1 Timothy 1:6
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Original Language Analysis
ὧν
From which
G3739
ὧν
From which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 6
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀστοχήσαντες
having swerved
G795
ἀστοχήσαντες
having swerved
Strong's:
G795
Word #:
3 of 6
to miss the mark, i.e., (figuratively) deviate from truth
ἐξετράπησαν
have turned aside
G1624
ἐξετράπησαν
have turned aside
Strong's:
G1624
Word #:
4 of 6
to deflect, i.e., turn away (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Titus 1:10For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:Titus 3:9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.1 Timothy 5:15For some are already turned aside after Satan.2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.2 Timothy 2:18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman culture highly valued rhetoric and philosophical debate—public disputations drew crowds and brought teachers fame. Some apparently brought this love of controversy into the church, turning Christian teaching into intellectual sport. Paul condemns this as 'empty talk'—impressive words without spiritual substance. True teaching transforms character, not just stimulates debate.
Questions for Reflection
- How can teachers 'miss the mark' and turn aside to empty talk—what's the trajectory?
- What distinguishes meaningful biblical teaching from 'vain jangling' or fruitless controversy?
- How can we guard against valuing intellectual impressiveness over love-producing truth?
Analysis & Commentary
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling (ὧν τινες ἀστοχήσαντες ἐξετράπησαν εἰς ματαιολογίαν, hōn tines astochēsantes exetrapēsan eis mataiologian)—'from these some have wandered away and turned aside to meaningless talk.' Astocheō means to miss the mark, deviate. Ektrepō means to turn away, go astray. Mataiologia (only here in NT) means empty talk, fruitless discussion—from mataios (vain, empty) and logos (word).
The false teachers missed love's goal (verse 5) and deviated into empty speculation. Their teaching was all talk, no transformative power. Mataiologia is perfect description—impressive-sounding words that accomplish nothing spiritually. They'd exchanged the gospel's life-changing message for intellectual vanity.
This describes the trajectory of false teaching: begin with truth, deviate from love's goal, end in empty controversy. Sound doctrine always produces love and godliness; teaching that creates pride and division has missed the mark entirely.