1 Timothy 6:5
New International Version
and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

New Living Translation
These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

English Standard Version
and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

Berean Standard Bible
and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

Berean Literal Bible
and constant frictions among men corrupted in mind and destitute of the truth, holding godliness to be a means of gain.

King James Bible
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

New King James Version
useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

New American Standard Bible
and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

NASB 1995
and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

NASB 1977
and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

Legacy Standard Bible
and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

Amplified Bible
and perpetual friction between men who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth, who think that godliness is a source of profit [a lucrative, money-making business—withdraw from them].

Christian Standard Bible
and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.

American Standard Version
wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.

Contemporary English Version
and nasty quarrels. They have wicked minds and have missed out on the truth. These people think religion is supposed to make you rich.

English Revised Version
wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and conflict between people whose corrupt minds have been robbed of the truth. They think that a godly life is a way to make a profit.

Good News Translation
and constant arguments from people whose minds do not function and who no longer have the truth. They think that religion is a way to become rich.

International Standard Version
and incessant conflict between people who are depraved in mind and deprived of truth. They think that godliness is a way to make a profit.

Majority Standard Bible
and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

NET Bible
and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit.

New Heart English Bible
constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

Webster's Bible Translation
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing gain to be godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Weymouth New Testament
and persistent wranglings on the part of people whose intellects are disordered and they themselves blinded to all knowledge of the truth; who imagine that godliness means gain.

World English Bible
constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
wranglings of men wholly corrupted in mind, and destitute of the truth, supposing the piety to be gain; depart from such;

Berean Literal Bible
and constant frictions among men corrupted in mind and destitute of the truth, holding godliness to be a means of gain.

Young's Literal Translation
wranglings of men wholly corrupted in mind, and destitute of the truth, supposing the piety to be gain; depart from such;

Smith's Literal Translation
Unprofitable occupations of men corrupted in mind, and deprived of the truth, thinking gain to be devotion: be separated from such.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Conflicts of men corrupted in mind, and who are destitute of the truth, supposing gain to be godliness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
the conflicts of men who have been corrupted in mind and deprived of truth, who consider profit to be piety.

New American Bible
and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain.

New Revised Standard Version
and wrangling among those who are depraved in mind and bereft of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And strife among men whose minds are corrupt and who are cut off from the truth and who think worshipping God is for worldly gain; you keep away from such things.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And the misery of the children of men who corrupt their minds and are cheated of the truth, and they think that making money is the worship of God; but stay away from these things,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
and wranglings, on the part of men who are corrupt in mind, and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a source of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Godbey New Testament
wranglings of men having been corrupted as to their mind and turned away from the truth, considering that gain is godliness.

Haweis New Testament
perverse wranglings of men corrupt in mind, and destitute of truth, who think to make gain of godliness; depart from such men.

Mace New Testament
mischievous opinions, and a familiarity with pernicious ignorant impostors, who consider religion only as it makes for their gain.

Weymouth New Testament
and persistent wranglings on the part of people whose intellects are disordered and they themselves blinded to all knowledge of the truth; who imagine that godliness means gain.

Worrell New Testament
wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing godliness to be a source of gain.

Worsley New Testament
and void of truth, accounting gain to be godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Reject False Doctrines
4he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain. 6Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain.…

Cross References
2 Timothy 3:2-5
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, / traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ...

Titus 1:10-11
For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, / who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.

2 Peter 2:1-3
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.

Matthew 7:15-20
Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. / By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ...

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

Romans 16:17-18
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. / For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Philippians 3:18-19
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.

Galatians 1:6-9
I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! ...

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Jude 1:16-19
These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage. / But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ / when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” ...

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

Proverbs 23:4-5
Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.

Jeremiah 6:13
“For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit.

Ezekiel 22:27
Her officials within her are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and destroying lives for dishonest gain.


Treasury of Scripture

Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw yourself.

Perverse, etc.

1 Timothy 1:6
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;

1 Corinthians 11:16
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

men.

Matthew 7:17-20
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit…

Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

John 3:19-21
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil…

supposing.

1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 3:3,8
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; …

2 Kings 5:20-27
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him…

from.

Romans 16:17,18
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them…

2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Jump to Previous
Bereft Bitter Blinded Constant Corrupt Dead Depart Depraved Destitute Disordered Disputings End Evil Faith Gain Godliness Holding Imagining Intellects Making Means Mind Minds Part Persistent Perverse Piety Profit Robbed Suppose Supposing Talk Themselves Think Thyself True. Truth Way Wholly Withdraw Wrangling
Jump to Next
Bereft Bitter Blinded Constant Corrupt Dead Depart Depraved Destitute Disordered Disputings End Evil Faith Gain Godliness Holding Imagining Intellects Making Means Mind Minds Part Persistent Perverse Piety Profit Robbed Suppose Supposing Talk Themselves Think Thyself True. Truth Way Wholly Withdraw Wrangling
1 Timothy 6
1. Of the duty of servants.
3. Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.
6. Godliness is great gain;
10. and love of money the root of all evil.
11. What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow.
17. and whereof to admonish the rich.
20. To keep the purity of true doctrine, and to avoid godless ideas.














constant friction
The phrase "constant friction" suggests ongoing, persistent conflict and tension. In the Greek, the word used here is "diaparatribai," which conveys a sense of continual rubbing or irritation. This imagery paints a picture of relentless disputes and arguments, often arising from pride, envy, or selfish ambition. Historically, such friction within the early church communities could disrupt unity and hinder the spread of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy of these divisive influences, urging him to maintain peace and focus on sound doctrine.

men of depraved mind
The term "depraved mind" refers to a corrupted or morally bankrupt way of thinking. The Greek word "diaphtheiro" implies a mind that has been thoroughly corrupted or destroyed. This corruption is not merely intellectual but moral and spiritual, indicating a departure from God's truth and righteousness. In the context of the early church, such individuals were often false teachers or those who twisted the Gospel for personal gain. Paul emphasizes the importance of guarding one's mind and heart against such corruption, aligning thoughts with the truth of Scripture.

who are devoid of the truth
To be "devoid of the truth" means lacking or being empty of truth. The Greek word "apostereo" suggests a deprivation or withholding of something essential. In this case, it is the truth of the Gospel and sound doctrine. Historically, false teachings and heresies were prevalent, and Paul warns Timothy to be vigilant against those who have strayed from the truth. This serves as a reminder for believers to be rooted in Scripture, discerning truth from falsehood, and holding fast to the teachings of Christ.

These men regard godliness as a means of gain
The phrase "regard godliness as a means of gain" highlights a distorted view of piety and religion. The Greek word "porismos" refers to a source of profit or gain. Here, Paul criticizes those who see godliness not as a genuine pursuit of holiness but as a way to achieve material or social advantage. This reflects a heart motivated by greed rather than a sincere desire to serve God. In the historical context, such attitudes could lead to exploitation and manipulation within the church. Paul calls for a pure heart and genuine devotion, where godliness is pursued for its own sake, not for personal gain.

(5) Perverse disputings.--The older authorities read here a word which should be rendered "lasting or obstinate conflicts." These words close the long catalogue of the fruits of the teaching of the false masters of the new faith, and point out that the disputes engendered by these useless and unhappy controversies would be no mere temporary difficulties, but would indefinitely prolong their weary story.

Of men of corrupt minds.--More accurately Tendered, corrupted in their mind. From their mind, over which corruption had spread, arose those mists which (1Timothy 6:4) had clouded their sight with pride. The language used seems to imply that for these unhappy men a time had existed when corruption had not done its fatal work.

Destitute of the truth.--More literally, deprived of the truth. The truth was taken away from them: this was the immediate consequence of the corruption which had spread over their minds.

Supposing that gain is godliness.--Here the translation of the Greek words must run thus, supposing that godliness is a source of gain. The article before the word signifying godliness requires this rendering of the sentence. (See Titus 1:11.) St. Paul, here adding his command to Timothy to have no dealings with these men, dismisses the subject with these few scathing words of scorn and contempt. One can imagine with what feelings of holy anger one like the noble chivalrous St. Paul would regard the conduct of men who looked upon the profession of the religion of the Crucified as a source of gain. This was by far the gravest of his public charges against these teachers of a strange and novel Christianity. We read elsewhere (1Corinthians 3:12-15) men might go wrong in doctrine, might even teach an unpractical, useless religion, if only they were trying their poor best to build on the one foundation--Christ. Their faulty work would perish, but they would assuredly find mercy if only they were in earnest, if only they were zeal. But these, St. Paul tells Timothy and his church, were not in earnest; these were unreal. Their religion--they traded upon it. Their teaching--they taught only to win gold. There was another school of teaching--he had just been dwelling on it--the teaching which told men, even slaves, simply, lovingly to do their duty as though ever in the presence of the Lord, without any restless longing for change. This teaching would win souls to Christ, but it would never win gold, or popular applause, or gain, as the world counts gain.

From such withdraw thyself.--Most, though not all, the ancient authorities omit these words.

Verse 5. - Wranglings for perverse disputings, A.V. and T.R.; corrupted in mind for of corrupt minds, A.V.; bereft for destitute, A.V.; godliness is a way of gain for gain is godliness, A.V. Wranglings (διαπαρατριβαί, R.T.; παραδιατριβαί, T.R.). The R.T. has far the largest weight of authority in its favor (Ellicott). The substantive παρατριβή in Polybius means "provocation," "collision," "friction," and the like. Hence διαπαρατριβή (which is only found here) means "continued wranglings." The substantive διατριβή (English diatribe) means, among other things, a "discussion" or "argument." The addition of πάρα gives the sense of a "perverse discussion," or "disputing." Bereft (ἀπεστερημένων). The difference between the A.V. "destitute" and the R.V. "bereft" is that the latter implies that they once had possession of the truth, but had lost it by their own fault. They had fallen away from the truth, and were twice dead. Godliness is a way of gain. The A.V., that gain is godliness, is clearly wrong, utterly confusing the subject with the predicate, and so destroying the connection between the clause and ver. 6. A way of gain (πορισμός); only here and in ver. 6 in the New Testament. but found in Wisd. 13:19 Wisd. 14:2; Polybius, etc. It signifies "a source of gain," "a means of malting money," or, in one word, "a trade." The same charge is brought against the heretical teachers (Titus 1:11). The cause in the A.V. and T.R., from such withdraw thyself, is not in the R.T.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[and] constant friction
διαπαρατριβαὶ (diaparatribai)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3859: Useless debate. From a compound of para and diatribo; misemployment, i.e. Meddlesomeness.

between men
ἀνθρώπων (anthrōpōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

of depraved
διεφθαρμένων (diephtharmenōn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1311: To destroy, waste; hence met: I corrupt. From diaballo and phtheiro; to rot thoroughly, i.e. to ruin.

mind
νοῦν (noun)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3563: Probably from the base of ginosko; the intellect, i.e. Mind; by implication, meaning.

[who are]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

devoid
ἀπεστερημένων (apesterēmenōn)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 650: To defraud, deprive of, despoil; mid: I endure deprivation; pass: To be bereft of. From apo and stereo; to despoil.

of the truth.
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

[These men] regard
νομιζόντων (nomizontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3543: From nomos; properly, to do by law, i.e. To accustom; by extension, to deem or regard.

godliness
εὐσέβειαν (eusebeian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2150: Piety (towards God), godliness, devotion, godliness. From eusebes; piety; specially, the gospel scheme.

as
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a means of gain.
πορισμὸν (porismon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4200: A source of gain, livelihood. From a derivative of poros; furnishing, i.e. money-getting.


Links
1 Timothy 6:5 NIV
1 Timothy 6:5 NLT
1 Timothy 6:5 ESV
1 Timothy 6:5 NASB
1 Timothy 6:5 KJV

1 Timothy 6:5 BibleApps.com
1 Timothy 6:5 Biblia Paralela
1 Timothy 6:5 Chinese Bible
1 Timothy 6:5 French Bible
1 Timothy 6:5 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 1 Timothy 6:5 Constant friction of people of corrupt minds (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
1 Timothy 6:4
Top of Page
Top of Page