I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
2To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
3As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer
4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
4or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith.
5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
5The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
6Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.
7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
7They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
8But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.
9Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
9We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,
10For 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;
10for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine
11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
11that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
12I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.
13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
13Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
18This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
18Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,
19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
19holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
3This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
4who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
6who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
8Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
9I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,
10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.
11Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
11A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.
12But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
12I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
13For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
13For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
14And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
14And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
15Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
15But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
1Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
2Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
4He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
5(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)
6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
7He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
8In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
9They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.
10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
10They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
11In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
12A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.
13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
16Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.
4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
6If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
7But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
8For 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.
8For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
9This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
10That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
11These things command and teach.
11Command and teach these things.
12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;
1Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers,
2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
2older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.
3Honour widows that are widows indeed.
3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.
4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.
7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
7Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame.
8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
8Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
9Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,
9No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband,
10Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
10and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord's people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
11But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
11As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their physical desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.
12Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
12Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.
13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
13Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.
14I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
14So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.
15For some are already turned aside after Satan.
15Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
16If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
16If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.
17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
17The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.
18For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
18For Scripture says, "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."
19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.
20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
20But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.
21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
23Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
24Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
24The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them.
25Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
25In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
1Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered.
2And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
2Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
3If 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;
3If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,
4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
4they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions
5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
5and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain.
6But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
8And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
9Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you
14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,
16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
17Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
18That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
18Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
19Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
19In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge,
21Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
21which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.