King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 1:5 Mean?

1 Timothy 1:5 in the King James Version says “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:”

1 Timothy 1:5 · KJV

Faith

Context

3

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,

4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

5

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

6

From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; having: or, not aiming at

7

Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

Read 1 Timothy 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now the end of the commandment is charity (Τὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν ἀγάπη, To de telos tēs parangelias estin agapē)—'the goal of our instruction is love.' Telos means end, goal, aim, purpose. Parangelia means charge, command, instruction. Agapē is self-sacrificial love—the distinctively Christian love modeled by Christ.

Out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας καὶ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς καὶ πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου, ek katharas kardias kai syneidēseōs agathēs kai pisteōs anypokritou)—'from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.' Three sources of genuine love: clean heart (pure motives), good conscience (clear moral awareness), unhypocritical faith (authentic trust).

Paul defines sound teaching's goal: love flowing from moral purity, clear conscience, and genuine faith. The false teachers produced controversy; sound doctrine produces Christlike love. This is Paul's measuring stick—does teaching result in self-sacrificial love, or pride and division?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Greek philosophy valued intellectual sophistication; Judaism emphasized ritual observance; paganism focused on appeasing deities. Christianity's revolutionary focus was love—not as mere emotion but as self-giving action modeled on Christ's sacrifice. Paul insists the test of sound teaching isn't intellectual impressiveness but love-producing power. Does it make people more like Jesus in sacrificial care for others?

Reflection Questions

  1. How does genuine love arise from pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith?
  2. What teaching produces love versus what produces controversy and division?
  3. How can we evaluate ministry and doctrine by the 'love test'—does it create agapē?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
τὸ1 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 16

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

τέλος3 of 16

“the end”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

τῆς4 of 16
G3588

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

παραγγελίας5 of 16

“of the commandment”

G3852

a mandate

ἐστὶν6 of 16

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀγάπη7 of 16

“charity”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

ἐκ8 of 16

“out of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

καθαρᾶς9 of 16

“a pure”

G2513

clean (literally or figuratively)

καρδίας10 of 16

“heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

καὶ11 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

συνειδήσεως12 of 16

“conscience”

G4893

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

ἀγαθῆς13 of 16

“of a good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

καὶ14 of 16

“and”

G2532

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

πίστεως15 of 16

“of faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἀνυποκρίτου16 of 16

“unfeigned”

G505

undissembled, i.e., sincere

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 1:19Galatians 5:222 Timothy 2:22Galatians 5:13-142 Timothy 1:52 Timothy 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 1 Timothy 1 with CommentaryAll 1 Timothy ChaptersComplete 1 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes