Chapter
1 2 3 4 5 6
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

1 Timothy 6:3
ESV If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness,
NIV If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,
NASB If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
CSB If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness,
NLT Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.
KJV 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;
NKJV If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

What does 1 Timothy 6:3 mean?

The last words of verse 2 are a command for Timothy to stand strong in his teaching of certain things. In general, this refers to the instructions given in chapter 5, as well as the remaining words of this letter, found in the remainder of chapter 6.

Paul again shows his passionate concern for sound doctrine. His zeal for accurate biblical teaching indicates the priority this area should rate in today's churches, as well. False information is anything which contradicts the message of Jesus Christ. In this context, "sound words" means "healthy words," in contrast with the unhealthy teachings of false, non-Christian doctrines.

The words of Jesus are also connected with doctrines associated with godly, proper behavior. Paul's meaning here includes both God's written Word and teachings consistent with it. False teaching or different doctrine misrepresents God in both of these areas. The other place where Paul mentions the phrase "different doctrine" is found in 1 Timothy 1:3. Just after his introduction, he commanded Timothy "remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine." This was perhaps the primary reason Timothy was left in the city. He knew the gospel, Paul's teachings, and the Old Testament well; this made him well qualified to keep others from promoting false teachings in the church.
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