Bible Strands
1 Timothy 6:3
If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy in Ephesus to warn church leaders about false instruction. This directive follows immediate instructions on how slaves with believing masters should conduct themselves.
The words — The Greek ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ (heterodidaskalei) literally means "teaches a different doctrine," while ὑγιαίνουσιν λόγοις (hugiainousin logois) translates to "sound words" or healthy teachings. These terms establish the baseline for evaluating religious instruction.
The thread — This warning echoes Paul’s command to stop false teaching (1 Timothy 1:3), his description of such teachers as conceited and controversy-driven (1 Timothy 6:4), and his charge to avoid those creating divisions contrary to apostolic instruction (Romans 16:17).
Why it lands — The text identifies deviation from Christ’s sound words and godly teaching as a defining mark of false instruction. Readers must evaluate any teaching against this apostolic standard rather than entertaining novel doctrines.
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
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Cross-references
- 1 Timothy 1:3 As I urged you on my departure to Macedonia, you should stay on at Ephesus to instruct certain men not to teach false doctrines
- 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching
- Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
- 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
- Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the faithful word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound teaching and refute those who contradict it.
- 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
- Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.
- 1 Timothy 1:6 Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk.
- 1 Timothy 4:7 But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.