1 Timothy 6:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Timothy 6:11
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Chapter Context
1 Timothy 6 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, salvation, truth. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: False teaching in Ephesus required organizational and doctrinal clarification.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Timothy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Timothy 6:11
11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Analysis
But thou, O man of God, flee these things (Σὺ δὲ, ὦ ἄνθρωπε θεοῦ, ταῦτα φεῦγε, Sy de, ō anthrōpe theou, tauta pheuge)—'but you, O man of God, flee from these things.' Pheugō means to flee, escape, shun. 'Man of God' is an OT title for prophets (Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha)—Paul applies it to Timothy, emphasizing his calling. 'These things' refers to love of money and the evils it produces (6:9-10).
And follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (δίωκε δὲ δικαιοσύνην, εὐσέβειαν, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, ὑπομονήν, πραϋπαθίαν, diōke de dikaiosynēn, eusebeian, pistin, agapēn, hypomonēn, praypathian)—'pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.' Diōkō means to chase, pursue, press toward. Six virtues to pursue: dikaiosynē (righteousness), eusebeia (godliness), pistis (faith), agapē (love), hypomonē (patient endurance), praypathia (gentleness, meekness).
Christian life involves two movements: flee evil, pursue good. Passive avoidance isn't enough—we must actively chase virtue. The sixfold list encompasses relationship with God (righteousness, godliness, faith) and with others (love, endurance, gentleness). Ministry requires both negative (flee greed) and positive (pursue virtue) holiness.
Historical Context
The title 'man of God' distinguished prophets from false prophets, priests, and pagan religious figures. Paul applies it to Timothy, emphasizing his calling as God's representative. Unlike false teachers motivated by profit (6:5), the man of God flees money-love and pursues virtue. This establishes Timothy's identity: he belongs to God, not to himself or his culture—his values must reflect his Owner.
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'flee' certain sins—how is this different from merely avoiding them?
- Why does Paul balance negative (flee) with positive (pursue) commands—why both necessary?
- Which of the six virtues (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness) challenges you most?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1343 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Faith: 1 Timothy 4:12, 2 Timothy 2:22
- References God: 2 Timothy 3:17
- Love: 1 Corinthians 10:14, 14:1
- Parallel theme: Psalms 34:14, Romans 14:19, 1 Corinthians 6:18, Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 3:11