Bible Strands
1 Timothy 1:20
Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, closing a warning about those who have rejected conscience and shipwrecked their faith. He identifies two specific men from that group as subjects of disciplinary action.
The words — The Greek παρέδωκα (paredōka) translates literally as "I have handed over," indicating a decisive transfer of authority. The text names Hymenaeus and Alexander as the individuals handed over to Satan for corrective instruction.
The thread — The passage parallels the warning about false teachers in 2 Timothy 2:17, where Hymenaeus appears alongside Philetus. It also aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 11:32 that present divine judgment serves to discipline believers rather than condemn them with the world.
Why it lands — The text records a concrete boundary: persistent blasphemy triggers removal from the fellowship to force doctrinal correction. The reader must apply this by treating sound teaching as a non-negotiable requirement for community membership.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 5:4 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of the Lord Jesus,
- 1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.
- 2 Timothy 2:17 and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,
- 2 Thessalonians 3:15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
- Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- Acts 19:33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander forward to explain himself, and he motioned for silence so he could make his defense to the people.
- Revelation 13:5 The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.
- Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.
- 2 Corinthians 10:6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, as soon as your obedience is complete.
- 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.