But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.
Parallel translations
- KJV But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
- BSB But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
- NKJV But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
- NASB But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
- NLT Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.
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
Timothy is to reject godless myths and train himself for godliness. It calls ministers to disciplined pursuit of holiness.
Overview
Paul tells Timothy to refuse 'profane and old wives' fables' and instead 'exercise yourself toward godliness.' The athletic image stresses intentional, ongoing effort. Godliness, not speculation, is the proper aim of a servant of Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 15
- 2 Tim 2:16But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness,
- Titus 2:12instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;
- 1 Tim 1:4and not to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God’s stewardship, which is in faith —
- 2 Pet 1:5–8Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;
- Titus 3:9but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
- Heb 5:14But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
- 2 Tim 2:23But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
- 1 Tim 6:11But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
- Acts 24:16Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
- 2 Tim 4:4and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.
- 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 3:12Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
- Titus 1:14not paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
- 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.
- 1 Tim 2:10but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
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.
How 1 Timothy 4:7 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.