1 Timothy 1:8
What does 1 Timothy 1:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 1:8 means
Paul asserts that the law is good when used lawfully. The fault lies not with the law but with those who misuse it. A proper use recognizes the law’s role in revealing sin, restraining evil, and pointing to the need for grace. It is not a ladder for self-righteousness or a field for speculative debates. In affirming the law’s goodness, Paul guards against antinomian dismissal while opposing legalistic abuse. Timothy is to recover the law’s ethical and convicting function within the gospel framework, honoring God’s revelation without turning it into a system that obscures Christ and burdens consciences improperly.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully,
KJV
King James Version · 1611But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We are conscious that the law is good, if a man makes a right use of it,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and we have known that the law <FI>is<Fi> good, if any one may use it lawfully;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now we know that the law [is] good if any one uses it lawfully,
Context
Having critiqued the pseudo-law teachers, Paul now affirms the law’s goodness, preventing a swing to the opposite error. This statement sets up the detailed list in verses 9–10 that shows for whom the law is laid down: not the righteous but the lawless and ungodly. The transition is key: instead of abstract speculation, Paul grounds lawful use in moral reality. The next verses will align this moral clarity with sound doctrine and, ultimately, with the gospel entrusted to Paul (v. 11).
v.7desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.
v.8This passage
v.9as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 19:7
The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul: The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.
- Romans 7:16
But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good.
- Psalms 119:127
Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold, yea, above fine gold.
- Romans 7:18
For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not.
- Romans 12:2
And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
- 2 Timothy 2:5
And if also a man contend in the games, he is not crowned, except he have contended lawfully.
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