Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.

1 TIMOTHY 6:21KJV
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1 Timothy 6:21 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:21 mean?

1 Timothy 6:21 warns that some people, by claiming certain beliefs or knowledge, have wandered away from true Christian faith. Paul ends his letter by wishing Timothy grace, and the note adds that this letter was sent from Laodicea, a major city in Phrygia Pacatiana.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young leader in the early church, urging him to stay true to the core message of Christianity. The verse points out that some have strayed from genuine faith by embracing ideas that are not in line with the gospel. The closing words are a personal blessing, and the historical note gives context about where the letter was sent from.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:21

  • "Professing" (ἐπαγγελλόμενοι, epangellomenoi): This word means to claim or declare openly. Here, it suggests that some people are confidently presenting ideas as truth, but these ideas have led them away from real faith.
  • "Erred" (ἠστόχησαν, ēstochēsan): This word means to miss the mark or to go astray. Paul is saying that these people have missed the true path of faith by following other teachings.
  • "Faith" (πίστις, pistis): This word refers to trust, belief, or faithfulness, especially in the Christian message. Paul is emphasizing that the error is specifically about the core beliefs of Christianity.
  • "Grace" (χάρις, charis): This word means favor, kindness, or blessing. Paul’s wish for grace is a personal and heartfelt prayer for Timothy’s well-being.

Why 1 Timothy 6:21 matters

  • 1 Timothy 6:21 highlights the real danger of drifting away from the heart of Christian faith by following teachings that sound impressive but are not rooted in the gospel.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of the letter, where Paul repeatedly warns Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him and to avoid empty talk and false knowledge.
  • The mention of grace at the end shows Paul’s personal care for Timothy and underscores that staying faithful is not just about right beliefs, but also about relying on God’s kindness and help.

Where else these words appear

“erred” Greek G795 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Timothy 1:6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
  • 2 Timothy 2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

“Phrygia” Greek G5435 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
  • Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
  • Acts 18:23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

“Laodicea” Greek G2993 · used in 6 verses

  • Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
  • Colossians 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
  • Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

“professing” Greek G1861 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
  • 1 Timothy 2:10 But(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
  • Hebrews 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.