1 Timothy 6:2b–3
Ταῦτα δίδασκε καὶ παρακάλει. εἴ τις ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ καὶ μὴ προσέρχεται ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις τοῖς τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τῇ κατ’ εὐσέβειαν διδασκαλίᾳ,
These things teach and exhort. If anyone teaches differently and does not come to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the teaching that accords with godliness,
Paul’s Imperatives to Timothy
Ταῦτα δίδασκε καὶ παρακάλει – “These things teach and exhort.”
- Ταῦτα – neuter plural demonstrative: “these things,” referring to the preceding instructions (including treatment of slaves).
- δίδασκε – present active imperative of διδάσκω, “keep on teaching.”
- παρακάλει – present active imperative of παρακαλέω, “keep on exhorting.” Often used for encouragement and urging godly behavior.
These twin commands characterize Timothy’s ongoing pastoral role: instructing and urging ethical, doctrinal fidelity.
A Warning Against Heterodoxy
εἴ τις ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ – “If anyone teaches differently…”
- εἴ τις – “if anyone,” indefinite conditional structure.
- ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ – present active indicative of ἑτεροδιδασκαλέω, a rare Pauline compound meaning “to teach something different.” Used only here and in 1 Tim 1:3. Implies deviation from apostolic tradition.
καὶ μὴ προσέρχεται ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις – “and does not come to sound words.”
- προσέρχεται – present middle indicative of προσέρχομαι, “to come near, to adhere.” Used metaphorically for aligning oneself with truth.
- μὴ – negation for non-indicative mood or general idea: “does not…”
- ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις – “healthy words,” dative plural. ὑγιαίνω means “to be healthy, sound.” Paul uses this term for wholesome doctrine that brings spiritual vitality (cf. Titus 1:9).
The Content of Sound Teaching
τοῖς τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ – “those of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- This phrase clarifies what the “sound words” are: teachings belonging to or proceeding from Jesus. Paul grounds Christian doctrine in the words and authority of the Lord himself.
καὶ τῇ κατ’ εὐσέβειαν διδασκαλίᾳ – “and the teaching that accords with godliness.”
- διδασκαλίᾳ – dative singular of διδασκαλία, “instruction, doctrine.”
- κατ’ εὐσέβειαν – “according to godliness,” where εὐσέβεια means piety or reverent living. The preposition κατά with accusative implies conformity or alignment with a moral-spiritual standard.
Summary Table
| Greek Phrase | Translation | Form | Function / Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ταῦτα δίδασκε καὶ παρακάλει | Teach and exhort these things | Imperative verbs | Pastoral charge to reinforce sound doctrine |
| εἴ τις ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ | if anyone teaches differently | Conditional clause | Signals deviation from apostolic teaching |
| μὴ προσέρχεται ὑγιαίνουσι λόγοις | does not come to sound words | Present indicative + dative | Rejects or avoids wholesome Christian teaching |
| τῇ κατ’ εὐσέβειαν διδασκαλίᾳ | the teaching that accords with godliness | Dative + prepositional phrase | Connects true doctrine to transformed living |
Closing Insight
Paul’s Greek in 1 Timothy 6:2b–3 creates a sharp contrast between truth and error. The warning is not just about heresy, but about refusing to embrace words that produce reverent lives. The structure of the sentence—commands, conditionals, and clear descriptors—reinforces the apostolic plea for doctrinal health and ethical fruit.
