1 Timothy 6:4

Authorized King James Version

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
τετύφωται
G5187
He is proud
to envelop with smoke, i.e., (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit
#2
μηδὲν
G3367
nothing
not even one (man, woman, thing)
#3
ἐπιστάμενος
G1987
knowing
to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with
#4
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#5
νοσῶν
G3552
doting
to be sick, i.e., (by implication, of a diseased appetite) to hanker after (figuratively, to harp upon)
#6
περὶ
G4012
about
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#7
ζητήσεις
G2214
questions
a searching (properly, the act), i.e., a dispute or its theme
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
λογομαχίας
G3055
strifes of words
disputation about trifles ("logomachy")
#10
ἐξ
G1537
whereof
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
#11
ὧν
G3739
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
γίνεται
G1096
cometh
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#13
φθόνος
G5355
envy
ill-will (as detraction), i.e., jealousy (spite)
#14
ἔρις
G2054
strife
a quarrel, i.e., (by implication) wrangling
#15
βλασφημίαι
G988
railings
vilification (especially against god)
#16
ὑπόνοιαι
G5283
surmisings
suspicion
#17
πονηραί
G4190
evil
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to 1 Timothy. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Timothy Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection