1 Timothy 6:5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Perverse disputings {G3859} of men {G444} of corrupt {G1311} minds {G3563}, and {G2532} destitute {G650} of the truth {G225}, supposing {G3543} that gain {G4200} is {G1511} godliness {G2150}: from {G575} such {G5108} withdraw thyself {G868}.

and constant wrangling among people whose minds no longer function properly and who have been deprived of the truth, so that they imagine that religion is a road to riches.

and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.

1 Timothy 6:5 serves as a stern warning against those who twist spiritual truths for personal advantage, urging believers to disassociate from such individuals. Paul, addressing his spiritual son Timothy, highlights the dangers of false teachers whose motives are rooted in financial greed rather than genuine piety.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's instructions to Timothy concerning sound doctrine and the dangers of false teaching within the early church at Ephesus. Immediately preceding this, Paul warns against those who teach "other doctrine" and do not consent to "wholesome words" (1 Timothy 6:3). The specific error addressed here is the conflation of material wealth or worldly success with spiritual favor, a common temptation then and now. Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual integrity over worldly gain, setting the stage for his later powerful statement about the love of money being the root of all evil.

Key Themes

  • False Teaching & Corrupt Motives: The passage describes individuals whose minds are "corrupt" and "destitute of the truth." Their "perverse disputings" (diaparatribai in Greek, meaning continuous friction or contentious wrangling) reveal an unspiritual and argumentative nature, driven by self-interest rather than a desire for truth or edification.
  • Misconception of Godliness: The core error identified is "supposing that gain is godliness." This highlights a dangerous distortion where material profit, wealth, or worldly success is seen as evidence of God's blessing or even as the very definition of piety. True godliness, Paul teaches elsewhere, is about living a life of devotion to God, marked by contentment and righteousness (1 Timothy 4:8).
  • Separation from Error: The direct command, "from such withdraw thyself," is a strong call to discernment and separation. It's not merely about disagreeing, but about actively disassociating from those whose fundamental motives and teachings are spiritually destructive. This echoes other Pauline instructions to withdraw from disorderly conduct and avoid those who cause divisions.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "perverse disputings" translates the Greek word diaparatribai, which implies constant, irritating, and hostile arguments or contentions. It speaks to a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident. The "corrupt minds" (Greek: katephtharmenon ton noun) literally means minds that are "utterly corrupted" or "destroyed," indicating a deep moral and intellectual decay that prevents them from grasping spiritual truth. The central error, "supposing that gain is godliness," uses the Greek word porismon for "gain," referring to financial profit or worldly advantage, directly contrasting it with eusebeian, "godliness" or true piety.

Practical Application

In contemporary society, this verse remains highly relevant. Believers are called to exercise discernment in an age where prosperity gospels and various forms of spiritual materialism can obscure the true nature of Christian faith. It warns against following leaders or teachings that prioritize wealth or worldly success as the primary sign of God's favor. Instead, true godliness is found in a life dedicated to Christ, marked by contentment, integrity, and sound doctrine, regardless of material possessions. The command to "withdraw thyself" encourages believers to protect their spiritual well-being by disassociating from those whose teachings or conduct are fundamentally opposed to biblical truth, especially when driven by selfish motives. This separation is not about judgment but about safeguarding one's faith and the integrity of the church.

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 3:5

    Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

  • Titus 1:11

    Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

  • 2 Peter 2:3

    ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

  • Titus 1:15

    Unto the pure all things [are] pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving [is] nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

  • Titus 1:16

    They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

  • 2 Timothy 3:8

    Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6

    ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain.

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