What does 1 Timothy 1:8 mean?

Verses 3–11 encompass a single unit, with verses 8–11 comprising a smaller paragraph within this section. Verse 8 transitions from those who desired to be seen as teachers (1 Timothy 1:7) to the Law itself. Here, Paul writes that "the law is good." The Mosaic law was of great importance to Paul. He was raised in the Jewish culture and religion, studied under the Jewish teacher Gamaliel, and lived as a Pharisee according to the Law. His entire life had been focused on the Law prior to his conversion to Christianity.

Yet the Law could also be mishandled. Paul notes the condition "if one uses it lawfully." The word lawfully can be understood as legitimately or properly. The Greek words nomos (law) and nomimois (lawfully) are both used in this verse, creating a visual and audible parallel which made the phrase easy to remember. In a very literal sense, Paul is saying that the law is good when it's used for what it was originally intended for. The law of Moses was of great benefit when used properly, but the false teachers in Ephesus had mishandled—or "illegally" handled—the Law and were causing problems in the church instead.