Bible Strands
1 Timothy 1:8
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, addressing false teachers in Ephesus who claim authority to teach the law while fundamentally misunderstanding its function.
The words — The verse centers on καλός (kalos), literally "good" or "fitting," and νόμος (nomos), meaning "law." Paul states that the law's worth is confirmed when handled according to its intended design.
The thread — This claim directly parallels Romans 7:12 and Romans 7:16, which both affirm the law's inherent goodness, and reflects the description in Psalms 19:7 of God's law as perfect and trustworthy.
Why it lands — The text demands that readers examine their own application of Scripture, ensuring they align with its proper purpose rather than exploiting it for personal assertion or confusion.
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
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
Cross-references
- Romans 7:12 So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.
- Psalms 19:7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
- Romans 7:16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good.
- 2 Timothy 2:5 Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.
- Psalms 119:127 Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.
- Galatians 3:21 Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law.
- Nehemiah 9:13 You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments.
- Psalms 119:96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit.
- Romans 7:22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law.
- Deuteronomy 4:6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the sight of the peoples, who will hear of all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.”