1 Timothy 6 11

1 Timothy 6:11 kjv

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

1 Timothy 6:11 nkjv

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

1 Timothy 6:11 niv

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

1 Timothy 6:11 esv

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

1 Timothy 6:11 nlt

But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

1 Timothy 6 verses

1 Timothy 6 11 meaning

This verse serves as a crucial ethical and spiritual charge from Paul to Timothy, his protégé, in stark contrast to the preceding warnings against false teaching and the dangers of wealth. It calls for an urgent, decisive break from worldly vices and an equally urgent and active pursuit of core Christian virtues. Timothy, addressed as a "man of God," is exhorted to exemplify a life characterized by spiritual discipline, moral uprightness, and unwavering devotion, thereby setting a standard for all believers, particularly those in leadership. The imperatives emphasize continuous and deliberate action in both fleeing evil and actively seeking righteousness and other godly qualities.

1 Timothy 6 11 Context

First Timothy is a pastoral epistle written by Paul to Timothy, his spiritual son and a leader overseeing the church in Ephesus. Chapter 6 specifically addresses various dangers facing the church, primarily the temptation of materialism and the influence of false teachers who twisted faith for financial gain (1 Tim 6:3-10). These false teachers fostered envy, strife, and speculation, leading people away from the truth. In direct opposition to this destructive path, Paul contrasts their motivations and behaviors with the proper conduct expected of Timothy, whom he addresses with a significant title, urging him to model true Christian devotion. This verse acts as a pivot, shifting from warnings against error and covetousness to positive injunctions for virtuous living and ministerial integrity.

1 Timothy 6 11 Word analysis

• But you (ἀλλὰ σύ - alla sy): The conjunction "but" marks a sharp and strong contrast to the previous verses, which described the ungodly pursuits of those who love money (1 Tim 6:9-10). "You" is emphatic, singling out Timothy from those whose conduct is condemned. It signifies a personal charge and distinction for someone in spiritual leadership.
• O man of God (ὦ ἄνθρωπε θεοῦ - ō anthrōpe theou): This is a weighty and esteemed title, predominantly used in the Old Testament for prophets like Moses (Deut 33:1), Samuel (1 Sam 9:6), Elijah (1 Kgs 17:18), and Elisha (2 Kgs 4:7). In the New Testament, it is rare (here and 2 Tim 3:17) and designates Timothy not merely as a believer but as a chosen servant of God with a divine commission, calling, and specific responsibilities to live up to this high standard in his ministry and personal conduct.
• flee (φεύγε - pheuge): A strong, present active imperative verb, meaning to take flight, run away from, or shun something. It denotes an urgent and continuous action of decisive escape, as from a grave danger. It specifically refers to "these things" (love of money, harmful desires, useless disputes) mentioned in the preceding verses. It's not passive avoidance, but an active, vigorous sprint away from spiritual harm.
• these things (ταῦτα - tauta): Refers directly to the ungodly attitudes, teachings, and behaviors detailed in 1 Tim 6:3-10, especially the love of money, empty chatter, envy, strife, and ruinous desires that drown people in destruction.
• and pursue (δὲ δίωκε - de diōke): The particle "and" indicates a parallel and equally strong imperative action. "Pursue" is also a present active imperative, meaning to chase, seek earnestly, or press on toward a goal. It implies sustained effort and aggressive dedication, much like a hunter or a runner striving for the finish line. It's the counterpoint to fleeing – a purposeful moving towards.
• righteousness (δικαιοσύνην - dikaiosynēn): Refers to moral integrity, upright conduct, justice, and conformity to God's will and character. It encompasses right relationship with God and right conduct towards others, emphasizing a life that reflects divine standards.
• godliness (εὐσέβειαν - eusebeian): Denotes practical piety, reverence towards God, and devotion expressed in actions and attitudes. It's living a life that honors God, marked by a deep respect and submission to Him, contrasting with hypocritical piety or mere external religion.
• faith (πίστιν - pistis): Can refer to trust in God, faithfulness, loyalty, or integrity. In this context, it encompasses both unwavering belief in God and steadfast loyalty and reliability in one's character and actions.
• love (ἀγάπην - agapēn): Refers to self-sacrificing, unconditional, divine love—the highest form of love. It is not based on emotion but on deliberate choice, prioritizing the well-being of others and reflecting God's nature.
• steadfastness (ὑπομονήν - hypomonēn): Signifies patient endurance, perseverance, and constancy under pressure or trial. It's the ability to remain firm and not lose hope or surrender in difficult circumstances, a crucial quality for any believer, especially a minister.
• gentleness (πραῢτητα - praÿtēta): Implies meekness, humility, courtesy, and a spirit of strength under control, not weakness. It's a gracious and mild disposition that can be firm without being harsh, particularly important for handling disputes and correcting others.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "But you, O man of God": This opening sets a deeply personal and significant tone. Paul doesn't address Timothy merely as a church member, but as God's designated representative, amplifying the call to exemplary conduct. It serves as both an honorific and a responsibility.
• "flee these things and pursue": These two vigorous imperatives create a powerful dual command. "Flee" demands immediate and decisive abandonment of detrimental worldly and spiritual influences, while "pursue" requires active, sustained effort in cultivating godly characteristics. It's a complete redirection of life's energy.
• "righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness": This specific list of six virtues is a holistic summary of ideal Christian character. They are not merely passive traits but active, dynamic qualities to be deliberately sought and embodied, presenting a comprehensive blueprint for spiritual maturity and ministerial effectiveness, covering one's vertical relationship with God (godliness, faith) and horizontal relationships with others (love, gentleness), sustained by an overall upright life (righteousness) and resilient spirit (steadfastness).

1 Timothy 6 11 Bonus section

The strong, present active imperatives "flee" (φεύγε) and "pursue" (δίωκε) emphasize not a one-time act but a continuous and decisive lifestyle choice. This ongoing battle and pursuit are central to the Christian walk. The Greek verb for "pursue" (diōke) can also mean "persecute," highlighting the intensity and vigor required; just as relentlessly as persecutors might chase Christians, believers must chase after righteousness. This implies an all-encompassing dedication and a disciplined resolve. The six virtues are carefully chosen, mirroring or complementing qualities found in other Pauline vice/virtue lists, demonstrating a consistent emphasis on core ethical and spiritual principles foundational for both personal godliness and effective leadership within the church. The combination of fleeing negativity and pursuing positivity provides a complete framework for practical sanctification.

1 Timothy 6 11 Commentary

First Timothy 6:11 is a potent apostolic mandate, marking a decisive shift from identifying perilous spiritual dangers to outlining the path of faithful Christian living, especially for leaders like Timothy. The address "man of God" is foundational, reminding Timothy of his unique calling and the elevated standard required of him, much like the Old Testament prophets who bore the title. This is not merely good advice but a command for active engagement in spiritual formation. The command to "flee" implies a recognition of genuine spiritual threat, requiring a vigorous disengagement from the corrupting influence of avarice, false teaching, and worldly ambitions. Simultaneously, the equally forceful command to "pursue" calls for an aggressive and persistent cultivation of virtues. The enumerated qualities—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness—form a balanced and comprehensive portrait of Christian excellence. These are not static attributes but dynamic pursuits, crucial for personal integrity, effective ministry, and the witness of the church in a challenging world. The verse underscores that spiritual growth involves both turning away from evil and consistently striving toward the good, defining a life consecrated to God.

• Example: When tempted to gossip (a "thing" to flee), a believer actively pursues love (speaking kindly) and gentleness (responding softly) instead.
• Example: In a prolonged challenge (necessitating steadfastness), a Christian pursues faith by trusting God's timing and righteousness by maintaining integrity despite pressure.