Bible Strands
1 Timothy 5:15
For some have already turned aside to follow Satan.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul instructs Timothy on the administration of church widows during a period of doctrinal and practical correction. He addresses the specific situation of younger widows whose previous refusal to marry and manage households created a pattern of idleness.
The words — The verb ἐξετράπησαν (exetrapēsan) means "have turned aside," denoting a deliberate departure from a former course. Combined with ὀπίσω τοῦ σατανᾶ (opisō tou satana), the phrase literally describes moving after or following Satan.
The thread — The text's warning aligns with the defection patterns recorded in 2 Peter 2:2 and Jude 1:4, where individuals follow depravity or ungodly influences. The contrast between following corruption and escaping it through knowledge of Christ appears in 2 Peter 2:20.
Why it lands — The verse states that some widows abandoned their assigned duties and aligned themselves with spiritual opposition. It requires readers to evaluate whether their conduct creates occasion for slander or imposes an unnecessary burden on the believing community.
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
For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Cross-references
- 2 Peter 2:2 Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed.
- Jude 1:4 For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
- 2 Peter 2:20 If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.
- 1 Timothy 1:20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
- 1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.
- Philippians 3:18 For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
- 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.
- Matthew 4:10 “Away from Me, Satan!” Jesus told him. “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”
- 2 Timothy 1:15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
- 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.