1 Timothy 1:3
What does 1 Timothy 1:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:3 means
Paul reminds Timothy of his assignment in Ephesus: to command certain people not to teach a different doctrine. The verb is strong—Timothy must issue orders, not suggestions. False teaching does not merely offer an alternative viewpoint; it threatens the church’s health. The mention of Macedonia shows this was not a hasty directive but a deliberate pastoral strategy. Sound doctrine guards the gospel and protects believers. Timothy is to exercise his authority for the sake of truth and love, ensuring that the congregation hears teaching consistent with the apostolic message rather than fashionable speculations or distortions.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,
KJV
King James Version · 1611As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949It was my desire, when I went on into Macedonia, that you might make a stop at Ephesus, to give orders to certain men not to put forward a different teaching,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862according as I did exhort thee to remain in Ephesus--I going on to Macedonia--that thou mightest charge certain not to teach any other thing,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As I desired thee to remain at Ephesus when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some not to teach otherwise:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Even as I begged thee to remain in Ephesus, [when I was] going to Macedonia, that thou mightest enjoin some not to teach other doctrines,
Context
After blessing Timothy, Paul states the central issue: false teachers are at work in Ephesus. This charge frames the chapter. Verses 4–7 will describe the content and character of the error—fables, endless genealogies, and pretentious law-teaching—contrasting it with the true aim of instruction. The reminder of Timothy’s placement and purpose demonstrates Paul’s continued oversight of the churches. The flow moves from the fact of the charge (v. 3) to its specifics (v. 4) and then to the positive goal that should shape all teaching (v. 5).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 2:1
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, he that walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks:
- 1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now:
- Revelation 2:20
But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
- Philippians 2:24
but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly.
- Acts 19:1
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:
- Acts 18:19
And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
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