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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 1:7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_timothy/1-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/54_1Ti_01_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Timothy 1:7 - Warning against False Teaching" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert." /><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'; 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understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_timothy/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_timothy/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_timothy/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_timothy/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />wanting to be teachers of the Law [of Moses], even though they do not understand the terms they use or the subjects about which they make [such] confident declarations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_timothy/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the law, although they don’t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the law, although they don&#8217t understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_timothy/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_timothy/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the Law of Moses. But they don't know what they are talking about, even though they think they do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_timothy/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_timothy/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They want to be experts in Moses' Teachings. However, they don't understand what they're talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_timothy/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of God's law, but they do not understand their own words or the matters about which they speak with so much confidence. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_timothy/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the Law, yet they do not understand either what they are talking about or the things about which they speak so confidently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_timothy/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_timothy/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or the things they insist on so confidently. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_timothy/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_timothy/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor concerning what they affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They are ambitious to be teachers of the Law, although they do not understand either their own words or what the things are about which they make such confident assertions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_timothy/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say nor about what they strongly affirm. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_timothy/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />willing to be teachers of law, not understanding either the things they say, nor concerning what they confidently assert,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/1_timothy/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the Law, understanding neither what they are saying nor <i>that</i> about which they confidently assert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_timothy/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> willing to be teachers of law, not understanding either the things they say, nor concerning what they asseverate,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_timothy/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wishing to be teachers of the law; neither understanding what they say, nor of certain things they are assured.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_timothy/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither the things they say, nor whereof they affirm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_timothy/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, but understanding neither the things that they themselves are saying, nor what they are affirming about these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_timothy/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />wanting to be teachers of the law, but without understanding either what they are saying or what they assert with such assurance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_timothy/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_timothy/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Desiring to be teachers of the law; not understanding what they speak, nor even whereof they argue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_timothy/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />In that they seek to be teachers of The Written Law, while they do not understand anything that they say, neither anything about which they contend.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/1_timothy/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of law, though under standing neither what they say nor of what they boldly affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/1_timothy/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />wishing to be teachers of the law, not knowing either what they are saying, or concerning what things they do affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/1_timothy/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />affecting to be doctors of the law, though they underhand neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/1_timothy/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />pretending to be doctors of the law, tho' they neither understand what they advance, nor upon what it is founded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/1_timothy/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />They are ambitious to be teachers of the Law, although they do not understand either their own words or what the things are about which they make such confident assertions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/1_timothy/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />wishing to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/1_timothy/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />desiring to be teachers of the law, though they neither understand what they say, nor what <i>things</i> they assert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkcLX59OJyU?start=54" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_timothy/1.htm">Warning against False Teaching</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">6</span>Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. <span class="reftext">7</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">They want</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">to be</a> <a href="/greek/3547.htm" title="3547: nomodidaskaloi (N-NMP) -- A teacher and interpreter of the Mosaic Law. From nomos and didaskalos; an expounder of the law, i.e. A Rabbi.">teachers of the law,</a> <a href="/greek/3539.htm" title="3539: noountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- From nous; to exercise the mind, i.e. to comprehend, heed.">but they do not understand</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: mēte (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even."></a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ha (RelPro-ANP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">what</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">they are saying</a> <a href="/greek/3383.htm" title="3383: mēte (Conj) -- Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.">or</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">that</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: tinōn (IPro-GNP) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">which</a> <a href="/greek/1226.htm" title="1226: diabebaiountai (V-PIM/P-3P) -- To assert emphatically. Middle voice of a compound of dia and bebaioo; to confirm thoroughly, i.e. Asseverate.">they so confidently assert.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">8</span>Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1</a></span><br />Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5-7</a></span><br />All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17-24</a></span><br />Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; / if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; / if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-21.htm">Galatians 4:21</a></span><br />Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand what the law says?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a></span><br />who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Titus 1:10-11</a></span><br />For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, / who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1-2</a></span><br />Then some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” / And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Colossians 2:18-23</a></span><br />Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind. / He has lost connection to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows as God causes it to grow. / If you have died with Christ to the spiritual forces of the world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its regulations: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-1.htm">1 Corinthians 8:1-2</a></span><br />Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. / The one who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-12.htm">Hebrews 5:12-14</a></span><br />Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! / For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. / But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Matthew 15:9</a></span><br />They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2-3</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. / Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-8.htm">Jeremiah 8:8-9</a></span><br />How can you say, ‘We are wise, and the Law of the LORD is with us,’ when in fact the lying pen of the scribes has produced a deception? / The wise will be put to shame; they will be dismayed and trapped. Since they have rejected the word of the LORD, what wisdom do they really have?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.</p><p class="hdg">to.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/15-1.htm">Acts 15:1</a></b></br> And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, <i>and said</i>, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/2-19.htm">Romans 2:19-21</a></b></br> And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/3-2.htm">Galatians 3:2,5</a></b></br> This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? … </p><p class="hdg">understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4</a></b></br> He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13,14</a></b></br> Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near <i>me</i> with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/8-8.htm">Jeremiah 8:8,9</a></b></br> How do ye say, We <i>are</i> wise, and the law of the LORD <i>is</i> with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he <i>it</i>; the pen of the scribes <i>is</i> in vain… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/4-17.htm">Affirm</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-6.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-9.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/galatians/1-20.htm">Assertions</a> <a href="/philippians/2-24.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Either</a> <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Law</a> <a href="/colossians/3-9.htm">Statements</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">Strenuously</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Strongly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-11.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/philippians/1-12.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Want</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-17.htm">Wanting</a> <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-10.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Affirm</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Although</a> <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Ambitious</a> <a href="/galatians/1-20.htm">Assertions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-12.htm">Confident</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-1.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-7.htm">Either</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-8.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-10.htm">Statements</a> <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Strenuously</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-15.htm">Strongly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-2.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-8.htm">Want</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Wanting</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Whereof</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">1 Timothy 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">The right use and end of the law.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/1-11.htm">Paul's calling to be an apostle;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm">and the disobedience or Hymenaeus and Alexander.</a></span><br></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 id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_timothy/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a 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><b>They want to be teachers of the law</b><br>This phrase highlights the desire of certain individuals to assume the role of teachers within the early Christian community. In the Jewish tradition, teachers of the law, or rabbis, held significant authority and respect. The law refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which were central to Jewish life and worship. In the early church, there was a transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ, and some individuals sought to impose Jewish legalism on Gentile converts. This desire to teach the law without proper understanding reflects a common issue in the early church, where false teachings and misunderstandings about the role of the law in the life of a believer were prevalent. This is addressed in other New Testament writings, such as Galatians, where Paul emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Christ, not adherence to the law.<p><b>but they do not understand what they are saying</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the lack of true comprehension among these would-be teachers. They may have been familiar with the words and rituals of the law, but they lacked a deep, spiritual understanding of its purpose and fulfillment in Christ. This echoes Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees, who were often criticized for their superficial adherence to the law without grasping its deeper meaning (<a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23-24</a>). The law was intended to point to Christ and reveal humanity's need for a Savior, a concept these teachers failed to grasp. Their misunderstanding could lead to confusion and division within the church, as they might propagate teachings that were inconsistent with the gospel message.<p><b>or that which they so confidently assert</b><br>This phrase indicates the boldness and assurance with which these individuals proclaimed their teachings, despite their lack of understanding. Confidence without knowledge can be dangerous, especially in spiritual matters. The early church faced many challenges from false teachers who confidently spread incorrect doctrines, leading believers astray. This is why Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine and proper teaching throughout his letters (e.g., <a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3-4</a>). The confidence of these teachers was misplaced, as it was not rooted in the truth of the gospel. This serves as a warning to ensure that one's confidence in teaching is based on a correct understanding of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and doctrine.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A young pastor and protégé of Paul, stationed in Ephesus to oversee the church and combat false teachings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and religious practices, including the worship of Artemis.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a></b><br>Individuals in the Ephesian church who desired to be teachers of the law but lacked true understanding and knowledge.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_law.htm">The Law</a></b><br>Refers to the Mosaic Law, which some in the early church were misapplying or misunderstanding in the context of Christian faith.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_teaching.htm">The Responsibility of Teaching</a></b><br>Teaching God's Word is a serious responsibility that requires understanding and discernment. Those who teach must ensure they are grounded in sound doctrine.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_ignorance.htm">The Danger of Ignorance</a></b><br>Ignorance in teaching can lead to false doctrines and mislead others. It is crucial to seek wisdom and understanding through prayer and study of the Scriptures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/confidence_vs._understanding.htm">Confidence vs. Understanding</a></b><br>Confidence in teaching is not enough; it must be accompanied by true understanding. Teachers should be humble and willing to learn and grow in their knowledge of God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law.htm">The Role of the Law</a></b><br>Understanding the purpose of the law in the context of the New Covenant is essential. The law points to Christ and should not be used as a means of legalism or self-righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teaching.htm">Guarding Against False Teaching</a></b><br>Believers must be vigilant in discerning truth from error, relying on the Holy Spirit and the authority of Scripture to guide them.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_timothy_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Timothy 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_christian_logic.htm">What defines Christian logic?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_39_and_42_articles.htm">What should you focus on that is true and noble?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_women_teach_in_church.htm">Can women teach in church? (1 Timothy 2:12 vs. Acts 18:26)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_false_teachings_in_1_tim_1_3-7.htm">Is there historical or archaeological evidence supporting the specific false teachings mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:3-7?</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>(7) <span class= "bld">Desiring to be teachers of the law.</span>--"Desiring," though they really were not. They coveted the respect and influence which was ever paid to the acknowledged teachers of the Law of Moses; but these men utterly failed to understand the real spiritual meaning of that Law which they pretended to teach. Similar pretenders in a neighbouring Church, some years later, received from another Apostle--St. John--a stern rebuke for such pretensions. "I know," wrote St. John to the Christians of Smyrna, "the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan" (<a href="/revelation/2-9.htm" title="I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but you are rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.">Revelation 2:9</a>).<p><span class= "bld">Understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.</span>--A wise teacher must understand what he teaches, and must, at the same time, be clear in his own mind that what he teaches is true.<p>The false teachers are here charged (1) with not understanding the wild fables and traditions upon which their teaching was based, and (2) with not comprehending the things whereof they make their assertions: that is, they had no real belief in those great truths which really underlie that Law with which they were meddling.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_timothy/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 7.</span> - <span class="accented">Though they understand</span> for <span class="accented">understanding</span>. A.V.; <span class="accented">confidently affirm</span> for <span class="accented">affirm</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Teachers of the Law</span> (<span class="greek">νομοδιδάσκαλοι</span>. as <a href="/luke/5-17.htm">Luke 5:17</a>; <a href="/acts/5-34.htm">Acts 5:34</a>). This, again, distinctly marks the Jewish origin of these heretics. <span class="cmt_word">Though they understand</span>, etc. So our Lord rebuke,1 the <span class="accented">scribes</span> and <span class="accented">teachers of the Law</span> in his day: "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God;" "Ye do greatly err" (<a href="/matthew/22-29.htm">Matthew 22:29</a>; <a href="/mark/12-27.htm">Mark 12:27</a>; <a href="/matthew/12-7.htm">Matthew 12:7</a>, etc.; compare, too, <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17-24</a>). <span class="cmt_word">They confidently affirm</span> (<span class="greek">διαβεβαιοῦνται</span>). Elsewhere in the New Testament only in <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Titus 3:8</a>, "I will that thou affirm confidently." So in classical Greek, "to maintain strongly," "to be positive." This was right in the minister of Christ declaring Divine truth, but very wrong in these vain janglers. The nature of their confident assertions is apparent from what follows - they spoke of the Law, but not lawfully. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">They want</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλοντες</span> <span class="translit">(thelontes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">to be</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶναι</span> <span class="translit">(einai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> </span><span class="str2">I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">teachers of the Law,</span><br /><span class="grk">νομοδιδάσκαλοι</span> <span class="translit">(nomodidaskaloi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3547.htm">Strong's 3547: </a> </span><span class="str2">A teacher and interpreter of the Mosaic Law. From nomos and didaskalos; an expounder of the law, i.e. A Rabbi.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[but] they do not understand</span><br /><span class="grk">νοοῦντες</span> <span class="translit">(noountes)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3539.htm">Strong's 3539: </a> </span><span class="str2">From nous; to exercise the mind, i.e. to comprehend, heed.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="grk">ἃ</span> <span class="translit">(ha)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">they are saying</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγουσιν</span> <span class="translit">(legousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[or]</span><br /><span class="grk">μήτε</span> <span class="translit">(mēte)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nor, neither, not even, neither?nor. From me and te; not too, i.e. neither or nor; also, not even.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[that]</span><br /><span class="grk">περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">which</span><br /><span class="grk">τίνων</span> <span class="translit">(tinōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they so confidently assert.</span><br /><span class="grk">διαβεβαιοῦνται</span> <span class="translit">(diabebaiountai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1226.htm">Strong's 1226: </a> </span><span class="str2">To assert emphatically. Middle voice of a compound of dia and bebaioo; to confirm thoroughly, i.e. Asseverate.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_timothy/1-7.htm">1 Timothy 1:7 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">NT Letters: 1 Timothy 1:7 Desiring to be teachers of the law (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Timothy 1:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 1:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_timothy/1-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Timothy 1:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Timothy 1:8" /></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>