1 Timothy 1:20

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Of whom {G3739} is {G2076} Hymenaeus {G5211} and {G2532} Alexander {G223}; whom {G3739} I have delivered {G3860} unto Satan {G4567}, that {G2443} they may learn {G3811} not {G3361} to blaspheme {G987}.

among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander. I have turned them over to the Adversary, so that they will learn not to insult God.

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

of whom is Hymenæus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

Commentary

1 Timothy 1:20 identifies two specific individuals, Hymenaeus and Alexander, who were subjected to severe apostolic discipline by Paul due to their blasphemous actions or teachings. This verse highlights the serious nature of spiritual leadership and the consequences of departing from sound doctrine.

Context

This verse concludes a section where Paul warns against false teachers and those who have "made shipwreck concerning the faith" (1 Timothy 1:19). Hymenaeus and Alexander are presented as prime examples of individuals whose conduct or doctrine had become so detrimental that extraordinary measures were deemed necessary. Paul is instructing Timothy, his protégé in Ephesus, on how to maintain order and purity within the early church, emphasizing the importance of a good conscience and sound faith.

Key Themes

  • Church Discipline: The verse powerfully illustrates the necessity and purpose of severe disciplinary action within the early Christian community. It underscores that such measures, while harsh, are intended for correction and spiritual growth, not merely punishment.
  • Consequences of False Teaching and Blasphemy: It emphasizes the grave repercussions of distorting or speaking evil against divine truth. Hymenaeus is later mentioned again for teaching that the resurrection is past already, indicating a serious deviation from core Christian doctrine.
  • Apostolic Authority: Paul's decisive action, "whom I have delivered unto Satan," demonstrates the significant spiritual authority entrusted to the apostles for the protection and purity of the church.
  • Redemptive Purpose: Crucially, the goal of this severe discipline is explicitly stated: "that they may learn not to blaspheme." This highlights the corrective and restorative intent behind the action, aiming for repentance and a change in behavior.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "delivered unto Satan" translates the Greek paradidōmi Satana, which signifies a handing over to the sphere of Satan's influence, outside the protective fellowship of the church. This is not for eternal damnation but for a corrective experience, often involving physical or spiritual affliction, designed to bring about repentance and a return to truth. A similar concept is seen when Paul instructs the Corinthian church to "deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (1 Corinthians 5:5).

The term "blaspheme" comes from the Greek blasphēmeō, meaning to speak evil of, revile, or slander. In this context, it refers to speaking evil against God, Christ, or the Christian faith, likely through propagating false doctrine or engaging in immoral conduct that dishonored the Gospel.

Practical Application

While the specific act of "delivering unto Satan" was an extraordinary apostolic measure, the principles behind 1 Timothy 1:20 remain relevant. It reminds believers of:

  • The vital importance of holding fast to sound doctrine and a good conscience.
  • The seriousness with which God views false teaching and actions that dishonor His name.
  • The necessity of church discipline, applied with discernment and love, with the ultimate goal of restoration and preserving the purity of the faith community.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that accountability is a crucial aspect of spiritual growth and the health of the church, encouraging us to diligently guard the truth of the Gospel.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 5:4 (11 votes)

    In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • 1 Corinthians 5:5 (11 votes)

    To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

  • 2 Timothy 2:17 (10 votes)

    And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

  • 1 Corinthians 11:32 (10 votes)

    But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:15 (7 votes)

    Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

  • Revelation 3:19 (5 votes)

    As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

  • Acts 19:33 (4 votes)

    And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.