1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Original Language Analysis
ὦ
G5599
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
φεῦγε·
flee
G5343
φεῦγε·
flee
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
8 of 16
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
δίωκε
follow after
G1377
δίωκε
follow after
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
9 of 16
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
11 of 16
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
πίστιν
faith
G4102
πίστιν
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
13 of 16
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἀγάπην
love
G26
ἀγάπην
love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
14 of 16
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
Cross References
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.1 Timothy 4:12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.2 Timothy 3:17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.Hebrews 12:14Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:1 Corinthians 10:14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.Psalms 34:14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.1 Corinthians 6:18Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.1 Peter 3:11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.Romans 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.1 Corinthians 14:1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
Historical Context
The title 'man of God' distinguished prophets from false prophets, priests, and pagan religious figures. Paul applies it to Timothy, emphasizing his calling as God's representative. Unlike false teachers motivated by profit (6:5), the man of God flees money-love and pursues virtue. This establishes Timothy's identity: he belongs to God, not to himself or his culture—his values must reflect his Owner.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to 'flee' certain sins—how is this different from merely avoiding them?
- Why does Paul balance negative (flee) with positive (pursue) commands—why both necessary?
- Which of the six virtues (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness) challenges you most?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But thou, O man of God, flee these things (Σὺ δὲ, ὦ ἄνθρωπε θεοῦ, ταῦτα φεῦγε, Sy de, ō anthrōpe theou, tauta pheuge)—'but you, O man of God, flee from these things.' Pheugō means to flee, escape, shun. 'Man of God' is an OT title for prophets (Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha)—Paul applies it to Timothy, emphasizing his calling. 'These things' refers to love of money and the evils it produces (6:9-10).
And follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (δίωκε δὲ δικαιοσύνην, εὐσέβειαν, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, ὑπομονήν, πραϋπαθίαν, diōke de dikaiosynēn, eusebeian, pistin, agapēn, hypomonēn, praypathian)—'pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.' Diōkō means to chase, pursue, press toward. Six virtues to pursue: dikaiosynē (righteousness), eusebeia (godliness), pistis (faith), agapē (love), hypomonē (patient endurance), praypathia (gentleness, meekness).
Christian life involves two movements: flee evil, pursue good. Passive avoidance isn't enough—we must actively chase virtue. The sixfold list encompasses relationship with God (righteousness, godliness, faith) and with others (love, endurance, gentleness). Ministry requires both negative (flee greed) and positive (pursue virtue) holiness.