nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now.
Parallel translations
- WEB and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith —
- KJV Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
- BSB or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
- NKJV nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
- NLT Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The false teachers were absorbed in myths and genealogies that bred arguments instead of advancing God's saving plan received by faith. It warns that speculative novelty distracts from the gospel.
Overview
Paul contrasts the empty disputes stirred by myths and endless genealogies with 'God's stewardship, which is in faith.' Such teaching produced controversy, not godliness or growth in grace. Healthy doctrine builds up the household of God and is received through faith in Christ, not endless speculation.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 17
- Titus 1:14not paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
- 1 Tim 4:7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.
- Titus 3:9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
- 2 Tim 4:4and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.
- 2 Pet 1:16For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- 1 Tim 6:3–5If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,
- 1 Tim 6:20Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge;
- 2 Tim 2:14Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
- Heb 13:9Don’t be carried away by various and strange teachings, for it is good that the heart be established by grace, not by food, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.
- 1 Tim 6:11But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
- 2 Tim 2:22Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
- 2 Tim 2:16–18But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
- 1 Tim 3:16Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.
- Eph 4:12–16for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;
- Titus 1:1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s chosen ones, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
- 2 Cor 1:12For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
- 2 Cor 7:9–10I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.
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There is 'one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all' — the mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh.
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Original language
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