‏ 1 Timothy 6:1-6

 Under the yoke ( υπο ζυγον ). As slaves ( δουλο, bondsmen). Perhaps under heathen masters (1Pe 2:18). For the slave problem, see also Phm 1; Col 3:22; Eph 6:5; Tit 2:9. See Mt 11:29 for Christ's "yoke" ( ζυγον, from  ζευγνυμ, to join).

 Their own masters ( τους ιδιους δεσποτας ). That is always where the shoe pinches. Our "despot" is this very Greek word, the strict correlative of slave ( δουλος ), while  κυριος has a wider outlook. Old word only here, Tit 2:9; 2Ti 2:21; 1Pe 2:18 for human masters. Applied to God in Lu 2:29; Ac 4:24, 29 and to Christ in 2Pe 2:1.

 The name of God ( το ονομα του θεου ). See Ro 2:24. If the heathen could say that Christian slaves were not as dependable as non-Christian slaves. Negative purpose with  ινα μη and present passive subjunctive ( βλασφημητα ).

 Let not despise them ( μη καταφρονειτωσαν ). Negative imperative active third plural of  καταφρονεω, to think down on. See 4:12. He must not presume on the equality of Christian brotherhood not allowed by the state's laws. Some of these Christian slaves might be pastors of churches to which the master belonged. For the difficulty of the Christian master's position, see 1Co 7:22; Phm 1:16.

 But rather ( αλλα μαλλον ). Render the Christian Master better service.

 They that partake of the benefit ( ο της ενεργεσιας αντιλαμβανομενο ). For  ευεργεσιας (genitive case after participle) see Ac 4:9, only other N.T. example of this old word. Present middle participle of  αντιλαμβανω, old verb, to take in turn, to lay fast hold of, in N.T. only here, Lu 1:54; Ac 20:35.

 Teacheth a different doctrine ( ετεροδιδασκαλε ). See 1:3 for this verb, present active indicative here in condition of first class.

 Consenteth not ( μη προσερχετα ). Also condition of first class with  μη instead of  ου.  Προσερχομα (old verb, to come to, to approach, with dative) is common enough in N.T. (Heb 4:16; 7:25, etc.), but in the metaphorical sense of coming to one's ideas, assenting to, here only in N.T., but is so used in Philo and Irenaeus (Ellicott).

 Sound words ( υγιαινουσιν λογοις ). See 1:10 for  υγιαινω.

 The words of our Lord Jesus Christ ( τοις του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου ). Either subjective genitive (the words from the Lord Jesus, a collection of his sayings in Lock's opinion like 5:18; Ac 20:35, at least in the Spirit of Jesus as Ac 16:7; 1Co 11:23) or objective genitive about Jesus like 2Ti 1:8; 1Co 1:18.

 According to godliness ( κατα ευσεβειαν ). Promoting (designed for) godliness as in Tit 1:1.

 He is puffed up ( τετυφωτα ). Perfect passive indicative of  τυφοω, for which see 3:6.

 Knowing nothing ( μηδεν επισταμενος ). Present middle participle of  επισταμα. Ignorance is a frequent companion of conceit.

 Doting ( νοσων ). Present active participle of  νοσεω, to be sick, to be morbid over, old word, only here in N.T.

 Disputes of words ( λογομαχιας ). Our "logomachy." From  λογομαχεω (2Ti 2:14), and that from  λογος and  μαχομα, to fight over words, late and rare word, here only in N.T. See Plato (Tim. 1085 F) for "wars in words" ( μαχας εν λογοις ).

 Whereof ( εξ ων ). "From which things."

 Surmisings ( υπονοια ). Old word from  υπονοεω, to surmise, to suspect (Ac 25:18), only here in N.T. All these words are akin (envy,  φθονος, strife,  ερις, railings or slanders,  βλασφημια ), all products of an ignorant and conceited mind.

 Wranglings ( διαπαρατριβα ). Late and rare (Clem. of Alex.) double compound ( δια, mutual or thorough,  παρατριβα, irritations or rubbings alongside). "Mutual irritations" (Field).

 Corrupted in mind ( διεφθαρμενων τον νουν ). Perfect passive participle of  διαφθειρω, to corrupt, genitive case agreeing with  ανθρωπων (of men) and retaining the accusative  τον νουν.

 Bereft of the truth ( απεστερημενων της αληθειας ). Perfect passive participle of  αποστερεω, old verb (1Co 6:8) with the ablative case after it ( αληθειας ).

 A way of gain ( πορισμον ). Late word from  ποριζω, to provide, to gain. Only here in N.T. "Rich Christians." Predicate accusative with  εινα (indirect assertion) in apposition with  ευσεβειαν, the accusative of general reference.

 With contentment ( μετα αυταρκειας ). Old word from  αυταρκης ( αυτοσ, αρκεω ) as in Php 4:11. In N.T. only here and 2Co 9:8. This attitude of mind is Paul's conception of "great gain."

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