1 Timothy 4:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

NIV: Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

NASB: by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,

CSB: through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.

NLT: These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.

KJV: Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

NKJV: speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,

Paul's description of false teachers in Ephesus continues from verse 1. Here, he adds the idea that these dangerous voices are not entirely honest. He describes them using the Greek terms hypokrisei and pseudologōn. These are literally "hypocrites and liars." Upcoming verses will detail the restrictions they place on others. At least some of these are points which the false teachers themselves don't actually ascribe to (1 Timothy 1:7). A true "hypocrite" is not one who teaches something they fail to follow, but one who teaches something they don't really believe.

Paul's phrasing about the conscience comes from a single Greek word: kekaustēriasmenōn. This literally means "to be branded with a hot iron," and is often translated simply as "seared." One of the unfortunate side-effects of a deep burn is the destruction of nerves. A person whose body is branded frequently loses sensation in that spot. In the same way, it is possible for a person to be desensitized to their own sin (Ephesians 4:19).

This can become a dramatic moral numbness, as was the case in Nineveh (Jonah 4:11). In that case, God promised judgment, yet relented when the people repented. God offered the same to those in Paul and Timothy's time. In verse 16, Paul will encourage persistence in correct teaching, to avoid the disasters it invites (1 Timothy 4:16).

First Timothy 4:1–5 transitions Paul's letter towards a discussion of false teachings. In this passage, Paul is especially concerned with teachers who encourage a practice known as asceticism. This is the rejection of worldly comforts in an effort to become more spiritual. In Paul's day, groups such as the Gnostics taught that sexuality and food were physical, and therefore corrupted. On the contrary, as Paul explains, everything God created can be more than just ''good.'' It can actually be ''holy,'' when used as God intended.

First Timothy 4 provides an important perspective in advance of Paul's upcoming instructions. After giving Timothy details on how to choose church leaders, and the proper conduct of church members, this chapter is mostly focused on Timothy's own personal spiritual choices. In particular, Paul instructs him to be diligent, faithful, and prepared. The stakes are high—both for Timothy and those he is called to lead. This chapter emphasizes the importance of good spiritual practice, which is key when considering Paul's advice in the passages both before and after these words.

First Timothy chapter 4 serves as a bridge from Paul's introduction into the later part of his letter. Prior chapters indicated the qualifications for church leaders, and some instructions on the proper way for church members to conduct themselves. Here, in chapter 4, Paul reminds Timothy not to be swayed by the false teachings of others. This combination of encouragement and warning sets the stage for the rest of Paul's message. The final two chapters will provide a means for Timothy to identify and avoid errors in his spiritual life.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.