King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 1:10 Mean?

1 Timothy 1:10 in the King James Version says “For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if...” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;”

1 Timothy 1:10 · KJV

Context

8

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

9

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10

For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

11

According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

12

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

Read 1 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; Paul continues his catalog of sins for which law exists. "Whoremongers" (pornois, πόρνοις) refers to those engaged in sexual immorality generally, including fornication and adultery. "Them that defile themselves with mankind" (arsenokoitais, ἀρσενοκοίταις) specifically describes homosexual practice—a compound word Paul likely coined from the Greek Septuagint's translation of Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, combining arsēn (male) and koitē (bed, sexual intercourse).

"Menstealers" (andrapodistais, ἀνδραποδισταις) are those who kidnap or traffic in human beings—slave traders. This condemns not merely the abuse of slaves but the entire slave trade based on kidnapping and forcibly enslaving free people. "Liars" (pseustais, ψεύσταις) are habitual deceivers who make falsehood their practice. "Perjured persons" (epiorkois, ἐπιόρκοις) are those who swear falsely, particularly in legal contexts, violating the ninth commandment.

Paul concludes with a comprehensive phrase: "if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine" (ei ti heteron tē hygiainousē didaskalia antikeitai, εἴ τι ἕτερον τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ ἀντίκειται). The phrase "sound doctrine" (hygiainousē didaskalia, ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ) literally means "healthy teaching"—doctrine that promotes spiritual health rather than disease. This connects moral behavior with theological truth: ethics flow from doctrine.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sexual immorality pervaded Greco-Roman culture. Temple prostitution was practiced in many pagan religions, including the cult of Artemis at Ephesus. Homosexual practice, particularly pederasty (relationships between adult men and adolescent boys), was accepted and even celebrated in Greek culture. Paul's clear condemnation of such practices stood in stark opposition to surrounding cultural norms.

The slave trade was a massive economic enterprise in the Roman Empire. While the New Testament doesn't directly call for abolition of slavery as an institution (which would have been politically impossible and socially revolutionary), it does condemn the kidnapping and selling of human beings. Early Christian teaching on human dignity (all made in God's image) and brotherly love ultimately undermined slavery's moral foundation.

Lying and false testimony were common in legal proceedings where witnesses could be bribed or intimidated. Business dealings often involved deception. Against this background, biblical standards of truth-telling and covenant faithfulness represented a radically different approach to human relationships. Christians were to be known for truthfulness and integrity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can Christians maintain biblical sexual ethics while demonstrating genuine love toward those whose lives contradict these standards?
  2. In what ways does "sound doctrine" produce healthy spiritual life and moral behavior in your experience?
  3. What contemporary forms of injustice and oppression should concern Christians committed to biblical standards of righteousness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
πόρνοις1 of 13

“For whoremongers”

G4205

a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e., (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine)

ἀρσενοκοίταις2 of 13

“for them that defile themselves with mankind”

G733

a sodomite

ἀνδραποδισταῖς3 of 13

“for menstealers”

G405

an enslaver (as bringing men to his feet)

ψεύσταις4 of 13

“for liars”

G5583

a falsifier

ἐπιόρκοις5 of 13

“for perjured persons”

G1965

on oath, i.e., (falsely) a forswearer

καὶ6 of 13

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἴ7 of 13
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τι8 of 13
G5100

some or any person or object

ἕτερον9 of 13

“other thing”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

τῇ10 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑγιαινούσῃ11 of 13

“to sound”

G5198

to have sound health, i.e., be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine)

διδασκαλίᾳ12 of 13

“doctrine”

G1319

instruction (the function or the information)

ἀντίκειται13 of 13

“that is contrary”

G480

to lie opposite, i.e., be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Timothy 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Timothy 1:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 6:9-10Leviticus 18:222 Timothy 4:3Romans 1:26Galatians 5:19-21Revelation 21:27

Test Your Knowledge

1 Timothy 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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