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Selected Verse: 1 Timothy 4:7 - Strong Concordance
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Ti 4:7 |
Strong Concordance |
But [1161] refuse [3868] profane [952] and [2532] old wives [1126]' fables [3454], and [1161] exercise [1128] thyself [4572] rather unto [4314] godliness [2150]. |
| |
King James |
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
refuse--reject, avoid, have nothing to do with (Ti2 2:23; Tit 3:10).
old wives' fables--anile myths (Ti1 1:4, Ti1 1:9; Tit 1:14). They are "profane," because leading away from "godliness" or "piety" (Ti1 1:4-7; Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:16; Tit 1:1-2).
exercise thyself--literally, "exercise thyself" as one undergoing training in a gymnasium. Let thy self-discipline be not in ascetical exercises as the false teachers (Ti1 4:3, Ti1 4:8; compare Ti2 2:22-23; Heb 5:14; Heb 12:11), but with a view to godliness or "piety" (Ti1 6:11-12). |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
But refuse - That is, refuse to pay attention to them, or reject them. Do not consider them of sufficient importance to occupy your time.
Profane - The word here used does not mean that the fables here referred to were blasphemous or impious in their character, but that they had not the character of true religion; Ti2 2:16.And old wives' - Old women's stories; or such as old women held to be important. The word is used here, as it is often with us, in the sense of silly.
Fables - Fictions, or stories that were not founded on fact. The pagan religion abounded with fictions of this kind, and the Jewish teachers were also remarkable for the number of such fables which they had introduced into their system. It is probable that the apostle referred here particularly to the Jewish fables, and the counsel which he gives to Timothy is, to have nothing to do with them.
And exercise thyself rather unto godliness - Rather than attempt to understand those fables. Do not occupy your time and attention with them, but rather cultivate piety, and seek to become more holy. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Shun (παραιτοῦ)
Comp. Ti1 5:11; Ti2 2:23; Tit 3:10. oP. The primary meaning is to ask as a favor (Mar 15:6; Heb 12:19). Mostly in this sense in lxx, as Sa1 20:6, Sa1 20:28. To deprecate; to prevent the consequences of an act by protesting against and disavowing it, as 3 Macc. 6:27. To beg off, get excused, as Luk 14:18, Luk 14:19; 4 Macc. 11:2. To decline, refuse, avoid, as here, Act 25:11; Heb 12:25.
Profane
See on Ti1 1:9, and comp. Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:16; Heb 12:16.
Old wives' (γραωδεις)
N.T.o. olxx. From γραῦς an old woman, and εἶδος form.
Fables (μύθους)
See on Ti1 1:4, and comp. Ti2 4:4; Tit 1:14; Pe2 1:16.
Exercise (γύμναζε)
oP. Only here in Pastorals. Heb 5:14; Heb 12:11; Pe2 2:14. From γυμνός naked. In Class. Of training naked in gymnastic exercises; also, metaphorically, of training for or practicing an art or profession. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Like those who were to contend in the Grecian games, exercise thyself unto godliness - Train thyself up in holiness of heart and life, with the utmost labour, vigour, and diligence. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
But refuse profane and old wives' fables - This seems to refer particularly to the Jews, whose Talmudical writings are stuffed with the most ridiculous and profane fables that ever disgraced the human intellect. It may with equal propriety be applied to the legends of the Romish Church. Let any man read the Aurea Legenda, and he will find of profane and old wives' fables what may stand, with considerable propriety, column for column with the Talmud. See Joseline's Life of St. Patrick for miracles, without rhyme or reason, abundantly more numerous and more stupendous than all the necessary ones wrought by Jesus Christ and his apostles. This is enough to persuade a man that the Spirit of God had these very corruptions and this corrupt Church particularly in view.
Exercise thyself rather unto godliness - To understand this expression it is necessary to know that the apostle alludes here to the gymnastic exercises among the Greeks, which were intended as a preparation for, their contests at the public games. They did this in order to obtain a corruptible or fading crown, i. e, a chaplet of leaves, which was the reward of those who conquered in those games; Timothy was to exercise himself unto godliness, that he might be prepared for the kingdom of heaven, and there receive a crown that fadeth not away. See the notes on Co1 9:24, etc. |
11 But [1161] thou [4771], O [5599] man [444] of God [2316], flee [5343] these things [5023]; and [1161] follow after [1377] righteousness [1343], godliness [2150], faith [4102], love [26], patience [5281], meekness [4236].
12 Fight [75] the good [2570] fight [73] of faith [4102], lay hold on [1949] eternal [166] life [2222], whereunto [1519] [3739] thou art [2564] also [2532] called [2564], and [2532] hast professed [3670] a good [2570] profession [3671] before [1799] many [4183] witnesses [3144].
11 Now [1161] no [3956] [3756] chastening [3809] for [4314] [3303] the present [3918] seemeth [1380] to be [1511] joyous [5479], but [235] grievous [3077]: nevertheless [1161] afterward [5305] it yieldeth [591] the peaceable [1516] fruit [2590] of righteousness [1343] unto them which are exercised [1128] thereby [1223] [846].
14 But [1161] strong [4731] meat [5160] belongeth to them that are [2076] of full age [5046], even those who by reason [1223] of use [1838] have [2192] their senses [145] exercised [1128] to [4314] discern [1253] both [5037] good [2570] and [2532] evil [2556].
22 Flee [5343] also [1161] youthful [3512] lusts [1939]: but [1161] follow [1377] righteousness [1343], faith [4102], charity [26], peace [1515], with [3326] them that call on [1941] the Lord [2962] out of [1537] a pure [2513] heart [2588].
23 But [1161] foolish [3474] and [2532] unlearned [521] questions [2214] avoid [3868], knowing [1492] that [3754] they do gender [1080] strifes [3163].
8 For [1063] bodily [4984] exercise [1129] profiteth [2076] little [4314] [3641]: but [1161] godliness [2150] is [2076] profitable unto [4314] all things [3956], having [2192] promise [1860] of the life [2222] that now is [3568], and [2532] of that which is to come [3195].
3 Forbidding [2967] to marry [1060], and commanding to abstain from [567] meats [1033], which [3739] God [2316] hath created [2936] to [1519] be received [3336] with [3326] thanksgiving [2169] of them which believe [4103] and [2532] know [1921] the truth [225].
1 Paul [3972], a servant [1401] of God [2316], and [1161] an apostle [652] of Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], according to [2596] the faith [4102] of God's [2316] elect [1588], and [2532] the acknowledging [1922] of the truth [225] which [3588] is after [2596] godliness [2150];
2 In [1909] hope [1680] of eternal [166] life [2222], which [3739] God [2316], that cannot lie [893], promised [1861] before [4253] the world [166] began [5550];
16 But [1161] shun [4026] profane [952] and vain babblings [2757]: for [1063] they will increase [4298] unto [1909] more [4119] ungodliness [763].
20 O [5599] Timothy [5095], keep [5442] that which is committed to thy trust [3872], avoiding [1624] profane [952] and vain babblings [2757], and [2532] oppositions [477] of science [1108] falsely so called [5581]:
4 Neither [3366] give heed [4337] to fables [3454] and [2532] endless [562] genealogies [1076], which [3748] minister [3930] questions [2214], rather [3123] than [2228] godly [2316] edifying [3620] which [3588] is in [1722] faith [4102]: so do.
5 Now [1161] the end [5056] of the commandment [3852] is [2076] charity [26] out of [1537] a pure [2513] heart [2588], and [2532] of a good [18] conscience [4893], and [2532] of faith [4102] unfeigned [505]:
6 From which [3739] some [5100] having swerved [795] have turned aside [1624] unto [1519] vain jangling [3150];
7 Desiring [2309] to be [1511] teachers of the law [3547]; [3361] understanding [3539] neither [3383] what [3739] they say [3004], nor [3383] whereof [4012] [5101] they affirm [1226].
14 Not [3361] giving heed [4337] to Jewish [2451] fables [3454], and [2532] commandments [1785] of men [444], that turn from [654] the truth [225].
9 Knowing [1492] this [5124], that [3754] the law [3551] is [2749] not [3756] made [2749] for a righteous man [1342], but [1161] for the lawless [459] and [2532] disobedient [506], for the ungodly [765] and [2532] for sinners [268], for unholy [462] and [2532] profane [952], for murderers of fathers [3964] and [2532] murderers of mothers [3389], for manslayers [409],
4 Neither [3366] give heed [4337] to fables [3454] and [2532] endless [562] genealogies [1076], which [3748] minister [3930] questions [2214], rather [3123] than [2228] godly [2316] edifying [3620] which [3588] is in [1722] faith [4102]: so do.
10 A man [444] that is an heretick [141] after [3326] the first [3391] and [2532] second [1208] admonition [3559] reject [3868];
23 But [1161] foolish [3474] and [2532] unlearned [521] questions [2214] avoid [3868], knowing [1492] that [3754] they do gender [1080] strifes [3163].
16 But [1161] shun [4026] profane [952] and vain babblings [2757]: for [1063] they will increase [4298] unto [1909] more [4119] ungodliness [763].
14 Having [2192] eyes [3788] full [3324] of adultery [3428], and [2532] that cannot cease from [180] sin [266]; beguiling [1185] unstable [793] souls [5590]: an heart [2588] they have [2192] exercised [1128] with covetous practices [4124]; cursed [2671] children [5043]:
11 Now [1161] no [3956] [3756] chastening [3809] for [4314] [3303] the present [3918] seemeth [1380] to be [1511] joyous [5479], but [235] grievous [3077]: nevertheless [1161] afterward [5305] it yieldeth [591] the peaceable [1516] fruit [2590] of righteousness [1343] unto them which are exercised [1128] thereby [1223] [846].
14 But [1161] strong [4731] meat [5160] belongeth to them that are [2076] of full age [5046], even those who by reason [1223] of use [1838] have [2192] their senses [145] exercised [1128] to [4314] discern [1253] both [5037] good [2570] and [2532] evil [2556].
16 For [1063] we have [1811] not [3756] followed [1811] cunningly devised [4679] fables [3454], when we made known [1107] unto you [5213] the power [1411] and [2532] coming [3952] of our [2257] Lord [2962] Jesus [2424] Christ [5547], but [235] were [1096] eyewitnesses [2030] of his [1565] majesty [3168].
14 Not [3361] giving heed [4337] to Jewish [2451] fables [3454], and [2532] commandments [1785] of men [444], that turn from [654] the truth [225].
4 And [2532] they shall turn away [3303] [654] their ears [189] from [575] the truth [225], and [1161] shall be turned [1624] unto [1909] fables [3454].
4 Neither [3366] give heed [4337] to fables [3454] and [2532] endless [562] genealogies [1076], which [3748] minister [3930] questions [2214], rather [3123] than [2228] godly [2316] edifying [3620] which [3588] is in [1722] faith [4102]: so do.
16 Lest [3361] there be any [5100] fornicator [4205], or [2228] profane person [952], as [5613] Esau [2269], who [3739] for [473] one [3391] morsel of meat [1035] sold [591] his [846] birthright [4415].
16 But [1161] shun [4026] profane [952] and vain babblings [2757]: for [1063] they will increase [4298] unto [1909] more [4119] ungodliness [763].
20 O [5599] Timothy [5095], keep [5442] that which is committed to thy trust [3872], avoiding [1624] profane [952] and vain babblings [2757], and [2532] oppositions [477] of science [1108] falsely so called [5581]:
9 Knowing [1492] this [5124], that [3754] the law [3551] is [2749] not [3756] made [2749] for a righteous man [1342], but [1161] for the lawless [459] and [2532] disobedient [506], for the ungodly [765] and [2532] for sinners [268], for unholy [462] and [2532] profane [952], for murderers of fathers [3964] and [2532] murderers of mothers [3389], for manslayers [409],
25 See [991] that ye refuse [3868] not [3361] him that speaketh [2980]. For [1063] if [1487] they [1565] escaped [5343] not [3756] who refused him [3868] that spake [5537] on [1909] earth [1093], much [4183] more [3123] shall not we [2249] escape, if we turn away from him [654] that speaketh from [575] heaven [3772]:
11 For [1063] if [1487] [3303] I be an offender [91], or [2532] have committed [4238] any thing [5100] worthy [514] of death [2288], I refuse [3868] not [3756] to die [599]: but [1161] if [1487] there be [2076] none [3762] of these things [3739] whereof these [3778] accuse [2723] me [3450], no man [3762] may [1410] deliver [5483] me [3165] unto them [846]. I appeal unto [1941] Caesar [2541].
19 And [2532] another [2087] said [2036], I have bought [59] five [4002] yoke [2201] of oxen [1016], and [2532] I go [4198] to prove [1381] them [846]: I pray [2065] thee [4571] have [2192] me [3165] excused [3868].
18 And [2532] they all [3956] with [575] one [3391] consent began [756] to make excuse [3868]. The first [4413] said [2036] unto him [846], I have bought [59] a piece of ground [68], and [2532] I must [2192] needs [318] go [1831] and [2532] see [1492] it [846]: I pray [2065] thee [4571] have [2192] me [3165] excused [3868].
28 And Jonathan [03083] answered [06030] Saul [07586], David [01732] earnestly [07592] asked [07592] leave of me [05978] to go to Bethlehem [01035]:
6 If thy father [01] at all [06485] miss [06485] me, then say [0559], David [01732] earnestly [07592] asked [07592] leave of me that he might run [07323] to Bethlehem [01035] his city [05892]: for there is a yearly [03117] sacrifice [02077] there for all the family [04940].
19 And [2532] the sound [2279] of a trumpet [4536], and [2532] the voice [5456] of words [4487]; which [3739] voice they that heard [191] intreated [3868] that the word [3056] should [4369] not [3361] be spoken [4369] to them [846] any more [3361]:
6 Now [1161] at [2596] that feast [1859] he released [630] unto them [846] one [1520] prisoner [1198], whomsoever [3746] they desired [154].
10 A man [444] that is an heretick [141] after [3326] the first [3391] and [2532] second [1208] admonition [3559] reject [3868];
23 But [1161] foolish [3474] and [2532] unlearned [521] questions [2214] avoid [3868], knowing [1492] that [3754] they do gender [1080] strifes [3163].
11 But [1161] the younger [3501] widows [5503] refuse [3868]: for [1063] when [3752] they have begun to wax wanton against [2691] Christ [5547], they will [2309] marry [1060];
24 Know ye [1492] not [3756] that [3754] they which run [5143] in [1722] a race [4712] run [5143] all [3956] [3303], but [1161] one [1520] receiveth [2983] the prize [1017]? So [3779] run [5143], that [2443] ye may obtain [2638].