1 Timothy 6:5 kjv
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:5 nkjv
useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
1 Timothy 6:5 niv
and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
1 Timothy 6:5 esv
and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
1 Timothy 6:5 nlt
These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
1 Timothy 6 5 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 6:5 | "...supposing that godliness is a means of gain." | Implies misinterpreting Godliness |
| Matthew 6:24 | "No one can serve two masters..." | Conflict between God & Riches |
| Luke 12:15 | "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness..." | Warning against Greed |
| Philippians 4:11-13 | "...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." | Contentment vs. Gain |
| Hebrews 13:5 | "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have..." | Contentment urged |
| 1 John 2:15 | "Do not love the world or the things in the world..." | Worldly vs. Godly focus |
| Romans 1:29 | "...full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness..." | Associated corruptions |
| 2 Timothy 3:2 | "For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money..." | Signs of latter days |
| 2 Timothy 3:5 | "...having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power." | Form vs. Power |
| 1 Corinthians 6:10 | "...nor thieves, nor the greedy..." | Exclusions from Kingdom |
| Proverbs 15:27 | "Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own house..." | Consequences of greed |
| Proverbs 20:21 | "An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning won't be blessed in the end." | Disapproval of hasty gain |
| Ecclesiastes 5:10 | "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver..." | Insatiability of Greed |
| Jeremiah 17:11 | "Like a partridge that broods over eggs which it has not laid..." | Futility of ill-gotten gain |
| Matthew 16:26 | "For what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" | Value of Soul over World |
| 1 Peter 5:2-3 | "...not by coercion but willingly, not greedily but eagerly..." | True Shepherds |
| James 5:1-3 | "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you." | Warning to the wealthy |
| Galatians 6:7 | "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked..." | Principle of Sowing/Reaping |
| Colossians 3:5 | "Put to death therefore whatever belongs to your earthly nature..." | Mortifying Sinful Desires |
| Romans 13:14 | "...do not make provision for the flesh to gratify its desires." | Control over Fleshly Lusts |
| Ephesians 5:3 | "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named..." | Prohibition of Covetousness |
| Titus 1:7 | "For a bishop must be above reproach..." | Character of Leaders |
1 Timothy 6 verses
1 Timothy 6 5 Meaning
This verse warns against a corrupted mindset focused on material gain, which is seen as a deviation from true godliness. It signifies that the pursuit of wealth can distort one's spiritual understanding and lead them away from righteousness. It emphasizes that such individuals have a flawed perspective on piety, equating it with financial profit rather than with holy living.
1 Timothy 6 5 Context
This verse appears in a section of 1 Timothy (chapters 4-6) where Paul is providing instruction to Timothy regarding church leadership, false teachings, and practical Christian living. The immediate context is a warning against false teachers who have avarice as their motive. They would distort God's truth to profit financially, leading people astray by promoting a warped view of piety that equates spiritual prosperity with material wealth. Paul stresses the importance of true godliness as having intrinsic value and leading to contentment, regardless of financial circumstances. The letter itself is addressed to Timothy, a young minister tasked with leading and shaping the church in Ephesus, a city known for its economic prosperity and potential for materialistic influence.
1 Timothy 6 5 Word Analysis
epʹisyggízō (ἐπισυγγίζω) - comes from "upon" and "gather" or "approach". Here, it implies approaching or assuming a wrong conclusion or perception about godliness.
hēgeōmai (ἡγέομαι) - to think, suppose, consider, or deem. It denotes a belief or a subjective judgment formed by an individual.
pornisteía (πορνεία) - fornication, illicit sexual intercourse. In this context, it broadens to include any form of unchastity or immorality that corrupts the spirit.
áschēmosýnē (ἀσχήμoσύνη) - shamefulness, indecency, deformity. It points to conduct that is unbecoming or dishonorable, often associated with moral corruption.
kerdos (κέρδος) - gain, profit, advantage, lucre. In this verse, it specifically refers to monetary or material gain.
mystikéō (μυστικέω) - to initiate into mysteries, to understand spiritually. The negative implies an absence of true spiritual understanding.
mystérion (μυστήριον) - mystery, secret rite. It refers to divine truths or workings previously hidden but now revealed.
supposing that godliness is a means of gain: This phrase highlights a warped theology where faith and religious practice are viewed as tools for financial enrichment. This contradicts the biblical emphasis on contentment and spiritual rewards over material wealth. The opposite of this erroneous belief is the understanding that true godliness brings internal peace and spiritual riches, not necessarily financial profit.
from such men, keep away: This is a strong directive to disassociate from individuals who hold and propagate these harmful views. It underscores the contagious nature of false doctrine and the need to protect oneself and the community from its influence.
1 Timothy 6 5 Bonus Section
The concept of "gain" (kerdos) being mistakenly associated with godliness touches upon themes found in ancient Hellenistic cults where religious rituals could be linked to perceived material benefits. Paul's instruction here acts as a safeguard against such syncretism. The underlying idea that true spiritual understanding is like an initiation ("mysteries") further distinguishes genuine Christian insight from the manipulative tactics of those motivated by material profit. This verse strongly supports the doctrine of separation from false teachings and the essential nature of contentment in the Christian life.
1 Timothy 6 5 Commentary
This verse is a stern warning against a distorted view of godliness where spiritual devotion is primarily seen as a path to personal enrichment. False teachers, driven by greed, would exploit religious sentiment to profit materially. True godliness, conversely, is an inner state characterized by righteousness, contentment, and an eternal perspective. It is not a transaction for earthly rewards but a transformation by God's grace that leads to true spiritual wealth and peace. The faithful are commanded to separate themselves from those who promote this self-serving and shallow interpretation of faith to safeguard the purity of doctrine and life.
- Practical application: Recognize when religious teachings focus excessively on material prosperity as a primary outcome of faith. Cultivate contentment with what God has provided.
- Example: A minister consistently promising wealth to all who give generously to the church, while neglecting the teaching of selfless service and spiritual discipline.