Bible Strands
1 Timothy 1:6
Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy to correct leaders who are misapplying the law. This instruction occurs during a pastoral address aimed at preserving doctrinal integrity in the Ephesian church.
The words — ἀστοχὴσαντες (astochēsanres) literally means having missed the mark, while ματαιολογίαν (mataiologian) translates to meaningless discourse. The text states that certain individuals have abandoned the intended goal and shifted their focus to empty speech.
The thread — The same critique of empty speech runs through Titus 1:10, 2 Timothy 2:23, and 1 Timothy 6:20. These passages consistently record warnings against doctrinal deviation that replaces practical godliness with divisive speculation.
Why it lands — The text demands a rejection of teaching that abandons love, a clear conscience, and sincere faith. Readers must evaluate their own instruction against the standard of practical obedience rather than abstract controversy.
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
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
Cross-references
- Titus 1:10 For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision,
- 2 Timothy 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
- 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”
- Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
- 1 Timothy 5:15 For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
- 2 Timothy 2:18 who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.
- 2 Timothy 4:10 because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
- 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,