1 Timothy 1 20

1 Timothy 1:20 kjv

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 1:20 nkjv

of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 1:20 niv

Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 1:20 esv

among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

1 Timothy 1:20 nlt

Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.

1 Timothy 1 verses

1 Timothy 1 20 Meaning

The Apostle Paul names Hymenaeus and Alexander as individuals whose faith had been shipwrecked, and who were propagating teachings contrary to the sound doctrine of the gospel, effectively blaspheming God's truth. To correct them and prevent further damage to the church, Paul exercised apostolic authority by "delivering them to Satan." This act was a severe form of spiritual and possibly physical discipline, intended not for their ultimate destruction but for their humbling and reformation, specifically that they might learn to cease their blasphemous speech and teaching. It signifies their removal from the protective sphere of the church's fellowship and divine favor, subjecting them to external adversity with a redemptive aim.

1 Timothy 1 20 Context

This verse is situated within Paul's instruction to Timothy on combating false doctrine and maintaining sound teaching in the church at Ephesus. Chapter 1 begins with Paul establishing the true purpose of the Law – to expose sin and unrighteousness – in contrast to those who "devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies" (1:4) and who "teach different doctrine" (1:3). Paul charges Timothy to guard against these false teachers, specifically mentioning Hymenaeus and Alexander as prime examples. The chapter emphasizes the importance of a pure conscience and genuine faith (1:5, 1:19) for handling the gospel rightly. Paul contrasts his own conversion from a blasphemer and persecutor (1:13) to a faithful servant with the present actions of Hymenaeus and Alexander, who, despite perhaps being inside the church, are acting contrary to the faith they once professed. The disciplinary action against them underscores the seriousness of distorting Christian truth and its potential to cause spiritual harm within the community. This disciplinary measure aligns with the overall purpose of 1 Timothy: to guide Timothy in leading a church confronting doctrinal challenges.

1 Timothy 1 20 Word analysis

• whom (ὧν - hōn): A genitive plural relative pronoun, linking these individuals to those who "made shipwreck of their faith" in the preceding verse (1 Tim 1:19).
• are (ἐστιν - estin): The present active indicative of εἰμί (eimi), "to be." Simply indicates their current status among those who have failed.
• Hymenaeus (Ὑμέναιος - Hymenaios): A proper noun, identified as a specific individual. Also mentioned in 2 Tim 2:17 where his false teaching is specified: claiming the resurrection is already past.
• and (καὶ - kai): A simple conjunction.
• Alexander (Ἀλέξανδρος - Alexandros): A proper noun, also a specific individual. Potentially Alexander the coppersmith (2 Tim 4:14), who severely opposed Paul, though not explicitly stated as the same person.
• whom (οὕς - hous): A masculine accusative plural relative pronoun, direct object of "delivered."
• I have delivered (παρέδωκα - paredōka): Aorist active indicative of παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi). Means "to hand over," "surrender," "commit." This verb is often used in legal or disciplinary contexts, sometimes even for betrayals (e.g., Judas handing over Jesus) or divine judgments. Here, it denotes an exercise of apostolic authority, entrusting them to an outside power.
• to Satan (τῷ Σατανᾷ - tō Satana): Dative singular of Σατανᾶς (Satanas), "the Adversary" or "the Accuser." Indicates the recipient of the "handing over." This implies a removal from the direct protection or blessing of the believing community and God, subjecting them to Satan's sphere of influence for corrective purposes. It doesn't mean eternal condemnation but rather temporary exposure to the hardships or afflictions that Satan might inflict.
• that they may learn (παιδευθῶσιν - paideuthōsin): Aorist passive subjunctive of παιδεύω (paideuō), "to educate," "to train," "to discipline," "to chastise." The subjunctive mood indicates purpose, and the passive voice shows they are acted upon. This word clearly implies corrective discipline and instruction through harsh experience, rather than ultimate destruction or damnation. It is a severe but redemptive act.
• not to blaspheme (μὴ βλασφημεῖν - mē blasphemein): Negation (μή - mē) with present active infinitive of βλασφημέω (blasphemeō), "to speak impiously," "to revile," "to slander," "to defame." In this context, it refers to speaking evil against God, His truth, or His messengers, specifically by propagating false doctrine that undermines the gospel and sound teaching.

• "Hymenaeus and Alexander": These named individuals personalize the problem of false teaching. Their specific naming underlines the seriousness of their error and perhaps served as a warning to others. It also shows that the problem was not just abstract theological debate but concrete individuals causing real harm.
• "I have delivered to Satan": This phrase denotes a significant, authoritative act by Paul. It's an act of apostolic church discipline. The "delivery to Satan" implies removing them from the spiritual protection inherent in Christian fellowship and entrusting them to the "realm" of Satan, where they might experience hardship, perhaps even physical affliction (as hinted in 1 Cor 5:5), which could bring them to repentance.
• "that they may learn not to blaspheme": The purpose clause reveals the ultimate, redemptive intention behind this severe discipline. The aim is not eternal damnation or vindictive punishment, but corrective education. "Learn" (παιδευθῶσιν) emphasizes painful instruction and moral training. "Blaspheme" in this context refers to speaking contrary to, or in opposition to, sound doctrine and the truth of Christ, as exemplified by Hymenaeus's specific false teaching (2 Tim 2:17-18).

1 Timothy 1 20 Bonus section

The concept of "delivering to Satan" for corrective purposes suggests that even the realm of the adversary is, in a paradoxical sense, under the ultimate control of God and can be utilized by Him or His authorized servants to bring about good. It underscores God's sovereignty over all creation, including fallen powers. This disciplinary action also implies that false teaching is not a minor deviation but a grievous sin, often a direct blasphemy against the truth and character of God, demanding a response beyond mere debate or intellectual correction. The specific naming of individuals signifies that the church does not tolerate persistent, public error within its ranks and is willing to address it directly for the sake of the Body's purity and health.

1 Timothy 1 20 Commentary

1 Timothy 1:20 reveals the severity with which the early church, through apostolic authority, confronted flagrant false teaching and doctrinal deviation. Paul's act of "delivering to Satan" Hymenaeus and Alexander was an exercise of the "keys of the kingdom" – not merely excommunication, but an act of powerful spiritual discipline. It implied their removal from the spiritual protection of the believing community, exposing them to the natural consequences and potential afflictions that can occur when one steps outside divine grace and enters the adversarial realm. The objective, however, was explicitly remedial: "that they may learn not to blaspheme." This teaches us that even the most severe church discipline, when rightly applied, is intended for the repentance and restoration of the erring individual, not for their permanent damnation. The blasphemy here is more than just cursing God; it's the active subversion of God's truth through heretical teaching which destroys the faith of others. This verse provides a profound biblical principle: maintaining doctrinal purity and the integrity of the gospel sometimes requires decisive, even painful, disciplinary action, always with a view towards restoration and the honor of Christ's name.