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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Timothy 1:4 or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God's work, which is by faith.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/1-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/54_1Ti_01_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 1:4 - Warning against False Teaching" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God's work, which is by faith." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_timothy/1-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_timothy/1-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/">1 Timothy</a> > <a href="/1_timothy/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm" title="1 Timothy 1:3">◄</a> 1 Timothy 1:4 <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm" title="1 Timothy 1:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_timothy/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_timothy/1.htm">New International Version</a> or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God&#8217s work—which is by faith. <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. <a href="/esv/1_timothy/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. <a href="/bsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> nor to give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which bring speculations rather than God's stewardship, which is in faith. <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. <a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/1.htm">New King James Version</a> nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. <a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now. <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. <a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. <a href="/lsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the stewardship from God which is by faith. <a href="/amp/1_timothy/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> nor to pay attention to legends (fables, myths) and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation and meaningless arguments rather than advancing God’s program of instruction which is grounded in faith [and requires surrendering the entire self to God in absolute trust and confidence]. <a href="/csb/1_timothy/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. <a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God&#8217s plan, which operates by faith. <a href="/asv/1_timothy/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now. <a href="/cev/1_timothy/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You needed to warn them to stop wasting their time on senseless stories and endless lists of ancestors. Such things only cause arguments. They don't help anyone to do God's work that can only be done by faith. <a href="/erv/1_timothy/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, the which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now. <a href="/gwt/1_timothy/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> and occupying themselves with myths and endless genealogies. These myths and genealogies raise a lot of questions rather than promoting God's plan, which centers in faith. <a href="/gnt/1_timothy/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Tell them to give up those legends and those long lists of ancestors, which only produce arguments; they do not serve God's plan, which is known by faith. <a href="/isv/1_timothy/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> and occupying themselves with myths and endless genealogies. These things promote controversies rather than God's ongoing purpose, which involves faith. <a href="/msb/1_timothy/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God?s work, which is by faith. <a href="/net/1_timothy/1.htm">NET Bible</a> nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God's redemptive plan that operates by faith. <a href="/nheb/1_timothy/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause speculation, rather than God's stewardship, which is in faith-- <a href="/wbt/1_timothy/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith; so do. <a href="/wey/1_timothy/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and the attention they bestow on mere fables and endless pedigrees, such as lead to controversy rather than to a true stewardship for God, which only exists where there is faith. And I make the same request now. <a href="/web/1_timothy/1.htm">World English Bible</a> and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, that cause questions rather than [the] stewardship of God which [is] in faith. <a href="/blb/1_timothy/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> nor to give heed to myths and endless genealogies, which bring speculations rather than God's stewardship, which is in faith. <a href="/ylt/1_timothy/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, that cause questions rather than the building up of God that is in faith: -- <a href="/slt/1_timothy/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Neither hold to fictions and endless genealogies, which offer questions, rather than the arrangement of God in the faith:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_timothy/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies: which furnish questions rather than the edification of God, which is in faith. <a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> against those who have been paying attention to fables and endless genealogies. These things present questions as if they were greater than the edification that is of God, which is in faith. <a href="/nabre/1_timothy/1.htm">New American Bible</a> or to concern themselves with myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the plan of God that is to be received by faith. <a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training that is known by faith.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And not to give heed to fables and stories of endless genealogies, which cause dispute, rather than build up the faith of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And that they would not give heed to fables and to accounts of endless genealogies; these things produce all the more contentions and not edification in the faith of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which produce disputes rather than godly edification, which is in faith;<CM> <a href="/godbey/1_timothy/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which present questions, rather than the economy of God which is in faith: <a href="/haweis/1_timothy/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> nor to attend to fables and endless genealogies, which give occasion to disputes rather than godly edification, which is by faith; so do. <a href="/mace/1_timothy/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> or trouble their heads with fables and endless genealogies, which rather promote disputes than the gospel-dispensation: <a href="/wey/1_timothy/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and the attention they bestow on mere fables and endless pedigrees, such as lead to controversy rather than to a true stewardship for God, which only exists where there is faith. And I make the same request now. <a href="/worrell/1_timothy/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> nor to give heed to fables and endless genealogies; which, indeed, occasion disputes rather than God's dispensation, which is in faith, so do I now. <a href="/worsley/1_timothy/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> nor attend to fables and endless genealogies, which occasion debates, rather than pious edification in the faith: <a href="/parallel/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=29" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Warning against False Teaching</a> 3As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines 4<a href="/greek/3366.htm" title="3366: mēde (Conj) -- And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4337.htm" title="4337: prosechein (V-PNA) -- From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.">devote themselves</a> <a href="/greek/3454.htm" title="3454: mythois (N-DMP) -- An idle tale, fable, fanciful story. Perhaps from the same as mueo; a tale, i.e. Fiction.">to myths</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/562.htm" title="562: aperantois (Adj-DFP) -- Unaccomplished, unending, endless. Unfinished, i.e. interminable.">endless</a> <a href="/greek/1076.htm" title="1076: genealogiais (N-DFP) -- Genealogy. From the same as genealogeo; tracing by generations, i.e. genealogy.">genealogies,</a> <a href="/greek/3748.htm" title="3748: haitines (RelPro-NFP) -- Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. ">which</a> <a href="/greek/3930.htm" title="3930: parechousin (V-PIA-3P) -- From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion.">promote</a> <a href="/greek/2214.htm" title="2214: ekzētēseis (N-AFP) -- A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.">speculation</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">rather</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/3622.htm" title="3622: oikonomian (N-AFS) -- Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a economy.">the stewardship</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God’s work,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">which is</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">by</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith.</a> 5The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/titus/1-14.htm">Titus 1:14</a> and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth. <a href="/2_timothy/4-4.htm">2 Timothy 4:4</a> So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a> See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ. <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a> O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a> But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a> Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. <a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1</a> Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a> Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">2 Peter 1:16</a> For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a> For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” <a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Matthew 15:9</a> They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” <a href="/acts/20-30.htm">Acts 20:30</a> Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17</a> Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Galatians 1:14</a> I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Hebrews 13:9</a> Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.to.<a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a> But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.<a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4,20</a> He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, … <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">2 Timothy 2:14,16-18</a> Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers… endless.<a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a> But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.questions.<a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4,5</a> He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, … <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">2 Timothy 2:22</a> Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.godly.<a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a> And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.<a href="/1_timothy/6-3.htm">1 Timothy 6:3,11</a> If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; … <a href="/2_corinthians/1-12.htm">2 Corinthians 1:12</a> For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">Bestow</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Controversies</a> <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Dispensation</a> <a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Disputes</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Doubts</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/nahum/3-19.htm">Endless</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Exists</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Fables</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-64.htm">Genealogies</a> <a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">Godly</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/colossians/4-17.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-12.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Myths</a> <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Occupy</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-9.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/numbers/1-18.htm">Pedigrees</a> <a href="/philippians/1-25.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/colossians/3-15.htm">Questionings</a> <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-5.htm">Speculations</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/acts/21-24.htm">Stories</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-7.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Training</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-9.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-17.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-12.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/daniel/2-49.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">Bestow</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Controversies</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">Controversy</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">Devote</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-17.htm">Dispensation</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Disputes</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-14.htm">Divine</a> <a href="/james/1-6.htm">Doubts</a> <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">Edifying</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Endless</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Exists</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Fables</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Genealogies</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Generations</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Godly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-2.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Minds</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Myths</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">Occupy</a> <a href="/titus/3-1.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-13.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Pedigrees</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Promote</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Questionings</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Speculations</a> <a href="/luke/16-2.htm">Stewardship</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Stories</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">Training</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">True.</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-8.htm">Way</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 1</div>1. <a href="/1_timothy/1-1.htm">Paul declares Timothy is faithful to the charge which was given him at his going to Macedonia.</a> 5. <a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">The right use and end of the law.</a> 11. <a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">Paul's calling to be an apostle;</a> 20. <a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">and the disobedience or Hymenaeus and Alexander.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script 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href="/study/1_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_timothy/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies In the early church, there was a tendency among some to become preoccupied with myths and genealogies. These myths likely refer to fanciful stories or legends that were not grounded in the truth of the Gospel. Endless genealogies may have been a reference to Jewish traditions that placed undue emphasis on tracing one's lineage, possibly to establish authority or spiritual superiority. This focus detracted from the core message of Christ. In the broader biblical context, Paul warns against such distractions in other letters, such as <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a>, where he advises avoiding foolish controversies and genealogies. The emphasis on myths and genealogies can be seen as a deviation from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ (<a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a>).which promote speculation Speculation here refers to engaging in debates or discussions that do not lead to edification or spiritual growth. Such activities can lead to division and confusion within the church. The speculative nature of these myths and genealogies contrasts with the certainty and clarity of the Gospel message. In <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a>, Paul challenges the wisdom of the world, which often leads to speculation, by highlighting the wisdom of God revealed in Christ. The focus on speculation can detract from the practical application of faith and the transformative power of the Gospel.rather than the stewardship of God’s work The term "stewardship" implies a responsibility to manage or oversee something valuable. In this context, it refers to the proper management and dissemination of God's truth and the Gospel message. The stewardship of God's work involves teaching sound doctrine, living out the faith, and building up the body of Christ. This is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/4.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1-2</a>, where he describes himself and others as stewards of the mysteries of God. The focus should be on faithfully carrying out God's work rather than getting sidetracked by irrelevant matters.which is by faith Faith is the foundation of the Christian life and the means by which believers receive and live out the Gospel. It is through faith that one becomes a steward of God's work, as faith aligns the believer with God's purposes and empowers them to fulfill their calling. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God, highlighting its centrality in the believer's life. Faith is not only the means of salvation but also the guiding principle for living out the Christian life, as seen in <a href="/galatians/2-20.htm">Galatians 2:20</a>, where Paul speaks of living by faith in the Son of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and doctrine. 2. <a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a> A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus to oversee the church and combat false teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and religious practices, including the worship of Artemis. 4. <a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a> Individuals in the Ephesian church promoting myths and genealogies, leading believers away from sound doctrine. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> The body of believers in Ephesus, who were being influenced by false teachings and needed guidance to remain faithful to the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_distractions.htm">Avoiding Distractions</a> Believers should be cautious of teachings that lead to speculation and controversy, focusing instead on the core truths of the gospel. <a href="/topical/s/stewardship_of_faith.htm">Stewardship of Faith</a> Our faith should be rooted in the stewardship of God's work, emphasizing practical application and growth in godliness. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_doctrine.htm">Discernment in Doctrine</a> Christians must develop discernment to recognize and reject false teachings that deviate from biblical truth. <a href="/topical/f/faith_over_speculation.htm">Faith Over Speculation</a> The Christian life is built on faith and trust in God's revealed word, not on speculative or extrabiblical ideas. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_church.htm">Guarding the Church</a> Church leaders and members alike have a responsibility to protect the community from teachings that could lead to division or confusion.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 1</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_1_tim_1_4_with_genealogies.htm">How do we reconcile 1 Timothy 1:4’s condemnation of myths and endless genealogies with other parts of scripture that rely heavily on genealogies? </a> <a href="/q/what_are_endless_genealogies.htm">What are endless genealogies?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_merovingian_dynasty.htm">What is the Merovingian Dynasty?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_mormons_practice_genealogy.htm">Why do Mormons practice genealogy?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_timothy/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Neither give heed to fables.--These fables ware, no doubt, purely Rabbinical. It was said in the Jewish schools that an oral Law had been given on Sinai, and that this Law, a succession of teachers, from the time of Moses, had handed down. This "Law that is upon the lip," as it was termed, was further illustrated and enlarged by the sayings and comments of the more famous Jewish Rabbis, and in the time of our Lord constituted a supplement to the written Law in the Pentateuch. For centuries this supplementary code was preserved by memory or in secret rolls, and doubtless was constantly receiving additions. It contained, along with many wild and improbable legendary histories, some wise teachings. This strange collection of tradition and comment was committed to writing in the second century by Rabbi Jehuda, under the general name of the Mishna, or repetition (of the Law). Round this compilation a complement of discussions (the Gemara) was gradually formed, and was completed at Babylon somewhere about the end of the fifth century of our era. These works--the Mishna and the Gemara, together with a second Gemara, formed somewhat earlier in Palestine--are generally known as the Talmud. The influence of some of these traditions is alluded to by our Lord (<a href="/matthew/15-3.htm" title="But he answered and said to them, Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?">Matthew 15:3</a>).Endless genealogies.--Genealogies in their proper sense, as found in the Book of the Pentateuch, and to which wild allegorical interpretations had been assigned. Such purely fanciful meanings had been already developed by Philo, whose religious writings were becoming at this time known and popular in many of the Jewish schools. Such teaching, if allowed in the Christian churches, St. Paul saw would effectually put a stop to the growth of Gentile Christendom. It would inculcate an undue and exaggerated, and, for the ordinary Gentile convert, an impossible reverence for Jewish forms and ceremonies; it would separate the Jewish and Gentile converts into two classes--placing the favoured Jew in an altogether different position from the outcast Gentile.In the Gentile churches founded by the Apostles, for some years a life and death struggle went on between the pupils of St. Paul and his fellow Apostles and the disciples of the Rabbinical schools. In these earnest warnings of his Pastoral Epistles the great Apostle of Gentile Christianity shows us, how clearly he foresaw that if these Jewish fables and the comments of the older Jewish teachers were allowed to enter into the training of the new-formed congregations, the Church of Christ would shrink, in no long space of time, into the narrow and exclusive limits of a Jewish sect. "Judaism," writes the anonymous author of Paul of Tarsus, "was the cradle of Christianity, and Judaism very nearly became its grave."Which minister questions.--Disputings, questions of mere controversy, inquiries, which could not possibly have any bearing on practical life.Rather than godly edifying which is in faith.--The rendering of the reading in the more ancient authorities would be: rather than the dispensation of God which is in faith; or, in other words, the introduction into Church teaching of these Jewish myths--these traditions of the elders, these fanciful genealogies--would be much more likely to produce bitter and profitless controversy than to minister to God's scheme of salvation, designed by God, and proclaimed by His Apostles.So do.--The Apostle, in <a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm" title="As I sought you to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,">1Timothy 1:3</a>, begins this sentence of earnest exhortation, but in his fervour forgets to conclude it. The closing words would naturally come in here: "For remember how I besought thee when I left thee behind at Ephesus, when I went on to Macedonia, to discourage and firmly repress all vain teaching, which only leads to useless controversy, so I do now;" or, so I repeat to you now. (This is better and more forcible than the words supplied in the English version: "so do.")<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - To give for give, A.V.; the which for which, A.V.; questionings for questions, A.V.; a dispensation of God for godly edifying, A.V. and T.R. (οἰκονομίαν Θεοῦ for οἰκοδομίαν Θεοῦ); so do I now for so do, A.V. Fables (see <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a>). If the spirit which gave birth to the fables of the Talmud was already at work among the Jews, we have a ready explanation of the phrase. And that they were Jewish fables (not later Gnostic delusions) is proved by the parallel passage in <a href="/titus/1-14.htm">Titus 1:14</a>, "Not giving heed to Jewish fables." The prevalence of sorcery among the Jews at this time is a further instance of their inclination to fable (see <a href="/acts/8-9.htm">Acts 8:9</a>; <a href="/acts/13-6.htm">Acts 13:6</a>; <a href="/acts/19-13.htm">Acts 19:13</a>). Endless genealogies. What was the particular abuse of genealogies which St. Paul here condemns we have not sufficient historical knowledge to enable us to decide. But that they were Jewish forms of "vain talking," and not Gnostic, and related to human pedigrees, not to "emanations of eons," may be concluded from the connection in which they are mentioned in <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a>, and from the invariable meaning of the word γενεαλογία itself. It is true that Irenaeus ('Contr. Haer.,' lib. 1.) applies this passage to the Valentinians and their succession of eons (Bythus, Nous, Logos, Anthropus, etc. - in all thirty, male and female); and so does Tertullian, who speaks of the seeds of the Gnostic heresies as already budding in St. Paul's days ('Advers Valentin.,' cap 3. and elsewhere), and Grotius supports thin explanation ('Comment.,' <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a>). But it was very natural that Irenaeus and Tertullian, living when the heresies of Valentinus, Marcion, and others were at their height, should so accommodate St. Paul's words - which is all that Irenaeus does. On the other band, neither Irenaeus nor Tertullian shows that γενεαλογία was a word applied to the emanations of the eons in the Gnostic vocabulary. The genealogies, then, were Jewish pedigrees, either used literally to exalt individuals as being of priestly or Davidic origin (as the pedigrees of the Desposyni, or later of the princes of the Captivity), or used cabbalistically, so as to draw fanciful doctrines from the names composing a genealogy, or in some other way which we do not know of (see the writers 'Genealogies of Christ,' <a href="/1_timothy/3.htm">1 Timothy 3</a>. § 2:1; and note C at the end of the volume). Endless (ἀπέραντος); found only here in the New Testament and so one of the words peculiar to the pastoral Epistles, but used in the LXX. for "infinite," "immeasurable." It means either "endless," "interminable," or, "having no useful end or purpose;" οὐδὲν χρήσιμον (Chrysostom). But the former ("interminable") is the better rendering, and in accordance with its classical use. Questionings (ζητήσεις or ἐκζητήσεις, R.T.). (For ζητησις, see <a href="/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25</a>; <a href="/acts/25-20.htm">Acts 25:20</a>; and below, <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4</a>; <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a>; <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a>; and for the kindred ζήτημα, <a href="/acts/15-2.htm">Acts 15:2</a>; <a href="/acts/18-15.htm">Acts 18:15</a>; <a href="/acts/23-29.htm">Acts 23:29</a>; <a href="/acts/25-19.htm">Acts 25:19</a>; <a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Acts 26:3</a>.) The reading ἐκζήτησις is only found here. A dispensation of God. This version arises from the Greek οἰκονομίαν, which is the reading of the R.T. and almost all manuscripts. The T.R. οἰκοδομίαν ισ thought to be a conjecture of Erasmus, which, from its much easier sense, was taken into the T.R. Taking the reading οἰκονομίαν, the phrase, "a dispensation of God which is in faith," must mean the gospel as delivered by revelation and received by faith. These fables and genealogies address themselves, the apostle says, to the disputatious, itching curiosity of men's minds, not to their faith. The substance of them is matter of doubtful disputation, not revealed truth. "The dispensation" is better English than "a dispensation." So do I now; or, as the A.V., so do, is the conjectural filling up of the unfinished sentence which began "as I exhorted thee." But it is much more natural and simple to take ver. 18 as the apodosis, and the intermediate verses as a digression caused by St. Paul's desire to show how exactly the charge was in agreement with the true spirit of the Law of God. <a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[or] μηδὲ (mēde) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor. devote themselves προσέχειν (prosechein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4337.htm">Strong's 4337: </a> From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to. to myths μύθοις (mythois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3454.htm">Strong's 3454: </a> An idle tale, fable, fanciful story. Perhaps from the same as mueo; a tale, i.e. Fiction. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. endless ἀπεράντοις (aperantois) Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_562.htm">Strong's 562: </a> Unaccomplished, unending, endless. Unfinished, i.e. interminable. genealogies, γενεαλογίαις (genealogiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1076.htm">Strong's 1076: </a> Genealogy. From the same as genealogeo; tracing by generations, i.e. 'genealogy'. which αἵτινες (haitines) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3748.htm">Strong's 3748: </a> Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever. promote παρέχουσιν (parechousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3930.htm">Strong's 3930: </a> From para and echo; to hold near, i.e. Present, afford, exhibit, furnish occasion. speculation ἐκζητήσεις (ekzētēseis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2214.htm">Strong's 2214: </a> A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme. rather μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. [the] stewardship οἰκονομίαν (oikonomian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3622.htm">Strong's 3622: </a> Management of household affairs, stewardship, administration. From oikonomos; administration; specially, a 'economy'. of God’s [work], Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. which [is] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. faith. πίστει (pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 1:4 Neither to pay attention to myths (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/1-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 1:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 1:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 1:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 1:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>