The Meaning of 1 Timothy 1:19 Explained

1 Timothy 1:19

KJV: Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

YLT: having faith and a good conscience, which certain having thrust away, concerning the faith did make shipwreck,

Darby: maintaining faith and a good conscience; which last some, having put away, have made shipwreck as to faith;

ASV: holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Holding  faith,  and  a good  conscience;  which  some  having put away  concerning  faith  have made shipwreck: 

What does 1 Timothy 1:19 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Timothy 1:12-20 - An Example Of Christ's Long-Suffering
The Apostle breaks off into expressions of heartfelt thanks to God for the abounding grace which had overcome his former obstinacy and blindness. Only his ignorance could palliate his outrage and insult toward Christ, who was now the beloved object of his entire surrender. He had been a blasphemer against God, Acts 26:9-11; a persecutor towards his fellow-men, Galatians 1:13; injurious, insolent, full of overweening pride. He felt that he had been the chief of sinners, because he had sinned against more knowledge and opportunity than others. It is only when we see God, that we know ourselves and repent in dust and ashes. The Apostle, however, comforted himself in this at least, that through coming time the most hopeless and abandoned sinners would take heart as they considered his case. He was a sample of mercy, a specimen of what Christ could do, an outline sketch to be filled in. Believe on Christ. Faith rests on Christ as foundation. Peter and John use another preposition, toward, or into, i.e., they conceive of union with him, to which all else is preliminary. War the good warfare, that against sin. When men thrust away faith and a good conscience, they stab their pilot and make shipwreck. See 2 Timothy 2:17-18; 2 Timothy 4:14-15. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Timothy 1

1  Paul declares Timothy is faithful to the charge which was given him at his going to Macedonia
5  The right use and end of the law
11  Paul's calling to be an apostle;
20  and the disobedience or Hymenaeus and Alexander

Greek Commentary for 1 Timothy 1:19

Holding faith and a good conscience [εχων πιστιν και αγατην συνειδησιν]
Possibly as a shield (Ephesians 6:16) or at any rate possessing (Romans 2:20) faith as trust and a good conscience. A leader expects them of his followers and must show them himself. [source]
Having thrust from them [απωσαμενοι]
First aorist indirect middle participle of απωτεω — apōtheō to push away from one. Old verb (see note on Romans 11:1.). Made shipwreck (εναυαγησαν — enauagēsan). First aorist active indicative of ναυαγεω — nauageō old verb from ναυαγος — nauagos (shipwrecked, ναυς — naus ship, αγνυμι — agnumi to break), to break a ship to pieces. In N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 11:25. Concerning the faith Rather, “concerning their faith” (the article here used as a possessive pronoun, a common Greek idiom). [source]
Made shipwreck [εναυαγησαν]
First aorist active indicative of ναυαγεω — nauageō old verb from ναυαγος — nauagos (shipwrecked, ναυς — naus ship, αγνυμι — agnumi to break), to break a ship to pieces. In N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 11:25. [source]
Concerning the faith [περι την πιστιν]
Rather, “concerning their faith” (the article here used as a possessive pronoun, a common Greek idiom). [source]
Holding [ἔχων]
Not merely having, but holding fast, as in 2 Timothy 1:13. [source]
Faith and a good conscience [πίστιν καὶ ἀγαθὴν συνείδησιν]
The phrase good conscience is not in Paul, although συνείδησις is a Pauline word. The phrase appears once in Acts (Acts 23:1), and twice in 1Peter (1 Peter 2:16, 1 Peter 2:21). In Hebrews evil ( πονηρᾶς ) conscience and fair ( καλὴν ) conscience; Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 13:18. The combination faith and good conscience is peculiar to the Pastorals. Comp. 1 Timothy 3:9. [source]
Which [ἥν]
Referring to God conscience. [source]
Having put away [ἀπωσάμενοι]
The A.V. is not strong enough. Better, having thrust from them. It implies willful violence against conscience. Twice in Paul, Romans 11:1, Romans 11:2, and three times in Acts. [source]
Concerning faith have made shipwreck [περὶ τὴν πίστιν ἐναυάγησαν]
Better, “concerning the faith made shipwreck.” For a similar use of περὶ concerningsee Acts 19:25; Luke 10:40; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Timothy 3:8. It is noteworthy that περὶ with the accusative occurs only once in Paul (Philemon 2:23). Ναυαγεῖν tomake shipwreck only here and 2 Corinthians 11:25. Nautical metaphors are rare in Paul's writings. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 1:19

Acts 20:20 Kept back [ὑπεστειλάμην]
A picturesque word. Originally, to draw in or contract. Used of furling sails, and of closing the fingers; of drawing back for shelter; of keeping back one's real thoughts; by physicians, of withholding food from patients. It is rather straining a point to say, as Canon Farrar, that Paul is using a nautical metaphor suggested by his constantly hearing the word for furling sail used during his voyage. Paul's metaphors lie mainly on the lines of military life, architecture, agriculture, and the Grecian games. The statement of Canon Farrar, that he “constantly draws his metaphors from the sights and circumstances immediately around him, ” is rather at variance with his remark that, with one exception, he “cannot find a single word which shows that Paul had even the smallest susceptibility for the works of nature” (“Paul,” i., 19). Nautical metaphors are, to say the least, not common in Paul's writings. I believe there are but three instances: Ephesians 4:14; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 6:9. Paul means here that he suppressed nothing of the truth through fear of giving offence. Compare Galatians 2:12; Hebrews 10:38. [source]
Acts 7:27 Thrust him away [απωσατο αυτον]
First aorist middle indicative (Koiné{[28928]}š for Attic απεωσατο — apeōsato) of απωτεω — apōtheō to push away from oneself in middle voice as here, common in old Greek. Again in Acts 7:39; Acts 13:46; Romans 11:1; 1 Timothy 1:19. It is always the man who is doing the wrong who is hard to reconcile. [source]
2 Corinthians 11:25 Thrice I suffered shipwreck [τρις εναυαγησα]
First aorist active of ναυαγεω — nauageō from ναυαγος — nauagos shipwrecked Old and common verb, in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 1:19. We know nothing of these. The one told in Acts 27 was much later. What a pity that we have no data for all these varied experiences of Paul. [source]
2 Corinthians 11:25 Once was I stoned [απαχ ελιταστην]
Once for all απαχ — hapax means. At Lystra (Acts 14:5-19). On λιταζω — lithazō Koiné{[28928]}š verb from λιτος — lithos see note on Acts 5:26. Thrice I suffered shipwreck (τρις εναυαγησα — tris enauagēsa). First aorist active of ναυαγεω — nauageō from ναυαγος — nauagos shipwrecked (ναυς — naus ship, αγνυμι — agnumi to break). Old and common verb, in N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 1:19. We know nothing of these. The one told in Acts 27 was much later. What a pity that we have no data for all these varied experiences of Paul. Night and day Have I been in the deep (εν τωι βυτωι πεποιηκα — en tōi buthōi pepoiēka). Vivid dramatic perfect active indicative of ποιεω — poieō “I have done a night and day in the deep.” The memory of it survives like a nightmare. υτος — Buthos is old word (only here in N.T.) for bottom, depth of the sea, then the sea itself. Paul does not mean that he was a night and day under the water, not a Jonah experience, only that he was far out at sea and shipwrecked. This was one of the three shipwrecks-already named. [source]
Philippians 1:23 To depart [ἀναλῦσαι]
The verb means originally to unloose, undo again. So of Penelope's web: “During the night she undid it” (Homer, “Odyssey,” ii., 105). Of loosing a ship from her moorings: of breaking up a camp. So 2Corinthians href="/desk/?q=2co+5:1&sr=1">2 Corinthians 5:1, where the metaphor is the striking of a tent. Some prefer the nautical image, casting off from shore; but Paul's circumstances naturally suggested military figures; and, what is somewhat strange in the case of one so familiar with the sea, nautical metaphors are rare in his writings. There is one at 1 Timothy 1:19, of those “who concerning the faith have made shipwreck;” at Ephesians 4:14, “tossed as by waves, and borne about by every wind.” Κυβερνήσεις governments 1 Corinthians 12:28(see note), is from κυβερνάω tosteer. [source]
1 Timothy 6:5 Destitute of the truth [ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας]
Rev. bereft of the truth. In N.T. commonly of defrauding, Mark 10:19; 1 Corinthians 6:7, 1 Corinthians 6:8; 1 Corinthians 7:5. The implication is that they once possessed the truth. They put it away from themselves (1 Timothy 1:19; Titus 1:14). Here it is represented as taken away from them. Comp. Romans 1:8. [source]
1 Timothy 3:9 In a pure conscience [ἐν καθαρᾷ συνειδήσει]
Comp. 2 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:5, 19. Const. with holding. The emphasis of the passage is on these words. They express conscientious purity and sincerity in contrast with those who are described as branded in their own conscience, and thus causing their followers to fall away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1, 1 Timothy 4:2). The passage illustrates the peculiar treatment of “faith” in these Epistles, in emphasizing its ethical aspect and its ethical environment. This is not contrary to Paul's teaching, nor does it go to the extent of substituting morals for faith as the condition of salvation and eternal life. See 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Timothy 2:1; Titus 3:5. Nonetheless, there is a strong and habitual emphasis on good works (see 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Timothy 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:17; Titus 1:16; Titus 2:7, Titus 2:14; Titus 3:1, Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14), and faith is placed in a series of practical duties (see 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; 2 Timothy 3:10). “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience” is a significant association of faith with ethics. As Weiss puts it: “It is as if the pure conscience were the vessel in which the mystery of the faith is preserved.” The idea is sound and valuable. A merely intellectual attitude toward the mystery which, in every age, attaches to the faith, will result in doubt, questioning, and wordy strife (see 1 Timothy 6:4; 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9), sometimes in moral laxity, sometimes in despair. Loyalty and duty to God are compatible with more or less ignorance concerning the mystery. An intellect, however powerful and active, joined with an impure conscience, cannot solve but only aggravates the mystery; whereas a pure and loyal conscience, and a frank acceptance of imposed duty along with mystery, puts one in the best attitude for attaining whatever solution is possible. See John 7:17. [source]
1 Timothy 3:9 In a pure conscience [εν καταραι συνειδησει]
See note on 1 Timothy 1:19. “The casket in which the jewel is to be kept” (Lock). [source]
1 Timothy 1:10 The sound doctrine [τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ]
A phrase peculiar to the Pastorals. Ὑγιαίνειν tobe in good health, Luke 5:31; Luke 7:10; 3 John 1:2. oP. Quite frequent in lxx, and invariably in the literal sense. Often in salutations or dismissals. See 9:19; 2Samuel href="/desk/?q=2sa+14:8&sr=1">2 Samuel 14:8; Exodus 4:18. In the Pastorals, the verb, which occurs eight times, is six times associated with διδασκαλία teachingor λόγοι wordsand twice with ἐν τῇ πίστει or τῇ πίστει inthe faith. The sound teaching (comp. διδαχή teaching 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:9) which is thus commended is Paul's, who teaches in Christ's name and by his authority (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:2, 2 Timothy 2:8). In all the three letters it is called ἀλη.θεια or ἡ ἀλήθεια thetruth, the knowledge ( ἐπίγνωσις ) of which is bound up with salvation. See 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:25; 2 Timothy 3:7; Titus 1:1. As truth it is sound or healthful. It is the object of faith. To be sound in the faith is, practically, to follow ( παρακολουθεῖν ) sound teaching or the truth. The subjective characteristic of Christians is εὐσέβεια or θεοσέβεια godlinessor piety (1 Timothy 2:2, 1 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:7, 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Timothy 6:6, 1 Timothy 6:11); and the teaching and knowledge of the truth are represented as κατ ' εὐσέβειαν accordingto godliness (1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:1). Comp. εὐσεβεῖν toshow piety, 1 Timothy 5:4. εὐσεβῶς ζῇν to live godly, 2 Timothy 3:12; Titus 2:12; and βίον διάγειν ἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ tolead a life in all godliness, 1 Timothy 2:2. The contents of this sound teaching which is according to godliness are not theoretical or dogmatic truth, but Christian ethics, with faith and love. See 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 3:10; Titus 2:2. Ἁλήθεια truthis used of moral things, rather than in the high religious sense of Paul. Comp., for instance, Romans 3:7; Romans 9:1; 1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 11:10; Galatians 2:5; Ephesians 4:21, Ephesians 4:24; and 2 Timothy 2:25, 2 Timothy 2:26; 2 Timothy 3:7(comp. 2 Timothy 3:1-9); 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:12(comp. Titus 1:11, Titus 1:15); Titus 2:4(comp. Titus 2:1, Titus 2:3); Titus 3:1. Whoever grasps the truth has faith (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:18; 2 Timothy 3:8; Titus 1:3f.). That the ethical character of faith is emphasized, appears from the numerous expressions regarding the false teachers, as 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 5:12; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21. There is a tendency to objectify faith, regarding it as something believed rather than as the act of believing. See 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:21; Titus 1:4. In comparing the ideal of righteousness (1 Timothy 1:9) with that of Paul, note that it is not denied that Christ is the source of true righteousness; but according to Paul, the man who is not under the law is the man who lives by faith in Christ. Paul emphasizes this. It is faith in Christ which sets one free from the law. Here, the man for whom the law is not made (1 Timothy 1:9) is the man who is ethically conformed to the norm of sound teaching. The two conceptions do not exclude each other: the sound teaching is according to the gospel (1 Timothy 1:11), but the point of emphasis is shifted.| [source]
Titus 2:7 In all things [περὶ πάντα]
Lit. concerning all things. The exact phrase, N.T.oFor analogous use of περὶ comp. Luke 10:40, Luke 10:41; Acts 19:25; 1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 6:4, 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 3:8. [source]
Hebrews 6:19 An anchor of the soul [ἄγκυραν τῆς ψυχῆς]
The same figure is implied 1 Timothy 1:19. [source]
Hebrews 6:19 Which [ην]
Which hope. What would life be without this blessed hope based on Christ as our Redeemer? As an anchor of the soul Old word, literally in Acts 27:29, figuratively here, only N.T. examples. The ancient anchors were much like the modern ones with iron hooks to grapple the rocks and so hold on to prevent shipwreck (1 Timothy 1:19). Both sure and steadfast This anchor of hope will not slip (alpha privative and σπαλλω — sphallō to totter) or lose its grip That which is within the veil The Holy of Holies, “the inner part of the veil” (the space behind the veil), in N.T. only here and Acts 16:24 (of the inner prison). The anchor is out of sight, but it holds. That is what matters. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 1:19 mean?

holding faith and a good conscience which some having cast away concerning the have caused a shipwreck
ἔχων πίστιν καὶ ἀγαθὴν συνείδησιν ἥν τινες ἀπωσάμενοι περὶ τὴν ἐναυάγησαν

ἔχων  holding 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἔχω  
Sense: to have, i.e. to hold.
πίστιν  faith 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: πίστις  
Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.
ἀγαθὴν  a  good 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀγαθός 
Sense: of good constitution or nature.
συνείδησιν  conscience 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: συνείδησις  
Sense: the consciousness of anything.
τινες  some 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: τὶς  
Sense: a certain, a certain one.
ἀπωσάμενοι  having  cast  away 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Middle, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπωθέω  
Sense: to thrust away, push away, repel.
περὶ  concerning 
Parse: Preposition
Root: περί 
Sense: about, concerning, on account of, because of, around, near.
ἐναυάγησαν  have  caused  a  shipwreck 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: ναυαγέω  
Sense: to suffer shipwreck.