The Meaning of 1 Timothy 1:3 Explained

1 Timothy 1:3

KJV: As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

YLT: according as I did exhort thee to remain in Ephesus -- I going on to Macedonia -- that thou mightest charge certain not to teach any other thing,

Darby: Even as I begged thee to remain in Ephesus, when I was going to Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin some not to teach other doctrines,

ASV: As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,

KJV Reverse Interlinear

As  I besought  thee  to abide still  at  Ephesus,  when I went  into  Macedonia,  that  thou mightest charge  some  that they teach  no  other doctrine, 

What does 1 Timothy 1:3 Mean?

Context Summary

1 Timothy 1:1-11 - A Charge Against "vain Talking"
The relation of Paul to Timothy is an example of one of those beautiful friendships between an older and a younger man, in which each is the complement of the other, 1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:22. Timothy was a lad of fifteen when converted at Lystra, and was probably about thirty-five years of age when this Epistle was addressed to him. He was enthusiastic and devoted but at times showed signs of timidity, and the Apostle watched over him with tender interest.
In this chapter the young minister is warned against the Gnostic heresy, i.e., the heresy of the knowing-ones, who pretended to give revelations about the angels and their ministry, and to bridge the gulf between man and God by a whole series of mysterious imaginary beings. Their teaching led from spiritual pride to sensuality, for they accounted the body as inherently evil. All this was contrary to healthy doctrine. That word sound, or healthy, is peculiar to the Pastoral Epistles, 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1. It suggests a certain test of the various teachers who cross our paths. The question always is, Do these words of theirs promote the health of the soul, and above all, love out of a pure heart and a good conscience? [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 1:3

As I exhorted [κατως παρεκαλεσα]
There is an ellipse of the principal clause in 1 Timothy 1:4 (so do I now not being in the Greek). [source]
To tarry [προσμειναι]
First aorist active infinitive of προσμενω — prosmenō old verb, attributed by Luke to Paul in Acts 13:43. That thou mightest charge (ινα παραγγειληις — hina paraggeilēis). Subfinal clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of παραγγελλω — paraggellō old verb, to transmit a message along (παρα — para) from one to another. See 2 Thessalonians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Lock considers this idiom here an elliptical imperative like Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:33. Certain men Dative case. Expressly vague (no names as in 1 Timothy 1:20), though Paul doubtless has certain persons in Ephesus in mind. Not to teach a different doctrine (μη ετεροδιδασκαλειν — mē heterodidaskalein). Earliest known use of this compound like κακοδιδασκαλειν — kakodidaskalein of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in 1 Timothy 6:3. Eusebius has ετεροδιδασκαλος — heterodidaskalos Same idea in Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. Perhaps coined by Paul. [source]
That thou mightest charge [ινα παραγγειληις]
Subfinal clause with ινα — hina and the first aorist active subjunctive of παραγγελλω — paraggellō old verb, to transmit a message along (παρα — para) from one to another. See 2 Thessalonians 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Lock considers this idiom here an elliptical imperative like Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:33. [source]
Certain men [τισιν]
Dative case. Expressly vague (no names as in 1 Timothy 1:20), though Paul doubtless has certain persons in Ephesus in mind. Not to teach a different doctrine (μη ετεροδιδασκαλειν — mē heterodidaskalein). Earliest known use of this compound like κακοδιδασκαλειν — kakodidaskalein of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in 1 Timothy 6:3. Eusebius has ετεροδιδασκαλος — heterodidaskalos Same idea in Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. Perhaps coined by Paul. [source]
Not to teach a different doctrine [μη ετεροδιδασκαλειν]
Earliest known use of this compound like κακοδιδασκαλειν — kakodidaskalein of Clement of Rome. Only other N.T. example in 1 Timothy 6:3. Eusebius has ετεροδιδασκαλος — heterodidaskalos Same idea in Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. Perhaps coined by Paul. [source]
Even as [καθὼς]
An awkward construction, there being nothing to answer to καθὼς . [source]
To abide [προσμεῖναι]
To continue on. The compound does not occur in Paul, but is found in Acts 11:23; Acts 13:43; Acts 18:18. [source]
When I went [πορευόμενος]
Better, was going, or was on my way. The participle cannot refer to Timothy. [source]
Might'st charge [παραγγείλῃς]
See on Acts 1:4. Very common in Luke and Acts, but not in Paul. In 1st Timothy alone five times. [source]
Some [τισὶν]
Note the indefinite designation of the errorists, and comp. 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 5:15, 1 Timothy 5:24; 1 Timothy 6:21. The expression is contemptuous. It is assumed that Timothy knows who they are. This is after the Pauline manner. See Galatians 1:7; Galatians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Corinthians 3:1; Colossians 2:4, Colossians 2:8. [source]
That they teach no other doctrine [μὴ ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν]
Better, not to teach a different doctrine. For ἕτερος differentsee on Galatians 1:6. The verb Pastoolxx. oClass. The charge is not to teach anything contrary to the sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:10) or irreconcilable with it. Comp. Galatians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Romans 16:17. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Timothy 1:3

Acts 20:25 Ye all [οπσεστε]
In very emphatic position after the verb εν οις διηλτον — opsesthe (shall see) and the object (my face). Twice Paul will write from Rome (Philemon 2:24; Philemon 1:22) the hope of coming east again; but that is in the future, and here Paul is expressing his personal conviction and his fears. The Pastoral Epistles show Paul did come to Ephesus again (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:14; 1 Timothy 4:13) and Troas (2 Timothy 4:13) and Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20). There need be no surprise that Paul‘s fears turned out otherwise. He had reason enough for them. [source]
Acts 16:1 Timothy [Τιμοτεος]
Apparently a native of Lystra (“there,” εκει — ekei), his Hebrew mother named Eunice and grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5) and his Greek father‘s name not known. He may have been a proselyte, but not necessarily so as Timothy was taught the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 3:15), and, if a proselyte, he would have had Timothy circumcised. It is idle to ask if Paul came on purpose to get Timothy to take Mark‘s place. Probably Timothy was about eighteen years of age, a convert of Paul‘s former visit a few years before (1 Timothy 1:2) and still young twelve years later (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul loved him devotedly (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 3:15; Philemon 2:19.). It is a glorious discovery to find a real young preacher for Christ‘s work. [source]
Acts 20:25 I know [εγω]
Emphasis on υμεις παντες — egō which is expressed. Ye all (οπσεστε — humeis pantes). In very emphatic position after the verb εν οις διηλτον — opsesthe (shall see) and the object (my face). Twice Paul will write from Rome (Philemon 2:24; Philemon 1:22) the hope of coming east again; but that is in the future, and here Paul is expressing his personal conviction and his fears. The Pastoral Epistles show Paul did come to Ephesus again (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 3:14; 1 Timothy 4:13) and Troas (2 Timothy 4:13) and Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20). There need be no surprise that Paul‘s fears turned out otherwise. He had reason enough for them. Among whom I went about Apparently Paul here has in mind others beside the ministers. They represented the church in Ephesus and the whole region where Paul laboured. [source]
1 Timothy 6:3 Teach otherwise [ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ]
See on 1 Timothy 1:3. [source]
1 Timothy 4:1 Some [τινες]
Not, as 1 Timothy 1:3, the heretical teachers, but those whom they mislead. [source]
1 Timothy 1:5 The end of the commandment [τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας]
The article with “Commandment” points back to might'st charge, 1 Timothy 1:3. Rend. therefore, of the charge. Τέλος endaim, that which the charge contemplates. [source]
1 Timothy 1:1 Of God our Saviour [τεου σωτηρος ημων]
Genitive case with επιταγην — epitagēn In the lxx σωτηρ — sōtēr (old word from σωζω — sōzō for agent in saving, applied to deities, princes, kings, etc.) occurs 20 times, all but two to God. The Romans called the emperor “Saviour God.” In the N.T. the designation of God as Saviour is peculiar to Luke 1:47; Judges 1:25; 1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:10; Titus 1:3; Titus 2:10; Titus 3:4. In the other Epistles Paul uses it of Christ (Philemon 3:20; Ephesians 5:23) as in 2 Timothy 1:10. In 2 Peter 1:1 we have “our God and Saviour Jesus Christ” as in Titus 2:13. Our hope (της ελπιδος ημων — tēs elpidos hēmōn). Like Colossians 1:27. More than the author and object of hope, “its very substance and foundation” (Ellicott). [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 The gift that is in thee [του εν σοι χαρισματος]
Late word of result from χαριζομαι — charizomai in papyri (Preisigke), a regular Pauline word in N.T. (1 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 1:11; Romans 1:11; etc.). Here it is God‘s gift to Timothy as in 2 Timothy 1:6. By prophecy (δια προπητειας — dia prophēteias). Accompanied by prophecy (1 Timothy 1:18), not bestowed by prophecy. With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
1 Timothy 4:14 With the laying on of the hands of the presbytery [μετα επιτεσεως των χειρων του πρεσβυτεριου]
In Acts 13:2., when Barnabas and Saul were formally set apart to the mission campaign (not then ordained as ministers, for they were already that), there was the call of the Spirit and the laying on of hands with prayer. Here again μετα — meta does not express instrument or means, but merely accompaniment. In 2 Timothy 1:6 Paul speaks only of his own laying on of hands, but the rest of the presbytery no doubt did so at the same time and the reference is to this incident. There is no way to tell when and where it was done, whether at Lystra when Timothy joined Paul‘s party or at Ephesus just before Paul left Timothy there (1 Timothy 1:3). Επιτεσις — Epithesis Πρεσβυτεριον — Presbuterion is a late word (ecclesiastical use also), first for the Jewish Sanhedrin (Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5), then (here only in N.T.) of Christian elders (common in Ignatius), though πρεσβυτερος — presbuteros (elder) for preachers (bishops) is common (Acts 11:30; Acts 15:2; Acts 20:17, etc.). [source]
1 Timothy 5:5 Hath her hope set on God [ηλπικεν επι τεον]
Perfect active indicative of ελπιζω — elpizō “hath placed her hope (and keeps it) on God.” Text doubtful whether God Continues (προσμενει — prosmenei). See note on 1 Timothy 1:3. With dative case here. Night and day “By night and by day” (genitive, not accusative). Paul does not say that she should pray “all night and day.” [source]
1 Timothy 5:5 Continues [προσμενει]
See note on 1 Timothy 1:3. With dative case here. [source]
1 Timothy 6:3 Teacheth a different doctrine [ετεροδιδασκαλει]
See note on 1 Timothy 1:3 for this verb, present active indicative here in condition of first class. [source]

What do the individual words in 1 Timothy 1:3 mean?

Just as I urged you to remain in Ephesus [when] I was going to Macedonia so that you might warn certain men not to teach other doctrines
Καθὼς παρεκάλεσά σε προσμεῖναι ἐν Ἐφέσῳ πορευόμενος εἰς Μακεδονίαν ἵνα παραγγείλῃς τισὶν μὴ ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν

Καθὼς  Just  as 
Parse: Adverb
Root: καθώς  
Sense: according as.
παρεκάλεσά  I  urged 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: παρακαλέω  
Sense: to call to one’s side, call for, summon.
προσμεῖναι  to  remain 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: προσμένω  
Sense: to remain with, to continue with one.
Ἐφέσῳ  Ephesus 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Ἔφεσος  
Sense: a maritime city of Asia Minor, capital of Ionia and under the Romans, of proconsular Asia, situated on the Icarian Sea between Smyrna and Miletus.
πορευόμενος  [when]  I  was  going 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πορεύομαι  
Sense: to lead over, carry over, transfer.
Μακεδονίαν  Macedonia 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: Μακεδονία  
Sense: a country bounded on the south by Thessaly and Epirus, on the east by Thrace and the Aegean Sea, on the west by Illyria, and on the North by Dardania and Moesia.
ἵνα  so  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ἵνα  
Sense: that, in order that, so that.
παραγγείλῃς  you  might  warn 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: παραγγέλλω  
Sense: to transmit a message along from one to another, to declare, announce.
τισὶν  certain  men 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Dative Masculine Plural
Root: τὶς  
Sense: a certain, a certain one.
ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖν  to  teach  other  doctrines 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω  
Sense: to teach other or different doctrine.