1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
προσέρχεται
consent
G4334
προσέρχεται
consent
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
6 of 19
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
ὑγιαίνουσιν
to wholesome
G5198
ὑγιαίνουσιν
to wholesome
Strong's:
G5198
Word #:
7 of 19
to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)
λόγοις
words
G3056
λόγοις
words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
8 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
Lord
G2962
κυρίου
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 19
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
which is according
G2596
κατ'
which is according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
17 of 19
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,1 Timothy 1:10For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;Titus 1:9Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.Romans 16:17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.2 Timothy 4:3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;Titus 1:1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;2 Timothy 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
Historical Context
The Ephesian false teachers promoted genealogies, myths, and ascetic practices (1:4, 4:3) that sounded spiritual but produced pride, controversy, and division rather than love and godliness. Paul insists authentic teaching must align with Jesus' words (the gospel tradition) and produce Christlike character. Theology divorced from godly living is dangerous deception.
Questions for Reflection
- How does sound doctrine differ from false teaching—what are the marks of healthy teaching?
- Why does Paul insist doctrine must 'accord with godliness'—why link belief and behavior?
- What contemporary teachings contradict Christ or fail to produce godliness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ (εἴ τις ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ καὶ μὴ προσέρχεται ὑγιαίνουσιν λόγοις τοῖς τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ei tis heterodidaskalei kai mē proserchetai hygiainousin logois tois tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou)—'if anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Heterodidaskaleo means to teach different doctrine. Hygiainō means to be healthy, sound.
And to the doctrine which is according to godliness (καὶ τῇ κατ' εὐσέβειαν διδασκαλίᾳ, kai tē kat' eusebeian didaskalia)—'and the teaching that accords with godliness.' Sound doctrine produces godly living. The false teachers in Ephesus taught novelties that didn't lead to eusebeia (godliness, piety) but to speculation and strife (1:4, 6:4).
The test of sound doctrine: does it align with Jesus' words and produce godliness? Teaching that contradicts Christ or fails to promote practical holiness is false, regardless of intellectual sophistication. Truth and life are inseparable—right belief leads to right living.