1 Timothy 4:7
What does 1 Timothy 4:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Timothy 4:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Timothy 4:7 means
Timothy must refuse irreverent, empty stories—sensational speculations that masquerade as wisdom but do not promote godliness. Instead, he is to train himself for godliness, treating spiritual growth like an athlete treats preparation: deliberate, repeated, and focused. This involves shaping habits, desires, and priorities around the knowledge of God. Avoiding falsehood is not enough; the void must be filled with disciplined pursuit of Christlike character. Paul contrasts the shallow pull of “fables” with the substantive work of training, reminding Timothy that godly life does not happen by accident. The minister’s inner life requires as much intentional effort as his public work, because character sustains teaching and resists deception.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:
KJV
King James Version · 1611But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but refuse profane and old wives’ fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But have nothing to do with unclean and foolish stories. Give yourself training in religion:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the profane and old women's fables reject thou, and exercise thyself unto piety,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But avoid foolish and old wives fables: and exercise thyself unto godliness.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But profane and old wives' fables avoid, but exercise thyself unto piety;
Context
Following the call to nourish the church with sound doctrine, Paul gives a negative and positive directive: reject myths and embrace training in godliness. This continues the shift from merely opposing error to building spiritual strength. The athletic metaphor anticipates the next verse’s comparison between bodily exercise and godliness, highlighting the lasting value of the latter. The flow underscores priorities: avoid what distracts, invest in what endures, and let disciplined piety shape both personal life and public ministry.
v.6If 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:
v.7This passage
v.8for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
- 2 Peter 1:5
Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge;
- 2 Timothy 2:23
But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.
- 1 Timothy 1:4
neither to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questionings, rather than a dispensation of God which is in faith; so do I now.
- Acts 24:16
Herein I also exercise myself to have a conscience void of offence toward God and men always.
- Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
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