1 Timothy 1:6
What does 1 Timothy 1:6 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:6 means
Some teachers have missed the target of love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. They have veered off course and turned to empty talk—impressive words without spiritual weight. When love and integrity are abandoned, speech becomes hollow and unprofitable. This deviation warns that theological error is not only about content but also about aim and character. Such “vain talking” can sound authoritative yet fails to build up the church. Paul alerts Timothy to evaluate ministries not by verbosity or novelty but by fidelity to the gospel and the practical fruit of transformed lives.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking;
KJV
King James Version · 1611From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901from which things some having swerved have turned aside unto vain talking;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949From which some have been turned away, giving themselves to foolish talking;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862from which certain, having swerved, did turn aside to vain discourse,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752From which things some, going astray, are turned aside unto vain babbling:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890which [things] some having missed, have turned aside to vain discourse,
Context
This verse follows the stated goal of instruction in verse 5 and shows what happens when that goal is forsaken. The description sets up the next verse, where Paul identifies the pretensions of the erring teachers: they aspire to be authorities on the law. The flow is logical: from the positive target, to the deviation, to the claimed expertise that masks ignorance. This prepares for Paul’s teaching in verses 8–11 about the right use of the law, contrasting it with the misuse that fuels controversy and empty speech.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Titus 1:10
For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision,
- 2 Timothy 2:23
But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.
- 2 Timothy 4:10
for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
- 2 Timothy 2:18
men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.
- 1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard that which is committed unto thee, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
- 1 Timothy 6:4
he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Eternity of God
God’s endless existence, without beginning or end, assures His faithfulness and unchanging nature through all generations.
Topic
Bible Verses About Guilt
Guilt is a natural human emotion, but the Bible offers a path to freedom through confession, repentance, and God's forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…