• 1 Timothy 6:11
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 11 Σὺ You δέ, but, ὦ O ἄνθρωπε man θεοῦ, of God, ταῦτα these (things) φεῦγε· be fleeing; δίωκε be you pursuing δὲ but δικαιοσύνην, righteousness, εὐσέβειαν, revering well, πίστιν, faith, ἀγάπην, love, ὑπομονήν, endurance, πραϋπαθίαν. mildness of temper.

  • 1 Timothy Study Notes—Chapter 6
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 6:11

      O man of God: Paul addresses Timothy as a “man of God,” an expression used only twice in the Christian Greek Scriptures, here and at 2Ti 3:17. However, in the Hebrew Scriptures, the expression “man of God” (or “man of the true God”) occurs some 70 times. It is used with reference to God’s prophets and other special representatives of God, for example, Moses (De 33:1), Samuel (1Sa 9:6, 10), David (Ne 12:24), Elijah (1Ki 17:18, 24), and Elisha (2Ki 4:7, 9). Paul may have used this expression to show Timothy that he had a God-given assignment to contend with the false teachers in the congregation in Ephesus. (1Ti 1:3, 4; 6:2b-10) Or Paul may have used it in a general sense to apply to a man or a woman who is fully dedicated to Jehovah and whose life and conduct is influenced by his inspired Word.​—See study note on 2Ti 3:17.

      pursue: The Greek word rendered “pursue” means “to chase; to run after.” In a figurative sense, it involves striving to achieve or obtain something. Although he already had the qualities that Paul mentions, Timothy would need to continue to cultivate and to refine them, making this a lifelong pursuit. At the same time, Paul urges Timothy to flee, or run away from, what is bad, such as the snares associated with materialism. (1Ti 6:9, 10) Paul clearly sees materialism as harmful and godly qualities as beneficial. So he urges Timothy to flee the one and pursue the other.​—Mt 6:24; 1Co 6:18 and study note; 10:14; 2Ti 2:22.

      pursue righteousness: In the list of qualities that Paul urges Timothy to pursue, the apostle mentions “righteousness” first. (See also 2Ti 2:22.) Timothy was already a dedicated, anointed Christian; as such, he had been “declared righteous.” (Ro 5:1) However, he still needed to work at being righteous by doing his best to adhere to God’s standards of what is right and what is wrong.​—See Glossary, “Righteousness”; see also study note on Eph 6:14.

      godly devotion: For a discussion of the expression “godly devotion,” see study note on 1Ti 4:7; see also study note on 1Ti 2:2.