King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:4 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:4 in the King James Version says “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, ev... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 6:4 · KJV


Context

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

6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He is proud, knowing nothing (τετύφωται, μηδὲν ἐπιστάμενος, tetyphōtai, mēden epistamenos)—'he is puffed up with conceit, understanding nothing.' Typhoō means to be conceited, clouded with pride (used of elders in 3:6). Despite his arrogance, the false teacher knows nothing of real truth.

But doting about questions and strifes of words (ἀλλὰ νοσῶν περὶ ζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας, alla nosōn peri zētēseis kai logomachias)—'but having a morbid craving for controversies and quarrels about words.' Noseō means to be sick, diseased. Logomachia (only here in NT) means word-battles, semantic quarrels.

Whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings (ἐξ ὧν γίνεται φθόνος, ἔρις, βλασφημίαι, ὑπόνοιαι πονηραί, ex hōn ginetai phthonos, eris, blasphēmiai, hyponoiai ponērai)—from these come 'envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions.' False teaching produces relational poison, not godly love. The false teacher is intellectually sick, obsessed with disputes that breed division.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Greco-Roman world valued rhetoric, philosophical debate, and intellectual prowess. Some false teachers in Ephesus likely prided themselves on their sophistication—complex genealogies, elaborate myths, refined argumentation. Paul exposes their pretense: they're sick with pride, producing nothing but controversy and division. True wisdom produces peace and godliness (James 3:17-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does intellectual pride ('knowing nothing') lead to obsession with controversies?
  2. What fruit distinguishes false teaching (strife, slander) from sound doctrine (love, peace)?
  3. How can churches avoid the trap of valuing intellectual sophistication over godly wisdom?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
τετύφωται1 of 17

He is proud

G5187

to envelop with smoke, i.e., (figuratively) to inflate with self-conceit

μηδὲν2 of 17

nothing

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ἐπιστάμενος3 of 17

knowing

G1987

to put the mind upon, i.e., comprehend, or be acquainted with

ἀλλὰ4 of 17

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

νοσῶν5 of 17

doting

G3552

to be sick, i.e., (by implication, of a diseased appetite) to hanker after (figuratively, to harp upon)

περὶ6 of 17

about

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ζητήσεις7 of 17

questions

G2214

a searching (properly, the act), i.e., a dispute or its theme

καὶ8 of 17

and

G2532

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

λογομαχίας9 of 17

strifes of words

G3055

disputation about trifles ("logomachy")

ἐξ10 of 17

whereof

G1537

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

ὧν11 of 17
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γίνεται12 of 17

cometh

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

φθόνος13 of 17

envy

G5355

ill-will (as detraction), i.e., jealousy (spite)

ἔρις14 of 17

strife

G2054

a quarrel, i.e., (by implication) wrangling

βλασφημίαι15 of 17

railings

G988

vilification (especially against god)

ὑπόνοιαι16 of 17

surmisings

G5283

suspicion

πονηραί17 of 17

evil

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455


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 6:4 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 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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