King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:3 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:3 in the King James Version says “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doct... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

1 Timothy 6:3 · KJV


Context

1

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

2

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. faithful: or, believing

3

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

4

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, proud: or, a fool doting: or, sick

5

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. Perverse: or, Gallings one of another


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ (εἴ τις ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ καὶ μὴ προσέρχεται ὑγιαίνουσιν λόγοις τοῖς τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ei tis heterodidask­alei kai mē proserchetai hygiainousin logois tois tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou)—'if anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.' Heterodidaskaleo means to teach different doctrine. Hygiainō means to be healthy, sound.

And to the doctrine which is according to godliness (καὶ τῇ κατ' εὐσέβειαν διδασκαλίᾳ, kai tē kat' eusebeian didaskalia)—'and the teaching that accords with godliness.' Sound doctrine produces godly living. The false teachers in Ephesus taught novelties that didn't lead to eusebeia (godliness, piety) but to speculation and strife (1:4, 6:4).

The test of sound doctrine: does it align with Jesus' words and produce godliness? Teaching that contradicts Christ or fails to promote practical holiness is false, regardless of intellectual sophistication. Truth and life are inseparable—right belief leads to right living.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Ephesian false teachers promoted genealogies, myths, and ascetic practices (1:4, 4:3) that sounded spiritual but produced pride, controversy, and division rather than love and godliness. Paul insists authentic teaching must align with Jesus' words (the gospel tradition) and produce Christlike character. Theology divorced from godly living is dangerous deception.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does sound doctrine differ from false teaching—what are the marks of healthy teaching?
  2. Why does Paul insist doctrine must 'accord with godliness'—why link belief and behavior?
  3. What contemporary teachings contradict Christ or fail to produce godliness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
εἴ1 of 19
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις2 of 19
G5100

some or any person or object

ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ3 of 19

teach otherwise

G2085

to instruct differently

καὶ4 of 19

and

G2532

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

μὴ5 of 19

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

προσέρχεται6 of 19

consent

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

ὑγιαίνουσιν7 of 19

to wholesome

G5198

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

λόγοις8 of 19

words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

τοῖς9 of 19
G3588

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

τοῦ10 of 19
G3588

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

κυρίου11 of 19

Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν12 of 19

even the words of our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ13 of 19

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ14 of 19

Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ15 of 19

and

G2532

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

τῇ16 of 19
G3588

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

κατ'17 of 19

which is according

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

εὐσέβειαν18 of 19

to godliness

G2150

piety; specially, the gospel scheme

διδασκαλίᾳ19 of 19

to the doctrine

G1319

instruction (the function or the information)


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 6:3 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 6:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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