King James Version

What Does 1 Timothy 6:5 Mean?

1 Timothy 6:5 in the King James Version says “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such wit... — study this verse from 1 Timothy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

1 Timothy 6:5 · KJV


Context

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.

7

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth (διαπαρατριβαὶ διεφθαρμένων ἀνθρώπων τὸν νοῦν καὶ ἀπεστερημένων τῆς ἀληθείας, diaparatribai diephtharmenōn anthrōpōn ton noun kai apesterēmenōn tēs alētheias)—'constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth.' Diaparatribē (only here in NT) means constant wrangling, mutual irritation. Diaphtheirō means corrupted, destroyed. Apostereō means robbed of, deprived.

Supposing that gain is godliness (νομιζόντων πορισμὸν εἶναι τὴν εὐσέβειαν, nomizontōn porismon einai tēn eusebeian)—'imagining that godliness is a means of gain.' Porismos means profit, means of gain. The false teachers viewed religion as a money-making enterprise. From such withdraw thyself (ἀφίστασο ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων, aphistaso apo tōn toioutōn)—'withdraw from such people.' Separate, avoid fellowship.

Paul exposes the false teachers' motive: financial profit. They peddle religion for gain, a perennial problem (Titus 1:11, 2 Peter 2:3). Such men have corrupted minds and lost the truth. Timothy must withdraw from them—no compromise, no dialogue. Their ministry is mercenary, not faithful.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Itinerant teachers in the Greco-Roman world often charged fees for instruction. Some apparently entered Christian ministry for profit, using religion as a business. Paul repeatedly refused payment (Acts 20:33-35, 1 Corinthians 9:12-18) to distinguish gospel ministry from mercenary teaching. He exposes Ephesian false teachers as motivated by greed, not love for truth or people.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing ministry as means to financial gain corrupt both message and motives?
  2. Why must faithful ministers withdraw from those who peddle religion for profit?
  3. What warning signs indicate someone is using Christianity for personal gain?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
παραδιατριβαὶ1 of 18

Perverse disputings

G3859

misemployment, i.e., meddlesomeness

διεφθαρμένων2 of 18

of corrupt

G1311

to rot thoroughly, i.e., (by implication) to ruin (passively, decay utterly, figuratively, pervert)

ἀνθρώπων3 of 18

of men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τὸν4 of 18
G3588

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

νοῦν5 of 18

minds

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

καὶ6 of 18

and

G2532

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

ἀπεστερημένων7 of 18

destitute

G650

to despoil

τῆς8 of 18
G3588

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

ἀληθείας9 of 18

of the truth

G225

truth

νομιζόντων10 of 18

supposing

G3543

properly, to do by law (usage), i.e., to accustom (passively, be usual); by extension, to deem or regard

πορισμὸν11 of 18

that gain

G4200

furnishing (procuring), i.e., (by implication) money-getting (acquisition)

εἶναι12 of 18

is

G1511

to exist

τὴν13 of 18
G3588

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

εὐσέβειαν14 of 18

godliness

G2150

piety; specially, the gospel scheme

ἀφίστασο15 of 18

withdraw thyself

G868

to remove, i.e., (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc

ἀπὸ16 of 18

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν17 of 18
G3588

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

τοιούτων18 of 18

such

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)


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 6:5 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 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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