy of all honour (because they are their masters), of all the respect, observance, compliance, and obedience, that are justly expected from servants to their masters. Not that they were to think that of them which they were not; but as their masters they must count them worthy of all that honour which was fit for them to receive, that the name of God be not blasphemed. If servants that embraced the Christian religion should grow insolent and disobedient to their masters, the doctrine of Christ would be reflected on for their sakes, as if it had made men worse livers than they had been before they received the gospel. Observe, If the professors of religion misbehave themselves, the name of God and his doctrine are in danger of being blasphemed by those who seek occasion to speak evil of that worthy name by which we are called. And this is a good reason why we should all conduct ourselves well, that we may prevent the occasion which many seek, and will be very apt to lay hold of, to speak ill of religion for our sakes. Or suppose the master were a Christian, and a believer, and the servant a believer too, would not this excuse him, because in Christ there is neither bond nor free? No, by no means, for Jesus Christ did not come to dissolve the bond of civil relation, but to strengthen it: Those that have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren; for this brotherhood relates only to spiritual privileges, not to any outward dignity or advantage (those misunderstood and abuse their religion who make it a pretence for denying the duties that they owe to their relations); nay, rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved. They must think themselves the more obliged to serve them because the faith and love that bespeak men Christians oblige them to do good; and that is all wherein their service consists. Observe, It is a great encouragement to us in doing our duty to our relations if we have reason to think they are faithful and beloved, and partakers of the benefit, that is, of the benefit of Christianity. Again, Believing masters and servants are brethren, and partakers of the benefit; for in Christ Jesus there is neither bond nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal 3:28. Timothy is appointed to teach and exhort these things. Ministers must preach not only the general duties of all, but the duties of particular relations.
II.Paul here warns Timothy to withdraw from those who corrupted the doctrine of Christ, and made it the subject off strife, debate, and controversy: If any man teach otherwise (Ti1 6:3-5), do not preach practically, do not teach and exhort that which is for the promoting of serious godliness - if he will not consent to wholesome words, words that have a direct tendency to heal the soul - if he will not consent to these, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Observe, We are not required to consent to any words as wholesome words except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; but to those we must give our unfeigned assent and consent, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness. Observe, The doctrine of our Lord Jesus is a doctrine according to godliness; it has a direct tendency to make people godly. But he that does not consent to the words of Christ is proud (Ti1 6:4) and contentious, ignorant, and does a great deal of mischief to the church, knowing nothing. Observe, Commonly those are most proud who know least; for with all their knowledge they do not know themselves. - But doting about questions. Those who fall off from the plain practical doctrines of Christianity fall in with controversies, which eat out the life and power of religion; they dote about questions and strifes of words, which do a great deal of mischief in the church, are the occasion of envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings. When men are not content with the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness, but will frame notions of their own and impose them, and that too in their own words, which man's wisdom teaches, and not in the words which the Holy Ghost teaches (Co1 2:13), they sow the seeds of all mischief in the church. Hence come perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds (Ti1 6:5), disputes that are all subtlety, and no solidity. Observe, Men of corrupt minds are destitute of the truth. The reason why men's minds are corrupt is because they do not stick to the truth as it is in Jesus: supposing that gain is godliness, making religion truckle to their secular interest. From such as these Timothy is warned to withdraw himself. We observe,
1.The words of our Lord Jesus Christ are wholesome words, they are the fittest to prevent or heal the church's wounds, as well as to heal a wounded conscience; for Christ has the tongue of the learned, to speak a word in season to him that is weary, Isa 50:4. The words of Christ are the best to prevent ruptures in the church; for none who profess faith in him will dispute the aptness or authority of his words who is their Lord and teacher, and it has never gone well with the church since the words of men have claimed a regard equal to his words, and in some cases a much greater.
2.Whoever teaches otherwise, and does not consent to these wholesome words, he is proud, knowing nothing; for pride and ignorance commonly go together.
3.Paul sets a brand only on those who consent not to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness; they are proud, knowing nothing: other words more wholesome he knew not.
4.We learn the sad effects of doting about questions and strifes of words; of such doting about questions comes envy, strife, evil surmisings, and perverse disputings; when men leave the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, they will never agree in other words, either of their own or other men's invention, but will perpetually wrangle and quarrel about them; and this will produce envy, when they see the words of others preferred to those they have adopted for their own; and this will be attended with jealousies and suspicions of one another, called here evil surmisings; then they will proceed to perverse disputings.
5.Such persons as are given to perverse disputings appear to be men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth; especially such as act in this manner for the sake of gain, which is all their godliness, supposing gain to be godliness, contrary to the apostle's judgment, who reckoned godliness great gain.
6.Good ministers and Christians will withdraw themselves from such. "Come out from among them, my people, and be ye separate," says the Lord: from such withdraw thyself.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
And that the whole range of the doctrine of the apostles proclaimed one and the same God, who removed Abraham, who made to him the promise of inheritance, who in due season gave to him the covenant of circumcision, who called his descendants out of Egypt, preserved outwardly by circumcision-for he gave it as a sign, that they might not be like the Egyptians-that He was the Maker of all things, that He was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He was the God of glory,-they who wish may learn from the very words and acts of the apostles, and may contemplate the fact that this God is one, above whom is no other. But even if there were another god above Him, we should say, upon [instituting] a comparison of the quantity [of the work done by each], that the latter is superior to the former. For by deeds the better man appears, as I have already remarked; and, inasmuch as these men have no works of their father to adduce, the latter is shown to be God alone. But if any one, "doting about questions," do imagine that what the apostles have declared about God should be allegorized, let him consider my previous statements, in which I set forth one God as the Founder and Maker of all things, and destroyed and laid bare their allegations; and he shall find them agreeable to the doctrine of the apostles.
True knowledge, then, consists in the understanding of Christ, which Paul terms the wisdom of God hidden in a mystery, which "the natural man receiveth not," the doctrine of the cross; of which if any man "taste," he will not accede to the disputations and quibbles of proud and puffed-up men, who go into matters of which they have no perception. For the truth is unsophisticated; and "the word is nigh thee, in thy mouth and in thy heart," as the same apostle declares, being easy of comprehension to those who are obedient.
With reason, therefore, the noble apostle, depreciating these superfluous arts occupied about words, says, "If any man do not give heed to wholesome words, but is puffed up by a kind of teaching, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh contention, envy, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth."
The apostle forbids us to enter into hypothetical questions, or to lend our ears to newfangled statements or to consort with a heretic “after the first and second admonitions.” We do not enter into these discussions. Discussion has been inhibited in this way by designating admonition as the purpose of dealing with a heretic. The first reason, too, is because he is not a Christian. The instruction is given in order that he might not, after the manner of a Christian, seem to require correction again and again and “before two or three witnesses.” The impression could be created that he ought to be corrected, for the very reason that he is not to be disputed with. The second reason is that a controversy over the Scriptures can, clearly, produce no other effect than to upset either the stomach or the brain.
I shall address my words to those whose cleverness is in words.… “Strife of words” is the term given to all elaborate verbiage by Paul, who proclaims and confirms the “short and final account,” Paul, the pupil and teacher of fishermen. These people I speak of have versatile tongues and are resourceful in attacking doctrines nobler and worthier than their own. I only wish they would display comparable energy in their actions.
"Doting about questions." To question then is to dote. "And strifes of words"; this is justly said. For when the soul is fevered with reasonings, and stormy, then it questions, but when it is in a sound state, it does not question, but receives the faith. But from questionings and strifes of words nothing can be discovered. For when the things which faith only promises are received by an inquisitive spirit, it neither demonstrates them, nor suffers us to understand them. If one should close his eyes, he would not be able to find anything he sought: or if, again with his eyes open, he should bury himself, and exclude the sun, he would be unable to find anything, thus seeking. So without faith nothing can be discerned, but contentions must needs arise. "Whereof come railings, evil surmisings"; that is, erroneous opinions and doctrines arising from questionings. For when we begin to question, then we surmise concerning God things that we ought not.
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the teaching that accords with godliness, he is inflated with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, strife, blasphamies, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are immoral in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Depart from such people.
If anyone teaches otherwise: that is, one different from what is right.
and to the teaching that accords with godliness. Paule said, "They are sound words," and he says, "And with the teaching accords with godliness," evidently concerning faith.
he is inflated with conceit and understands nothing. For he who does not know what he ought to know, knows nothing. But he who does not know the sound things, obviously knows the demonic things. Moreover, arrogance is a matter welcoming and proper to demons.
an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels. For if you do not believe, but craving for controversy, there must be debate and conflicts of reasoning. Since Christianity promises future things, and these cannot be shown to the eyes, faith is necessary. But see that to crave controversy is to be ill.
blasphemies. For it is necessary that human reasoning permit what pertains to God, and that blasphemy arises from questioning.
evil suspicions. These are opinions and contaminated doctrines.
friction. The transmission of the disease of bad doctrines, from the contact of miserable sheep. For those who come into contact are filled with the disease, along with the healthy ones.
imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Do you know that even battles of words produce shameful profit? It is no wonder, for those who contend with words attract more students, making a profit from them, whether monetary gain. They pretend virtue in order to amass wealth through it.
Depart from such people. Paul did not say, "Join with such men and fight," but "depart," after one and then a second warning. For how will you ever be able to persuade men fighting for money? Therefore, since they are persistent, turn away from them.
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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 follows Paul's strong admonition in 1 Timothy 6:3 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) address practical aspects of Christian conduct, while the subsequent verses (1 Timothy 6:5-10) 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 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), 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 contributes significantly to several key themes within 1 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) 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). 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 regarding the works of the flesh.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
Reflection and Application
In a world saturated with information and prone to polarization, 1 Timothy 6:4 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
FAQ
Who are the "false teachers" Paul is referring to here, and what were they teaching?
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, other parts of 1 Timothy and 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). 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?
The phrase "knowing nothing" (G1987, epístamai with G3367, mēdeís) in 1 Timothy 6:4 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"?
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). "Strifes of words" (G3055, logomachía), as described in 1 Timothy 6:4, 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. The key differentiator lies in the motive, the methods, and the ultimate fruit of the discussion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Timothy 6:4 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). He did not engage in "strifes of words" but spoke with authority and grace, offering words of eternal life (John 6:68) and revealing the Father (John 14:9). Unlike those who cause envy and strife, Christ prayed for the unity of His followers (John 17:20-23) 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). 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) and the ultimate example of a life lived in humble obedience and love.