1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Study Note
Study Note
The charge 'But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness' structures Timothy's vocation around flight from error and pursuit of virtue — both movements are essential and neither alone suffices. The title 'man of God' (anthrōpos theou) is drawn from the OT prophetic tradition (Moses in Deuteronomy 33:1; Elijah in 1 Kings 17:18; Samuel in 1 Samuel 9:6-10), identifying Timothy with the prophetic pastoral vocation as one who stands between God and people. The six virtues parallel the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) without being identical — both lists describe the integrated character of Spirit-formed leadership rather than isolated qualities to be achieved by willpower. 2 Timothy 2:22's 'flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace' repeats the same flee-follow structure, confirming it as a standard formula for ministerial formation.
Other Translations
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
and thou, O man of God, these things flee, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness;
But you, O man of God, keep yourself from these things, and go after righteousness, religion, faith, love, a quiet mind, gentle behaviour.
Cross References
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