Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;

Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,

10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

11 These things command and teach.

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

Honour widows that are widows indeed.

But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.

10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.

20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Greeting

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope,

To Timothy, a (A)true son in the faith:

(B)Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

No Other Doctrine

As I urged you (C)when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may [a]charge some (D)that they teach no other doctrine, (E)nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now (F)the purpose of the commandment is love (G)from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from [b]sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to (H)idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

But we know that the law is (I)good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is [c]contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the (J)blessed God which was (K)committed to my trust.

Glory to God for His Grace(L)

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has (M)enabled me, (N)because He counted me faithful, (O)putting me into the ministry, 13 although (P)I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an [d]insolent man; but I obtained mercy because (Q)I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 (R)And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, (S)with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 (T)This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that (U)Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to (V)the King eternal, (W)immortal, (X)invisible, to [e]God (Y)who alone is wise, (Z)be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Fight the Good Fight

18 This [f]charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are (AA)Hymenaeus and (AB)Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to (AC)blaspheme.

Pray for All Men

Therefore I [g]exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (AD)for kings and (AE)all who are in [h]authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and [i]reverence. For this is (AF)good and acceptable in the sight (AG)of God our Savior, (AH)who desires all men to be saved (AI)and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (AJ)For there is one God and (AK)one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (AL)who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (AM)for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth [j]in Christ and not lying—(AN)a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Men and Women in the Church

I desire therefore that the men pray (AO)everywhere, (AP)lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the (AQ)women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and [k]moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 (AR)but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And (AS)I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

Qualifications of Overseers

This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a [l]bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not [m]given to wine, not violent, [n]not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not [o]covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a [p]novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the (AT)snare of the devil.

Qualifications of Deacons

Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, (AU)not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the [q]mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not [r]slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons (AV)obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The Great Mystery

14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and [s]ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the [t]mystery of godliness:

(AW)God[u] was manifested in the flesh,
(AX)Justified in the Spirit,
(AY)Seen by angels,
(AZ)Preached among the Gentiles,
(BA)Believed on in the world,
(BB)Received up in glory.

The Great Apostasy

Now the Spirit [v]expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed (BC)to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, (BD)speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience (BE)seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is [w]sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, (BF)nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But (BG)reject profane and old wives’ fables, and (BH)exercise yourself toward godliness. For (BI)bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, (BJ)having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end [x]we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, (BK)who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.

Take Heed to Your Ministry

12 Let no one [y]despise your youth, but be an (BL)example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, [z]in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to [aa]doctrine. 14 (BM)Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy (BN)with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Treatment of Church Members

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.

Honor True Widows

Honor widows who are really widows. But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and (BO)to repay their parents; for this is [ab]good and acceptable before God. Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers (BP)night and day. But she who lives in [ac]pleasure is dead while she lives. And these things command, that they may be blameless. But if anyone does not provide for his own, (BQ)and especially for those of his household, (BR)he has denied the faith (BS)and is worse than an unbeliever.

Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

11 But [ad]refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first [ae]faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing [af]man or woman has widows, let them [ag]relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

Honor the Elders

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, (BT)“You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, (BU)“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except (BV)from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the [ah]elect angels that you observe these things without (BW)prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor (BX)share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent [ai]infirmities.

24 Some men’s sins are (BY)clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

Honor Masters

Let as many (BZ)bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Error and Greed

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to (CA)wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, (CB)and to the [aj]doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, [ak]useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. [al]From (CC)such withdraw yourself.

Now godliness with (CD)contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, [am]and it is (CE)certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be (CF)content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Good Confession

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus (CG)who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only [an]Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in (CH)unapproachable light, (CI)whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

Instructions to the Rich

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain (CJ)riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things (CK)to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 (CL)storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Guard the Faith

20 O Timothy! (CM)Guard what was committed to your trust, (CN)avoiding the profane and [ao]idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.

Grace be with you. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 1:3 command
  2. 1 Timothy 1:5 Lit. unhypocritical
  3. 1 Timothy 1:10 opposed
  4. 1 Timothy 1:13 violently arrogant
  5. 1 Timothy 1:17 NU the only God,
  6. 1 Timothy 1:18 command
  7. 1 Timothy 2:1 encourage
  8. 1 Timothy 2:2 a prominent place
  9. 1 Timothy 2:2 dignity
  10. 1 Timothy 2:7 NU omits in Christ
  11. 1 Timothy 2:9 discretion
  12. 1 Timothy 3:1 Lit. overseer
  13. 1 Timothy 3:3 addicted
  14. 1 Timothy 3:3 NU omits not greedy for money
  15. 1 Timothy 3:3 loving money
  16. 1 Timothy 3:6 new convert
  17. 1 Timothy 3:9 hidden truth
  18. 1 Timothy 3:11 malicious gossips
  19. 1 Timothy 3:15 foundation, mainstay
  20. 1 Timothy 3:16 hidden truth
  21. 1 Timothy 3:16 NU Who
  22. 1 Timothy 4:1 explicitly
  23. 1 Timothy 4:5 set apart
  24. 1 Timothy 4:10 NU we labor and strive,
  25. 1 Timothy 4:12 look down on your youthfulness
  26. 1 Timothy 4:12 NU omits in spirit
  27. 1 Timothy 4:13 teaching
  28. 1 Timothy 5:4 NU, M omit good and
  29. 1 Timothy 5:6 indulgence
  30. 1 Timothy 5:11 Refuse to enroll
  31. 1 Timothy 5:12 Or solemn promise
  32. 1 Timothy 5:16 NU omits man or
  33. 1 Timothy 5:16 give aid to
  34. 1 Timothy 5:21 chosen
  35. 1 Timothy 5:23 illnesses
  36. 1 Timothy 6:3 teaching
  37. 1 Timothy 6:5 NU, M constant friction
  38. 1 Timothy 6:5 NU omits the rest of v. 5.
  39. 1 Timothy 6:7 NU omits and it is certain
  40. 1 Timothy 6:15 Sovereign
  41. 1 Timothy 6:20 empty chatter