1 Timothy 4 1

1 Timothy 4:1 kjv

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

1 Timothy 4:1 nkjv

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

1 Timothy 4:1 niv

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

1 Timothy 4:1 esv

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

1 Timothy 4:1 nlt

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

1 Timothy 4 verses

1 Timothy 4 1 Meaning

The Spirit explicitly states that in later times, some will depart from the faith. This departure will be characterized by their giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.

1 Timothy 4 1 Context

First Timothy chapter 4 provides instruction to Timothy on handling the challenges and false teachings that would arise within the church in the "last days." This chapter is part of a larger letter from Paul to Timothy, addressing the order and conduct of the church. The preceding verses likely discussed maintaining sound doctrine and spiritual vitality. This verse specifically warns of a future falling away, emphasizing the need for vigilance in faith and teaching. Historically, this could refer to various periods of doctrinal deviation within church history, culminating in an ultimate apostasy prophesied for the end times.

1 Timothy 4 1 Word Analysis

• deutero (δεύτερο): "second" or "later." Here it refers to future times, emphasizing a point in time after the initial establishment of the church. It signifies not necessarily the immediate future, but a developed or advanced stage of events.

• eschatos (ἔσχατος): "last" or "final." Linked with chronos (χρόνος - time), "last times" or "latter times." This refers to the period leading up to Christ's return, a time characterized by increasing spiritual deception.

• apistantai (ἀφίστανται): "they depart" or "they fall away." This is a present middle indicative form of the verb aphistēmi (ἀφίστημι), meaning to stand away from, to desert, to revolt, or to depart from. It indicates a wilful turning away from something one previously held. In this context, it signifies a desertion of the Christian faith or foundational apostolic teaching.

• pisteos (πίστεως): "faith." This is the genitive case of pistis (πίστις), meaning faith, belief, trust, or faithfulness. It refers to the body of Christian doctrine and the state of belief.

• akouontes (ἀκούοντες): "listening to" or "heeding." This is the present active participle of the verb akouō (ἀκούω), meaning to hear, to listen, or to obey. It suggests an active engagement with and adherence to the subsequent teachings.

• pneumasi (πνεύμασιν): "spirits." This is the dative plural of pneuma (πνεῦμα), meaning spirit, wind, or breath. It is used here to refer to spiritual influences or beings. The dative case indicates the source or object of their heeding.

• planos (πλανῶν): "deceitful" or "erring." This is the genitive singular of the adjective plános (πλανός), meaning wandering, straying, or causing to stray; deceptive, leading into error.

• didaskalais (διδασκαλίαις): "teachings." This is the dative plural of didaskalia (διδασκαλία), meaning teaching, doctrine, or instruction. It refers to the content of what is taught.

• daimoniōn (δαίμονίων): "demons." This is the genitive plural of daimōn (δαίμων), a term used for supernatural beings, often evil spirits or demons. It indicates the ultimate source or origin of these teachings.

• Deceitful spirits and teachings of demons: This phrase points to a dual nature of the apostasy. It involves both supernatural entities (demons) and the doctrines they promote, which are designed to lead people astray. This aligns with other scriptural warnings about the active influence of the adversary in promoting false doctrine.

1 Timothy 4 1 Bonus Section

The phrase "in later times" (ἔσχατος καιρός) points to a recurring theme in Pauline theology, looking towards the consummation of the age and the inevitable spiritual opposition that would intensify as that time approached. The term aphistēmi implies not just passive drifting, but an active turning away from something one was once committed to. This highlights the seriousness of apostasy—it is a conscious rebellion. The identification of the source as "spirits of deceit and teachings of demons" emphasizes that these false doctrines are not merely human error, but have a deliberate supernatural origin aimed at leading humanity away from God. The parallel with Jesus' warnings in Matthew 24 and Paul's admonitions in 2 Thessalonians 2, and Peter's warnings in 2 Peter 2, underscores the persistent nature of these deceptive forces throughout church history and their predicted culmination in a final, significant falling away.

1 Timothy 4 1 Commentary

This verse is a critical prophecy within the pastoral epistles, forewarning the church about future deviations from true doctrine. The departure mentioned is not a casual disagreement but a significant desertion of fundamental Christian faith and practice. The sources of this deviation are identified as demonic, highlighting the spiritual warfare aspect of preserving truth. Believers are urged to discern between divine instruction and deceptive influences that mimic religious teaching, often dressed in persuasive arguments or appealing doctrines that subtly undermine the core of the gospel. This calls for attentiveness to the Holy Spirit's guidance and a commitment to the sound doctrine passed down through the apostles.