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21TIfrontintrowy830

Introduction to 1 Timothy

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of the Book of 1 Timothy

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

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

Who wrote the Book of 1 Timothy?

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

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

What is the Book of 1 Timothy about?

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

How should the title of this book be translated?

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

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

What is discipleship?

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

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

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

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

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

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

31TI1introa4v20

1 Timothy 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Special concepts in this chapter

Spiritual children

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

Metaphor

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

41TI11i3zzΠαῦλος1Paul

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

51TI11xl6dκατ’ ἐπιταγὴν Θεοῦ1by the command of God

Alternate translation: “by the authority of God”

61TI11wb8jΘεοῦ Σωτῆρος ἡμῶν1God our Savior

Alternate translation: “God, who saves us”

71TI11sw77figs-metonymyΚυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τῆς ἐλπίδος ἡμῶν1the Lord Jesus Christ our hope

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

81TI12pyi6figs-metaphorγνησίῳ τέκνῳ1a true son

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

91TI12rd5vχάρις, ἔλεος, εἰρήνη1Grace, mercy, peace

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

101TI12p4lzguidelines-sonofgodprinciplesΘεοῦ Πατρὸς1God the Father

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

111TI12zx37Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1Christ Jesus our Lord

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

121TI13k4tmκαθὼς παρεκάλεσά σε1As I urged you

Alternate translation: “as I told you”

131TI13k35afigs-yousingularσε1you

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

141TI13amp4προσμεῖναι ἐν Ἐφέσῳ1remain in Ephesus

Alternate translation: “wait for me there in the city of Ephesus”

151TI13t112translate-namesἘφέσῳ1Ephesus

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

161TI13t113τισὶν1certain ones

Alternate translation: “certain people”

171TI13v4g2figs-explicitἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν1teach differently

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

181TI14pw2hμύθοις1fables

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

191TI14qpv9figs-hyperboleγενεαλογίαις ἀπεράντοις1endless genealogies

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

201TI14ft33γενεαλογίαις1genealogies

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

211TI14qb9lαἵτινες ἐκζητήσεις παρέχουσι1which promote arguments

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

221TI14eu9ffigs-abstractnounsοἰκονομίαν Θεοῦ1the stewardship of God

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

231TI14p2srfigs-abstractnounsτὴν ἐν πίστει1which is by faith

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

241TI15myi5δὲ1Now

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

251TI15iwnkgrammar-connect-logic-goalτὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν1Now the goal of this command is

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

261TI15l7unτῆς παραγγελίας1command

Here, this command refers to the instructions that Paul has given Timothy in 1:3 and 1:4.

271TI15i9rsfigs-explicitἐστὶν ἀγάπη1is love

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

281TI15t123figs-metaphorἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας1from a pure heart

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

291TI15mbe6figs-metonymyἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας1from a pure heart

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

301TI15ar8tσυνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς1a good conscience

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

311TI15m53gπίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου1a sincere faith

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

321TI15zziufigs-abstractnounsπίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου1a sincere faith

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

331TI16j4z3figs-metaphorτινες ἀστοχήσαντες1some, having missed the mark

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

341TI16se38figs-metaphorἐξετράπησαν εἰς1have turned away to

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

351TI17v28ufigs-explicitνομοδιδάσκαλοι1teachers of the law

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

361TI17kz8xgrammar-connect-logic-contrastμὴ νοοῦντες1not understanding

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

371TI17t131figs-doublenegativesμὴ…μήτε…μήτε1not … either … or

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

381TI17t132figs-parallelismἃ λέγουσιν, μήτε περὶ τίνων διαβεβαιοῦνται1what they are saying or about which they make confident affirmations

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

391TI18d6dzοἴδαμεν δὲ ὅτι καλὸς ὁ νόμος1we know that the law is good

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

401TI18t134figs-exclusiveοἴδαμεν1we know

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

411TI18r86gἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται1if one uses it lawfully

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

421TI19xs94εἰδὼς τοῦτο1knowing this

Alternate translation: “we also know this”

431TI19fq4ifigs-activepassiveδικαίῳ νόμος οὐ κεῖται1the law is not made for the righteous

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God did not make the law for people who are righteous” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

441TI19dl5lfigs-nominaladjδικαίῳ1the righteous

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

451TI19t139figs-nominaladjἀνόμοις δὲ καὶ ἀνυποτάκτοις, ἀσεβέσι καὶ ἁμαρτωλοῖς, ἀνοσίοις καὶ βεβήλοις1the lawless and the rebellious, the ungodly and the sinful, the godless and the profane

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

461TI19t141πατρολῴαις καὶ μητρολῴαις, ἀνδροφόνοις1father-killers and mother-killers, man-slayers

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 your readers would misunderstand these terms, you could translate them either with single terms or with phrases. Alternate translations: “patricides and matricides, murders” or “people who kill other people, even their own fathers and mothers”

471TI19t142figs-gendernotationsἀνδροφόνοις1man-slayers

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

481TI110y5dxfigs-nominaladjπόρνοις1the immoral

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

491TI110v1ghfigs-idiomἀρσενοκοίταις1male-liers

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

501TI110bzw4figs-gendernotationsἀνδραποδισταῖς1man-stealers

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

511TI110gg42καὶ εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται1and if anything else is contrary to healthy teaching

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

521TI110t147figs-metonymyτῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ1healthy teaching

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

531TI111mg4tτὸ εὐαγγέλιον τῆς δόξης τοῦ μακαρίου Θεοῦ1to the gospel of glory of the blessed God

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

541TI111a58dfigs-activepassiveὃ ἐπιστεύθην ἐγώ1with which I have been entrusted

If your readers would misunderstand what had been entrusted to Paul, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “for which God made me responsible” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

551TI112t150χάριν ἔχω1I have gratitude to

Alternate translation: “I thank”

561TI112uu6nπιστόν με ἡγήσατο1he considered me trustworthy

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

571TI112ff1nfigs-metaphorθέμενος εἰς διακονίαν1placing me into service

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

581TI113q75pfigs-explicitὄντα βλάσφημον1being a blasphemer

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

591TI113gbd4figs-explicitδιώκτην1a persecutor

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

601TI113k85cfigs-explicitὑβριστήν1an aggressor

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

611TI113rq2mgrammar-connect-logic-resultἠλεήθην, ὅτι ἀγνοῶν, ἐποίησα ἐν ἀπιστίᾳ1I was shown mercy because not knowing, I acted in unfaithfulness

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

621TI113nv6kfigs-activepassiveἠλεήθην1I was shown mercy

If your readers would misunderstand who showed mercy to Paul, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

631TI114t158δὲ1Indeed

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

641TI114c1lgfigs-metaphorὑπερεπλεόνασεν…ἡ χάρις τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν1the grace of our Lord overflowed

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

651TI114z5lvfigs-idiomμετὰ πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus

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

661TI115z48sπιστὸς ὁ λόγος1This word is trustworthy

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

671TI115rh2rκαὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος1and worthy of all acceptance

If your readers would misunderstand this phrase, you could state who does this action. Alternate translations: “and we should believe it without any doubt” or “and we should have full confidence in it”

681TI115t163figs-quotemarksΧριστὸς Ἰησοῦς ἦλθεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἁμαρτωλοὺς σῶσαι1Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners

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

691TI115t164ὧν πρῶτός εἰμι ἐγώ1of whom I am the first

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

701TI116z5kgfigs-activepassiveἠλεήθην1I was shown mercy

If your readers would misunderstand who showed mercy to Paul, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus had mercy on me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

711TI116epe2ἵνα ἐν ἐμοὶ πρώτῳ1so that in me, the first

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

721TI117k9scδὲ1Now

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

731TI117ts5zfigs-abstractnounsτιμὴ καὶ δόξα1be honor and glory

If your readers would misunderstand the abstract nouns honor and grace, you could express the ideas behind the them with verbs. Alternate translation: “may people honor and glorify” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

741TI118ijn8figs-metaphorταύτην τὴν παραγγελίαν παρατίθεμαί σοι1This command I am placing before you

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

751TI118b6uqfigs-metaphorτέκνον1child

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

761TI118y6jgκατὰ τὰς προαγούσας ἐπὶ σὲ προφητείας1in accordance with the earlier prophecies about you

If your readers would misunderstand how these prophecies happened, you could state who did this action. Alternate translation: “in agreement with what other believers prophesied about you”

771TI118w2exfigs-metaphorστρατεύῃ…τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν1fight the good fight

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

781TI119jj6kfigs-abstractnounsἔχων πίστιν1holding faith

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

791TI119ly6qfigs-abstractnounsἀγαθὴν συνείδησιν1a good conscience

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

801TI119h2wkfigs-metaphorτινες…περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἐναυάγησαν1have shipwrecked regarding the faith

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

811TI119dyr6figs-abstractnounsπερὶ τὴν πίστιν1regarding the faith

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

821TI120pv7ftranslate-namesὙμέναιος…Ἀλέξανδρος1Hymenaeus … Alexander

Hymenaeus and Alexander are names of two men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

831TI120ty7nfigs-metaphorοὓς παρέδωκα τῷ Σατανᾷ1whom I have given over to Satan

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

841TI120az10figs-explicitοὓς παρέδωκα τῷ Σατανᾷ1

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

851TI120s76cfigs-activepassiveἵνα παιδευθῶσι1so that they may be taught

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that God may teach them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

861TI2introc6rf0

1 Timothy 2 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Peace

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

Women in the church

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

871TI21yk2zfigs-idiomπρῶτον πάντων1first of all

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

881TI21iag7παρακαλῶ1I urge

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

891TI21ql7afigs-activepassiveποιεῖσθαι δεήσεις, προσευχάς, ἐντεύξεις, εὐχαριστίας1for requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings to be made

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action and who would receive the action. Alternate translation: “I urge all believers to make requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

901TI21t183figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1men

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

911TI22g4vafigs-doubletἤρεμον καὶ ἡσύχιον βίον1a peaceful and quiet life

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

921TI22pb58figs-abstractnounsἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ καὶ σεμνότητι1in all godliness and dignity

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

931TI23t186figs-doubletκαλὸν καὶ ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον…Θεοῦ1good and acceptable before God

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

941TI24i3zefigs-activepassiveὃς πάντας ἀνθρώπους θέλει σωθῆναι1who desires all men to be saved

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who wants to save everyone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

951TI24t188figs-gendernotationsπάντας ἀνθρώπους1all men

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

961TI24n26mfigs-metaphorεἰς ἐπίγνωσιν ἀληθείας ἐλθεῖν1to come to the knowledge of the truth

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

971TI25t666translate-unknownεἷς καὶ μεσίτης Θεοῦ καὶ ἀνθρώπων1and one mediator of God and of men

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

981TI25t191figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1of men

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

991TI25t192figs-gendernotationsἄνθρωπος Χριστὸς Ἰησοῦς1the man Christ Jesus

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

1001TI26u8r1δοὺς ἑαυτὸν1gave himself

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

1011TI26vz12ἀντίλυτρον ὑπὲρ πάντων1as a ransom for all

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

1021TI26fm1cfigs-explicitτὸ μαρτύριον1the testimony

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

1031TI26fq7rfigs-idiomκαιροῖς ἰδίοις1in its own times

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

1041TI27qxv9εἰς ὃ1for which

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

1051TI27iz4yfigs-activepassiveἐτέθην ἐγὼ κῆρυξ καὶ ἀπόστολος1I was made a herald and an apostle

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Jesus has made me, Paul, a preacher and a representative for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1061TI27cbn6translate-unknownκῆρυξ1a herald

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

1071TI27qa8dfigs-metaphorκῆρυξ1a herald

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

1081TI27hb97ἐν Χριστῷ1

Alternate translation: “as a follower of Christ”

1091TI27yllfἀλήθειαν λέγω ἐν Χριστῷ, οὐ ψεύδομαι1I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying

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

1101TI27h18qδιδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ1a teacher of the nations in faith and truth

Here, faith and truth could mean: (1) the content of what Paul teaches. Alternate translation: “I teach the Gentiles the message of faith and truth” (2) Pauls character as a teacher. Alternate translation: “a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles”

1111TI27t201figs-hendiadysδιδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀληθείᾳ1a teacher of the nations in faith and truth

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

1121TI27t202ἐθνῶν1the nations

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

1131TI28a841figs-gendernotationsτοὺς ἄνδρας ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ1the men in every place

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

1141TI28unw6translate-symactionἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας1to pray, lifting up holy hands

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

1151TI28yzg3figs-synecdocheπροσεύχεσθαι…ἐπαίροντας ὁσίους χεῖρας1to pray, lifting up holy hands

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

1161TI28t206figs-hendiadysχωρὶς ὀργῆς καὶ διαλογισμοῦ1without anger and argument

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

1171TI29t207figs-ellipsisὡσαύτως1likewise

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

1181TI29sw21translate-unknownμὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν1not in braided hair

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

1191TI29t210figs-synecdocheμὴ ἐν πλέγμασιν1not in braids

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

1201TI29rf5vtranslate-unknownμαργαρίταις1pearls

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

1211TI210g35mἐπαγγελλομέναις θεοσέβειαν, δι’ ἔργων ἀγαθῶν1professing godliness through good works

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

1221TI211gb7afigs-idiomἐν ἡσυχίᾳ1in quietness

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

1231TI211c7shἐν πάσῃ ὑποταγῇ1in all submission

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

1241TI212t216εἶναι ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ1to be in quietness

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

1251TI213iv31figs-activepassiveἈδὰμ…πρῶτος ἐπλάσθη1Adam was formed first

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God created Adam first” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1261TI213v7v6figs-ellipsisεἶτα Εὕα1then Eve

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

1271TI214wq5kfigs-activepassiveἈδὰμ οὐκ ἠπατήθη1Adam was not deceived

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “Adam was not the one whom the serpent deceived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1281TI214n6tdfigs-activepassiveἡ δὲ γυνὴ ἐξαπατηθεῖσα, ἐν παραβάσει γέγονεν1but the woman, having been deceived, came into transgression

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “but it was the woman who disobeyed God when the serpent deceived her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1291TI214t221figs-abstractnounsἐν παραβάσει γέγονεν1came into transgression

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

1301TI215krx4grammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1

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

1311TI215t222σωθήσεται1she will be saved

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

1321TI215u8ivσωθήσεται…διὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας1she will be saved through childbearing

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

1331TI215i0apfigs-synecdocheδιὰ τῆς τεκνογονίας1

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

1341TI215n818figs-activepassiveσωθήσεται1she will be saved

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God will save women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1351TI215gh3cἐὰν μείνωσιν1if they remain

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

1361TI215sl57figs-abstractnounsἐν πίστει, καὶ ἀγάπῃ, καὶ ἁγιασμῷ1in faith and love and holiness

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

1371TI215dcf3figs-idiomμετὰ σωφροσύνης1with self-control

Here, with self-control could mean: (1) with good judgment. (2) with modesty. (3) with clear thinking. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

1381TI3introd9db0

1 Timothy 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

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

Overseers and deacons

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

Character qualities

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

1391TI31t227πιστὸς ὁ λόγος1This word is trustworthy

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

1401TI31t228figs-quotemarksπιστὸς ὁ λόγος1This word is trustworthy

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

1411TI31t229translate-unknownἐπισκοπῆς1overseer

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

1421TI31f133καλοῦ ἔργου1a good work

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

1431TI32dff6μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα1a husband of one wife

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

1441TI32qnq9δεῖ…εἶναι…νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον1must be … sober, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable

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

1451TI33c2c7μὴ πάροινον, μὴ πλήκτην, ἀλλὰ ἐπιεικῆ, ἄμαχον1not a drunkard, not a brawler, but gentle, peaceful

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

1461TI33pc2gfigs-metaphorἀφιλάργυρον1not money-loving

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

1471TI34a8guπροϊστάμενον1managing

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

1481TI34w3unἐν ὑποταγῇ, μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος1in obedience with all honor

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

1491TI35n5ltfigs-rquestionεἰ δέ τις τοῦ ἰδίου οἴκου προστῆναι οὐκ οἶδεν, πῶς ἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ ἐπιμελήσεται?1for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?

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

1501TI35c814figs-metonymyἐκκλησίας Θεοῦ1the church of God

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

1511TI36q7huμὴ νεόφυτον1not a new convert

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

1521TI36t240figs-explicitτυφωθεὶς1puffed up

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

1531TI36t241figs-metaphorτυφωθεὶς1puffed up

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

1541TI36v6f5figs-metaphorἵνα μὴ…εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου1so that he may not fall … into the judgment of the devil

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

1551TI37si1dfigs-metaphorτῶν ἔξωθεν1those outside

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

1561TI37qsa6figs-metaphorμὴ εἰς ὀνειδισμὸν ἐμπέσῃ1so that he may not fall into disgrace

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

1571TI37t245figs-metaphorπαγίδα τοῦ διαβόλου1the trap of the devil

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

1581TI38nz2wδιακόνους ὡσαύτως1Likewise deacons

Alternate translation: “deacons, just like overseers”

1591TI38sxq4figs-metaphorμὴ διλόγους1not double-talkers

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

1601TI38g5qifigs-doublenegativesμὴ διλόγους1

If your readers would misunderstand not double-talkers, you can state this positively. Alternate translation: “be honest in what they say” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

1611TI39c44afigs-metaphorἔχοντας1holding

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

1621TI39jda1figs-abstractnounsτὸ μυστήριον1the mystery

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

1631TI39rfv7figs-abstractnounsτὸ μυστήριον τῆς πίστεως1the mystery of the faith

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

1641TI39y91ffigs-metaphorἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει1with a clean conscience

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

1651TI310hl1pfigs-activepassiveκαὶ οὗτοι…δοκιμαζέσθωσαν πρῶτον1let them also be tested first

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would the action. Alternate translations: “the leaders should observe and approve of them first” or “they should first prove themselves” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1661TI311xyc9γυναῖκας1the women

This could mean: (1) deacons wives. (2) female deacons.

1671TI311q5qxσεμνάς1dignified

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

1681TI311a12kμὴ διαβόλους1not slanderers

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

1691TI311akm5νηφαλίους1sober

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

1701TI312wji2μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρες1husbands of one wife

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

1711TI312dv31τέκνων καλῶς προϊστάμενοι καὶ τῶν ἰδίων οἴκων1managing their own children and households well

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

1721TI313rfq2grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

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

1731TI313t259οἱ…καλῶς διακονήσαντες1those having served well

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

1741TI313cv34βαθμὸν…καλὸν1a good standing

This could mean: (1) an honorable position. (2) a good reputation.

1751TI313m684καὶ πολλὴν παρρησίαν ἐν πίστει τῇ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ1much confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus

This could mean: (1) they will speak more confidently to other people about believing in Jesus. (2) they will trust in Jesus with even more confidence.

1761TI314t262figs-idiomἐν τάχει1in quickness

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

1771TI314zzzufigs-goἐλθεῖν1to come

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

1781TI315z9z8ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω1but if I delay

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

1791TI315p9u4ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ Θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι1so that you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God

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

1801TI315wzk3figs-distinguishοἴκῳ Θεοῦ…ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία Θεοῦ ζῶντος1the household of God, which is the church of the living God

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

1811TI315cd5rfigs-metaphorστῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας1a pillar and support of the truth

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

1821TI315t267figs-doubletστῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα1a pillar and support

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

1831TI315sg64figs-idiomΘεοῦ ζῶντος1the living God

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

1841TI316w473μέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον1great is the mystery of godliness

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

1851TI316t271figs-explicitμέγα ἐστὶν τὸ τῆς εὐσεβείας μυστήριον1great is the mystery of godliness

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

1861TI316y8spwriting-poetryὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί, ἐδικαιώθη ἐν Πνεύματι, ὤφθη ἀγγέλοις, ἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν, ἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ, ἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ1Who was revealed in flesh, was justified in the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in the world, was taken up in glory.

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

1871TI316m4xifigs-activepassiveὃς ἐφανερώθη ἐν σαρκί1Who was revealed in flesh

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

1881TI316rqp6figs-metonymyἐν σαρκί1in flesh

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

1891TI316gm36figs-activepassiveἐδικαιώθη ἐν Πνεύματι1was justified in the Spirit

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the Holy Spirit confirmed that he was who he said he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1901TI316fn1kfigs-activepassiveὤφθη ἀγγέλοις1was seen by angels

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the angels saw him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1911TI316c3wxfigs-activepassiveἐκηρύχθη ἐν ἔθνεσιν1was proclaimed among the nations

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people in many nations told others about him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1921TI316h9mbfigs-activepassiveἐπιστεύθη ἐν κόσμῳ1was believed in the world

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people throughout the world believed in him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1931TI316jz11figs-activepassiveἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ1was taken up in glory

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “God the Father took him up to heaven in glory” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

1941TI316mr3afigs-abstractnounsἀνελήμφθη ἐν δόξῃ1was taken up in glory

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

1951TI4introb39h0

1 Timothy 4 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

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

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Cultural practices

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

Variation in names

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

1961TI41jzr9δὲ1Now

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

1971TI41b739figs-idiomἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς1in later times

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

1981TI41b931figs-metaphorἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως1some will leave the faith

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

1991TI41hw98figs-abstractnounsἀποστήσονταί τινες τῆς πίστεως1some will leave the faith

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

2001TI41q13mπροσέχοντες1attending to

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

2011TI41ae5wfigs-doubletπνεύμασι πλάνοις καὶ διδασκαλίαις δαιμονίων1deceiving spirits and teachings of demons

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

2021TI42pw29ἐν ὑποκρίσει ψευδολόγων1in false-speaking hypocrisy

If your readers would misunderstand what this phrase refers to, you could start a separate sentence here. Alternate translation: “The people who teach these things are hypocrites, and they tell lies”

2031TI42u2f4figs-metaphorκεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν1their own consciences having been seared

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

2041TI42t288figs-activepassiveκεκαυστηριασμένων τὴν ἰδίαν συνείδησιν1their own consciences having been seared

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they will be people who have destroyed their sense of right and wrong” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2051TI43t289κωλυόντων γαμεῖν1forbidding to marry

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

2061TI43wd2lfigs-explicitκωλυόντων γαμεῖν1forbidding to marry

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

2071TI43t291figs-ellipsisἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων1to abstain from foods

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

2081TI43m1d6figs-explicitἀπέχεσθαι βρωμάτων1to abstain from foods

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

2091TI43t293figs-doubletτοῖς πιστοῖς καὶ ἐπεγνωκόσι τὴν ἀλήθειαν1the faithful and the ones knowing the truth

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

2101TI43t294figs-nominaladjτοῖς πιστοῖς1the faithful

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

2111TI44pppfgrammar-connect-logic-resultὅτι1For

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

2121TI44dv4sfigs-distinguishπᾶν κτίσμα Θεοῦ καλόν1every creature of God is good

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

2131TI44a15jfigs-activepassiveοὐδὲν ἀπόβλητον μετὰ εὐχαριστίας λαμβανόμενον1nothing being received with thanksgiving is vile

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “we are free to eat anything that we can thank God for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2141TI45gwcsgrammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1

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

2151TI45m5mbfigs-activepassiveἁγιάζεται1it is sanctified

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translations: “it becomes holy” or “it is suitable to eat” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2161TI45fhd6figs-metonymyδιὰ λόγου Θεοῦ1by the word of God

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

2171TI45t300figs-explicitκαὶ ἐντεύξεως1and prayer

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

2181TI46ks5xfigs-metaphorταῦτα ὑποτιθέμενος τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1Placing these things before the brothers

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

2191TI46hfx3ταῦτα1these things

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

2201TI46h6qrfigs-gendernotationsτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1before the brothers

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

2211TI46uyebfigs-metaphorτοῖς ἀδελφοῖς1the brothers

The term the brothers figuratively means fellow believers in Jesus. Alternative translation: “your fellow believers” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

2221TI46t304figs-activepassiveἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας1being nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state what is doing the action. Alternate translation: “the statements of what we believe, expessed in proper teaching, are causing you to trust more strongly in Christ” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2231TI46f8vsfigs-metaphorἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας ᾗ παρηκολούθηκας1being nourished by the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed

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

2241TI46ny78figs-metonymyτοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, καὶ τῆς καλῆς διδασκαλίας1by the words of the faith and of the good teaching

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

2251TI47th4iτοὺς…βεβήλους καὶ γραώδεις μύθους1the profane and old-womanish myths

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

2261TI47elk7figs-idiomγραώδεις μύθους1old-womanish myths

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

2271TI47sea5figs-metaphorγύμναζε…σεαυτὸν πρὸς εὐσέβειαν1train yourself for godliness

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

2281TI48t311figs-quotemarksγὰρ1for

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

2291TI48i6rhσωματικὴ γυμνασία1bodily training

Alternate translation: “physical exercise”

2301TI48t313πρὸς ὀλίγον ἐστὶν ὠφέλιμος1is valuable for a little

This could mean: (1) it has some small value. (2) it has value for a little while. (3) it does not have very much value.

2311TI48df19ἐπαγγελίαν ἔχουσα1having promise for

Alternate translation: “will bring benefits”

2321TI49t315πιστὸς ὁ λόγος1That word is trustworthy

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

2331TI49hc1tκαὶ πάσης ἀποδοχῆς ἄξιος1and worthy of all acceptance

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

2341TI410l2ylgrammar-connect-logic-resultεἰς τοῦτο γὰρ1for unto this

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

2351TI410c9dbfigs-doubletκοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα1we toil and struggle

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

2361TI410t320figs-exclusiveκοπιῶμεν καὶ ἀγωνιζόμεθα1we toil and struggle

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

2371TI410qmj6figs-idiomΘεῷ ζῶντι1the living God

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

2381TI410t322figs-gendernotationsπάντων ἀνθρώπων1men

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

2391TI412qi8lμηδείς σου τῆς νεότητος καταφρονείτω1Let no one despise your youth

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

2401TI412t325ἐν λόγῳ1in word

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

2411TI413t326figs-explicitπρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ1to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching

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

2421TI413kky7figs-abstractnounsπρόσεχε τῇ ἀναγνώσει, τῇ παρακλήσει, τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ1attend to the reading, to the exhortation, to the teaching

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

2431TI414i1kafigs-doublenegativesμὴ ἀμέλει1

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

2441TI414t22xfigs-metaphorμὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος1Do not neglect the gift in you

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

2451TI414hdd9figs-explicitμὴ ἀμέλει τοῦ ἐν σοὶ χαρίσματος1Do not neglect the gift in you

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

2461TI414xp1kfigs-activepassiveὃ ἐδόθη σοι διὰ προφητείας1which was given to you through prophecy

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “which you received when leaders of the church prophesied about you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2471TI414rr8ftranslate-symactionἐπιθέσεως τῶν χειρῶν τοῦ πρεσβυτερίου1with the imposition of the hands of the elders

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

2481TI415sbcgfigs-explicitταῦτα1these things

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

2491TI415m65mfigs-metaphorἐν τούτοις ἴσθι1Study these things, be in them

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

2501TI415mercfigs-explicitσου ἡ προκοπὴ1your progress

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

2511TI416uq6cἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ1Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching

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

2521TI416zxe7ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς1Continue in these things

Alternate translation: “continue to do these things”

2531TI416u7ezκαὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου1you will save both yourself and your listeners

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

2541TI5introjx4e0

1 Timothy 5 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Honor and respect

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

Widows

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

Variation in names

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

2551TI51wt5yfigs-you0General Information:

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

2561TI51l4w5πρεσβυτέρῳ μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς1Do not rebuke an older man

Alternate translation: “do not reprimand an older man”

2571TI51dnf2ἀλλὰ παρακάλει1but exhort him

Alternate translation: “instead, encourage him”

2581TI51enp9figs-simileὡς πατέρα, νεωτέρους ὡς ἀδελφούς1as a father, younger men as brothers

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

2591TI52t1pvfigs-simileὡς μητέρας, νεωτέρας ὡς ἀδελφὰς1as mothers, younger women as sisters

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

2601TI52ivl7figs-abstractnounsἐν πάσῃ ἁγνίᾳ1in all purity

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

2611TI53smp5figs-idiomχήρας τίμα1Honor widows

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

2621TI53qc6sτὰς ὄντως χήρας1real widows

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

2631TI54vv64τέκνα ἢ ἔκγονα1children or grandchildren

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

2641TI54w38hπρῶτον1first

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

2651TI54fnabμανθανέτωσαν…εὐσεβεῖν1let them learn to honor

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

2661TI54t344figs-parallelismμανθανέτωσαν…τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον εὐσεβεῖν, καὶ ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις1let them learn to honor their own household and to make repayment to their forebears

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

2671TI54g5mufigs-metonymyτὸν ἴδιον οἶκον1their own household

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

2681TI54q5c8ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις1make repayment to their forebears

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

2691TI54t347grammar-connect-logic-resultγάρ1for

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

2701TI54t348figs-metaphorτοῦτο…ἐστιν ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1this is pleasing before God

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

2711TI55xp1ufigs-hendiadysἡ…ὄντως χήρα καὶ μεμονωμένη1the genuine and left-alone widow

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

2721TI55ggk0ἡ…χήρα1the … widow

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

2731TI55u1ljfigs-ellipsisπροσμένει ταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς1continues in requests and prayers

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

2741TI55rwp4figs-hendiadysταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς1in requests and prayers

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

2751TI55rb9ffigs-merismνυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας1night and day

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

2761TI56qy5hfigs-metaphorζῶσα τέθνηκεν1living, has died

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

2771TI57qw6mκαὶ ταῦτα παράγγελλε, ἵνα ἀνεπίλημπτοι ὦσιν1Also command these things, so that they may be irreproachable

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

2781TI58p7h2figs-idiomτις τῶν ἰδίων καὶ μάλιστα οἰκείων οὐ προνοεῖ1someone does not provide for his own, and especially for household members

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

2791TI58y645figs-abstractnounsτὴν πίστιν ἤρνηται1he has denied the faith

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

2801TI58evm7figs-explicitἔστιν ἀπίστου χείρων1is worse than an unbeliever

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

2811TI59s8qlfigs-activepassiveχήρα καταλεγέσθω1Let a widow be enrolled

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “have the church put a widow on the register” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2821TI59khe1figs-explicitχήρα καταλεγέσθω1

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

2831TI59i27xfigs-litotesμὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα γεγονυῖα1being not less than sixty years old

Paul is using the figure of speech not less than here that expresses a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of the intended meaning. Alternate translation: “if she is at least sixty years old” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

2841TI59q9djfigs-idiomἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή1a wife of one husband

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

2851TI510l8nmfigs-activepassiveἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη1attested in good works

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “people must be able to attest to her good deeds” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

2861TI510mik7ἐξενοδόχησεν1has received strangers

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

2871TI510ygl3translate-symactionἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν1has washed the feet of the saints

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

2881TI510t366figs-synecdocheἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν1has washed the feet of the saints

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

2891TI510bw4hfigs-idiomἁγίων1the saints

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

2901TI510ey6ifigs-nominaladjθλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν1she has relieved the afflicted

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

2911TI510h96jfigs-hyperboleπαντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν1she has pursued every good work

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

2921TI511rv5hνεωτέρας δὲ χήρας παραιτοῦ1But refuse younger widows

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

2931TI511vqq9figs-explicitὅταν…καταστρηνιάσωσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ1when they become wanton against Christ

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

2941TI512t372ἔχουσαι κρίμα1having judgment

Alternate translation: “and so they incur Gods judgment”

2951TI512nha7τὴν πρώτην πίστιν ἠθέτησαν1they have broken their first pledge

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

2961TI513t4ivκαὶ ἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν1they learn to be lazy ones

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

2971TI513t375figs-nominaladjἀργαὶ1lazy

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

2981TI513t376περιερχόμεναι τὰς οἰκίας1going around houses

Alternate translation: “going from house to house”

2991TI513nll4figs-doubletφλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι, λαλοῦσαι τὰ μὴ δέοντα1babblers and busybodies, saying what they should not

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

3001TI513cym5φλύαροι1babblers

Alternate translation: “people who talk nonsense”

3011TI514u94kτῷ ἀντικειμένῳ1the one opposing

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

3021TI515fy54figs-metaphorἐξετράπησαν ὀπίσω τοῦ Σατανᾶ1having … turned aside after Satan

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

3031TI516mf4sfigs-explicitἔχει χήρας1has widows

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

3041TI516y6hffigs-metaphorκαὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία1let the church not be weighed down

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

3051TI516t384figs-activepassiveκαὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία1let the church not be weighed down

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

3061TI516d35mὄντως χήραις1genuine widows

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

3071TI517u93qfigs-activepassiveοἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι…ἀξιούσθωσαν1The elders having ruled well, let them be considered worthy

If your readers would misunderstand the passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “All believers should consider elders who are good leaders to be deserving” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3081TI517wp9dfigs-abstractnounsδιπλῆς τιμῆς1of double honor

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

3091TI517t389figs-hendiadysἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ1in the word and in teaching

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

3101TI517t390figs-metonymyλόγῳ1the word

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

3111TI518kh55figs-personificationλέγει γὰρ ἡ Γραφή1For the Scripture says

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

3121TI518t392figs-declarativeβοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις1You will not muzzle a threshing ox

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

3131TI518vw3afigs-metaphorβοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις1You will not muzzle a threshing ox

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

3141TI518g985translate-unknownοὐ φιμώσεις1you will not muzzle

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

3151TI518t6kptranslate-unknownβοῦν ἀλοῶντα1a threshing ox

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

3161TI518kys1ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ1The worthy is worthy of his wages

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

3171TI519af68grammar-connect-exceptionsκατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου, ἐκτὸς εἰ1do not receive an accusation, except if

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

3181TI519t399figs-ellipsisἐπὶ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων1on two or three witnesses

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

3191TI519kmy5δύο ἢ τριῶν1two or three

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

3201TI520db63figs-metaphorἐνώπιον…πάντων1before all

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

3211TI520ql4mfigs-explicitἵνα καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ φόβον ἔχωσιν1so that the rest also may have fear

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

3221TI520t404figs-idiomφόβον ἔχωσιν1may have fear

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

3231TI521x0zpδιαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων1I adjure you, before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels

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

3241TI521t405figs-metaphorἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1before God and Christ Jesus

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

3251TI521t7jqfigs-idiomτῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων1the chosen angels

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

3261TI521dph6ταῦτα φυλάξῃς1keep these things

Alternate translation: “you follow these instructions”

3271TI521t409ταῦτα1these things

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

3281TI521t408figs-doubletχωρὶς προκρίματος, μηδὲν ποιῶν κατὰ πρόσκλισιν1without partiality, doing nothing out of favoritism

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

3291TI522qb71translate-symactionχεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει1Place hands hastily on no one

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

3301TI522t411figs-litotesχεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει1Place hands hastily on no one

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

3311TI522pyl8figs-explicitμηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις ἀλλοτρίαις1nor share in the sins of others

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

3321TI523xl32figs-explicitοἴνῳ ὀλίγῳ χρῶ1use a little wine

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

3331TI524uk56figs-gendernotationsτινῶν ἀνθρώπων1of some men

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

3341TI524ug1zfigs-personificationπρόδηλοί εἰσιν, προάγουσαι εἰς κρίσιν1are evident, going ahead into judgment

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

3351TI524i1c6figs-personificationτισὶν δὲ καὶ ἐπακολουθοῦσιν1but they also follow after some

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

3361TI525pd8vfigs-explicitκαὶ τὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ πρόδηλα1good works are also evident

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

3371TI525qlu5figs-explicitτὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ1good works

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

3381TI525bl51figs-metaphorκαὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί1and the ones having otherwise are not able to be hidden

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

3391TI525t420figs-activepassiveκαὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα, κρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί1and the ones having otherwise are not able to be hidden

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who will do the action. Alternate translation: “and people who secretly do good works will not be able to hide them forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3401TI525bb2tfigs-doublenegativesκρυβῆναι οὐ δύναταί1

If your readers would misunderstand the double-negative not … hidden, you can express this in a positive way. Alternate translation: “people will learn about later” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])

3411TI6introrks40

1 Timothy 6 General Notes

Special concepts in this chapter

Slavery

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

3421TI61nm4nfigs-metaphorὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι1As many slaves as are under the yoke

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

3431TI61ep1lfigs-explicitὅσοι εἰσὶν…δοῦλοι1as many … as are

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

3441TI61he2nfigs-activepassiveἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται1so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who would do the action. Alternate translation: “so that unbelievers will not insult Gods character or what we believe and teach” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3451TI61e3ceἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται1

If your readers would misunderstand this negative phrase, you could express this in a positive way. Alternate translation: “so that unbelievers will always speak respectfully about Gods character and about the things that we teach”

3461TI61xb92figs-metonymyτὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ1the name of God

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

3471TI61f5pcfigs-explicitἡ διδασκαλία1the teaching

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

3481TI62fvv7figs-gendernotationsἀδελφοί εἰσιν1they are brothers

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

3491TI62nmh9καὶ ἀγαπητοὶ1beloved

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

3501TI63t430figs-metonymyὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις1to the healthy words

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

3511TI63t431figs-metonymyὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις1to the healthy words

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

3521TI63sshfτοῖς τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1

This could refer to: (1) the message about the Lord Jesus. (2) words spoken by the Lord Jesus.

3531TI64pn8nfigs-metaphorτετύφωται1he is puffed up

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

3541TI64t433figs-activepassiveτετύφωται1he is puffed up

If your readers would misunderstand the phrase puffed up, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that person is excessively proud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3551TI64t434figs-gendernotationsτετύφωται1he is puffed up

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

3561TI64z2rbfigs-hyperboleμηδὲν ἐπιστάμενος1understanding nothing

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

3571TI64qu86figs-metaphorνοσῶν περὶ ζητήσεις1ailing about controversies and word-battles

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

3581TI64i3lkfigs-doubletζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας1controversies and word-battles

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

3591TI64xt1zλογομαχίας1word-battles

Alternate translation: “fights about the meaning of words”

3601TI64y3mxβλασφημίαι1blasphemies

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

3611TI64kn69ὑπόνοιαι πονηραί1evil suspicions

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

3621TI65x93ffigs-metaphorδιαπαρατριβαὶ1friction

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

3631TI65z2d8figs-activepassiveδιεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας1men having been corrupted as to the mind and having been deprived of the truth

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “between people whose minds are corrupt and who no longer believe the truth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3641TI65tyf7figs-parallelismδιεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας1men having been corrupted as to the mind and having been deprived of the truth

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

3651TI65t443figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπων1between men

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

3661TI66q5sqgrammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1But

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

3671TI66ya9zfigs-abstractnounsἡ εὐσέβεια μετὰ αὐταρκείας1godliness with contentment

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

3681TI66o6j4figs-abstractnounsἔστιν…πορισμὸς μέγας1is great gain

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

3691TI67t446grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

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

3701TI67j6qvfigs-explicitοὐδὲν…εἰσηνέγκαμεν εἰς τὸν κόσμον1we brought nothing into the world

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

3711TI67t448figs-ellipsisὅτι1that

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

3721TI67jlv8figs-explicitοὐδὲ ἐξενεγκεῖν τι δυνάμεθα1neither are we able to take anything out

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

3731TI68lbk5figs-declarativeἀρκεσθησόμεθα1we will be satisfied

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

3741TI68t451figs-activepassiveἀρκεσθησόμεθα1we will be satisfied

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translation: “that should be enough for us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3751TI69ij4jgrammar-connect-logic-contrastδὲ1Now

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

3761TI69pl5dfigs-metaphorἐμπίπτουσιν εἰς πειρασμὸν, καὶ παγίδα1fall into temptation and a trap

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

3771TI69gfy7figs-metaphorκαὶ ἐπιθυμίας πολλὰς ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς1and many foolish and harmful desires

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

3781TI69t456figs-hendiadysἐπιθυμίας…ἀνοήτους καὶ βλαβεράς1foolish and harmful desires

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

3791TI69nc3ifigs-metaphorαἵτινες βυθίζουσι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς ὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν1whatever plunges men into ruin and destruction

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

3801TI69t458figs-gendernotationsἀνθρώπους1men

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

3811TI69t459figs-doubletὄλεθρον καὶ ἀπώλειαν1ruin and destruction

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

3821TI610t460grammar-connect-logic-resultγὰρ1For

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

3831TI610xs9dfigs-metaphorῥίζα…πάντων τῶν κακῶν ἐστιν ἡ φιλαργυρία1a root of all evils is the love of money

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

3841TI610t462figs-hyperboleπάντων τῶν κακῶν1of all evils

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

3851TI610j5z9ἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι1which, some desiring

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

3861TI610b83vfigs-metaphorἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως1have been led away from the faith

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

3871TI610t465figs-activepassiveἧς τινες ὀρεγόμενοι, ἀπεπλανήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως1have been led away from the faith

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form. Alternate translations: “which has led some people away from believing in Jesus” or “this love for money has led some people to stop following Jesus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3881TI610a1fxfigs-metaphorἑαυτοὺς περιέπειραν ὀδύναις πολλαῖς1have pierced themselves with many sorrows

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

3891TI611tp97ὦ ἄνθρωπε Θεοῦ1O man of God

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

3901TI611h9c6figs-metaphorταῦτα φεῦγε1flee these things

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

3911TI611a88gταῦτα1these things

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

3921TI611zjl3figs-metaphorδίωκε1pursue

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

3931TI612w21pfigs-metaphorἀγωνίζου τὸν καλὸν ἀγῶνα τῆς πίστεως1Fight the good fight of the faith

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

3941TI612y6m8figs-metaphorἐπιλαβοῦ τῆς αἰωνίου ζωῆς1grasp eternal life

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

3951TI612usd1figs-activepassiveεἰς ἣν ἐκλήθης1to which you were called

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who did the action. Alternate translation: “to which God called you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3961TI612qw96ὡμολόγησας τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν1you confessed the good confession

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

3971TI612vm6qfigs-explicitἐνώπιον πολλῶν μαρτύρων1before many witnesses

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

3981TI613t476figs-explicitἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ1before God

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

3991TI613ts65τοῦ ζῳοποιοῦντος τὰ πάντα1the one enlivening all

Alternate translation: “who causes all things to live”

4001TI613t477figs-explicitκαὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ1and Christ Jesus

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

4011TI613amy1figs-explicitτοῦ μαρτυρήσαντος ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πειλάτου τὴν καλὴν ὁμολογίαν1the one having testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate

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

4021TI614p9n9figs-doubletἄσπιλον ἀνεπίλημπτον1spotless, irreproachable

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

4031TI614t480figs-metaphorἄσπιλον1spotless

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

4041TI614nk52μέχρι τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ Κυρίου ἡμῶν, Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ1until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ

Alternate translation: “until our Lord Jesus Christ returns”

4051TI615t482figs-idiomκαιροῖς ἰδίοις1in its own times

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

4061TI615ac6yfigs-explicitὁ μακάριος καὶ μόνος Δυνάστης1the blessed and only Sovereign

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

4071TI616l9i8ὁ μόνος ἔχων ἀθανασίαν1the One having immortality alone

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

4081TI616tsz3φῶς οἰκῶν ἀπρόσιτον1occupying unapproachable ligh

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

4091TI616t487figs-gendernotationsοὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων1none of men

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

4101TI617te3zfigs-nominaladjτοῖς πλουσίοις1the rich

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

4111TI617z4ecἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι1in the present age

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

4121TI617drj6figs-abstractnounsἐπὶ πλούτου ἀδηλότητι1in the uncertainty of riches

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

4131TI617iq61figs-ellipsisπάντα πλουσίως εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν1all things richly unto enjoyment

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

4141TI618cii3figs-metaphorπλουτεῖν ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς1to be rich in good works

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

4151TI619zc9dfigs-metaphorἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον1storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is coming

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

4161TI619t493figs-metaphorἀποθησαυρίζοντας ἑαυτοῖς θεμέλιον καλὸν εἰς τὸ μέλλον1storing up for themselves a good foundation for what is coming

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

4171TI619t494figs-idiomεἰς τὸ μέλλον1for what is coming

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

4181TI619z5rufigs-metaphorἵνα ἐπιλάβωνται τῆς ὄντως ζωῆς1so that they may grasp genuine life

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

4191TI620dd1vfigs-explicitτὴν παραθήκην φύλαξον1guard the entrustment

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

4201TI620vgr8figs-metonymyἐκτρεπόμενος τὰς βεβήλους κενοφωνίας1avoiding the profane chatter

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

4211TI620t498καὶ ἀντιθέσεις1and contradictions

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

4221TI620y2u7figs-activepassiveτῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως1of miscalled knowledge

If your readers would misunderstand this passive phrase, you could express this with an active form, and you could state who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “of what some people falsely call knowledge” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

4231TI621e6rbfigs-metaphorπερὶ τὴν πίστιν ἠστόχησαν1have missed the mark regarding the faith

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

4241TI621t501ἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν1Grace be with you

If your readers would misunderstand who will give this grace, you could state who Paul is thinking will make this happen. Alternate translation: “may God give grace to all of you”

4251TI621hix2figs-youἡ χάρις μεθ’ ὑμῶν1Grace be with you

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