1 Timothy 1:7

Authorized King James Version

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Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

Original Language Analysis

θέλοντες Desiring G2309
θέλοντες Desiring
Strong's: G2309
Word #: 1 of 12
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
εἶναι to be G1511
εἶναι to be
Strong's: G1511
Word #: 2 of 12
to exist
νομοδιδάσκαλοι teachers of the law G3547
νομοδιδάσκαλοι teachers of the law
Strong's: G3547
Word #: 3 of 12
an expounder of the (jewish) law, i.e., a rabbi
μὴ G3361
μὴ
Strong's: G3361
Word #: 4 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
νοοῦντες understanding G3539
νοοῦντες understanding
Strong's: G3539
Word #: 5 of 12
to exercise the mind (observe), i.e., (figuratively) to comprehend, heed
μήτε neither G3383
μήτε neither
Strong's: G3383
Word #: 6 of 12
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
ἃ what G3739
ἃ what
Strong's: G3739
Word #: 7 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
λέγουσιν they say G3004
λέγουσιν they say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 8 of 12
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μήτε neither G3383
μήτε neither
Strong's: G3383
Word #: 9 of 12
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
περὶ whereof G4012
περὶ whereof
Strong's: G4012
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τίνων G5101
τίνων
Strong's: G5101
Word #: 11 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
διαβεβαιοῦνται they affirm G1226
διαβεβαιοῦνται they affirm
Strong's: G1226
Word #: 12 of 12
to confirm thoroughly (by words), i.e., asseverate

Analysis & Commentary

Desiring to be teachers of the law (θέλοντες εἶναι νομοδιδάσκαλοι, thelontes einai nomodidaskaloi)—'wanting to be teachers of the law.' Nomodidaskalos means law-teacher, used of Jewish scribes who taught Torah. These false teachers aspired to authoritative positions interpreting Scripture (likely OT law, genealogies, traditions).

Understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm (μὴ νοοῦντες μήτε ἃ λέγουσιν μήτε περὶ τίνων διαβεβαιοῦνται, mē noountes mēte ha legousin mēte peri tinōn diabebaiountai)—'not understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.' Noeō means to perceive, understand, comprehend. Diabebaioomai means to assert confidently, insist strongly.

The damning verdict: these teachers speak with great confidence about things they don't understand. They want the status of 'teacher' but lack comprehension of their subject. Their confident assertions are based on ignorance—dangerous combination. Pride masquerading as expertise.

Historical Context

Jewish teachers (rabbis, scribes) held honored positions in synagogues, interpreting Torah and tradition with great authority. Some apparently sought similar status in the church, teaching elaborate interpretations of OT without understanding the gospel fulfillment. Paul exposes their pretense—they sound authoritative but are actually confused, misleading others with their own ignorance.

Questions for Reflection