King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 1:8 Mean?

1 Timothy 1:8 in the King James Version says “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;” — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 1:8 · KJV

Context

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.

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;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Paul corrects potential misunderstanding: his criticism of false teachers doesn't mean the Mosaic law itself is problematic. The law is "good" (kalos, καλός)—noble, excellent, morally beautiful. This affirms the law's divine origin and righteous character, echoing Paul's teaching in Romans 7:12: "the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good."

The crucial qualification is "if a man use it lawfully" (ean tis autō nomimōs chrētai, ἐάν τις αὐτῷ νομίμως χρῆται). The adverb nomimōs (νομίμως) means "lawfully" or "legitimately"—according to its proper purpose. The law itself is good, but it can be misused. The false teachers were employing the law illegitimately, missing its true purpose and promoting it in ways contrary to its divine intention.

This balanced perspective on the law pervades Paul's theology. The law isn't evil or obsolete, but neither is it the means of justification or sanctification. Understanding the law's proper use requires recognizing both its value and its limitations. The law reveals God's character, exposes sin, drives people to Christ, and guides Christian living—but it cannot save, justify, or empower holy living. Only the gospel provides these.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's complex relationship with the law required careful explanation throughout his ministry. Jewish opponents accused him of teaching against Moses and the law (Acts 21:28), while some converts misunderstood his gospel of grace as antinomianism (Romans 6:1). Paul consistently maintained that the law is good and holy while insisting that justification comes through faith in Christ alone, not works of law.

The issue was particularly acute in churches with both Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians, raised to revere the law as God's supreme revelation, struggled to understand its new relationship to them in Christ. Gentile Christians sometimes adopted aspects of Jewish law thinking it necessary for salvation or spiritual maturity. False teachers exploited this confusion, promoting law observance as essential while missing the gospel's radical newness.

Understanding the law's legitimate use distinguished authentic Christianity from both legalism (which makes law-keeping necessary for salvation) and antinomianism (which rejects any role for law in Christian life). The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) had addressed these issues, affirming salvation by grace through faith while establishing minimal requirements for Gentile believers to maintain fellowship with Jewish Christians.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between legitimate use of Old Testament law for instruction and illegitimate legalism?
  2. In what ways does the law drive you to Christ rather than becoming a means of self-righteousness?
  3. How can Christians maintain high moral standards without falling into performance-based acceptance before God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
Οἴδαμεν1 of 11

“we know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 11

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὅτι3 of 11

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καλὸς4 of 11

“is good”

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ὁ5 of 11
G3588

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

νόμος6 of 11

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἐάν7 of 11

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις8 of 11

“a man”

G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτῷ9 of 11

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

νομίμως10 of 11

“lawfully”

G3545

legitimately (specially, agreeably to the rules of the lists)

χρῆται11 of 11

“use”

G5530

to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e., (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act tow

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 7:12-13Romans 7:16Psalms 19:7-102 Timothy 2:5Galatians 3:21Psalms 119:127-128

Test Your Knowledge

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

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