1 Timothy 6:5
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Original Language Analysis
παραδιατριβαὶ
Perverse disputings
G3859
παραδιατριβαὶ
Perverse disputings
Strong's:
G3859
Word #:
1 of 18
misemployment, i.e., meddlesomeness
διεφθαρμένων
of corrupt
G1311
διεφθαρμένων
of corrupt
Strong's:
G1311
Word #:
2 of 18
to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νοῦν
minds
G3563
νοῦν
minds
Strong's:
G3563
Word #:
5 of 18
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νομιζόντων
supposing
G3543
νομιζόντων
supposing
Strong's:
G3543
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard
πορισμὸν
that gain
G4200
πορισμὸν
that gain
Strong's:
G4200
Word #:
11 of 18
furnishing (procuring), i.e., (by implication) money-getting (acquisition)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀφίστασο
withdraw thyself
G868
ἀφίστασο
withdraw thyself
Strong's:
G868
Word #:
15 of 18
to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
16 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.Titus 1:11Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.2 Timothy 3:8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.1 Timothy 6:6But godliness with contentment is great gain.Matthew 23:13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.Matthew 12:33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.1 Timothy 3:3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;1 Timothy 1:6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;Revelation 18:3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
Historical Context
Itinerant teachers in the Greco-Roman world often charged fees for instruction. Some apparently entered Christian ministry for profit, using religion as a business. Paul repeatedly refused payment (Acts 20:33-35, 1 Corinthians 9:12-18) to distinguish gospel ministry from mercenary teaching. He exposes Ephesian false teachers as motivated by greed, not love for truth or people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing ministry as means to financial gain corrupt both message and motives?
- Why must faithful ministers withdraw from those who peddle religion for profit?
- What warning signs indicate someone is using Christianity for personal gain?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth (διαπαρατριβαὶ διεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας, diaparatribai diephtharmenōn anthrōpōn ton noun kai apesterēmenōn tēs alētheias)—'constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth.' Diaparatribē (only here in NT) means constant wrangling, mutual irritation. Diaphtheirō means corrupted, destroyed. Apostereō means robbed of, deprived.
Supposing that gain is godliness (νομιζόντων πορισμὸν εἶναι τὴν εὐσέβειαν, nomizontōn porismon einai tēn eusebeian)—'imagining that godliness is a means of gain.' Porismos means profit, means of gain. The false teachers viewed religion as a money-making enterprise. From such withdraw thyself (ἀφίστασο ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων, aphistaso apo tōn toioutōn)—'withdraw from such people.' Separate, avoid fellowship.
Paul exposes the false teachers' motive: financial profit. They peddle religion for gain, a perennial problem (Titus 1:11, 2 Peter 2:3). Such men have corrupted minds and lost the truth. Timothy must withdraw from them—no compromise, no dialogue. Their ministry is mercenary, not faithful.