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Introduction to 1 Timothy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Timothy

In this letter, Paul alternates between personal commands to Timothy that empower him to act as his representative and with his authority, and instructions for how followers of Jesus should live in community.

  1. Greetings (1:1-2)
  2. Paul commands Timothy to tell people not to teach false doctrines (1:3-20)
  3. Paul gives instructions about how to re-establish order and decency in the church (2:1-15)
  4. Paul gives instructions about how to ensure that elders and deacons are properly qualified (3:1-13)
  5. Paul commands Timothy regarding his own personal conduct (3:14-5:2)
  6. Paul gives instructions to ensure church support for worthy widows (5:3-16) and elders (5:17-20)
  7. Paul commands Timothy that he must be impartial (5:21-25)
  8. Paul gives instructions to ensure order in master-servant relationships (6:1-2a)
  9. Paul commands Timothy regarding how he should teach and conduct himself (6:2b-16)
  10. Paul gives instructions for how people who are rich should live (6:17-19)
  11. Paul commands Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to his care (6:20-21a)
  12. Closing blessing to the whole church (6:21b)

Who wrote the Book of 1 Timothy?

A man named Paul wrote 1 Timothy. Paul was from the city of Tarsus. He had been known as Saul in his early life. Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a Pharisee. He persecuted Christians. After he became a Christian, he traveled several times throughout the Roman Empire telling people about Jesus.

Paul may have written other letters to Timothy, but this is the earliest one that we still have. That is why it is known as 1 Timothy or First Timothy. Timothy was Pauls disciple and close friend. Paul probably wrote this letter near the end of his life.

What is the Book of 1 Timothy about?

Paul had left Timothy in the city of Ephesus to help the believers there. Paul wrote this letter to instruct Timothy about various matters. The topics he addressed included church worship, qualifications for church leaders, and warnings against false teachers. This letter shows how Paul was training Timothy to be a leader among the churches while Timothy himself trained other leaders.

How should the title of this book be translated?

Translators may choose to call this book by its customary title, “1 Timothy” or “First Timothy.” Or they may choose a different title, such as “Pauls First Letter to Timothy.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is discipleship?

Discipleship is the process of making people to be disciples of Christ. The goal of discipleship is to encourage other Christians to be more like Christ. This letter gives many instructions about how a leader should train a less mature Christian. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]])

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

What did Paul mean by the expression “in Christ”?

Paul meant to express the idea of a very close union with Christ and the believers. Please see the introduction to the Book of Romans for more details about this kind of expression.

What are the major textual issues in the text of the book of 1 Timothy?

In 6:5, the oldest Greek manuscripts differ from later Greek manuscripts. Modern translations may also differ depending on the Greek manuscript that they translate from. The ULT text translates the Greek from the oldest manuscripts and puts the differences from later manuscripts in a footnote. If a translation of the Bible exists in the general region, translators should consider following the decision in that translation. If not, translators are advised to follow the oldest Greek manuscripts as reflected in the ULT text. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants]])

31:introa4v20

1 Timothy 01 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Paul formally introduces this letter in verses 1-2. Writers often began letters in this way in the ancient Near East.

Special concepts in this chapter

Spiritual children

In this chapter, Paul calls Timothy a “son” and his “child.” Paul discipled Timothy as a Christian and a church leader. Paul may also have led him to believe in Christ. Therefore, Paul called Timothy his “son in the faith.” (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/disciple]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/spirit]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Metaphor

In this chapter Paul speaks figuratively of people who are not fulfilling the purpose of their faith as if they had “missed the mark” that they were aiming at, as if they had “turned away” down a wrong path, and as if they had been “shipwrecked.” He speaks figuratively of following Jesus faithfully as “fighting the good fight.”

41:1i3zzΠαῦλος1

In the culture of this time, letter writers would give their own names first. Your language may have a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Immediately after introducing the writer, you might also want to indicate to whom the letter was written. Alternate translation: “I, Paul, am the one writing this letter to you, Timothy”

51:1xl6dκατ’ ἐπιταγὴν Θεοῦ1

Alternate translation: “by the authority of God”

61:1wb8jΘεοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν1

Alternate translation: “God, who saves us”

71:1sw77rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyΚυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τῆς ἐλπίδος ἡμῶν1

Here, our hope refers figuratively to the person in whom we have hope. Alternate translations: “Christ Jesus, the one in whom we have confidence” or “Christ Jesus, whom we trust” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

81:2pyi6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγνησίῳ τέκνῳ1

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Pauls sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Paul personally led Timothy to trust in Christ. That would be another reason why Paul considered him to be like his own child, since Timothy entered his new life as a follower of Jesus because of Paul. Alternate translation: “who is truly like a son to me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

91:2rd5vχάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη1

In this culture, letter writers would offer a good wish for the recipient before introducing the main business of the letter. Alternate translation: “I hope you are experiencing Gods kindness, mercy, and peace”

101:2p4lzrc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Πατρὸς1

Here, Father is an important title for God. Alternate translation: “God, who is our Father” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/guidelines-sonofgodprinciples]])

111:2zx37Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1

Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, who is our Lord”

121:3k4tmκαθὼς παρεκάλεσά σε1

Alternate translation: “as I told you”

131:3k35arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youσε1

In this letter, with one exception, the words you, your, and yourself refer to Timothy and so are singular. A note will discuss the one exception in 6:21. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

141:3amp4προσμεῖναι ἐν Ἐφέσῳ1

“wait for me there in the city of Ephesus”

151:3t112rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesἘφέσῳ1

This is the name of a city. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

161:3t113τισὶν1

Alternate translation: “certain people”

171:3v4g2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν1

The implication is that these people were not teaching in a different way, but teaching different things than what Paul and Timothy taught. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “a different doctrine from what we teach” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

181:4pw2hμύθοις1

These were fanciful stories of some kind, perhaps about the supposed exploits of various spiritual beings. But since we no longer know exactly what these stories were about, it would probably be best to use a general term for them. Alternate translation: “made-up stories”

191:4qpv9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleγενεαλογίαις ἀπεράντοις1

Paul uses the term endless as an exaggeration to emphasize that these are very long. Alternate translation: “lists of names that seem as if they will never end” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

201:4ft33γενεαλογίαις1

Usually, this term refers to a record of a persons ancestors. However, in this case it could also mean a record of the supposed ancestors of spiritual beings. Alternate translation: “lists of names”

211:4qb9lαἵτινες ἐκζητήσεις παρέχουσι1

The people were debating about these stories and lists of names, but no one could know for certain whether they were true. Alternate translation: “these make people disagree angrily”

221:4eu9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsοἰκονομίαν Θεοῦ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun stewardship with a concrete noun such as “plan” or “work.” Alternate translations: “helping us to understand Gods plan to save us” or “helping us to do Gods work” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

231:4p2srrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐν πίστει1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a verb such as “trust” or “believe.” Alternate translations: “which we learn by believing in God” or “which we do by trusting in God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

241:5myi5δὲ1

Paul uses this word to introduce background information that will help Timothy understand the purpose of what he is commanding him. You can translate it with a word or phrase in your language that introduces background information.

251:5iwnkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goalτὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν1

Here Paul is expressing to Timothy the goal or the outcome that he desires from the commands that Paul gave him. Alternate translation: “I am commanding these things in order to get this result” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal]])

261:5l7unπαραγγελίας1

This refers to the instructions that Paul has given Timothy in 1:3 and 1:4.

271:5i9rsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐστὶν ἀγάπη1

That Gods people would show love is the goal of the command. If it is necessary to include the object of “love,” you can say “each other” or “others.” This may also include love for God. Alternate translation: “is that Gods people would love others” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

281:5t123rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας1

Here, the heart figuratively represents a persons thoughts and inclinations. Alternate translation: “from a desire for only what is good” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

291:5mbe6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας1

Here, pure figuratively indicates that the person wants only good things and does not have mixed motives that also include some bad ones. Alternate translation: “from a desire for only what is good” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

301:5ar8tσυνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς1

Your translation should make it clear that love is the one goal of the command and is followed by three things that lead to this love. This is the second thing, after “a pure heart.” Alternate translation: “and from a conscience that leads a person to choose right instead of wrong”

311:5m53gπίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου1

This is the third thing that leads to love, which is the one goal of the command. It is not a third goal of the command. Alternate translations: “and from faith that is genuine” or “and from faith that is without hypocrisy”

321:5zziurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a verb such as “trust” or “believe.” Here, faith could mean (1) trust in God or (2) belief in true teaching about God. Alternate translations: “firmly trusting in God” or “sincerely believing the true message about God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

331:6j4z3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτινες ἀστοχήσαντες1

Paul speaks figuratively of faith in Christ as if it were a target that people should aim at. Paul means that some people are not fulfilling the purpose of their faith, which is to love, as he has just explained. Alternate translation: “some people, who are not fulfilling the purpose of faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

341:6se38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐξετράπησαν εἰς1

Here, turned away figuratively means these people have stopped doing what God has commanded. Alternate translation: “are no longer doing what God commands. Instead of that, they just engage in” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

351:7v28urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitνομοδιδάσκαλοι1

Here, law refers specifically to the law of Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

361:7kz8xrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastμὴ νοοῦντες1

If the contrast is not clear in your language between what these people want to be (teachers of the law) and their ability to do it, you may want to mark the contrast. Alternate translations: “but not understanding” or “and yet they do not understand” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

371:7t131rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesμὴ & μήτε & μήτε1

Paul uses a triple negative in Greek for emphasis here, “not … neither … nor.” None of these negatives cancel each other to create a positive meaning. Instead, the negative meaning is retained throughout. If your language uses double negatives for emphasis that do not cancel one another, it would be appropriate to use that construction here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

381:7t132rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismἃ λέγουσιν, μήτε περὶ τίνων διαβεβαιοῦνται1

These two phrases mean similar things. Paul uses the repetition for emphasis. You do not need to put both phrases in your translation if that might be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “the things that they say so confidently are true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

391:8d6dzοἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι καλὸς ὁ νόμος1

Alternate translations: “we understand that the law is useful” or “we understand that the law is beneficial”

401:8t134rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveοἴδαμεν1

In this letter, Paul uses the words we, us, and our to refer either to Timothy and himself, or else to all believers, which would also include the two of them. So generally, these words include the addressee. A note will discuss the one possible exception in 4:10. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

411:8r86gἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται1

Alternate translations: “if a person uses it correctly” or “if a person uses it in the way that God intended”

421:9xs94εἰδὼς τοῦτο1

Alternate translation: “we also know this”

431:9fq4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδικαίῳ νόμος οὐ κεῖται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God did not make the law for people who are righteous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

441:9dl5lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjδικαίῳ1

Paul is using this adjective as a noun, to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “for people who are righteous” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

451:9t139rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἀνόμοις δὲ καὶ ἀνυποτάκτοις, ἀσεβέσι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς, ἀνοσίοις καὶ βεβήλοις1

Paul is also using these adjectives as nouns to refer to the classes of people that they describe. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate each of these adjectives with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who break the law, people who defy authority, people who do not honor God, people who commit sins, people who live as if God did not matter, people who live as if nothing was sacred” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

461:9t141πατρολῴαις καὶ μητρολῴαις, ἀνδροφόνοις1

In this list Paul uses several compound words to express his meaning concisely and vividly. In each case the first term in the compound, a noun, is the object of the second term in the compound, a verb. Three of these compound words are in this verse, and two more are in the next verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate them either with single terms or with phrases. Alternate translations: “patricides and matricides, murders” or “people who kill other people, even their own fathers and mothers”

471:9t142rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνδροφόνοις1

Paul uses the term man here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “murderers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

481:10y5dxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjπόρνοις1

Paul is using this adjective as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who have sexual relations outside of marriage” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

491:10v1ghrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἀρσενοκοίταις1

This is the fourth compound word on the list. The term “lie” figuratively means to have sexual relations. Alternate translation: “men who have sexual relations with other males” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

501:10bzw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνδραποδισταῖς1

This is the fifth and last compound word on the list. Paul uses the term man here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people who kidnap other people to sell them as slaves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

511:10gg42καὶ εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται1

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that, in many languages, a sentence would need to be complete. He means that if anything else is contrary to healthy teaching, then the law is made for people who do that, too. Alternate translation: “and for people who do anything else that is against wholesome teaching”

521:10t147rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ1

This is a figurative way to say that the teaching is good and reliable in every way and has no defect or corruption. A person with a healthy mind would recognize this teaching as correct. Alternate translation: “correct teaching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

531:11mg4tτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς δόξης τοῦ μακαρίου Θεοῦ1

This could mean one of two things. Alternate translations: “the gospel about the glory that belongs to the blessed God” or “the glorious gospel about the blessed God”

541:11a58drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃ ἐπιστεύθην ἐγώ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “for which God made me responsible” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

551:12t150χάριν ἔχω1

Alternate translation: “I thank”

561:12uu6nπιστόν με ἡγήσατο1

Alternate translation: “he believed that he could rely on me”

571:12ff1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorθέμενος εἰς διακονίαν1

Paul speaks of the task of serving God as if it were a location that one could be placed in. Alternate translations: “he assigned me to serve him” or “he appointed me as his servant” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

581:13q75prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὄντα βλάσφημον1

Paul is referring to his character before he believed in Jesus. He is probably referring to how he used to say that Jesus was not the Messiah and that people should not believe in him. Alternate translation: “I was a person who said wrong things about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

591:13gbd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitδιώκτην1

Paul is referring to his character before he believed in Jesus. Alternate translation: “a person who persecuted those who believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

601:13k85crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὑβριστήν1

Paul is referring to his character before he believed in Jesus. Alternate translations: “a violent person” or “a person who used violence against those who believed in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

611:13rq2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultἠλεήθην, ὅτι ἀγνοῶν, ἐποίησα ἐν ἀπιστίᾳ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could change the order of these phrases since the second phrase, “not knowing,” gives the reason for the action that the first phrase, “I was shown mercy,” describes. Alternate translation: “I did not act the way God would have trusted me to act, but that was because I did not know what I was doing, and so Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

621:13nv6krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠλεήθην1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

631:14t158δὲ1

Paul uses this word to introduce an expanded description of the way Jesus treated him mercifully even though he persecuted the followers of Jesus. This description will help Timothy and the other believers in Ephesus to understand how great the mercy of Jesus is. Alternate translation: “in fact”

641:14c1lgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὑπερεπλεόνασεν & ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1

Paul speaks of the grace of Jesus as if it were a liquid that fills a container until it flows over the top. Alternate translation: “Jesus showed me unlimited grace” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

651:14z5lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμετὰ πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

This could mean one of two things: (1) Paul could be referring to faith and love that he received from Jesus when he became in him, which would mean figuratively “in relationship with” him. Alternate translation: “and enabled me to trust him and love him” (2) Paul could be referring to the faith and love that Jesus himself possesses and could be saying that these were the basis of the mercy that Jesus showed him. Alternate translation: “because he believed in me and loved me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

661:15z48sπιστὸς ὁ λόγος1

In this context, the term word refers to an entire statement. Alternate translation: “this statement is dependable”

671:15rh2rκαὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say who does this action. Alternate translations: “and we should believe it without any doubt” or “and we should have full confidence in it”

681:15t163rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksὅτι1

Paul uses this term to introduce a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

691:15t164ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ1

Here the term first has the sense of the superlative example of a class, in this case a negative class. Alternate translation: “and I am the worst one of all”

701:16z5kgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἠλεήθην1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

711:16epe2ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ1

Alternate translation: “so that through me, the worst sinner of all”

721:17k9scδὲ1

Paul uses this word to introduce a change in what he is writing. As a result of what he has been teaching Timothy, he now writes a blessing to and about God. Use a word to indicate this change in your language, such as “so” or “now.”

731:17ts5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτιμὴ καὶ δόξα1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns honor and glory with verbs. Alternate translation: “may people honor and glorify” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

741:18ijn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν παρατίθεμαί σοι1

Paul speaks of his instructions as if he could physically put them in front of Timothy. Alternate translations: “I am entrusting you with this command” or “this is what I am commanding you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

751:18b6uqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτέκνον1

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though they were father and son. This shows Pauls sincere love and approval of Timothy. It is also likely that Paul personally led Timothy to trust in Christ, and that would be another reason why Paul considered him to be like his own child. Alternate translation: “you who are like my very own child” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

761:18y6jgκατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say who did this action. Alternate translation: “in agreement with what other believers prophesied about you”

771:18w2exrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorστρατεύῃ & τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν1

Paul speaks figuratively about Timothy doing his best for the Lord as if he were a soldier fighting a battle. Alternate translation: “continue to do your best on behalf of the Lord” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

781:19jj6krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔχων πίστιν1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith with a phrase that uses a verb such as “trust” or “believe.” Here, faith could refer to: (1) a relationship with Jesus or (2) a belief in the message about Jesus. Alternate translations: (1) “continue trusting in Jesus” or (2) “keep believing the true teaching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

791:19ly6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀγαθὴν συνείδησιν1

See how you translated this in 1:5. Alternate translation: “continuing to choose to do what is right instead of what is wrong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

801:19h2wkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτινες & περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἐναυάγησαν1

Paul speaks figuratively of these people as if they were a ship that had sunk. He means that these people no longer believe in Jesus and no longer live as his followers. You could use this same figure, or a similar one from your culture, if your readers would understand this meaning. Otherwise, you could say as an alternative translation, “no longer belong to Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

811:19dyr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπερὶ τὴν πίστιν1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun faith. Here, faith could refer to: (1) a relationship with Jesus (or God) or (2) the teachings about Jesus. Alternate translations: (1) “their relationship with Jesus” or (2) “the message about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

821:20pv7frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesὙμέναιος & Ἀλέξανδρος1

These are names of two men. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

831:20ty7nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorοὓς παρέδωκα τῷ Σατανᾷ1

Paul speaks figuratively as if he physically took hold of these men and handed them to Satan. If this does not make sense in your language, you can state it plainly. Alternate translation: “I have allowed Satan to command them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

841:20az10rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὓς παρέδωκα τῷ Σατανᾷ1

This probably means that Paul expelled them from the community of believers. Since they are no longer a part of the community, Satan has access to them and can harm them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you may want to include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “I have allowed Satan to make them suffer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

851:20s76crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἵνα παιδευθῶσι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that God may teach them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

862:introc6rf0

1 Timothy 02 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Peace

Paul encourages Christians to pray for everyone. They should pray for rulers so that Christians can live peacefully, in a godly and dignified way.

Women in the church

Scholars are divided over how to understand this passage in its historical and cultural context. Some scholars believe that God created men and women to serve in distinctly different roles in marriage and the church. Other scholars believe that God wants women to use the gifts He gives them on an equal basis with men. Translators should be careful not to let how they understand this issue affect how they translate this passage.

872:1yk2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomπρῶτον πάντων1

As in 1:15, the term first figuratively means the superlative example of a class. Alternate translation: “most importantly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

882:1iag7παρακαλῶ1

Alternate translation: “I encourage” or “I exhort”

892:1ql7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveποιεῖσθαι δεήσεις, προσευχάς, ἐντεύξεις, εὐχαριστίας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action and who would receive the action. Alternate translation: “I urge all believers to make requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

902:1t183rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

912:2g4varc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἤρεμον καὶ ἡσύχιον βίον1

The terms peaceful and quiet mean the same thing. Paul uses them together for emphasis. He wants all believers to be able to live their lives without having trouble with the authorities. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “an undisturbed life” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

922:2pb58rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ καὶ σεμνότητι1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the idea behind the abstract nouns godliness and dignity with phrases that use verbs such as “honor” and “respect.” Alternate translation: “that honors God and that other people will respect” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

932:3t186rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκαλὸν καὶ ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον & Θεοῦ1

The terms good and acceptable mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If you think that having both terms in your translation might be confusing for your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “very pleasing to God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

942:4i3zerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃς πάντας ἀνθρώπους θέλει σωθῆναι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who wants to save everyone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

952:4t188rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsπάντας ἀνθρώπους1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “everyone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

962:4n26mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorεἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν1

Paul speaks of learning the truth about God as if it were a place where people could come. Alternate translation: “to know and accept what is true” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

972:5t666rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownεἷς καὶ μεσίτης Θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων1

A mediator is a person who helps negotiate a peaceful settlement between two parties who disagree with each other. Alternate translation: “and one person who is able to reconcile God and people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

982:5t191rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

992:5t192rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς1

Paul is likely using the term man in a generic sense to refer to the humanity of Jesus. Alternate translation: “Christ Jesus, who is also human” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1002:6u8r1δοὺς ἑαυτὸν1

Alternate translations: “sacrificed himself” or “died willingly”

1012:6vz12ἀντίλυτρον ὑπὲρ πάντων1

Alternate translation: “as the price of freedom for everyone”

1022:6fm1crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὸ μαρτύριον1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make it explicit that this demonstrated specifically that God wants to save all people. Alternate translation: “as the proof that God wants to save all people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1032:6fq7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκαιροῖς ἰδίοις1

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “at the time that God had chosen” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1042:7qxv9εἰς ὃ1

This refers back to the testimony about God in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “of this testimony”

1052:7iz4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐτέθην ἐγὼ κῆρυξ καὶ ἀπόστολος1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus has made me, Paul, a preacher and a representative for him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1062:7cbn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownκῆρυξ1

A herald is someone who is sent out to announce a message. If your language does not have a similar term and your readers would not know what a herald is, you could use a general expression for this. Alternate translations: “an announcer” or “a messenger” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1072:7qa8drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκῆρυξ1

Paul compares himself to a herald because God has sent him out to announce the gospel message. Alternate translation: “a preacher” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1082:7hb97ἐν Χριστῷ1

“as a follower of Christ”

1092:7yllfἀλήθειαν λέγω & οὐ ψεύδομαι1

In order to emphasize what he is saying, Paul says the same thing twice, first positively and then negatively. If this is confusing in your language, you can say this once. Alternate translation: “I am telling you the truth as a follower of Christ”

1102:7h18qδιδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ1

This could mean either of two things: (1) faith and truth could be describing the content of what Paul teaches. Alternate translation: “I teach the Gentiles the message of faith and truth” or (2) faith and truth could also be describing Pauls character as a teacher. Alternate translation: “a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles”

1112:7t201rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysδιδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ1

If this phrase has the second meaning that the previous note discusses, Paul may be using the two terms faith and truth together to express one idea. Alternate translation: “I teach the Gentiles about the true faith” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

1122:7t202ἐθνῶν1

This term refers to members of other people groups who are not Jewish. Alternate translations: “the Gentiles” or “non-Jewish people groups”

1132:8a841rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἄνδρας ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ1

Here the word men refers specifically to males. The term is not generic, since Paul addresses women next. Alternate translations: “the males in all places” or “men everywhere” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

1142:8unw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας1

It was the customary posture in this culture for people to raise their hands while praying. You could translate this in a way that would make that clear. Alternate translation: “reverently lifting up their hands in the customary way” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

1152:8yzg3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheπροσεύχεσθαι & ἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας1

Paul describes one part of the person, the hands, as holy to indicate that the entire person is to be holy. Alternate translation: “lifting up their hands to pray in holiness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1162:8t206rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysχωρὶς ὀργῆς καὶ διαλογισμοῦ1

Here Paul expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word anger tells what kind of argument the men should avoid. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “without angry arguments” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

1172:9t207rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὡσαύτως1

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “in the same way, I also want” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1182:9sw21rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν1

During this time, many Roman women braided their hair lavishly to try to make themselves attractive. If your readers would not be familiar with the practice of braiding hair, you could express this idea in a more general way. Alternate translations: “they should not have fancy hairstyles” or “they should not have elaborate hairstyles that attract attention” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1192:9t210rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheμὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν1

Paul mentions braids and gold as ways a woman could give undue attention to her hair. At the time, women would make elaborate braided hairstyles, often weaving in chains of gold. Alternate translations: “not with fancy hairstyles” or “not by means of elaborate hairstyles that attract attention” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1202:9rf5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownμαργαρίταις1

These are beautiful and valuable mineral balls that people use as jewelry. They are formed inside the shell of a small animal that lives in the ocean. If your readers would not be familiar with pearls, you could express this idea in a more general way. Alternate translation: “decorations made from valuable materials” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1212:10g35mἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν, δι’ ἔργων ἀγαθῶν1

Alternate translation: “who want to honor God by the good things that they do”

1222:11gb7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ἡσυχίᾳ1

Paul may be saying that he wants the women to listen rather than to speak. Alternate translation: “by listening” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1232:11c7shἐν πάσῃ ὑποταγῇ1

Alternate translation: “and submit to the authority of the teacher”

1242:12t216εἶναι ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ1

As in 2:11, Paul may be saying that he wants the women to listen rather than to speak. Alternate translation: “she should listen quietly”

1252:13iv31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἈδὰμ & πρῶτος ἐπλάσθη1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God created Adam first” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1262:13v7v6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisεἶτα Εὕα1

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and then God created Eve” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

1272:14wq5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἈδὰμ οὐκ ἠπατήθη1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Adam was not the one whom the serpent deceived” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1282:14n6tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἡ δὲ γυνὴ ἐξαπατηθεῖσα, ἐν παραβάσει γέγονεν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “but it was the woman who disobeyed God when the serpent deceived her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1292:14t221rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν παραβάσει γέγονεν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract noun transgression with a verbal phrase. Alternate translations: “began to sin” or “began to disobey God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1302:15krx4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Use a natural way in your language to indicate that this sentence provides a contrast to the previous sentence. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

1312:15t222σωθήσεται1

Here, she likely refers to Eve, mentioned in the preceding verse, and whom Paul describes as “the woman.” “They,” later in the sentence, refers to women in general. To show how Paul shifts the topic from Eve, a representative woman, to all women, the word she could be translated here as “women.”

1322:15u8ivσωθήσεται & διὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας1

This could mean one of three things: (1) It may be that people thought that women would be condemned because of Eves sin and punished even more than with the pain of childbearing (see Genesis 3:16), or they may have thought that a woman who believed in Jesus was no longer under the punishment that God gave in Genesis 3:16. Since the Greek word translated through can also mean “with” or “while,” Paul may be saying here that women continue to have the punishment of pain in childbirth but will be saved from additional punishment as long as they have faith in Jesus. (2) It may be that the women of the church in Ephesus were being led away from faith in Jesus by the false teachers (see 2 Timothy 3:6), so Paul is recommending that they focus on raising their families rather than listening to (or participating in) the “foolish talk” (1:6). (3) Childbearing could also be a reference to the birth of Jesus as a human child to be the Savior. Alternate translations: (1) “God will save women, although they do have to endure childbirth” or (2) “God will save women as they attend to their families” or (3) “God will save women through Jesus, who was born as a child”

1332:15i0aprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheδιὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας1

If option number 2 from the previous note is correct, then Paul is figuratively referring to all of the aspects of motherhood by mentioning the beginning part of it: childbearing. Alternate translation: “as they attend to their families” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

1342:15n818rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveσωθήσεται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God will save women” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1352:15gh3cἐὰν μείνωσιν1

Here, they refers to women. Paul switches from the singular to the plural as he switches from talking about Eve as the representative of women to women in general. Alternate translation: “if women continue living”

1362:15sl57rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν πίστει, καὶ ἀγάπῃ, καὶ ἁγιασμῷ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns faith, love, and holiness with verbs. Alternate translation: “trusting Jesus, loving others, and living in a holy way” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1372:15dcf3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomμετὰ σωφροσύνης1

Possible meanings of this expression here are: (1) “with good judgment,” (2) “with modesty,” or (3) “with clear thinking” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1383:introd9db0

1 Timothy 03 General Notes

Structure and formatting

3:16 was probably a song, poem, or creed the early church used to express what it understood to be the meaning of who Jesus was and what he did.

Overseers and deacons

The church has used different titles for church leaders. Some titles include elder, pastor, and bishop. The word “overseer” reflects the Greek term in verses 1-2, which means literally an “over-seer.” The word “bishop” is derived directly from the letters of this Greek term. Paul writes about another kind of church leader, a “deacon,” in verses 8 and 12.

Character qualities

This chapter lists several qualities that an overseer or deacon in the church must have. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1393:1t227πιστὸς ὁ λόγος1

As in 1:15, in this context the term word has a meaning more like “statement” or “message.” Alternate translation: “this statement is dependable”

1403:1t228rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksπιστὸς ὁ λόγος1

Paul uses this phrase to introduce a direct quotation. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow in the rest of the verse with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

1413:1t229rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἐπισκοπῆς1

This term describes a leader of the early Christian church whose work was to take care of the spiritual needs of believers and make sure that they received accurate biblical teaching. Alternate translation: “spiritual leader” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

1423:1f133καλοῦ ἔργου1

Alternate translations: “an honorable task” or “an honorable role”

1433:2dff6μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα1

This means that he has only one wife, that is, he does not have any other wives or concubines. This also means that he does not commit adultery and may also mean that he has not divorced a previous wife. Alternate translations: “a man who has only one woman” or “a man who is faithful to his wife”

1443:2qnq9δεῖ & εἶναι & νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον1

Alternate translation: “He must not do anything to excess, he must be reasonable and behave well, and he must be welcoming to strangers”

1453:3c2c7μὴ πάροινον, μὴ πλήκτην, ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ, ἄμαχον1

Alternate translation: “he must not drink alcohol to excess, and he must not fight and argue, but instead, he must be gentle and peaceful”

1463:3pc2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀφιλάργυρον1

If the expression loving money would not convey the idea of something inappropriate in your language, it might be helpful to use a term that expresses the idea of “greed.” Alternate translation: “not greedy for money” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1473:4a8guπροϊστάμενον1

Alternate translations: “he should lead” or “he should take care of”

1483:4w3unἐν ὑποταγῇ, μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος1

This could mean one of several things: (1) The overseers children should obey their father and show respect to him. Alternate translation: “who obey him completely respectfully” (2) The overseers children should show respect to everyone. Alternate translation: “who obey him and show respect to everyone” or (3) The overseer should show respect to those in his household as he leads them. Alternate translation: “who obey him as he treats them with respect”

1493:5n5ltrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionεἰ δέ τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν, πῶς ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται?1

Paul is making a statement, not actually asking a question. He does not expect Timothy to explain how a man who could not manage his own household could take care of Gods church. Instead, Paul is using the question form to emphasize how important it is for an overseer to demonstrate faithfulness in his personal life before assuming a leadership role in the church. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could translate these words as a statement. Alternate translation: “I say this because a man who is not able to manage his own household will certainly not be able to take care of the church of God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

1503:5c814rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ1

Here, the term church refers to a local group of Gods people, not to a building. Alternate translations: “a group of Gods people” or “a local gathering of believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1513:6q7huμὴ νεόφυτον1

Alternate translations: “he should not be still just learning the faith” or “he must be mature from a long, steady growth in the faith”

1523:6t240rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτυφωθεὶς1

Paul is warning that a new convert might become excessively proud if he were given an important leadership position right away. Alternate translation: “becoming proud of himself” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1533:6t241rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτυφωθεὶς1

Paul describes being proud figuratively as if it made a person swell in size. Alternate translation: “thinking that he is better than others” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1543:6v6f5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἵνα μὴ & εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου1

Paul describes the experience of being condemned for having done wrong as like falling into a hole. Alternate translation: “and have God condemn him as he condemned the devil” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1553:7si1drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτῶν ἔξωθεν1

Paul speaks of the church figuratively as though it were a place and unbelievers were physically outside of it. Alternate translation: “those who are not believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1563:7qsa6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ εἰς ὀνειδισμὸν ἐμπέσῃ1

Paul speaks of disgrace figuratively as if it were a hole that a person could fall into. Alternate translation: “so that he does not do anything that would make him ashamed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1573:7t245rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπαγίδα τοῦ διαβόλου1

Paul speaks of the devil tempting someone to sin as if it were a trap that could catch a person. Alternate translation: “so that the devil is not able to tempt him to sin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1583:8nz2wδιακόνους ὡσαύτως1

Alternate translation: “deacons, just like overseers”

1593:8sxq4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ διλόγους1

Paul speaks figuratively about some people as if they could say two things at once. Alternate translation: “they should not say one thing but mean something else” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1603:8g5qirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesμὴ διλόγους1

If it is clearer in your language, you can state this positively. Alternate translation: “be honest in what they say” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1613:9c44arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἔχοντας1

Paul speaks of true teaching about God as if it were an object that a person could hold. Alternate translation: “they must continue to believe” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1623:9jda1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ μυστήριον1

Paul uses the abstract noun mystery to refer to a truth that had existed for some time but that God was revealing at that moment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind this term with a verb such as “reveal.” Alternate translation: “what God has now revealed” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1633:9rfv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως1

Here, faith refers to the content of the mystery, that is, the specific things that God has revealed and that followers of Jesus must believe. Alternate translation: “the teachings that God has revealed to us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1643:9y91frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει1

Paul speaks figuratively of a persons sense of right and wrong being clean, which means that it assures that person that he has done nothing wrong. Alternate translation: “knowing that they are not doing anything wrong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1653:10hl1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὗτοι & δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would the action. Alternate translations: “the leaders should observe and approve of them first” or “they should first prove themselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1663:11xyc9γυναῖκας1

This could mean one of two things: (1) Alternate translation: “deacons wives” (2) Alternate translation: “female deacons”

1673:11q5qxσεμνάς1

Alternate translations: “people who act properly” or “people who are worthy of respect”

1683:11a12kμὴ διαβόλους1

Alternate translation: “they must not say malicious things about other people”

1693:11akm5νηφαλίους1

See how you translated this in 3:2. Alternate translation: “not doing anything to excess.”

1703:12wji2μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες1

See how you translated this in 3:2. Review the note there if that would be helpful. Alternate translations: (1) “not married to more than one woman” or (2) “faithful to their wives”

1713:12dv31τέκνων καλῶς προϊστάμενοι καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων1

Alternate translation: “taking proper care of their children and their personal affairs”

1723:13rfq2rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Paul uses this word to introduce what the results will be if people with the qualifications he has just described are chosen as church leaders. Alternate translation: “After all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

1733:13t259οἱ & καλῶς διακονήσαντες1

This could refer either to deacons, whom Paul has just discussed, or to overseers as well, as a conclusion to Pauls entire discussion of church leaders. Alternate translations: “deacons who serve well” or “church leaders who serve well”

1743:13cv34βαθμὸν & καλὸν1

This could mean one of two things. Alternate translations: (1) “an honorable position” or (2) “a good reputation”

1753:13m684καὶ πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1

This could mean one of two things. Alternate translations: (1) “and they will speak more confidently to other people about believing in Jesus” or (2) “and they will trust in Jesus with even more confidence”

1763:14t262rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν τάχει1

This expression describes Pauls haste and urgency. Alternate translation: “as soon as I can” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1773:14zzzurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goἐλθεῖν1

In some languages it is more natural to say “go” here, rather than come. Alternate translation: “to go” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go]])

1783:15z9z8ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω1

This does not imply that Paul might choose to take his time rather than hurrying. Alternate translations: “but in case I cannot get there soon” or “but if something prevents me from getting there soon”

1793:15p9u4ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ Θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι1

Paul speaks of the group of believers as a family because God adopts each believer as a son or daughter through Christ. Possible meanings here are: (1) Paul is referring to the believers in general. Alternate translation: “so that you all may know how to conduct yourselves as members of Gods family” or (2) Paul is referring specifically to Timothys behavior in the church. Alternate translation: “so that you may know how to conduct yourself as a member of Gods family”

1803:15wzk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishοἴκῳ Θεοῦ & ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία Θεοῦ ζῶντος1

This phrase gives us further information about the household of God. It is not making a distinction between a household of God that is the church and one that is not the church. Alternate translation: “household of God, by which I mean the community of people who believe in the living God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

1813:15cd5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorστῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας1

Paul speaks of the truth as if it were a building and of the community of believers as if they were helping to hold up that building. Alternate translation: “which helps to proclaim Gods truth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1823:15t267rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletστῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα1

The terms pillar and support mean basically the same thing. They are architectural features that hold up parts of buildings. Paul uses the terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine them into an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “which helps promote” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

1833:15sg64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomΘεοῦ ζῶντος1

Alternate translations: “the God who is genuinely alive” or “the true God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1843:16w473μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον1

While in most of this letter Paul uses the term godliness to describe godly living, in this instance the term instead seems to describe the reverence for God that would lead a person to live a right life. Alternate translation: “the truth that God has revealed, that leads us to worship him, is great”

1853:16t271rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον1

Since Paul follows this statement by quoting a hymn or poem about the life of Jesus, the implication is that he sees Jesus as having made it possible for people to worship God in the most genuine way. Alternate translation: “the truth that God has revealed about why we worship Jesus is great” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

1863:16y8sprc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί, ἐδικαιώθη ἐν Πνεύματι, ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις, ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν, ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ, ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ1

This is most likely a song or poem that Paul is quoting. If your language has a way of indicating that this is poetry, such as through line-by-line formatting, you could use that here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry]])

1873:16m4xirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. (Be sure not to suggest in your translation that Jesus only seemed or appeared to be human.) Alternate translations: “he revealed himself as a human being” or “he came to earth as a human being” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1883:16rqp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐν σαρκί1

Paul uses the term flesh figuratively here to mean “in a human body.” He is describing the human body by reference to something associated with it, the flesh that envelops it. Alternate translation: “as a true human being” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

1893:16gm36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐδικαιώθη ἐν Πνεύματι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit confirmed that he was who he said he was” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1903:16fn1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὤφθη ἀγγέλοις1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the angels saw him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1913:16c3wxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “people in many nations told others about him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1923:16h9mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “people throughout the world believed in him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1933:16jz11rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “God the Father took him up to heaven in glory” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1943:16mr3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ1

The abstract noun glory refers to the way Jesus received power from God the Father and is worthy of honor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind this term with an adjective such as “powerful” and a verb such as “admire.” Alternate translation: “God the Father took him up to heaven, making him powerful and making everyone admire him” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

1954:introb39h0

1 Timothy 04 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Paul speaks in 4:14 of prophecy. A “prophecy” is a message that God communicates to people through someone to whom He has given a special gift of hearing and conveying these messages. The specific prophecy that Paul describes revealed how Timothy would become a gifted leader of the church. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Cultural practices

In verse 14 Paul speaks of church leaders placing their hands on Timothy. That was one way of indicating publicly that a person was being placed in a leadership position in the church.

Variation in names

In this chapter Paul speaks of church leaders called “elders.” They seem to be the same kind of leaders that he calls “overseers” in chapter 3.

1964:1jzr9δὲ1

Paul uses this word to introduce background information that will help Timothy and the believers in Ephesus understand the next part of his letter. The false teachings that Timothy must oppose are something that the Spirit has already predicted. You can translate the term with the word or phrase in your language that is most similar in meaning and significance.

1974:1b739rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς1

This expression refers to the time period when Gods purposes in history are approaching their culmination and so the evil opposition to them increases. Paul is probably referring to the time period between Jesus resurrection and his second coming. Alternate translation: “in these days as Gods purposes advance” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1984:1b931rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως1

Paul speaks of people ceasing to trust in Christ as if they were physically leaving a place. Alternate translation: “some people will stop trusting in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

1994:1hw98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως1

Here, faith refers to either: (1) the teachings about Jesus, or (2) trust in Jesus. Alternate translations: (1) “some people will stop believing the teachings about Jesus” or (2) “some people will stop trusting in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2004:1q13mπροσέχοντες1

Alternate translations: “and turn their attention to” or “because they are paying attention to”

2014:1ae5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletπνεύμασι πλάνοις καὶ διδασκαλίαις δαιμονίων1

These two phrases mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If you think having both phrases in your translation might be confusing for your readers, you could combine them into a single expression. Alternate translation: “the things that evil spirits say to trick people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2024:2pw29ἐν ὑποκρίσει ψευδολόγων1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could start a separate sentence here. Alternate translation: “The people who teach these things are hypocrites, and they tell lies”

2034:2u2f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν1

Paul is speaking figuratively of these people as if their sense of right and wrong had been ruined like skin that someone had burned with a hot iron. Alternate translation: “they will not have any sense of right and wrong any more” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2044:2t288rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they will be people who have destroyed their sense of right and wrong” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2054:3t289κωλυόντων γαμεῖν1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “these people teach that it is wrong to marry”

2064:3wd2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκωλυόντων γαμεῖν1

The implication is that these false teachers will forbid believers to marry. Alternate translation: “these people will forbid believers to marry” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2074:3t291rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων1

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. He does not mean that these false teachers will forbid believers to abstain from certain foods, but that the false teachers will require them to abstain from certain foods. In other words, the meaning of forbidding does not carry forward from the previous clause; rather, the meaning of “requiring” should be supplied. Alternate translation: “they will require believers to abstain from certain foods” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2084:3m1d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων1

The implication is that these false teachers will forbid only certain foods and that they will impose this restriction on believers. Alternate translation: “they will forbid believers to eat certain foods” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2094:3t293rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletτοῖς πιστοῖς καὶ ἐπεγνωκόσι τὴν ἀλήθειαν1

These two expressions mean the same thing. Paul uses them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “by the genuine believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2104:3t294rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοῖς πιστοῖς1

Paul is using this adjective as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “by people who believe in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2114:3t295rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἐπεγνωκόσι τὴν ἀλήθειαν1

Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who understand the truth about Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2124:4pppfrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1

This word communicates that what follows is the reason for what Paul just said. Use a natural way in your language to give a reason. Alternate translation: “that is true because” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

2134:4dv4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguishπᾶν κτίσμα Θεοῦ καλόν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the expression creation of God with a relative clause. Alternate translation: “everything that God created is good” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

2144:4a15jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοὐδὲν ἀπόβλητον μετὰ εὐχαριστίας λαμβανόμενον1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “we are free to eat anything that we can thank God for” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2154:5gwcsrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

This word communicates that what follows is the reason for the last part of what Paul has just said. In other words, it is the reason why “nothing being received with thanksgiving is vile.” Use a natural way in your language to give a reason. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

2164:5m5mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἁγιάζεται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translations: “it becomes holy” or “it is suitable to eat” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2174:5fhd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyδιὰ λόγου Θεοῦ1

In this context, the term word has a specific meaning. It refers to the pronouncement that God made in his word that everything that he created was good. Alternate translation: “because of what God said about it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2184:5t300rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ ἐντεύξεως1

In context, the implication is that this refers to prayers of thanksgiving to God for food. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and because of the thanks that people offer to God for it in prayer” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2194:6ks5xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorταῦτα ὑποτιθέμενος τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1

Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that could be physically placed in front of the other believers. Alternate translation: “if you help the believers remember these things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2204:6hfx3ταῦτα1

This refers to the teaching that began in 3:16.

2214:6h6qrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1

Paul is using the term brothers in a generic sense that includes men and women. Alternate translation: “the brothers and sisters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2224:6uyebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1

This term figuratively means a fellow believer in Jesus. Alternative translation: “your fellow believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2234:6t304rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expessed in proper teaching, are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2244:6f8vsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας1

Paul speaks of these statements and teachings as if they could physically feed Timothy and make him strong. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expressed in proper teaching, are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2254:6ny78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας1

Paul uses the term words figuratively to describe the statements of belief and the teachings that explain them, both expressed in words. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expressed in proper teaching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2264:7th4iτοὺς & βεβήλους καὶ γραώδεις μύθους1

See how you translated myths in 1:4 and profane in 1:9. Alternate translation: “foolish, made-up stories in which nothing is sacred”

2274:7elk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτοὺς & γραώδεις μύθους1

The term old-womanish is an idiom that means “silly” or “foolish.” Paul tells Timothy in 5:2 that he should respect older women as mothers, so Pauls expression here should be recognized as idiomatic rather than disrespectful. Your language may have a similar expression. Alternate translation: “old wives tales” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2284:7sea5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorγύμναζε & σεαυτὸν πρὸς εὐσέβειαν1

Paul tells Timothy figuratively to work to develop godly character as if he were an athlete improving his physical conditioning. Alternate translation: “diligently practice acting in ways that please God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2294:8t311rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksγὰρ1

What follows after this word is a direct quotation of a saying that Paul uses for teaching. It may be helpful to your readers if you indicate this by setting off the words that follow in the rest of the verse with quotation marks or with whatever other punctuation or convention your language may use to indicate a quotation. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks]])

2304:8i6rhσωματικὴ γυμνασία1

Alternate translation: “physical exercise”

2314:8t313πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶν ὠφέλιμος1

This could mean one of three things. Alternate translations: (1) “has some small value” or (2) “has value for a little while” or (3) “does not have very much value”

2324:8df19ἐπαγγελίαν ἔχουσα1

Alternate translation: “will bring benefits”

2334:9t315πιστὸς ὁ λόγος1

As in 1:15 and 3:1, in this context, the term word means “statement” or “saying.” (Paul is referring to the entire saying that he quoted in the previous verse.) Alternate translation: “this statement is dependable”

2344:9hc1tκαὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος1

See how you translated this in 1:15. Alternate translations: “and we should believe it without any doubt” or “and we should have full confidence in it”

2354:10l2ylrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τοῦτο γὰρ1

The term this refers to “godliness,” which Paul mentions in the previous two verses. Paul is giving a reason why Timothy should believe the saying about the value of godliness. He and his other fellow workers are striving very hard to become godly, so it must be valuable. Alternate translation: “after all, it is for godliness that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

2364:10c9dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletκοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα1

The terms toil and struggle mean basically the same thing. Paul uses them together to emphasize the intensity with which he and his fellow workers are serving God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “we work so hard” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

2374:10t320rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveκοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα1

This could be the one place where we does not include the addressee. Paul has just told Timothy to make godliness his priority rather than physical exercise, and he may be offering himself and his other fellow workers as an example of that for Timothy to follow. So if your language makes that distinction, you may wish to use the exclusive form in this phrase. However, we in the next phrase would include Timothy, since Paul is encouraging Timothy to join him and his fellow workers in making godliness his priority as someone who, like them, has hoped in the living God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

2384:10qmj6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomΘεῷ ζῶντι1

See how you translated this in 3:15. Alternate translations: “the God who is genuinely alive” or “the true God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2394:10t322rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

2404:12qi8lμηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω1

The term despise here does not mean “hate,” but “think little of” or “scorn.” Alternate translation: “Do not let anyone disrespect you just because you are young”

2414:12t325ἐν λόγῳ1

In this context, the term word means “what you say.” Alternate translation: “in your speech”

2424:13t326rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitπρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say explicitly what Timothy is to read and to whom, and whom he is to exhort and teach. Alternate translation: “continue reading the Scriptures to the people in the church there, exhorting them, and teaching them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2434:13kky7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsπρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the abstract nouns reading, exhortation, and teaching with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “continue reading the Scriptures to the people in your meeting there, exhorting them, and teaching them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2444:14i1karc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesμὴ ἀμέλει1

You can state this in a positive way if that is more natural for your language. Alternate translations: “continue to use” or “make sure you develop” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

2454:14t22xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorμὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος1

Paul speaks of Timothy as if he were a container that could hold Gods gift. Alternate translation: “do not neglect the ability that God has given you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2464:14hdd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος1

The implication is that this gift is the ability that God has given Timothy for ministry. Alternate translation: “do not neglect the ability that God has given you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2474:14xp1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “which you received when leaders of the church prophesied about you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2484:14rr8frc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου1

Paul is speaking of a ceremony during which the church leaders put their hands on Timothy and prayed that God would enable him to do the work he had commanded him to do. Alternate translation: “when the elders all laid their hands on you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2494:15sbcgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitταῦτα1

If it is helpful in your language, you may want to make explicit what these things are. Alternate translation: “these things that I am telling you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2504:15m65mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐν τούτοις ἴσθι1

Paul is speaking figuratively as if Timothy could physically be inside the instructions he has just given him. Alternate translation: “and follow them consistently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2514:15mercrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitσου ἡ προκοπὴ1

If it is helpful in your language, you may want to make explicit in what way Timothy is to make progress. Alternate translation: “your increasing ability to live the way that Jesus wants you to live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2524:16uq6cἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ1

Alternate translation: “Pay attention to how you live and to what you teach”

2534:16zxe7ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς1

Alternate translation: “continue to do these things”

2544:16u7ezκαὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου1

Possible meanings are: (1) Timothy will save himself and those who hear him from Gods judgment or (2) Timothy will protect himself and those who hear him from the influence of false teachers. Perhaps Paul means both things since, if Timothy can persuade the people of the church in Ephesus not to listen to the false teachers, then he will also spare them from Gods judgment for the wrong things they would have done if they had listened to those teachers. Alternate translation: “you will keep both yourself and your listeners from believing and doing the wrong things”

2555:introjx4e0

1 Timothy 05 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Honor and respect

Paul encourages younger Christians to honor and respect older Christians. Cultures honor and respect older people in different ways.

Widows

In the ancient Near East, it was important to care for widows because they could not provide for themselves.

Variation in names

In this chapter, as in chapter 4, Paul speaks of church leaders called “elders.” Here, as well, they seem to be the same kind of leaders that he calls “overseers” in chapter 3.

2565:1wt5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you0

Paul was giving these commands to one person, Timothy. Languages that have different forms of “you” or different forms for commands would use the singular form here. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])

2575:1l4w5πρεσβυτέρῳ μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς1

Alternate translation: “do not reprimand an older man”

2585:1dnf2ἀλλὰ παρακάλει1

Alternate translation: “instead, encourage him”

2595:1enp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς πατέρα & ὡς ἀδελφούς1

Paul uses these similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with the same sincere love and respect that he would show to family members. Alternate translation: “as if he were your own father … encourage them as if they were your own brothers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2605:2t1pvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileὡς μητέρας & ὡς ἀδελφὰς1

Paul uses these similes to tell Timothy that he should treat fellow believers with sincere love and respect, just as he would treat family members. Alternate translation: “encourage each of them as if they were your own mother … encourage them as if they were your own sisters” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

2615:2ivl7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐν πάσῃ ἁγνίᾳ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate the idea behind the abstract noun purity with an adjective such as “pure.” Alternate translation: “making sure that your thoughts and actions are pure” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2625:3smp5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomχήρας τίμα1

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “provide for widows” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2635:3qc6sτὰς ὄντως χήρας1

Alternate translation: “widows who have no one else to provide for them”

2645:4vv64τέκνα ἢ ἔκγονα1

Here, these children and grandchildren are adults who are able to care for others, not young children.

2655:4w38hπρῶτον1

This could mean one of two things, or possibly both: (1) It could mean that, of all of their religious duties, taking care of their family is the most important one and the one that they should learn to do before anything else. Alternate translation: “as the most basic part of belonging to Gods people” or (2) It could mean that these children and grandchildren should be the first ones to take care of their family members, before the rest of the congregation. Alternate translation: “before the church offers any support”

2665:4fnabμανθανέτωσαν & εὐσεβεῖν1

Here, learn means to practice, that is, to learn by doing. Alternate translation: “let them become proficient in honoring”

2675:4t344rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismμανθανέτωσαν & τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον εὐσεβεῖν, καὶ ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις1

There are two possible meanings here: (1) These two phrases may mean similar things and you could combine them if that would be clearer in your language. If honor is an idiom for “provide” here, as in the previous verse, then Paul may be using repetition for emphasis. Alternate translation: “let them provide the support that their widowed mother or grandmother needs and deserves” or (2) However, there may be a slight difference in meaning, and you could also choose to bring that out in your translation. Paul may actually be giving two reasons why people should support their widowed mothers or grandmothers. Alternate translation: “this is a respectful thing to do for widowed family members, and it will repay them for supporting their children and grandchildren as they were growing up” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

2685:4g5murc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸν ἴδιον οἶκον1

Paul uses this phrase figuratively to refer to family members, by association to the way they live in the same house. Alternate translations: “their own family members” or “those living in their homes” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

2695:4q5c8ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις1

Alternate translation: “let them do good to their mother or grandmother in return for the good things their parents and grandparents gave them”

2705:4t347rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1

Paul uses this term to introduce an additional reason why family members should support their widowed mothers or grandmothers. Alternate translation: “also” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

2715:4t348rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτοῦτο & ἐστιν ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Paul uses the expression before God, which means “in front of God,” to mean “where God can see.” Alternate translations: “this is pleasing in Gods view” or “this pleases God” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2725:5xp1urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἡ & ὄντως χήρα καὶ μεμονωμένη1

The two words genuine and left-alone work together to describe one condition, and they may be combined if that is clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “a widow who is genuinely alone” Or it may be that left-alone further defines genuine. Alternate translation: “a real widow, that is, one who has no family” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

2735:5ggk0ἡ & χήρα1

Here, the … widow does not refer to any specific widow, but to all widows who meet this description. Alternate translations: “any … widow” or “all … widows”

2745:5u1ljrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπροσμένει ταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς1

Paul leaves a verb unexpressed here that your language might need to express. Alternate translations: “continues in making requests and prayers” or “continues to make requests and to offer prayers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

2755:5rwp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς1

The phrase requests and prayers expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word requests tells what kind of prayers Paul is talking about here. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translations: “making requests to God in prayer” or “praying to God for what she needs” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]]).

2765:5rb9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismνυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας1

The words night and day are used together to mean that she prays to God often, no matter what time it is. It does not mean that she prays all night and all day without ever stopping. Alternate translation: “at all times” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])

2775:6t353rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἡ & σπαταλῶσα1

Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun to describe a certain kind of widow. It does not refer to a specific person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “any widow who lives wantonly and extravagantly” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2785:6qy5hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorζῶσα τέθνηκεν1

Paul speaks figuratively about people who do not seek to please God as if they were dead. Alternate translation: “has died in her spirit, even though she is still alive physically” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2795:7qw6mκαὶ ταῦτα παράγγελλε, ἵνα ἀνεπίλημπτοι ὦσιν1

This statement seems to refer back to 4:11, “Command and teach these things,” which Paul tells Timothy after telling him in 4:6 to “place these things before the brothers.” So they seems to refer to all the believers in this situation, including the widows, their families, and the local church that is supposed to organize the list of widows and make sure that the widows are cared for well. Alternate translation: “also give these instructions to the believers, so that no one will be able to accuse them of doing anything wrong”

2805:8p7h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτις τῶν ἰδίων καὶ μάλιστα οἰκείων οὐ προνοεῖ1

Here, his own is an idiom that means “his own relatives.” Alternate translation: “a person does not help with his relatives needs, and especially those of the family members living in his home” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2815:8y645rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsτὴν πίστιν ἤρνηται1

Here, the faith refers to believing in Jesus and obeying him. Paul explains that this action would be equivalent to denying all of this. Alternate translations: “by doing that, he denies that he belongs to Jesus” or “he has shown that he does not follow the Messiah” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

2825:8evm7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔστιν ἀπίστου χείρων1

The implication is that this person is worse than an unbeliever because even unbelievers take care of their own relatives. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “is worse than those who do not believe in Jesus, because they do take care of their relatives” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2835:9s8qlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveχήρα καταλεγέσθω1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “have the church put a widow on the register” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2845:9khe1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitχήρα καταλεγέσθω1

There seems to have been a list of widows who had no family to help them. The church members met these womens needs for food, clothing, and shelter, and these women then devoted their lives to serving the Christian community. If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “have the church put a woman on the list of widows who truly need help” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2855:9i27xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesμὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα γεγονυῖα1

Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “if she is at least sixty years old” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

2865:9q9djrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή1

Like the similar expression in 3:2, this means that she has only one husband, and may also means that she was only married once. (If it means the second possibility, it is not clear whether Paul means to exclude women who were married more than once and widowed each time, or more specifically women who divorced their husbands and married other men.) Alternate translations: (1) “she was always faithful to her husband” or (2) “she had one husband” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2875:10l8nmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “people must be able to attest to her good deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2885:10mik7ἐξενοδόχησεν1

Alternate translations: “has welcomed strangers into her home” or “practiced hospitality”

2895:10ygl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν1

In this culture, people walked barefoot or in sandals on roads that were dusty or muddy, so washing their feet once they entered a home was a way of helping them be comfortable and clean. If the people of your culture would not be familiar with this practice, you could use a general expression instead. Alternate translation: “has cared for believers who visited her” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

2905:10t366rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν1

Paul may be using one type of humble service figuratively to represent humble service in general. Alternate translation: “has done humble things to help other believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

2915:10bw4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomἁγίων1

This expression refers to believers in Jesus as people who are “holy” or “set apart” for God. Alternate translations: “the believers” or “Gods holy people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

2925:10ey6irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjθλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν1

Paul is using the adjective afflicted as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “has helped people who were suffering” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

2935:10h96jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπαντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν1

Paul uses the word every here as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “she has done many good deeds” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

2945:11rv5hνεωτέρας δὲ χήρας παραιτοῦ1

Alternate translation: “But do not add the names of widows who are younger than 60 years old to the list of widows”

2955:11vqq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅταν & καταστρηνιάσωσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ1

The implication is that when a widow accepted a place on the register, she promised to remain unmarried and devote herself to serving other believers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly. Alternate translation: “when they feel bodily desires that are contrary to their pledge of chastity” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

2965:12t372ἔχουσαι κρίμα1

Alternate translation: “and so they incur Gods judgment”

2975:12nha7τὴν πρώτην πίστιν ἠθέτησαν1

The term pledge here refers to a commitment that the widows made, as the last note to 5:11 explains, that they would serve the Christian community for the rest of their lives and not remarry if the community would supply their needs. Alternate translations: “they have not kept their prior commitment” or “they have not done what they had previously promised to do”

2985:13t4ivἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν1

Alternate translation: “they get into the habit of doing nothing”

2995:13t375rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjἀργαὶ1

Paul is using the adjective lazy as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are lazy” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

3005:13t376περιερχόμεναι τὰς οἰκίας1

Alternate translation: “going from house to house”

3015:13nll4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletφλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι, λαλοῦσαι τὰ μὴ δέοντα1

These three phrases may be ways of speaking about the same activity. Paul may be using repetition to emphasize that these women should not be looking into the private lives of people and telling about them to others who would be no better off after hearing this gossip. If you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases into a single one. Alternate translation: “people who interfere openly in other peoples business” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]) (A doublet can consist of more than two terms.)

3025:13cym5φλύαροι1

Alternate translation: “people who talk nonsense”

3035:14u94kτῷ ἀντικειμένῳ1

This expression could refer by implication to (1) Satan (that is the reading of UST) or (2) collectively to unbelievers who are opposing the followers of Jesus. Alternate translations: (1) “the devil” or (2) “unbelievers who are opposing you”

3045:15fy54rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐξετράπησαν ὀπίσω τοῦ Σατανᾶ1

Paul speaks of living in faithfulness to Christ as if it were a path that one can either follow or turn aside from. He means that some younger widows have stopped obeying Jesus and have started to do what Satan would want them to do instead. Alternate translation: “have stopped living in obedience to Jesus and have decided to obey Satan” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3055:16g8k5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτις πιστὴ1

Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “any woman who believes in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

3065:16mf4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἔχει χήρας1

The implication is that she has widows within her extended family. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “has relatives who are widows” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3075:16y6hfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία1

Paul speaks figuratively of the community having to help more people than it is able to help as if it were carrying too much weight on its back. Alternate translations: “so that the church will not have more work than it can do” or “so that the Christian community will not have to support widows whose families could provide for them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3085:16t384rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translations: “so that the church will not have more work than it can do” or “so that the Christian community will not have to support widows whose families could provide for them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3095:16d35mὄντως χήραις1

Alternate translation: “widows who have no one else to provide for them”

3105:17u93qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveοἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι & ἀξιούσθωσαν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “All believers should consider elders who are good leaders to be deserving” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3115:17wp9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsδιπλῆς τιμῆς1

Here, double honor means either: (1) that the congregation should honor the elders in two ways, or (2) that they should honor them twice as much as others. Since Paul quotes two Scriptures in the next verse that support the idea of church leaders being paid for their work, the first possibility is more likely. Alternate translations: (1) “of both respect and payment for their work” or (2) “of more respect than others receive” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

3125:17r8ewrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ κοπιῶντες1

Paul is using the participle toiling, which functions as an adjective, as a noun to refer to members of a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “elders who labor diligently” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

3135:17t389rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ1

This phrase may be expressing a single idea by using two phrases (which are actually just two words in Greek) connected with and. The phrase in the word would be identifying the content of the teaching. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “at teaching from the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

3145:17t390rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyλόγῳ1

Paul may be using the term word here figuratively to describe the Scriptures, which God inspired people to put into words. Alternate translation: “the Scriptures” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3155:18kh55rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή1

Paul figuratively describes Scripture as if it could speak for itself. Alternate translations: “for it is written in the Scriptures” or “for we read in the Scriptures that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

3165:18t392rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeβοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις1

Here the Scriptures use a statement in order to give a command. Alternate translation: “you must not muzzle an ox while it is treading on grain” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])

3175:18vw3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorβοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις1

Paul is quoting this passage figuratively. He is using it to indicate that, just as God wanted oxen to be able to eat some of the grain that they were working to separate from its husks, so church leaders deserve to receive payment from the Christian community that they are serving. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3185:18g985rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownφιμώσεις1

A muzzle is a sleeve that goes over an animals snout to prevent it from opening its jaws and eating while it is doing work. If your readers would not be familiar with this object, you could use a more general expression instead. Alternate translations: “keep an oxs mouth shut” or “prevent an ox from eating” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

3195:18t6kprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownἀλοῶντα1

An ox in this culture would thresh grain by walking on it or pulling a heavy object over it to separate the grain from the husks. Alternate translation: “an ox that is separating grain from husks” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])

3205:18kys1ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ1

Alternate translations: “a worker has a right to be paid” or “a worker should receive his wages”

3215:19af68rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptionsκατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου, ἐκτὸς εἰ1

If, in your language, it would appear that Paul was making a statement and then contradicting it, you could reword this statement to avoid using an exception clause. Alternate translation: “only believe that an accusation is true if” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions]])

3225:19t399rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisἐπὶ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων1

Here, on stands for the concept of “relying on.” You may need to use a more complete phrase in your language. Alternate translations: “you are relying on the testimony of two or three people” or “at least two people give evidence for it” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

3235:19kmy5δύο ἢ τριῶν1

Alternate translations: “at least two” or “two or more”

3245:20m4uhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοὺς ἁμαρτάνοντας1

Paul is using this participle, which functions as an adjective, as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. There are two possibilities here: (1) This could refer to any believers who are sinning, or (2) Paul could still be talking about elders. Alternate translations: (1) “believers who are sinning” or (2) “elders who are doing wrong things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

3255:20db63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον & πάντων1

Paul uses the expression before to mean “in front of.” Alternate translations: “where everyone can see” or “in public” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3265:20ql4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἵνα καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ φόβον ἔχωσιν1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say what, by implication, people will be afraid of doing. Alternate translation: “so that other people will be afraid to sin themselves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3275:20t404rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomφόβον ἔχωσιν1

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will be afraid” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3285:21x0zpδιαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων1

By calling on God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels as witnesses to what Paul is saying, Paul is making Timothy responsible to God to do what he says. If this is not clear, then put this into the form that your language uses for an oath. Alternate translation: “as God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels are my witnesses, I put you under oath”

3295:21t405rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

Paul uses the expression before, meaning “in front of,” to indicate “where they can see.” Seeing, in turn, figuratively means attention and judgment. Alternate translation: “as God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels are watching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3305:21t7jqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomτῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων1

This means the angels whom God has chosen to serve him in a special way. Alternate translation: “the angels who are Gods special servants” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

3315:21dph6ταῦτα φυλάξῃς1

Alternate translation: “you follow these instructions”

3325:21t409ταῦτα1

Grammatically, this could refer either to the instructions Paul has just given Timothy about elders or to the instructions he is about to give Timothy regarding his own personal conduct. But since Paul tells Timothy to follow these instructions without favoring one person over another, it is most likely that this refers to the instructions about elders. Alternate translation: “these things that I have just told you”

3335:21t408rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletχωρὶς προκρίματος, μηδὲν ποιῶν κατὰ πρόσκλισιν1

The terms partiality and favoritism mean similar things. Paul may be using repetition to emphasize that Timothy must judge honestly and be fair to everyone. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms. Alternate translation: “being completely fair to everyone” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

3345:22qb71rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionχεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει1

The placing of hands was a ceremony in which one or more church leaders would put their hands on people and pray that God would enable them to serve the church in a way that would please God. Timothy was to wait until a person had shown good character for a long time before officially and publicly setting that person apart in this way to serve the Christian community. Alternate translation: “wait until a person has consistently demonstrated good character before appointing that person to church leadership” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

3355:22t411rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesχεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει1

Paul is using a figure of speech here that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “wait until a person has consistently demonstrated good character before appointing that person to church leadership” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

3365:22pyl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitμηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις ἀλλοτρίαις1

The implication in context may be that if Timothy appoints a person to leadership before they are ready or without ensuring that their character is exemplary, then Timothy will bear some responsibility for that persons ultimate failure as a leader, or he will appear to have approved of the persons sins, once they are uncovered. Alternate translation: “so that you do not become responsible for the moral and leadership failures of others” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3375:23xl32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοἴνῳ ὀλίγῳ χρῶ1

Paul is telling Timothy to use wine specifically as medicine. The water in that area was impure and often caused sickness. Alternate translation: “in addition, you should drink some wine from time to time as medicine” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3385:24uk56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

3395:24ug1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationπρόδηλοί εἰσιν, προάγουσαι εἰς κρίσιν1

Paul speaks of sins as if they could move on their own ahead of a person to the place where that person will be judged for committing them. There are two possibilities for this place of judgment: (1) This refers to the judgment when the sinner stands before God on the last day. Alternate translation: “are so obvious that everyone knows they are guilty long before God declares them guilty” or (2) This refers to judgment before the church. Alternate translation: “are clear to everyone, even before the church leaders confront them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

3405:24i1c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationτισὶν δὲ καὶ ἐπακολουθοῦσιν1

Paul speaks once again of sins as if they could move on their own. As in the previous clause, Paul may be referring to either (1) judgment by God, Alternate translation: “but the sins of other people do not become evident until God judges them” or (2) judgment by the church. Alternate translation: “but the sins of some people remain hidden for a long time” This latter alternative also allows the possibility that Paul is referring to judgment by God. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

3415:25pd8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ τὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ πρόδηλα1

Implicitly, here Paul does not mean all good works, since in the rest of the sentence he speaks of some good works that are not evident. Alternate translation: “most good works are also obvious” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3425:25qlu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ1

The implication is that these works are considered good because they are consistent with Gods character, purposes, and will. Alternate translation: “actions that God approves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3435:25bl51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί1

Paul speaks of good works as if they were objects that someone could hide. Alternate translation: “and people will find out later about even those good deeds that are not obvious” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3445:25t420rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveκαὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “and people who secretly do good works will not be able to hide them forever” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3455:25bb2trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesκρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί1

If it is clearer in your language, you can say this in a positive way. Alternate translation: “people will learn about later” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

3466:introrks40

1 Timothy 06 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Slavery

In this chapter Paul teaches slaves about honoring, respecting, and diligently serving their masters. This does not mean that he is endorsing slavery as a good thing or as something that God approves of. Instead, Paul is encouraging believers to be godly and content in every situation that they are in. This does not mean that they cannot also work to change those situations.

3476:1nm4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι1

Paul speaks of people who work as slaves as though they were oxen plowing or pulling with a yoke around their necks. Alternate translation: “concerning people who are working as slaves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3486:1ep1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὅσοι εἰσὶν1

The implication in context is that Paul is speaking about believers who are slaves. Alternate translation: “believers who are working as slaves” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3496:1he2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that unbelievers will not insult Gods character or what we believe and teach” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3506:1e3ceἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this in a positive way. Alternate translation: “so that unbelievers will always speak respectfully about Gods character and about the things that we teach”

3516:1xb92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ1

Here, name is a figurative way of referring to the fame or reputation of a person. Alternate translations: “Gods character” or “Gods reputation” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3526:1f5pcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἡ διδασκαλία1

Implicitly Paul means the teaching about Jesus and about how his followers should live. Alternate translation: “our teaching about how believers should live” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3536:2fvv7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί εἰσιν1

Here, brothers figuratively means fellow believers in Jesus, whether male or female. Alternate translation: “they are fellow believers” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

3546:2nmh9καὶ ἀγαπητοὶ1

This could mean: (1) that God loves these people, or (2) that other believers love these people, or both. Alternate translations: (1) “whom God loves” or (2) “and so their believing slaves should love them”

3556:3t430rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις1

See how you translated the term healthy in 1:10. Here, as well, it is a figurative way to say that the teaching is good and reliable in every way and has no defect or corruption. A person with a healthy mind would recognize this teaching as correct. Alternate translations: “to the correct words” or “to the true expression of our faith” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3566:3t431rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις1

Paul uses the term words figuratively to describe the verbal expression of what followers of Jesus genuinely believe. Alternate translation: “the true expression of our faith” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

3576:3sshfτοῖς τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

This could mean either: (1) the message about the Lord Jesus, or (2) words spoken by the Lord Jesus.

3586:4pn8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorτετύφωται1

Paul speaks figuratively of a person who is excessively proud as if they were inflated with air. See how you translated this in 3:6. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3596:4t433rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτετύφωται1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3606:4t434rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsτετύφωται1

Here, he refers to anyone in general who teaches what is not correct. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

3616:4z2rbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleμηδὲν ἐπιστάμενος1

Paul uses the term nothing here as a generalization for emphasis. It is specifically Gods true message that the person does not understand. Alternate translation: “he understands nothing about Gods truth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

3626:4qu86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorνοσῶν περὶ ζητήσεις1

Paul speaks of people who feel compelled to engage in useless arguments as if they were ill. Such people greatly desire to argue, and they do not really want to find a way to agree. Alternate translation: “morbidly craves arguments” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3636:4i3lkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας1

These two terms mean basically the same thing, although the second term refers more specifically to arguments about the meaning of words. Paul uses these terms together for emphasis. If these are not separate ideas in your language, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “arguments” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

3646:4xt1zλογομαχίας1

Alternate translation: “fights about the meaning of words”

3656:4y3mxβλασφημίαι1

While this term often refers to untrue or disrespectful things that people say about God, in this context it refers to people falsely saying bad things about each other. Alternate translation: “insults”

3666:4kn69ὑπόνοιαι πονηραί1

Alternate translation: “people thinking incorrectly that others want to harm them”

3676:5x93frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδιαπαρατριβαὶ1

Friction is the last item in the list that began in the previous verse, a litany of bad things that result from “controversies and word-battles.” This is a metaphor. It compares two results: the heat and damage which occur when two objects rub together and the irritation and anger that can occur when people interact badly. Alternate translation: “and constant conflict” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3686:5z2d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveδιεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “between people whose minds are corrupt and who no longer believe the truth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3696:5tyf7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismδιεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας1

These two phrases mean basically the same thin; Paul uses the repetition for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are no longer able to recognize the truth” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

3706:5t443rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

3716:6q5sqrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Paul uses this term to introduce a contrast between what the false teachers believe about godliness and what is really true about godliness. Alternate translation: “instead” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

3726:6ya9zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἡ εὐσέβεια μετὰ αὐταρκείας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the ideas behind the abstract nouns godliness and contentment with verbal phrases. Alternate translation: “doing what is godly along with being content with what a person has” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

3736:6o6j4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἔστιν & πορισμὸς μέγας1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun gain with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “makes a person very well off” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

3746:7t446rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Paul uses this word to introduce the reason for what he said in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “after all” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

3756:7j6qvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐδὲν & εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον1

The implication is that Paul is speaking about when a person is born. Alternate translation: “brought nothing into the world when we were born” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3766:7t448rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisὅτι1

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that a sentence would ordinarily need in order to be complete. Alternate translation: “and so it is also clear that” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

3776:7jlv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitοὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι δυνάμεθα1

The implication is that Paul is speaking about when a person dies. Alternate translation: “we can take nothing out of the world when we die” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

3786:8lbk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeἀρκεσθησόμεθα1

Here Paul uses a statement in order to express a moral imperative. Alternate translation: “that should be enough for us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative]])

3796:8t451rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἀρκεσθησόμεθα1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that should be enough for us” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3806:9ij4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

Paul uses this term to indicate that he is returning to the topic of those who think being godly will make them wealthy. You can translate the term with the word or phrase in your language that is most similar in meaning and significance. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])

3816:9t453rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjοἱ & βουλόμενοι1

Paul is using this participle, which functions as adjective, as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who want” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

3826:9pl5drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐμπίπτουσιν εἰς πειρασμὸν, καὶ παγίδα1

Paul speaks figuratively about those who let the temptation of money cause them to sin as if they were animals that fall into a hole that a hunter is using as a trap. Alternate translation: “will encounter more temptation than they can resist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3836:9gfy7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorκαὶ ἐπιθυμίας πολλὰς ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς1

This phrase continues the figure of speech from the previous phrase. Paul speaks about these desires if they too were a hole that a hunter was using as a trap. Alternate translation: “and will experience destructive impulses than they cannot overcome” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3846:9t456rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysἐπιθυμίας & ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς1

Here Paul expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word foolish tells why these desires are harmful. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “destructive impulses” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

3856:9nc3irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorαἵτινες βυθίζουσι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν1

This phrase summarizes the character of the temptations and impulses that Paul has just described. He speaks of them figuratively as if they could make people drown in deep water. Alternate translation: “people cannot escape from such things and they destroy them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3866:9t458rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπους1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “people” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

3876:9t459rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν1

These two words mean very similar things. Paul uses them both to emphasize that this is very bad. If it would be clearer in your language, you can use one term with a word that adds emphasis. Alternate translations: “complete destruction” or “total ruin” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

3886:10t460rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

Paul uses this word to introduce the reasons for what the previous sentence stated. Alternate translation: “this is because” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])

3896:10xs9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorῥίζα & πάντων τῶν κακῶν ἐστιν ἡ φιλαργυρία1

Paul speaks figuratively of evil as if it were a plant, and of the love of money as if it were the root from which that plant grew. Alternate translation: “loving money leads a person to do all kinds of wrong things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3906:10t462rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleπάντων τῶν κακῶν1

Paul uses the term all here as a generalization for emphasis. Alternate translation: “many kinds of wrong things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

3916:10j5z9ἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι1

The reference here is to people desiring money, not evil. You could start a new sentence here if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “people who want to become rich”

3926:10b83vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως1

Paul speaks figuratively of the desire for money as if it were an evil guide that intentionally leads people down the wrong path. Alternate translation: “have stopped believing in Jesus because of their desire for money” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3936:10t465rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι, ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form. Alternate translations: “which has led some people away from believing in Jesus” or “this love for money has led some people to stop following Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3946:10a1fxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν ὀδύναις πολλαῖς1

Paul speaks about grief as if it were a sword that people use to stab themselves. Alternate translation: “have experienced great sorrows in their lives” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3956:11tp97ὦ ἄνθρωπε Θεοῦ1

Alternate translations: “you servant of God” or “you person who belongs to God”

3966:11h9c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorταῦτα φεῦγε1

Paul speaks of these temptations and sins as if they were things a person could physically run away from. Alternate translation: “make sure that you do not do these things” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3976:11a88gταῦτα1

This phrase could refer to: (1) everything Paul has been talking about in this section of the letter (false teachings, pride, arguments, and the love of money), or (2) what Paul has been talking about most recently (the love of money). If possible, it is best to leave it as a general reference.

3986:11zjl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorδίωκε1

Paul speaks of righteousness and other good qualities as if they were things that a person could run after and catch. This metaphor is the opposite of “flee from.” It means to try your best to obtain something. Alternate translation: “seek to acquire” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

3996:12w21prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως1

Here, Paul speaks figuratively about a person persevering in following Jesus as if he were a warrior fighting at his best, or an athlete doing his best to win an event. Alternate translation: “do your best to obey Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4006:12y6m8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς1

Paul speaks figuratively about people wanting eternal life so much that they hold onto it firmly in their hands. He may be continuing the metaphor of an athlete who worked hard to win an event and now holds the trophy in his hands. Alternate translations: “eagerly desire to live with God forever” or “do whatever is necessary to pursue life with God forever” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4016:12usd1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveεἰς ἣν ἐκλήθης1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “to which God called you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4026:12qw96ὡμολόγησας τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν1

Alternate translation: “you publicly stated your faith in Jesus”

4036:12vm6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐνώπιον πολλῶν μαρτύρων1

The implication is that Timothys statement of his faith was binding because these witnesses were present and could testify that he had made it. In your translation, you can use the expression used in your culture for a public, legal commitment. Alternate translation: “while many people were watching” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4046:13t476rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1

The implication is that Paul is asking God to be his witness that he has given Timothy this command. Alternate translation: “with God as my witness” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4056:13ts65τοῦ ζῳοποιοῦντος τὰ πάντα1

Alternate translation: “who causes all things to live”

4066:13t477rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitκαὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1

The implication is that Paul is also asking Jesus to be his witness. Alternate translation: “and with Christ Jesus … as my witness as well” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4076:13amy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτοῦ μαρτυρήσαντος ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πειλάτου τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν1

Paul is offering Jesus to Timothy as an example of someone who publicly affirmed his obedience to God even when others were hostile and threatening. Alternate translation: “who acknowledged God himself when Pontius Pilate put him on trial” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4086:14p9n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletἄσπιλον ἀνεπίλημπτον1

The terms spotless and irreproachable mean similar things. Paul may be using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these terms and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “completely blameless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

4096:14t480rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἄσπιλον1

A spot figuratively means a moral fault. Possible meanings are: (1) in such a way that Jesus will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong, or (2) in such a way that other people will not find fault with Timothy or blame him for doing wrong. Alternate translation: “blameless” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4106:14nk52μέχρι τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

Alternate translation: “until our Lord Jesus Christ returns”

4116:15t482rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomκαιροῖς ἰδίοις1

See how you translated this expression in 2:6. Alternate translation: “at the time that God will choose” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

4126:15ac6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitὁ μακάριος καὶ μόνος Δυνάστης1

This expression refers implicitly to God. Alternate translation: “God, the One we praise, who alone rules over the world” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4136:16l9i8ὁ μόνος ἔχων ἀθανασίαν1

Alternate translation: “the only one who has always existed”

4146:16t485rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjὁ μόνος ἔχων ἀθανασίαν1

Paul is using the participle having, which functions as adjective, as a noun, to refer to God as a member, though the only member, of a class that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “the only one who has always existed and always will exist” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

4156:16tsz3φῶς οἰκῶν ἀπρόσιτον1

Alternate translation: “who lives in light so bright that no one can come near it”

4166:16t487rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsοὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων1

Paul uses the term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. Alternate translation: “no human being” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

4176:17te3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjτοῖς πλουσίοις1

Paul is using this adjective as a noun to refer to a class of people that it describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate it with a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are rich” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

4186:17z4ecἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι1

The present age is the time period in which we are living, before Jesus returns and establishes Gods rule over all people. Alternate translation: “at this time”

4196:17drj6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ πλούτου ἀδηλότητι1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun uncertainty with a verbal phrase. Alternate translations: “in riches, which are so uncertain” or “in wealth, which a person can lose so easily” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

4206:17iq61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisπάντα πλουσίως εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν1

By all, Paul is referring to all of the things that anyone actually has, not to everything that it might be possible to have. If it is clearer in your language, you may want to include words to make that clear. Alternate translation: “all of the things that we have so that we can enjoy them” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

4216:18cii3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς1

Paul speaks figuratively of doing things to help others as a way of becoming wealthy, but it is measured in something other than money. Alternate translation: “to serve and help others in many ways” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4226:19zc9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον1

Paul speaks figuratively about the blessings that God will give to those who have served him faithfully as if they were riches that a person was storing in a safe place. Alternate translation: “securing a good start now on their future life in Gods presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4236:19t493rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον1

Paul also speaks figuratively about the blessings that God will give as if they were the foundation of a building. He means that they will give a person a good start on their new life in the presence of God forever. Alternate translation: “securing a good start now on their future life in Gods presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4246:19t494rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomεἰς τὸ μέλλον1

In the New Testament, this expression can refer to different things, but in this case it seems to refer to the new life that believers will have in Gods presence after death and the end of history. It is equivalent to the expression “the coming life” in 4:8. Alternate translation: “their future life in Gods presence” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

4256:19z5rurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς1

Paul is using the same image as in the phrase grasp eternal life in 6:12. He is speaking figuratively about people wanting eternal life so much that they hold onto it firmly in their hands. Alternate translation: “so that they can indeed live with God forever” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4266:20u9wdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτὴν παραθήκην1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who did the action. Alternate translation: “what Jesus has put in your care” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4276:20dd1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitτὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον1

The implication is that Jesus has entrusted Timothy with the message to proclaim about him. Alternate translation: “protect the message about Jesus that he has put in your care” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4286:20vgr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyἐκτρεπόμενος τὰς βεβήλους κενοφωνίας1

In order to avoid profane chatter, Timothy must avoid the people who do the chattering. Alternate translation: “do not pay attention to the talk of people for whom nothing is sacred” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

4296:20t498καὶ ἀντιθέσεις1

This could mean that the false teachers: (1) are saying things that are contrary to true Christian belief or (2) that they are saying things that cannot all be true at the same time. Alternate translations: “and teachings that contradict us” or “and the opposing statements”

4306:20y2u7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveτῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you could say who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “of what some people falsely call knowledge” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4316:21e6rbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorπερὶ τὴν πίστιν ἠστόχησαν1

See how you translated this expression in 1:6. Paul speaks of faith in Christ as if it were a target that people should aim at. Alternate translation: “have not fulfilled the purpose of faith in Jesus” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4326:21t501ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could say who Paul is thinking will make this happen. Alternate translation: “may God give grace to all of you”

4336:21hix2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν1

The word you is plural and refers to Timothy and all the believers at Ephesus. Alternate translation: “may God give grace to all of you” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])