Devine Scripture

1 Timothy 1:20

What does 1 Timothy 1:20 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Timothy 1:20 means

Paul cites Hymenæus and Alexander as examples of those who made shipwreck of the faith. He says he delivered them to Satan, language indicating exclusion from the church’s protective fellowship, placing them back in the realm where Satan holds sway. The aim is corrective—that they might learn not to blaspheme. Discipline in the church is severe but redemptive, seeking repentance and restoration, not revenge. By naming names, Paul underscores the danger of false teaching and a seared conscience. Timothy is to see both the gravity of the threat and the pastoral purpose of firm action when the gospel and God’s honor are at stake.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

of whom is Hymenæus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

of whom is Hymenæus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Such are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have given up to Satan, so that they may say no more evil words against God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I did deliver to the Adversary, that they might be instructed not to speak evil.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander, whom I have delivered up to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may be taught by discipline not to blaspheme.

Context

Concluding the chapter, Paul gives a concrete case supporting his warning in verse 19. This sobering example shows what rejecting faith and a good conscience can produce and what decisive steps may be necessary. The mention of discipline ties back to the opening charge to confront different doctrine (v. 3) and forward to the broader instructions on church order that follow in the letter. The chapter thus ends with a clear call to vigilance, courage, and restorative intent in guarding sound doctrine and godly living.

v.19holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith:

v.20This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:15

    And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

  • 2 Timothy 3:2

    For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

  • 2 Corinthians 10:6

    and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down.

  • Acts 19:33

    And they brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made a defence unto the people.

  • Revelation 3:19

    As many as I love, I reprove and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

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