Bible Strands
1 Timothy 4:7
But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, within a passage on how to handle teaching and false doctrine among the brothers (v. 6).
The words — γυμνάζω (gumnazo) means "to train" or "to exercise," the same root as "gymnasium," and it carries directly into v. 8's comparison with physical training.
The thread — The same pattern of rejecting idle talk and pursuing godliness appears in 1 Timothy 1:4 (myths and endless genealogies), 2 Timothy 2:16 (irreverent, empty chatter), and Titus 2:12 (renouncing ungodliness and worldly passions).
Why it lands — The verse asks the reader to make a deliberate, repeated choice: stop feeding on idle stories and instead discipline themselves toward godliness the way an athlete trains.
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 refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
- Titus 2:12 It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
- 1 Timothy 1:4 or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
- 2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
- Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
- Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
- 1 Timothy 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
- 2 Timothy 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
- Acts 24:16 In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.
- 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,”