If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

1 TIMOTHY 6:3KJV
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1 Timothy 6:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:3 mean?

1 Timothy 6:3 warns that if anyone teaches something different and does not agree with sound, healthy teachings—specifically the teachings of Jesus Christ and the doctrine that leads to godliness—they are in error. The verse draws a clear line between true teaching and anything that strays from the message and character of Jesus.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, about how to recognize and respond to false teaching in the Christian community. Paul stresses that genuine Christian teaching must line up with the words of Jesus and promote a life shaped by godliness, not just knowledge or debate.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:3

  • "Wholesome" (ὑγιαίνουσιν, hygiainousin): This word means "healthy" or "sound." In this context, it suggests that the right teaching is not just correct but also life-giving and spiritually nourishing, not harmful or corrupting.
  • "Consent" (προσέρχομαι, proserchomai): This word means "to come to" or "to agree with." Here, it emphasizes not just passive acceptance but an active agreement and alignment with the teachings of Jesus.
  • "Doctrine" (διδασκαλία, didaskalia): This word refers to teaching or instruction. Paul highlights that the content of Christian teaching matters deeply, especially when it concerns how to live in a way that honors God.
  • "Godliness" (εὐσέβεια, eusebeia): This word means reverence or a life that reflects respect for God. Paul is pointing out that true Christian teaching always leads to a life that looks more like what God desires.

Why 1 Timothy 6:3 matters

  • 1 Timothy 6:3 clarifies that not all teaching is equal; only teaching that matches the words and character of Jesus is truly Christian.
  • The verse helps readers see that the goal of Christian teaching is not just information but transformation—a life marked by godliness.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following warnings about false teachers, helping Timothy and readers today to discern what is healthy and trustworthy in spiritual matters.

Where else these words appear

“otherwise” Greek G2085 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

“wholesome” Greek G5198 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

“godliness” Greek G2150 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
  • Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

“doctrine” Greek G1319 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • 2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,