1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
Original Language Analysis
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τέλος
the end
G5056
τέλος
the end
Strong's:
G5056
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπη
charity
G26
ἀγάπη
charity
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
7 of 16
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
καρδίας
heart
G2588
καρδίας
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
10 of 16
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:Galatians 5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,2 Timothy 2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.2 Timothy 1:5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.2 Timothy 1:3I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;1 Peter 3:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:2 Peter 1:7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Historical Context
Greek philosophy valued intellectual sophistication; Judaism emphasized ritual observance; paganism focused on appeasing deities. Christianity's revolutionary focus was love—not as mere emotion but as self-giving action modeled on Christ's sacrifice. Paul insists the test of sound teaching isn't intellectual impressiveness but love-producing power. Does it make people more like Jesus in sacrificial care for others?
Questions for Reflection
- How does genuine love arise from pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith?
- What teaching produces love versus what produces controversy and division?
- How can we evaluate ministry and doctrine by the 'love test'—does it create agapē?
Analysis & Commentary
Now the end of the commandment is charity (Τὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν ἀγάπη, To de telos tēs parangelias estin agapē)—'the goal of our instruction is love.' Telos means end, goal, aim, purpose. Parangelia means charge, command, instruction. Agapē is self-sacrificial love—the distinctively Christian love modeled by Christ.
Out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας καὶ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς καὶ πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου, ek katharas kardias kai syneidēseōs agathēs kai pisteōs anypokritou)—'from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.' Three sources of genuine love: clean heart (pure motives), good conscience (clear moral awareness), unhypocritical faith (authentic trust).
Paul defines sound teaching's goal: love flowing from moral purity, clear conscience, and genuine faith. The false teachers produced controversy; sound doctrine produces Christlike love. This is Paul's measuring stick—does teaching result in self-sacrificial love, or pride and division?