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

1 TIMOTHY 6:5KJV
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1 Timothy 6:5 (KJV)

What does 1 Timothy 6:5 mean?

1 Timothy 6:5 warns about people who argue in twisted ways, have corrupt minds, and lack the truth, believing that being godly is a way to get material gain. Paul tells Timothy to avoid such people.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a young church leader, about dealing with certain individuals in the church at Ephesus. These people are described as having lost their moral compass and using religion for personal profit, not genuine faith. Paul’s instruction is clear: Timothy should separate himself from those who twist godliness into a tool for greed.

The Greek behind 1 Timothy 6:5

  • The word for "corrupt" is διαφθαρμένων (diaphtharmenōn), which means ruined or thoroughly spoiled. This highlights that these people's thinking is deeply damaged, not just mistaken.
  • The word for "destitute" is ἀπεστερημένων (apesterēmenōn), meaning deprived or robbed. Paul is saying these people have been stripped of the truth—they are missing something essential, not just lacking information.
  • The word for "gain" is πορισμός (porismos), which refers to material profit or financial advantage. Paul is pointing out that these people see godliness as a means to get rich, not as a true spiritual pursuit.

Why 1 Timothy 6:5 matters

  • This verse clarifies that true faith is not a tool for personal enrichment, pushing back against any teaching that connects godliness with financial gain.
  • It helps the reader see the seriousness of corrupt motives within religious communities and the need for discernment.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul warns Timothy about false teachers and the dangers of loving money, setting up the following verses about contentment and the dangers of greed.

Where else these words appear

“gain” Greek G4200 · used in 2 verses

“corrupt” Greek G1311 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
  • Revelation 8:9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

“destitute” Greek G650 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • 1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?
  • 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

“supposing” Greek G3543 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being(as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
  • Acts 16:27 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.