1 Timothy 6:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul issues a stern warning to Timothy regarding individuals within the church who, driven by corrupt motives and a distorted understanding of truth, equate material gain with spiritual godliness. This verse exposes the deceptive nature of those who engage in contentious arguments, not out of a desire for truth, but to exploit spiritual matters for personal financial advantage, and it commands believers to disassociate from such harmful influences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's practical instructions to Timothy concerning leadership, conduct, and doctrine within the Ephesian church. It immediately follows Paul's sharp critique of those who teach "other doctrine" and deviate from "wholesome words" and "the doctrine which is according to godliness" ([1 Timothy 6:3](/1-timothy/6-3 "1 Timothy 6:3 - Sound Doctrine")). Paul identifies pride, envy, strife, railing, and evil surmising as characteristics of these individuals, leading directly to the "perverse disputings" mentioned in [1 Timothy 6:5](/1-timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - Warning Against Corrupt Minds"). The warning in [1 Timothy 6:5](/1-timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - Warning Against Corrupt Minds") sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discourse on true godliness with contentment ([1 Timothy 6:6-8](/1-timothy/6-6-8 "1 Timothy 6:6-8 - Godliness with Contentment")), the dangers of desiring to be rich ([1 Timothy 6:9](/1-timothy/6-9 "1 Timothy 6:9 - The Snares of Riches")), and the infamous declaration that "the love of money is the root of all evil" ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1-timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - The Root of All Evil")). Thus, [1 Timothy 6:5](/1-timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - Warning Against Corrupt Minds") serves as a critical bridge, linking the description of false teachers to the broader theme of wealth and true spiritual values.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Timothy was ministering in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its wealth, diverse religious practices, and philosophical schools. The early church in Ephesus, like many nascent Christian communities, faced internal challenges from individuals attempting to blend Christian teachings with prevailing philosophical ideas or to exploit the burgeoning Christian movement for personal gain. Prosperity cults and the idea that material wealth indicated divine favor were not uncommon in the ancient world. Within this environment, some might have seen the growing Christian community as a new avenue for financial profit, perhaps by selling special knowledge, offering spiritual services, or leveraging their influence. Paul's warning directly confronts this syncretistic tendency and the commercialization of faith, which threatened the integrity and spiritual purity of the Ephesian believers. The command to "withdraw thyself" reflects a necessary measure to protect the vulnerable flock from predatory spiritual entrepreneurs.

* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Timothy](/1-timothy/1 "The First Letter of Paul to Timothy"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Sound Doctrine versus False Teaching**. Paul repeatedly emphasizes the importance of adhering to "wholesome words" ([1 Timothy 6:3](/1-timothy/6-3 "1 Timothy 6:3 - Sound Doctrine")) and warns against those who promote "fables and endless genealogies" ([1 Timothy 1:4](/1-timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Fables and Genealogies")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **True Godliness and Contentment**. In stark contrast to those who suppose "gain is godliness," Paul later articulates that "godliness with contentment is great gain" ([1 Timothy 6:6](/1-timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment")). This distinction is central to Paul's ethical teaching in the letter. Thirdly, the verse addresses the **Dangers of Materialism and the Love of Money**, a pervasive threat that can corrupt the mind and lead individuals away from the faith ([1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1-timothy/6-9-10 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Dangers of Riches")). Finally, it emphasizes the importance of **Discernment and Separation** from those whose motives and teachings are antithetical to the gospel, a recurring pastoral instruction throughout Paul's epistles.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perverse disputings (Greek, _paradiatribḗ_):** This word, derived from a compound of *para* (beside, amiss) and *diatribō* (to rub through, spend time), signifies a "misemployment" or "meddlesomeness." It describes contentious, irritating, and often pointless wrangling or arguments that are out of place in a spiritual context. It suggests a pattern of behavior characterized by continuous, hostile friction rather than constructive dialogue aimed at truth.
* **Corrupt (Greek, _diaphtheírō_):** From *diaballō* (to slander) and *phtheírō* (to corrupt, spoil), this verb means "to rot thoroughly" or "to ruin." When applied to "minds" (*noûs*), it indicates a deep moral and intellectual decay, a perversion that utterly destroys the capacity for sound judgment and spiritual discernment. These minds are not merely mistaken but fundamentally spoiled, rendering them incapable of grasping or valuing truth.
* **Gain (Greek, _porismós_):** This term refers to "furnishing," "procuring," or, by implication, "money-getting" or "acquisition." In this context, it specifically denotes financial profit or worldly advantage. The error of these false teachers is their assumption that this material acquisition is equivalent to, or evidence of, true godliness (*eusébeia*).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds":** This phrase describes the nature and source of the problem. The "disputings" are not genuine theological debates but "perverse" (misdirected, contentious) arguments. These arguments originate from "men" (human beings) whose "minds" (*noûs*, the intellect or understanding) are "corrupt" (*diaphtheírō*), meaning they are thoroughly ruined, morally decayed, and intellectually perverted. Their internal state directly manifests in their external contentious behavior.
* **"and destitute of the truth":** This clause further characterizes the "men of corrupt minds." They are "destitute" (*aposteréō*, literally "despoiled" or "defrauded") of the truth (*alḗtheia*). This implies that they have either been robbed of the truth, or more likely, they have actively abandoned or rejected it, leaving them spiritually impoverished and without a foundation of sound doctrine. Their arguments are not grounded in reality or divine revelation.
* **"supposing that gain is godliness":** This is the core error and motivation of these individuals. They "suppose" (*nomízō*, to deem or regard, often based on custom or assumption) that "gain" (*porismós*, financial profit or worldly advantage) "is" (*eînai*, to exist as) "godliness" (*eusébeia*, piety or the gospel scheme). They have fundamentally inverted spiritual values, believing that material prosperity is the measure or even the essence of true devotion to God. Their piety is a means to an end: wealth.
* **"from such withdraw thyself.":** This is Paul's direct command to Timothy, and by extension, to all believers. Given the destructive nature of these individuals and their teachings, the appropriate response is to "withdraw thyself" (*aphístēmi*, to remove oneself, to desist, or desert). This is not merely a suggestion but a firm instruction to separate from their influence, protecting oneself and the church from their corrupting doctrine and motives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Metonymy** is evident in "corrupt minds," where the "mind" (intellect, understanding) stands for the entire person or their spiritual state, indicating that their very being is tainted. The phrase "destitute of the truth" uses **hyperbole** to emphasize the complete absence of genuine understanding or adherence to divine revelation, suggesting a profound spiritual emptiness. The central error, "supposing that gain is godliness," is a stark example of **antithesis** or **juxtaposition**, contrasting the worldly pursuit of "gain" with the spiritual ideal of "godliness." This highlights the fundamental incompatibility of their distorted worldview with true Christian faith. Finally, the concluding imperative, "from such withdraw thyself," is a direct and forceful **command**, underscoring the urgency and necessity of separation from those who pervert the gospel for selfish ends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of true spirituality, exposing the insidious danger of conflating material prosperity with divine favor. It challenges any theology that suggests wealth is the primary sign of godliness or that spiritual service should be primarily motivated by financial reward. Paul's instruction reveals that such a mindset not only distorts the truth but also corrupts the very essence of faith, leading to contentious behavior and a departure from genuine devotion. The theological implication is clear: God's blessing is not measured by worldly riches, and true godliness is characterized by contentment, integrity, and a focus on eternal values, rather than temporal gain.

* [Titus 1:11](/titus/1-11 "Titus 1:11 - Teaching for Dishonest Gain")
* [2 Peter 2:3](/2-peter/2-3 "2 Peter 2:3 - Exploiting with Deceptive Words")
* [Romans 16:17](/romans/16-17 "Romans 16:17 - Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age where various forms of "prosperity gospel" and spiritual entrepreneurship are prevalent, [1 Timothy 6:5](/1-timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - Warning Against Corrupt Minds") serves as an enduring and vital warning. Believers are called to cultivate keen discernment, evaluating teachings and leaders not by their outward success or material possessions, but by the soundness of their doctrine, the purity of their motives, and the integrity of their character. True godliness is not a means to an end for personal enrichment, but an end in itself—a life lived in devotion to God, marked by contentment and righteousness, regardless of one's material circumstances. The command to "withdraw thyself" is a call to spiritual self-preservation, urging us to protect our faith and the purity of the church by disassociating from those who would exploit the gospel for selfish gain, ensuring that our pursuit remains Christ and His truth, not worldly prosperity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might I unknowingly equate material gain with godliness in my own life or ministry?**
* **What are practical ways to discern if a teaching or leader is motivated by "gain" rather than genuine truth?**
* **When is it appropriate to "withdraw myself" from certain influences, and how can I do so in a way that honors Christ?**
* **How does cultivating contentment (as described in [1 Timothy 6:6](/1-timothy/6-6 "1 Timothy 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment")) protect me from the error of supposing gain is godliness?**

### FAQ

**What does "perverse disputings" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Perverse disputings" translates the Greek word *paradiatribḗ*, which refers to contentious, irritating, and often pointless wrangling or arguments. It describes a pattern of hostile friction or meddlesomeness rather than constructive debate. These are not sincere disagreements over theological points but rather quarrels fueled by corrupt motives, often aimed at undermining others or promoting a self-serving agenda, as seen in the broader context of [1 Timothy 6](/1-timothy/6 "1 Timothy 6 - Paul's Instructions to Timothy").

**Why does Paul command Timothy to "withdraw thyself" from such people?**

Answer: Paul commands Timothy to "withdraw thyself" (*aphístēmi*, to remove oneself or desist) because these individuals pose a significant spiritual danger. Their "corrupt minds" and "destitute" understanding of truth, coupled with their belief that "gain is godliness," make them spiritually toxic. Their influence can lead others astray, corrupt sound doctrine, and undermine the integrity of the church. This instruction is a pastoral safeguard, protecting Timothy and the Ephesian believers from spiritual contamination and ensuring the purity of the gospel message, echoing similar warnings in [2 Thessalonians 3:6](/2-thessalonians/3-6 "2 Thessalonians 3:6 - Withdraw from Disorderly Conduct") and [Romans 16:17](/romans/16-17 "Romans 16:17 - Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Timothy 6:5](/1-timothy/6-5 "1 Timothy 6:5 - Warning Against Corrupt Minds") directly addresses the dangers of false teachers and the perversion of godliness for gain, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the radical counter-example and teaching of Jesus Himself. Jesus consistently rejected worldly gain and power as measures of divine favor, instead embracing humility, sacrifice, and service. He taught His disciples to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all necessary things would be added ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Christ's life was a perfect embodiment of true godliness, not for personal enrichment, but for the redemption of humanity. He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, and became obedient to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility")). The ultimate "gain" in the Christian life is not material wealth but knowing Christ and being found in Him ([Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - The Supremacy of Knowing Christ")), embracing His suffering, and being conformed to His death, so that we might also share in His resurrection power. Thus, those who suppose gain is godliness fundamentally misunderstand the very nature of the God-man, Jesus Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")).

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 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.