1 Timothy 1:7
What does 1 Timothy 1:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:7 means
These individuals desire recognition as teachers of the law, but they lack true understanding. They speak with bold confidence yet do not grasp the content of their words or the implications of their assertions. Their problem is not zeal but ignorance wrapped in certainty. By claiming authority on the law while missing its purpose, they mislead others and inflate disputes. Paul exposes the danger of confident error: it carries persuasive force without truth. Timothy must not be intimidated by such bravado; he must measure teaching by the apostolic gospel and by the law’s intended function, not by the speaker’s self-assurance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Desiring to be teachers of the law, though they have no knowledge of what they say or of the statements which they make so certainly.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862willing to be teachers of law, not understanding either the things they say, nor concerning what they asseverate,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Desiring to be teachers of the law: understanding neither the things they say, nor whereof they affirm.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890desiring to be law-teachers, not understanding either what they say or concerning what they [so] strenuously affirm.
Context
This verse completes Paul’s initial profile of the false teachers: diverted from love, given to empty talk, and posturing as law experts. It bridges to the corrective in verses 8–11, where Paul affirms the goodness of the law when rightly used. The chapter’s flow moves from problem (different doctrine) to symptoms (speculation, vain talk) to root misunderstanding (law’s misuse), before turning to the gospel’s alignment with sound teaching. After clarifying law and gospel, Paul will illustrate God’s mercy through his own testimony (vv. 12–16).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 15:14
Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.
- Galatians 4:21
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
- Titus 1:10
For there are many unruly men, vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision,
- Jeremiah 8:8
How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of Jehovah is with us? But, behold, the false pen of the scribes hath wrought falsely.
- Galatians 3:2
This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
- Matthew 23:16
Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.
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