In this culture, letter writers would give their own names first, referring to themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the first person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the author of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here. Alternate translation: [From Paul. I am an apostle]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of command, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [as it was commanded by God our Savior and by the Lord Jesus Christ]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a Savior who saves us. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [who saves us]

In this letter, Paul uses the words our, “we,” and “us” to refer either to Timothy and himself or else to all believers, which would also include the two of them. So, use the inclusive forms of those words throughout your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Here, our hope refers to the person in whom we have hope. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one in whom we have hope]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [Christ, in whom we hope]

In this culture, after giving their own names, letter writers would name those to whom they sent the letter, referring to them in the third person. If that is confusing in your language, you could use the second person here. Or if your language has a particular way of introducing the recipient of a letter, and if it would be helpful to your readers, you could use it here, starting a new sentence. Alternate translation: [This letter is for you, Timothy]

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Timothy were his genuine child. Paul means that he is Timothy’s spiritual father, and Paul loves Timothy in the way a father loves his child. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [who is like a genuine child to me] or [truly my spiritual son]

Here, the word genuine indicates that the child is considered to be someone’s child in the full legal sense. For example, a child born to an unmarried woman would not be considered genuine. In the context of the metaphor, the word indicates that Timothy has acted as a son should act toward Paul. If your readers would not be familiar with the concept of a genuine child, you could use the name of a similar concept in your culture or you could use a more general phrase. Alternate translation: [legitimate] or [true]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [since we both believe] or [as we together believe]

After stating his name and the name of the person to whom he is writing, Paul adds a blessing for Timothy. Use a form that people would recognize as a blessing in your language. Alternate translation: [May you experience grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord] or [I pray that grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord will always be with you]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Grace, mercy, and peace, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [May you be treated graciously, mercifully, and peacefully by God the Father and by Christ Jesus our Lord]

Father is an important title for God the Father that describes his relationship with Jesus, his Son.

Here Paul begins a comparison using the phrase Just as, but he does not complete the comparison. However, he implies that Just as he urged Timothy to do these things at an earlier time, now he urges Timothy to continue to do these things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the implied part of the comparison explicit. You could include it at the beginning of the sentence, at the end of the sentence, or somewhere else. Alternate translation: [I urge you now, just as I, going into Macedonia, urged you earlier, to remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain ones not to teach differently and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which promote arguments rather than the stewardship of God, which is by faith.] or [Just as I, going into Macedonia, urged you to remain in Ephesus so that you can command certain ones not to teach differently, and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which promote arguments rather than the stewardship of God, which is by faith, so now I urge you again to do those things.]

Here Paul could be implying that, when he previously urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus, he was: (1) in Ephesus with Timothy and was about to leave for Macedonia. Alternate translation: [being about to leave Ephesus for Macedonia]; (2) already on his way to Macedonia. In this case, Paul would be referring to a letter he had previously written to Timothy. Alternate translation: [being on my way to Macedonia]

In a context such as this, your language might say “coming” instead of going. Alternate translation: [coming]

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.

The implication is that these people were teaching different things than what Paul and Timothy taught, not that they were teaching in a different way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [to teach what is different from what we teach] or [to teach a different doctrine]

The word myths refers to a certain kind of story that is generally considered to be untrustworthy. This kind of story is often about what important people did a long time ago. Often, many people in a culture know these stories but do not consider them to be reliable historical narratives. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of story, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [fictional narratives] or [traditional tales]

Paul says endless here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: [genealogies that seem as if they will never end] or [extremely lengthy genealogies]

The word genealogies refers to lists of someone’s ancestors. If your readers would not be familiar with this type of list, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [collections of the names of forefathers] or [lists of important people from long ago]

Here, the word translated arguments could refer to: (1) debates or heated discussions. Alternate translation: [debates]; (2) questions or enquiries. Alternate translation: [questions] or [speculations]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a stewardship that could: (1) be something that God has and works out. Alternate translation: [the stewardship that God carries out]; (2) be given by God to his people. Alternate translation: [the stewardship from God] or [the stewardship given by God]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of stewardship, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure your translation fits with the interpretation you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [how God is stewarding everything] or [what God is working out]

Here Paul could be implying that the stewardship of God: (1) is promoted or accomplished when people have faith. Alternate translation: [which is promoted by faith] or [which is brought about by faith]; (2) is known or experienced when people have faith. Alternate translation: [which is known by faith] or [which people learn by faith]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the interpretation you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [which we promote when we believe] or [which is promoted by believing in Jesus]

Here Paul uses the word Now to introduce background information that will help Timothy understand the purpose of what he is commanding him to do. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces background information, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [To further explain what I am saying,]

Here, the phrase the command refers to what Paul has instructed Timothy to tell the “certain ones” in Ephesus (see 1:3–4). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [of that command] or [of what I have instructed you to command them]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of love, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [is that people care for each other]

In Paul’s culture, the heart is the place where humans think and feel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate heart by referring to the place where humans think and feel in your culture or by expressing the idea plainly. Alternate translation: [from a pure mind] or [from pure thoughts]

A conscience that is good is one that does not convict a person of doing anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [a clean conscience] or [a conscience that is not guilty]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [from sincerely believing]

The pronoun which refers to the pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith in 1:5. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to those things more directly. Alternate translation: [from which things] or [from which heart, conscience, and faith]

Paul speaks as if a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith were a mark or target that some people have missed. Paul means that these people have failed to attain those things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [not having gained those things]

Here Paul speaks of abandoning what is good to focus on foolish talk as if it were turning away from those good things to foolish talk. He means that these people have stopped pursuing the good things that Paul mentioned in the previous verse and instead are focusing on things of little consequence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [have deviated and focused on] or [have been distracted by]

Here, the word law refers specifically to the laws that God gave the Israelites through Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [teachers of the law of Moses]

The words not, neither, and nor are three negative words. In this construction, the second and third negatives do not cancel the first to create a positive meaning. Instead, they give greater emphasis to the negative. If your language can use three negatives that do not cancel one another to create a positive meaning, you could use a triple negative here. If your language does not use three negatives in that way, you could translate with one or two negatives. Alternate translation: [understanding neither … nor]

Here, the clauses what they are saying and what they insist on mean similar things. Paul is using the two clauses together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single clause. Alternate translation: [anything that they are saying] or [any of the things that they insist on]

Here, the word But introduces the next thing that Paul wishes to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Now]

Here, the word law refers specifically to the laws that God gave the Israelites through Moses. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make that idea more explicit. See how you referred to this law in 1:7. Alternate translation: [the law of Moses]

Here Paul indicates that the law {is} good when people use it as God intended it to be used, that is, lawfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [if one uses it as it was intended to be used] or [if one uses it in the way that God intended]

Here, the word this refers directly ahead to that the law is not made for the righteous. Paul expresses the idea in this way to emphasize what he is about to say. If using this to introduce an idea would be a redundancy in your language, you could omit the redundant information. Alternate translation: [knowing that]

Here, the phrase knowing this introduces a reason why Paul and other believers know that “the law if good” (see 1:8). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason. Alternate translation: [which we know because we also know this]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God did not lay down the law]

Here, the phrase the law could refer to: (1) the laws that God gave the Israelites through Moses. Alternate translation: [the law of Moses]; (2) laws in general. Alternate translation: [every law] or [law]

Paul here uses adjectives as nouns to refer to groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: [for righteous people, but for lawless and rebellious people, ungodly and sinful people, unholy and profane people]

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 helpful in your language, you could express these terms by translating them either with single terms or with phrases. Alternate translation: [those who commit patricides and matricides and murders] or [people who kill other people, even their own fathers and mothers]

Although the term man is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [human-slayers]

Paul is using the adjective phrase sexually immoral as a noun to mean sexually immoral people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [people who are sexually immoral]

Here, the word homosexuals refers to men who lie with or have sex with other men. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that refers to people who engage in homosexual behavior. Alternate translation: [men who have sex with men] or [men who practice homosexuality]

Here, the word kidnappers refers to people who kidnap others and sell them as slaves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that refers to people who kidnap and sell others. Alternate translation: [people who kidnap and sell others]

Here Paul leaves out some of the words that, in many languages, a sentence would need to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and people who do anything else that is contrary to the healthy teaching]

Here Paul speaks as if teaching could be healthy. He means that this kind of teaching is good and reliable in every way and has no defect or corruption. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [teaching that is like healthy food] or [the correct teaching]

Here Paul could be using the possessive form to: (1) refer to the gospel that is about the glory that the blessed God has. Alternate translation: [the gospel about the glory that belongs to the blessed God]; (2) refer to the gospel that has glory and that came from the blessed God. Alternate translation: [the glorious gospel from the blessed God]; (3) refer to the gospel that has glory and that is about the blessed God. Alternate translation: [the glorious gospel about the blessed God]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [the glorious gospel of the blessed God] or [the gospel of the glorious and blessed God]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [of the God whom we bless]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [with which God entrusted me]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of gratitude, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [I am grateful] or [I am thankful]

Alternate translation: [he believed that he could rely on me]

Here, the phrase placing me into service could be: (1) a result from how Jesus considered him to be trustworthy. Alternate translation: [with the result that he placed me into service]; (2) a reason why Paul knows that Jesus considered him to be trustworthy. Alternate translation: [which I know because he placed me into service]; (3) a second thing that Jesus did for Paul. Alternate translation: [and he placed me into service]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of service, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [assigning me to serve him] or [appointing me as a servant]

Here, the phrase formerly being introduces something that is unexpected given what Paul said in the previous verse about how Jesus considered him to be trustworthy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something unexpected and contrasting. Alternate translation: [although formerly being] or [and yet formerly I was]

Here Paul is referring specifically to his life before he believed in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [before I believed] or [in my life before I had faith in Jesus]

Here Paul could be implying that he blasphemed: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: [a blasphemer of Jesus]; (2) God. Alternate translation: [a blasphemer of God]

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these clauses, since the second clause gives the reason for the result that the first clause describes. Alternate translation: [not knowing, I acted in unfaithfulness, so I was shown mercy]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that it was: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: [the Messiah showed me mercy]; (2) God. Alternate translation: [God showed me mercy]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [I was treated mercifully]

Here Paul could be implying that: (1) he acted in an ignorant way while he did not have faith. Alternate translation: [I acted ignorantly while I did not have faith]; (2) he acted in an ignorant way because he did not have faith. Alternate translation: [I acted ignorantly since I did not have faith]; (3) he acted ignorantly and without faith. Alternate translation: [I acted ignorantly and without faith]

Here Paul implies that he did not fully know or understand the things that he did before he believed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [not knowing what my actions really were] or [not realizing what I was really doing]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of unfaithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [while I did not believe] or [without having trusted him]

Paul here uses the word But to introduce an expanded description of the way Jesus treated him mercifully even though he persecuted the followers of Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of explanation, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Indeed,] or [In fact,]

Paul speaks of the grace of the Lord as if it were a liquid that filled a container until overflowed. He means that he received an extraordinary amount of grace. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I received from the Lord so much grace] or [the Lord gave me very much grace]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of grace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [our Lord acted so graciously that what he did]

Here, the phrase our Lord could refer to: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: [of Jesus our Lord]; (2) God the Father. Alternate translation: [of our Lord God]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith and love, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [so that, in Christ, I believe and love]

Here, the phrase in Christ Jesus could describe: (1) both faith and love. Alternate translation: [that are both in Christ Jesus]; (2) just love. Alternate translation: [that is in Christ Jesus]

Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ Jesus to describe the union of believers with Christ. In this case, being in Christ Jesus, or united to Christ Jesus, explains how Paul has faith and love. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Paul has faith and love as one who has been united to Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: [that exist in union with Christ Jesus] or [that come from being united to Christ Jesus]

Here, word represents what Paul is about to write using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [What I am about to write is trustworthy] or [The following words are trustworthy]

The terms trustworthy and worthy of all acceptance mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [is completely trustworthy] or [worthy of complete acceptance]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a word that deserves to be accepted. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another. Alternate translation: [should receive all acceptance] or [deserves to receive all acceptance]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of acceptance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [of being completely accepted]

These words are the word that Paul shares with Timothy. To indicate this, the ULT and UST put quotation marks around these words. The ULT also uses a dash to indicate that the words of whom I am the first are not part of the word that Paul shares with Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use quotation marks or another form to indicate which words are the ones that Paul introduces as the word.

Here Paul speaks of the most sinful person, himself, as if he were first in a sequence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [of whom I am the worst] or [of whom I have the most sin]

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: [number one]

The pronoun this could refer to: (1) what Paul said in the previous verse about being the “first” sinner. Alternate translation: [because of that] or [because I am the first of sinners,]; (2) what Paul is about to say in the rest of this verse. Alternate translation: [because of what I am about to tell you,]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that it was: (1) Jesus. Alternate translation: [the Messiah showed me mercy]; (2) God. Alternate translation: [God showed me mercy]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of mercy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [I was treated mercifully]

Here Paul could be: (1) again speaking of the most sinful person, himself, as if he were first in a sequence. See how you expressed the idea in 1:15. Alternate translation: [in me, the worst] or [in me, the one with the most sin]; (2) indicating that he was shown mercy first, before the ones about to believe in him. Alternate translation: [in me first]

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: [number one]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of patience, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [how patiently he always acts]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of life, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to live eternally]

Here, the word Now introduces the next thing that Paul wants to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of honor and glory, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [may people honor and glorify the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God,]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a King who rules during the ages. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to the King who rules during the ages]

Many ancient manuscripts read the only God. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “the only wise God.” It is likely that the people who copied these manuscripts accidentally or intentionally included the word “wise” here because of the similar phrase “the only wise God” in Romans 16:27. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

The terms honor and glory mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [be great honor] or [be much glory]

Here, the phrase forever {and} ever identifies an action that will never end, and it strongly emphasizes that it will never end. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase that emphasizes that an action will never end. Alternate translation: [without ever ceasing] or [from now on and always]

Here, the phrase This command could refer to: (1) the command that Paul gave to Timothy in 1:3–5 about staying in Ephesus and what to do there. Alternate translation: [The command that I have already told you about]; (2) the instructions later in this verse about fighting the good fight. Alternate translation: [The following command]

Paul speaks of his command as if it were an object that he could physically put in front of Timothy. He means that he has given this command to Timothy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I am giving you] or [I am ordering you to follow]

Paul speaks of his close relationship to Timothy as though Timothy were his child. Paul means that he is Timothy’s spiritual father, and Paul loves Timothy in the way a father loves his child. See how you expressed the similar idea in 1:2. Alternate translation: [who are like a child to me] or [my spiritual son]

Here Paul implies that some people had given prophecies about Timothy sometime earlier. These prophecies may have been spoken before Timothy was born, before Timothy became a believer, or when Timothy officially joined Paul to proclaim the gospel. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. If possible, leave the exact timing of the prophecies unstated, as Paul does. Alternate translation: [the prophecies about you that people gave before] or [what some people prophesied about you some time ago]

Here, the phrase in them could indicate that Timothy should fight the good fight: (1) as the prophecies indicated that he would. Alternate translation: [in line with them] or [just as they indicated,]; (2) by means of the prophecies, which function like weapons in the fight. Alternate translation: [by means of them] or [with them as weapons]; (3) with the prophecies as his motivation. Alternate translation: [by remembering them] or [encouraged by them]

Paul speaks about Timothy serving God by preaching the gospel and by confronting false teachers as if he were fighting a good fight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [as a soldier fights the good fight, you might preach and defend the gospel] or [you might preach and defend the gospel well]

Here, the phrase the good fight could indicate: (1) that someone is fighting well. Alternate translation: [the fight well]; (2) that the fight is right or just. Alternate translation: [the just fight] or [the correct fight]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [believing and having]

A conscience that is good is one that does not convict a person of doing anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this phrase in 1:5. Alternate translation: [a clean conscience] or [a conscience that is not guilty]

Here, the pronoun which could refer: (1) just to good conscience. Alternate translation: [which conscience]; (2) to both good conscience and faith. Alternate translation: [both of which]

Paul is using the adjective some as a noun to mean some people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [some men and women]

Here Paul refers to how ships that sailed on the ocean could break apart or sink. When this happened, people had to try to survive in the water or swim to shore. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to this kind of event. Alternate translation: [have had their ship sink regarding the faith] or [have had their ship regarding the faith break apart]

Paul speaks of these people and their faith as if they were on a ship that had sunk. He means that these people have lost their faith, just as people in a shipwreck lose the ship and everything on it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [have wrecked regarding their faith] or [have destroyed their faith]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [how they once believed]

The words Hymenaeus and Alexander are the names of two men.

To give someone over to someone else refers to transferring a person from one authority to another. Here, then, Paul says that he has transferred these two men from under the authority of the church to under the authority of Satan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [I have turned over to Satan] or [I have put under Satan’s authority]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that it was their punishment. Alternate translation: [they might realize that they should not blaspheme] or [this punishment may teach them not to blaspheme]

Here, the word therefore introduces an exhortation that is based on what Paul has said in chapter 1. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces an exhortation based on a previous section. Alternate translation: [Because of all that, I urge] or [Given what I have written, I urge]

Here Paul could be using the word first: (1) to indicate that what he is about to urge is the most important thing he will urge. Alternate translation: [most importantly]; (2) to indicate that what he is about to urge is the first of several commands he will give. Alternate translation: [as the first of the following commands]

If your language does not use ordinal numbers, you could use a cardinal number here or an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: [number one]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who should do the action, it is clear from the context that it should be Christians. Alternate translation: [that Christians make requests, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the ideas in this list, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [for believers to request things, pray, intercede, and thank God]

Here Paul uses four words that refer to four types of prayer. The word prayers is the most general, and the word thanksgivings refers to thanking God for something rather than asking for something. The words requests and intercessions both refer to asking God to do something, and they mean very similar things. Paul uses these four words to indicate that believers should be praying for all men in many different ways. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the idea by referring to two or three types of prayer. Alternate translation: [prayers and thanksgivings] or [for prayers, requests, and thanksgivings]

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [men and women]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of authority, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [all the ones being authorized to govern]

Here, the phrase so that introduces the purpose for which believers should pray for kings and all the ones being in authority. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a purpose. Alternate translation: [in order that]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of life, godliness, and dignity, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [we may live peacefully and quietly, in a godly and dignified way]

The terms peaceful and quiet mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [a very peaceful life] or [a completely quiet life]

The pronoun This refers to praying as Paul has urged in 2:1–2. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to this idea more directly. Alternate translation: [That kind of prayer] or [Praying for those things]

Here, the phrase before God our Savior could go with: (1) just acceptable. Alternate translation: [is good, and it is acceptable before God our Savior]; (2) both good and acceptable. Alternate translation: [is good before God our Savior and acceptable to him]

The terms good and acceptable mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [very good] or [extremely acceptable]

Here, the phrase before God refers to God’s evaluation or view about something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [in the eyes of God our Savior] or [to God our Savior]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a Savior who saves us. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [who saves us]

Here, the word who could primarily introduce: (1) a further description of God, who is “our Savior” (see 2:3). Alternate translation: [he who]; (2) a reason why praying for all people is “good and acceptable” to God (see 2:3). Alternate translation: [since he]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be God. Alternate translation: [that he might save all men and that they might come]

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [everyone] or [all men and women]

Paul speaks of knowledge of the truth as if it were a place where people could come. He means that God desires that all people gain knowledge of the truth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable metaphor or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [to acquire knowledge] or [to gain knowledge]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of knowledge and truth, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [to learn the true teachings]

Here, the word For introduces a basis for Paul’s claim in the previous verse that God desires all people to be saved and to know the truth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that introduces a basis for a claim. Alternate translation: [We know that because] or [That claim is supported by this:]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mediator who mediates between God and men. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [and one who mediates between God and men]

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [of people]

Here Paul uses the word man to emphasize that Christ Jesus is human, just like the men for whom he functions as a mediator. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [Christ Jesus, who also is human]

Here, the phrase having given himself implies that Jesus died willingly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [having allowed himself to die] or [having died willingly]

Here Paul speaks as if Jesus were a price or ransom he himself gave to free all from someone or something that owned or controlled them. He means that Jesus obtained forgiveness for his people’s sins and keeps those sins from controlling them. This is an important biblical image, so if possible preserve the figure of speech or express the idea in simile form. Alternate translation: [as if he were a ransom to set all free from sin]

Paul is using the adjective all as a noun to mean all people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you could translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: [all men and women]

Here, the word testimony could refer to: (1) people giving testimony about what Jesus did. Alternate translation: [about which people testify]; (2) what Jesus did, giving testimony to how God wants to save all people. Alternate translation: [which testifies] or [which testifies that God desires to save all]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [which is testified to]

Here, the phrase translated in its own times indicates that something happens at an appropriate time or period of time. More specifically, the times could be appropriate because: (1) they fit with the testimony. Alternate translation: [at the times appropriate to it] or [during the time appropriate to it]; (2) God chose them. Alternate translation: [at the times that God chose] or [during the time that God chose]

In this verse, Paul interrupts himself to affirm strongly that he is telling the truth. The ULT indicates this by using dashes. Most likely, Paul is affirming that everything he writes in this verse is true. Consider where you would naturally put an affirmation like this. Alternate translation: [for which—I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying—I was made a herald and an apostle, a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth]

Here, the pronoun which refers back to “the testimony” in the previous verse. If this is not clear for your readers, you could refer to “the testimony” more directly. Alternate translation: [for which testimony]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, Paul could be implying that: (1) Jesus did it. Alternate translation: [Christ made me]; (2) God the Father did it. Alternate translation: [God made me]

A herald is someone who is sent out to announce a message. If your readers would not be familiar with a person who performs this kind of task, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [an announcer] or [a messenger]

These two clauses mean basically the same thing. The second emphasizes the meaning of the first by repeating the same idea in negative form. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could connect the phrases with a word that shows that the second clause is repeating the first one, not saying something additional. Alternatively, you could combine the two clauses into one strong statement. Alternate translation: [I am speaking the whole trust in Christ] or [in Christ I am not lying at all]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [truthfully]

Here Paul uses the spatial metaphor in Christ to describe his union with Christ. In this case, Paul claims that he is speaking the truth as surely as he is in Christ, or united to Christ. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that indicates that Paul is referring to his union with Christ to strengthen his claim to be speaking the truth. Alternate translation: [as one who is united to Christ] or [in my union with Christ]

Many ancient manuscripts read in Christ. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts do not include these words. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

Here, the phrase in faith and truth could provide: (1) the content of what Paul teaches. Alternate translation: [who teaches about faith and truth]; (2) the manner in which Paul teaches. Alternate translation: [who is faithful and true]

Here, the phrase faith and truth could: (1) refer to two distinct things that Paul teaches. Alternate translation: [in faith and in truth]; (2) express a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word truth tells what the faith is like. Alternate translation: [in the true faith]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith and truth, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure your translation fits with the options you chose in the previous two notes. Alternate translation: [concerning what they should trust and what they should accept as true]

Here, the word Therefore introduces a further development of what Paul has said about praying for people in 2:1–7. Now, he gives commands concerning how people should pray. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development, or you could leave Therefore untranslated. Alternate translation: [Now] or [In light of that]

Here the word men refers specifically to males. The term does not refer to people in general, since Paul next addresses women specifically. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different word or phrase that refers specifically to adults who are male. Alternate translation: [the males]

Here Paul implies that every place is any location where the believers are worshiping God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [in every place of worship] or [in every location where worship is happening]

In Paul’s culture, lifting up one’s hands was a common posture for someone who was praying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could refer to a common posture for prayer in your culture, or you could explain the meaning of this posture. Alternate translation: [folding holy hands] or [lifting up holy hands to pray]

Paul describes as holy one part of the person, the hands, to indicate that the entire person is to be holy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your culture or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [being holy as they lift up their hands] or [lifting up their hands as men who are holy]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of anger and argument, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [without being angry and arguing]

Here, the word translated argument could be describing: (1) quarrels or conflicts. Alternate translation: [conflict]; (2) doubts. Alternate translation: [doubt]

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. If you do so, you may need to end the previous verse with a semicolon or period. Paul could be implying that: (1) what follows is how he wants the women to behave. Alternate translation: [likewise I want the women to adorn]; (2) what follows is how he wants the women to pray. Alternate translation: [likewise I want the women to pray, adorning]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of modesty and self-control, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [modestly and in a self-controlled way]

Here Paul gives examples of specific types of hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing that, in his culture, could have indicated that a woman was showing off her wealth, power, or beauty. These types of hairstyles, jewelry, and clothing may not be used in your culture, or they may not indicate that a woman is showing off in your culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could indicate more explicitly why Paul is using these examples. Alternate translation: [not by being ostentatious or showy by wearing braids and gold or pearls or expensive clothing] or [not by showing off with braids and gold or pearls or expensive clothing]

In Paul’s culture, women used many different kinds of hairstyles. People considered some of them to be more elaborate and ostentatious than others. Paul implies with the word braids that he is referring to a hairstyle that people would consider to be elaborate or ostentatious. Because it is not clear exactly what kind of hairstyle Paul had in mind, you could use a general word or phrase that refers to this kind of hairstyle. Alternate translation: [not in fancy hairstyles] or [not in elaborate hairstyles]

Here Paul is referring to ornaments or jewelry made out of gold. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [gold ornaments]

The word pearls refers to beautiful and valuable mineral balls that people use as jewelry. If your readers would not be familiar with pearls, you could use the name of something similar in your area or you could use a more general term. Alternate translation: [jewelry] or [valuable beads]

If it would be more natural in your language, you could state how the women are supposed to adorn themselves before you indicate why this is proper. If you use the following alternate translation, you should delete the dash before it. Alternate translation: [but through good works, which is proper for women professing godliness]

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the previous verse if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [but to adorn themselves—as]

Here Paul implies that the women should “adorn themselves” through good works. He speaks of these good works as if they were articles of clothing in order to indicate that it should be good works that characterize these women, just as clothing characterizes people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [as is proper for women professing godliness—to be characterized by good works]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to be godly]

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [A woman must learn]

The word woman represents Christian women in general, not one particular woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [believing women] or [female Christians]

Here, the word translated woman could refer: (1) generally to any female believer. Alternate translation: [women who believe]; (2) specifically to any woman who is married. This is indicated by the switch from the plural “women” in the previous verses to the singular “woman” here. Alternate translation: [a wife] or [wives]

Here, the word translated quietness could describe: (1) learning unobtrusively and peacefully. Paul used a similar word (“quiet”) in 2:2, where it described a life that is calm and peaceful. Alternate translation: [calmly] or [in peace]; (2) learning without speaking. Alternate translation: [in silence] or [without speaking]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of quietness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [quietly]

Here Paul does not state to whom or what the women are to be in all submission. If possible, you also should not express to whom or what they are to be in all submission. If you must include the object of submission, Paul could imply that the submission is to: (1) the leaders and teachers of the church. Alternate translation: [in all submission to the leaders] or [in all submission to the people who teach]; (2) husbands (or other close male relatives). Alternate translation: [in all submission to their husbands]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of submission, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [always submitting]

Here, the word But introduces a development of what Paul wrote in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of development, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Even more,]

The word woman represents Christian women in general, not one particular woman. See how you expressed the idea in 2:11. Alternate translation: [believing women] or [female Christians]

Here, just as in 2:11, the word translated woman could refer: (1) generally to any female believer. In this case, the word man refers generally to any male believer. Alternate translation: [women who believe … men who believe]; (2) specifically to any woman who is married. This is indicated by the switch from the plural “women” in 2:9–10 to the singular “woman” in 2:11 and here. In this case, the word man refers to the wife’s husband. Alternate translation: [a wife … her husband] or [wives … their husbands]

Here Paul could be implying that women are not permitted to teach: (1) men. Alternate translation: [to teach a man]; (2) anyone during a public meeting of believers. Alternate translation: [to teach anyone when believers gather together to worship]

Here, the word translated to have authority over could refer to: (1) any kind of rule or leadership. Alternate translation: [to be an authority over] or [to lead]; (2) dominating or exercising abusive authority. Alternate translation: [to dominate] or [to control]

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [I require her to be]

Here, just as in 2:11, the word translated quietness could describe: (1) being unobtrusive and peaceful. Paul used a similar word (“quiet”) in 2:2, where it described a life that is calm and peaceful. Alternate translation: [to avoid interrupting] or [to be in peace]; (2) not speaking. Alternate translation: [to be in silence] or [to avoid speaking]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of quietness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [quiet]

Here, the word For introduces a support or basis for the commands that Paul has given. This support comes from the story in the Old Testament that tells how God created the first humans. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a support or basis for commands. Alternate translation: [In support of what I have commanded, the Scriptures record that] or [Indeed,]

Here Paul refers to a story found in Genesis 2:5–25. In this story, when God made the first humans, he created a man named Adam. After that, he created a woman named Eve. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the reference more explicit or include this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: [the original man, Adam, was formed first, before the original woman, Eve] or [as the story in Genesis shows, Adam was formed first, then Eve]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear that it was God. Alternate translation: [God formed Adam]

Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [then Eve was formed]

Here Paul refers to a story found in Genesis 3:1–7. In this story, a talking serpent approaches Eve and convinces her to eat fruit that God had commanded her and Adam not to eat. She ate some of it, and then she gave some to Adam, and he also ate some of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make the reference more explicit or include some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: [Adam was not deceived by the serpent, but the woman, Eve, having been deceived, came into transgression by eating the fruit that God had forbidden] or [as the next story in Genesis shows, Adam was not deceived, but the woman, having been deceived, came into transgression]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, the story that Paul is referring to indicates that a talking serpent, who is sometimes identified as Satan, did it. Alternate translation: [the serpent did not deceive Adam … when the serpent deceived her]

Here Paul speaks as if transgression were a location that Eve came into. He means that she committed a transgression. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [committed a transgression]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of transgression, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [transgressed]

Here, the word But introduces something good that will happen in contrast to the bad things that Paul described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Despite that,]

Here Paul uses both the singular form she and the plural form they. It could be that: (1) the pronoun she refers to Eve, and the pronoun they refers to women in general. Alternate translation: [the woman Eve will be saved … women remain]; (2) both the pronouns she and they refer to women in general. Alternate translation: [women will be saved … these women remain]; (3) the pronoun she refers to Eve as a representative of all women, and the pronoun they refers to all women. Alternate translation: [she and all other women will be saved … they remain]

Christians debate the meaning of this clause. For some of the possible interpretations, see the chapter introduction. The two most likely interpretations are that: (1) she (Eve or women in general) will be saved by God, who will use childbearing as the means by which he sends the Messiah into the world. In this case, childbearing describes one means by which God accomplishes salvation. Alternate translation: [she will be saved through how the Messiah came by means of women bearing children]; (2) she (women in general) will be saved spiritually as they have children and act as mothers. In this case, childbearing describes the circumstances in which the women will be saved. Alternate translation: [they will be saved while they give birth and raise children]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, it is clear from the context that it was God. Alternate translation: [God will save her]

If the word she earlier in this verse refers specifically to Eve, then Paul is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from earlier in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [and all other women will be saved too, if they remain]

Here Paul uses if to introduce a true possibility. He means that women might remain in these things, or they may not. He has already specified the result for if they do remain in these things: they will be saved. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that introduces a true possibility. Alternate translation: [supposing that] or [given that]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of faith, love, holiness, and self-control, you could express the same ideas in another way. Alternate translation: [they persevere in believing in the Messiah, loving others, and living in a holy way along with being self-controlled]

Here, the phrase with self-control could provide: (1) the fourth and last item in the list. Alternate translation: [and self-control]; (2) the manner in which the women should remain in faith and love and holiness. Alternate translation: [and act with self-control as they do those things]; (3) the manner in which the women should remain in holiness. Alternate translation: [characterized by self-control]

The clause This word {is} trustworthy could refer: (1) ahead to what Paul is about to say. Alternate translation: [Here is a word that is trustworthy: “If someone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work’]; (2) back to what Paul said in the previous verse or verses. Alternate translation: [The word I have given is trustworthy. Now if someone aspires to be an oversee, he desires a noble task]

Here, just as in 1:15, word represents what Paul writes by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [What I write is trustworthy] or [These words are trustworthy]

These words are the word that Paul shares with Timothy. To indicate this, the ULT and UST put quotation marks around these words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use quotation marks or another form to indicate which words are the ones that Paul introduces as the word.

Paul speaks as if this were a hypothetical situation, but he means that this does certainly happen. If your language does not state something as a condition if it does happen, and if your readers might think that what Paul is saying is uncertain, then you could translate his words as an affirmative statement. Alternate translation: [When someone]

Here, the words translated as someone and he desires do not specify whether the person is male or female. Since Christians debate whether overseership is something that both men and women can have, if possible you should use words and phrases here that do not indicate the person’s gender. Alternate translation: [a person … that person desires]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of overseership, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [be an overseer] or [to oversee the church]

Here, the word Therefore introduces an inference based on what Paul said in the previous verse about how “overseership” is a “good work.” Since it is a good work, the people who do the work need to have certain qualifications. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of inference. Alternate translation: [So then,] or [Since overseership is a good work,]

The word overseer represents overseers in general, not one particular overseer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for each overseer]

Here, the phrase a husband of one wife could indicate that an overseer: (1) must be sexually faith to one woman, his wife. Alternate translation: [a man who is faithful to his wife]; (2) must have no more than one wife at a time. Alternate translation: [a husband of only one wife at a time]; (3) must have been married no more than once, even if the marriage ended in divorce or death. Alternate translation: [a man who has been married only once]

The terms temperate and self-controlled mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [very self-controlled] or [completely temperate]

Alternate translation: [not one who drinks much wine]

Alternate translation: [not one who is violent] or [not one who likes to fight]

Many ancient manuscripts read not a brawler. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “not a brawler, not greedy.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

Alternate translation: [not greedy for money]

Alternate translation: [managing] or [taking care of]

Here, the phrase with all dignity could describe: (1) another characteristic of the children. Alternate translation: [in submission, children with all dignity]; (2) another way the children treat their parent, the overseer. Alternate translation: [in submission who treat him with dignity]; (3) how the overseer should treat his children. Alternate translation: [in submission as he treats them with all dignity]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of submission and dignity, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [who submit and are very dignified]

Here, the word but introduces an explanation about why Paul included the requirement that overseers lead their own families well. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave but untranslated. Alternate translation: [I include that because,] or [indeed,]

Here Paul uses an imaginary situation to show that people who do not lead their own households well are not able to lead the church well. Use a natural method in your language for introducing an imaginary situation. Alternate translation: [suppose that someone does not know how to lead his own household well. In that case, how]

Alternate translation: [to manage] or [to take care of]

Paul is using the question form to strongly deny that this kind of person can take care of the church of God. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or an exclamation. Alternate translation: [he will not take care of the church of God well.] or [he will certainly not be able to take care of the church of God!]

Here Paul refers to the specific church whom the person would be taking care of. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [the church of God in his charge] or [the church of God to which he is assigned]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a church that worships and belongs to God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the church that worships God]

Alternate translation: [not having believed recently] or [mature in the faith]

Here Paul refers to experiencing judgment as if it were falling into a hole. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [so that he may not be overcome … by the judgment of the devil] or [so that he may not experience … the judgment of the devil]

Here Paul speaks of becoming prideful as if it were being puffed up by air. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [becoming conceited]

Here Paul implies that a new convert might be puffed up, or prideful, because of being made an overseer so quickly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [being puffed up by becoming a leader so quickly]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a judgment that could be: (1) the same kind of judgment that the devil received. Alternate translation: [the judgment that the devil received]; (2) a judgment that the devil administers. Alternate translation: [judgment from the devil] or [judgment given by the devil]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [being judged as the devil was]

Here, the word But introduces the next requirement for being an overseer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of testimony, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [for it to be testified about him that he is good by]

Alternate translation: [a good reputation with]

The phrase the ones outside identifies people who do not belong to the group of believers. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that refers to people who are not part of the group of believers. Alternate translation: [the outsiders] or [the people who are not part of your group]

Here Paul refers to experiencing reproach as if it were falling into a hole. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [he may not be overcome by reproach and fall into] or [he may not experience reproach and fall into]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of reproach, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [he may not be reproached and fall into]

Here Paul speaks of how the devil gains power or control over people as if he were trapping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [be like an animal that the devil has trapped] or [the power of the devil] or [the control of the devil]

Alternate translation: [Deacons, just like overseers,]

Here Paul refers to people who change what they say to match the situation as if they were double-talkers, or people who say two words at the same time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [not two-tongued] or [speaking with integrity]

Here, the word translated as greedy could refer to: (1) strong desire for more money and goods than one needs. Alternate translation: [not always longing for more money]; (2) gaining money and goods by shameful means. Alternate translation: [not pursuing dishonest gain] or [not being shamed by greed]

Here, the phrase with a pure conscience could describe: (1) these people’s lives in general. Alternate translation: [having the mystery of the faith and having a pure conscience]; (2) the manner in which these people have the mystery. Alternate translation: [having a pure conscience about how they have the mystery of the faith]

Here, the word having implies that these people are faithful to and continue to believe what they are having. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [continuing to believe] or [holding firmly to]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mystery that could: (1) contain what people accept by faith. Alternate translation: [the mystery that is the teaching we accept in faith]; (1) be what people accept by faith. Alternate translation: [the mystery that we believe]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mystery and faith, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [what we believe that was once hidden] or [the hidden things that we believe]

A conscience that is pure is one that does not convict a person of doing anything wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar phrases in 1:5 and 1:19. Alternate translation: [with a clean conscience] or [with a conscience that is not guilty]

Here, the word But introduces the next requirement for being a deacon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next idea, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [they also should be tested first; then they can serve]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who would do the action, it is clear from the context that it would be believers, perhaps those who are already leaders. Alternate translation: [let some of the believers also test them] or [let those who are already leaders also test them]

Here, the phrase being blameless could give: (1) the condition that must be fulfilled for them to serve. Alternate translation: [let them serve if they are blameless]; (2) a description of the people who can serve. Alternate translation: [let the ones being blameless serve]

Here, the word translated women could refer to: (1) female deacons. Alternate translation: [women who are deacons]; (2) the wives of deacons. Alternate translation: [their wives]

Alternate translation: [must be worthy of respect]

If your language does not use the third-person imperative in this way, you could state this in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [Deacons should be]

After speaking about “women” in the previous verse, Paul could be using the word deacons to refer to: (1) male deacons. Alternate translation: [male deacons]; (2) all deacons. Alternate translation: [all deacons]

Paul used a very similar phrase in 3:2, and you should express the idea as you did there. He could mean that deacons: (1) each must be sexually faith to one woman, his wife. Alternate translation: [men who are faithful to their wives]; (2) each must have no more than one wife at a time. Alternate translation: [husbands of only one wife at a time]; (3) each must have been married no more than once, even if the marriage ended in divorce or death. Alternate translation: [men who have been married only once]

Alternate translation: [managing] or [taking care of]

The phrase children and their own households is not making a distinction between children and households by indicating that the children are not part of the household. Rather, the phrase emphasizes that the children are a particularly important part of the households. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [children and the rest of their own households] or [their own households, and particularly their children,]

Here, the word For introduces a reason why deacons should be the kind of people that Paul has described in 3:8–12. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason to keep a set of requirements, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [They should strive to be that kind of people, since] or [Here is why they should do those things:]

Here, the phrase the ones having served could refer: (1) just to the deacons, whom Paul has discussed in 3:8–12. Alternate translation: [the deacons who have served]; (2) both to the deacons and to the overseers, whom he has discussed in 3:1–12. Alternate translation: [the overseers and the deacons who have served]

Here Paul speaks as if these people will have good standing. He could be indicating that they will gain: (1) respect and influence among believers. Alternate translation: [a good reputation] or [honor among believers]; (2) a specific position or office that is respected. Alternate translation: [a respected position] or [an honored office]

Here, the phrase much confidence in the faith could mean that these people: (1) will have much confidence in their faith. Alternate translation: [much confidence about their faith]; (2) will speak with much confidence about the faith. Alternate translation: [much confidence in speaking about the faith]

Here, the phrase the faith {that is} in Christ Jesus could refer to: (1) the act of having faith in Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: [the faith that they have in Christ Jesus]; (2) what people believe about Christ Jesus when they have faith in him. Alternate translation: [what Christians believe about Christ Jesus]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of confidence and faith, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the options you chose in the previous notes. Alternate translation: [be able to be very confident as they believe in Christ Jesus] or [be very confident about how they believe in Christ Jesus]

Here Paul refers to the writing of this letter from his perspective, which is in the present. However, when Timothy receives the letter, the writing of this letter would be in the past. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use whatever form people would use in your language to refer to the writing of a letter. Alternate translation: [I have written]

Here, the phrase these things could refer to: (1) everything that Paul has included in the letter. Alternate translation: [everything in this letter]; (2) what Paul has written in the letter so far. Alternate translation: [what I have included so far] or [those things]

Here, the word hoping introduces something that is unexpected given what Paul has said about writing the letter. Usually, people in Paul’s culture did not write letters to someone if they planned to visit that person soon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces something that is unexpected. Alternate translation: [even though I hope] or [despite the fact that I hope]

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: [to go]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of quickness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [quickly] or [before long]

Here Paul is indicating that, instead of coming quickly to Timothy, he may delay. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that indicates that Paul may delay in contrast to what he said in the previous verse about what he was hoping for. Alternate translation: [but knowing that I may delay] or [yet being aware that I might delay]

Here Paul may be implying that: (1) he himself might choose to delay. Alternate translation: [I choose to wait] or [I need to stay away longer]; (2) something might cause or force Paul to delay. Alternate translation: [I am delayed] or [anything delays me]

Here Paul could be implying that he is instructing Timothy in how: (1) believers should behave. Alternate translation: [it is necessary for believers]; (2) Timothy should behave. Alternate translation: [it is necessary for you to behave]

Here Paul speaks of believers as if they were part of the household of God. He means that God considers them to be members of his own family. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [among people who are like the household of God] or [among God’s people]

This phrase introduces further information about the household of God. It does not distinguish between a household of God that is the church and one that is not the church. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a form that introduces further information, not a distinction. Alternate translation: [by which I mean the church of the living God]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe the church that worships and belongs to the living God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the church that worships the living God]

Here, the phrase the living God identifies God as the one who “lives.” The primary point is that God actually “lives,” unlike idols and other inanimate things that people call “god.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that emphasizes that God really “lives.” Alternate translation: [of the God who lives] or [of the true God]

Here Paul speaks as if the truth were the roof of a building and of the church as if it were a pillar and support that held up that roof. He means that the church helps to preserve and proclaim the truth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [which is like a pillar and support of the truth] or [which preserves and presents the truth]

The terms pillar and support mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [a foundation] or [a strong support]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [of the true teaching]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a mystery that could: (1) lead to or cause godliness. Alternate translation: [the mystery that leads to godliness]; (2) contain godliness. Alternate translation: [the mystery that is godliness]

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of mystery and godliness, you could express the same ideas in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous verse. Alternate translation: [what was hidden that makes us godly]

Here it is likely that Paul is quoting a confession or hymn. In order to indicate this, the ULT and UST put quote marks around these words and format them as poetry. Consider how you might indicate in your language that these words are from a confession or hymn.

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the actions, it is clear from the context that either God or Jesus himself did the revealing, that the Spirit did the justifying, that the angels did the seeing, that believers did the proclaiming, that people in general did the believing, and that God did the taking up. Alternate translation: [God revealed him in flesh, the Spirit justified him, angels saw him, believers proclaimed him among the nations, people in the world believed in him, God took him up in glory]

The pronoun Who refers to Jesus Christ. If this is not clear for your readers, you could use the person’s name here. Alternate translation: [Jesus] or [The Christ]

Many ancient manuscripts read Who. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “God.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

Here, the word flesh refers to human existence in its weakness and frailty. Paul means that Jesus was human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [as a human being]

Here, the phrase was justified could indicate that Jesus was: (1) proved by the Holy Spirit to be who he said he was. Alternate translation: [was proven right by the Spirit]; (2) declared innocent by the Holy Spirit. Alternate translation: [was proven guiltless by the Spirit] or [was vindicated by the Spirit]

Here, the word nations could refer to: (1) non-Jewish people. Alternate translation: [among the Gentiles]; (2) all groups of people. Alternate translation: [among all people groups]

Here, the phrase in the world indicates that people in many places throughout the world believed in Jesus. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [by people throughout the world]

Here Paul implies that Jesus was taken up into heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [was taken up to heaven]

Here, the phrase in glory could describe: (1) how Jesus was taken up. Alternate translation: [with much glory]; (2) Jesus, as he was taken up. Alternate translation: [as a glorious being] or [as a person with glory]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of glory, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [gloriously]

Here, the word Now introduces the next topic that Paul wishes to write about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces the next topic, or you could leave Now untranslated. Alternate translation: [Next,]

Here Paul does not indicate when or where the Spirit says these things. He could be referring to prophecies in the Old Testament, prophecies that were given more recently by Christian prophets, or things that the the Spirit was revealing to him. Since it is not clear where and when the Spirit speaks, if possible use a general phrase here. Alternate translation: [the Spirit has spoken specifically] or [the Spirit is indicating specifically]

Here, the phrase later times could refer to: (1) the last days in general, the period between Jesus’ resurrection and second coming. Alternate translation: [in the last days] or [near the end of this current period of time]; (2) sometime later than when the Spirit spoke. Alternate translation: [later on] or [sometime later]

Here Paul speaks of rejecting or failing to persist in the faith as if it were falling away from a location where the faith was. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [turn away from the faith] or [will reject the faith]

Here, the word faith could refer to: (1) the act of having faith in Jesus. Alternate translation: [the faith that they have]; (2) what people believe about Jesus when they have faith in him. Alternate translation: [what Christians believe]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [believing in Jesus]

Here, the phrase paying attention to could introduce: (1) a further description of what these people do. Alternate translation: [and they will pay attention to]; (2) the reason why these people fall away. Alternate translation: [which they will do because they pay attention to]; (3) the means by which these people fall away. Alternate translation: [which they will do by paying attention to]

Here, the phrase deceiving spirits refers to evil spiritual beings who deceive people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [deceptive devils] or [evil spirits who deceive]

Here Paul is using the possessive form to describe teachings that come from demons. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [teachings from demons]

Here, the word in could introduce: (1) the means or cause by which some people will pay attention to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons. Alternate translation: [which they will pay attention to through the hypocrisy of liars] or [because of the hypocrisy of liars]; (2) the means by which they learn the teachings of demons. Alternate translation: [which are taught through the hypocrisy of liars]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hypocrisy, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [through liars who act hypocritically]

Here Paul could be speaking as if these people’s conscience: (1) had been seared, so that it can no longer feel anything. In this case, he means that they no longer feel convicted about what is right and wrong. Alternate translation: [who live as if they had been seared in their own conscience] or [no longer being convicted of what is right or wrong]; (2) had been branded and thus marked either as belonging to Satan or as a sinner. Alternate translation: [who live as if they had been branded in their own conscience as belonging to Satan] or [having been marked as sinners]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the action, you could indicate that: (1) they did it themselves. Alternate translation: [having seared their own consciences]; (2) their hypocrisy and lies did it. Alternate translation: [their hypocrisy having seared their own consciences]

If it would not be natural in your language to speak as if a group of people had only one conscience, you could use the plural form of that word in your translation. Alternate translation: [in their own consciences]

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. You could supply these words if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: [requiring to abstain]

Here Paul implies that the false teachers were telling people to abstain from certain kinds of foods. They were not telling people to abstain from eating in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [to abstain from specific foods] or [to abstain from certain types of food]

Here Paul is further describing the foods from which the false teachers required people to abstain. He is not distinguishing between some foods that God created and other foods that God did not create. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that describes something rather than distinguishes between things. Alternate translation: [from foods, those which God created] or [from foods. God created these foods]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of thanksgiving, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [thankfully]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of truth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [the true teaching]

Here, the word For introduces support for what Paul stated in the previous verse about what God made foods for. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces support for a claim, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [I write that about foods because] or [In fact,]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of creation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [everything that has been created by God]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe every creation that is made by God. If this is not clear in your language, you could express the idea in another way. Alternate translation: [creation made by God]

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas with active forms or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who did the actions, you could use an indefinite subject. Alternate translation: [people should reject nothing that they receive with thanksgiving]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of thanksgiving, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [thankfully]

Here, the word for introduces an explanation of what Paul said in the previous verse about how nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: [and here is why:]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the word of God and prayer sanctify it] or [God uses his word and prayer to sanctify it]

Here, word represents something God has communicated using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the message from God] or [what God has spoken]

Here, the phrase the word of God refers to something that God has said. It could refer more specifically to God’s declaration that everything he made was good, to the gospel in general, to passages of Scripture that were read before meals, or to God’s response to people’s prayer. However, since Paul used a very general phrase here, if possible, you should use a general phrase that could refer to anything that God has said. Alternate translation: [words from God] or [things that God has spoken]

Here Paul implies that this prayer contains the thanksgiving he referred to in 4:4. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [prayers of thanksgiving] or [thankful prayer]

Here Paul speaks of his instructions as if they were objects that Timothy would place before other people. He means that Timothy will speak his instructions to these people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [Passing these things along to the brothers] or [Teaching these things to the brothers]

Here, the phrase these things could refer to the instructions that Paul has given in 4:1–5, 3:14–4:5, or to the whole letter so far. Since Paul used a general phrase, if possible you should use a general phrase that could refer to any of these sections. Alternate translation: [what I have said to you] or [these instructions]

Paul is using the term brothers to mean people who share the same faith. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [the believers]

Although the term brothers is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If you retain the metaphor in your translation, and if it would be helpful in your language, you could say “brothers and sisters” to indicate this.

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a servant who could: (1) serve Christ Jesus. Alternate translation: [a good servant who obeys Christ Jesus]; (2) have been appointed by Christ Jesus to serve others. Alternate translation: [a good servant appointed by Christ Jesus]

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: [the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed nourishing you]

Here, the phrase being nourished could introduce: (1) a description of a good servant. Alternate translation: [one who is nourished]; (2) another condition for being a good servant. Alternate translation: [if you are nourished]; (3) the result of being a good servant. Alternate translation: [and so you will be nourished] or [with the result that you will be nourished]

Here Paul speaks as if the words of the faith and of the good teaching were food that nourished Timothy. He means that these words train Timothy and make him stronger spiritually. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea in simile form or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [as if being nourished] or [being strengthened spiritually] or [being trained]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe words that could: (1) be those in which believers have faith and that contain the good teaching. Alternate translation: [by the words in which we have faith and that contain the good teaching]; (2) contain the good news in which believers have faith and the good teaching. Alternate translation: [by the words that contain the Christian faith and the good teaching]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of faith, you could express the same idea in another way. Make sure that your translation fits with the option you chose in the previous note. Alternate translation: [that we have believed, the words] or [that you trust, the words]

Here Paul is further describing the good teaching. He is not distinguishing between some good teaching that Timothy has followed and some that he has not followed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a different form that describes something rather than distinguishes between things. Alternate translation: [of the good teaching, which you have followed] or [of the good teaching. You have followed that good teaching]

Here, the word But introduces how Paul wants Timothy to treat the profane and old-womanish myths in contrast to how he should treat “the good teaching” (4:6). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces this kind of contrast, or you could leave But untranslated. Alternate translation: [In contrast,] or [Now]

The term old-womanish describes something that is silly or foolish. Paul does not mean that these myths always came from older women or that older women were more likely to believe the myths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable phrase or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [foolish] or [groundless]

The word myths refers to a certain kind of story that is generally considered to be untrustworthy. This kind of story is often about what important people did a long time ago. Often, many people in a culture know these stories but do not consider them to be reliable historical narratives. See how you translated this word in 1:4. Alternate translation: [fictional narratives] or [traditional tales]

Here, the word but introduces what Paul wants Timothy to do instead of listening to the myths. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces that kind of contrast, or you could leave but untranslated. Alternate translation: [and instead] or [and in contrast]

Here Paul speaks as if Timothy were an athlete who needed to train himself. He means that Timothy needs to work hard, as an athlete does, in order to become godly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a comparable figure of speech or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [always strive]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [to be godly]

The word that Paul refers to in verse 9 could be found in verse 10 or it may be in verse 8. See the chapter introduction for more information. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use quote marks or some other form to indicate which words are the word that Paul gives to Timothy.

Here, the word for introduces a further explanation about why Timothy should train himself for godliness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces an explanation, or you could leave for untranslated. Alternate translation: [and here is why:] or [since]

The phrases for little and for all could refer to: (1) a little time and all time. Alternate translation: [for some times … for all times] or [sometimes … always]; (2) little usefulness and all usefulness. Alternate translation: [in some ways … in all ways] or [for a few things … for all things]

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of godliness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: [but being godly]

Here, the phrase having promise introduces something about godliness that supports the claim that godliness is useful for all. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [since with godliness comes a promise] or [because godliness leads to a promise]

Here, Paul is using the possessive form to describe a promise that could: (1) promise this life. Alternate translation: [a promise that guarantees life]; (2) be in effect while a person has this life. Alternate translation: [promise for life] or [promise during life]

Here Paul is referring to true life with God that people can have now and in the coming future, when God resurrects people after they have died. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make that idea more explicit. Alternate translation: [of true life, both now and after the resurrection] or [of life in Christ now and after God renews everything]

This verse is identical to the first clause in 1:15. Express the idea as you did there.

Here, the phrase The word could refer: (1) ahead to what Paul is about to write in 4:10. Alternate translation: [The following word]; (2) back to what Paul wrote in 4:8. Alternate translation: [That word]

Here, the word For introduces a reason why the statement is trustworthy and should be accepted (see 4:9). If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a word or phrase that introduces a reason for something, or you could leave For untranslated. Alternate translation: [That is because] or [It is trustworthy because]

Here, the pronoun this could refer: (1) to what Paul is about to say in the rest of this verse about hoping in God. Alternate translation: [the reason why we toil and struggle is this, that]; (2) to what Paul said in 4:8 about gaining godliness that leads to life. Alternate translation: [to gain that godliness and life we toil and struggle, because] or [that is why we toil and struggle, because]

The terms toil and struggle mean similar things. Paul is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: [we keep toiling] or [we always struggle]

Many ancient manuscripts read struggle. The ULT follows that reading. Other ancient manuscripts read “are reproached.” If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

Here, the phrase the living God identifies God as the one who “lives.” The primary point is that God actually “lives,” unlike idols and other things that people call “god.” See how you translated this phrase in 3:15. Alternate translation: [the God who lives] or [the true God]

Although the term men is masculine, Paul is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a phrase that makes this clear. Alternate translation: [of all humans] or [of all men and women]

Here Paul could mean that God is the Savior of believers: (1) in a special way compared to how he saves all men. Alternate translation: [and in a special way, of believers]; (2) in reality, compared to how he is the only potential Savior for all men. Alternate translation: [who acts as Savior for believers]