1 Timothy 4:1
What does 1 Timothy 4:1 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 4:1 means
Paul says the Holy Spirit has spoken clearly that a season will come when some who once professed faith will turn away. They will not merely drift; they will devote attention to spiritual influences that lead astray and to teachings that have a demonic origin. This unveils the true nature of false doctrine: beneath its attractive surface lies a hostile power opposing God’s truth. The warning is sober but not hopeless. It calls believers to discernment, to measure every message by the apostolic gospel, and to recognize that departures from the faith have spiritual roots, not just intellectual misunderstandings. The remedy is to cling to sound teaching and the Spirit who first warned of these dangers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the Spirit says clearly that in later times some will be turned away from the faith, giving their minds to spirits of deceit, and the teachings of evil spirits,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the Spirit expressly speaketh, that in latter times shall certain fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now the Spirit manifestly saith that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error and doctrines of devils,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But the Spirit speaks expressly, that in latter times some shall apostatise from the faith, giving their mind to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons
Context
The chapter opens with a prophetic warning that explains why Timothy must deal firmly with error in Ephesus. Before addressing specifics, Paul exposes the source and seriousness of the threat: deception energized by evil spirits. This sets a grave tone and prepares the reader for the concrete examples that follow. After identifying the spiritual cause, Paul will describe the human agents of error and the content of their teaching, then contrast it with the goodness of God’s creation and the sanctifying power of Scripture and prayer.
v.1This passage
v.2through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Revelation 19:20
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone:
- 1 John 4:6
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
- 1 Peter 1:20
who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of the times for your sake,
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
- Ezekiel 38:16
and thou shalt come up against my people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land: it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring thee against my land, that the nations may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
- Hosea 3:5
afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek Jehovah their God, and David their king, and shall come with fear unto Jehovah and to his goodness in the latter days.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 1 Timothy 4
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 1 Timothy 4.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Hypocrisy
The Bible consistently warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and actions that align with one's beliefs.
Topic
Bible Verses About Spiritual Gifts
Explore what the Bible says about spiritual gifts, their purpose, and how believers are called to use them for God's glory.
Topic
Bible Verses About Blasphemy
Blasphemy in the Bible refers to irreverence shown toward God, holy things, and even people who represent God.
What the Bible says about…