1 Timothy 6:3

Authorized King James Version

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;

Word-by-Word Analysis

εἴ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις

G5100

some or any person or object

ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ

G2085

teach otherwise

to instruct differently

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

προσέρχεται

G4334

consent

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

ὑγιαίνουσιν

G5198

to wholesome

to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)

λόγοις

G3056

words

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

τοῦ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

κυρίου

G2962

Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

#12

ἡμῶν

G2257

even the words of our

of (or from) us

#13

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

#14

Χριστοῦ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#17

κατ'

G2596

which is according

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

#18

εὐσέβειαν

G2150

to godliness

piety; specially, the gospel scheme

#19

διδασκαλίᾳ

G1319

to the doctrine

instruction (the function or the information)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Timothy, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Timothy.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within 1 Timothy chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?