1 Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Original Language Analysis
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βεβήλους
profane
G952
βεβήλους
profane
Strong's:
G952
Word #:
3 of 12
accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e., (by implication, of jewish notions) heathenish, wicked
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γύμναζε
exercise
G1128
γύμναζε
exercise
Strong's:
G1128
Word #:
8 of 12
to practise naked (in the games), i.e., train (figuratively)
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.2 Timothy 2:16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.Titus 2:12Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;Titus 3:9But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.2 Timothy 2:23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.1 Timothy 6:11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.2 Timothy 4:4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.1 Timothy 6:20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
Historical Context
The Ephesian false teachers mixed Jewish genealogies, Gnostic speculation, and Greek philosophy into an elaborate but useless system (1:4, Titus 1:14). These 'old wives' fables' distracted from gospel simplicity and practical godliness. Paul insists Timothy reject such novelties and focus on the spiritual disciplines that produce Christlike character.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'profane myths' (useless speculations) distract contemporary Christians from practical godliness?
- How does spiritual training resemble athletic discipline—what specific practices does it involve?
- Why does Paul emphasize practical godliness over intellectual speculation in combating false teaching?
Analysis & Commentary
But refuse profane and old wives' fables (τοὺς δὲ βεβήλους καὶ γραώδεις μύθους παραιτοῦ, tous de bebēlous kai graōdeis mythous paraitou)—'reject the profane and silly myths.' Bebēlos means unholy, worldly, common—opposite of sacred. Graōdēs (only here in NT) means 'old-womanish,' characteristic of superstitious tales. Mythos are myths, fables, fictitious stories.
And exercise thyself rather unto godliness (γύμναζε δὲ σεαυτὸν πρὸς εὐσέβειαν, gymnaze de seauton pros eusebeian)—'train yourself for godliness.' Gymnazō means to exercise naked (as Greek athletes did), to train rigorously. Eusebeia (godliness, piety) appears 10 times in 1 Timothy—it's a key theme.
Paul contrasts futile speculation with disciplined godliness. The false teachers wasted energy on genealogies and myths (1:4); Timothy must rigorously train in practical holiness. Spiritual growth requires the same focused discipline as athletic training—intentional, sustained, goal-oriented effort.