1 Timothy 4:1
New International Version
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

New Living Translation
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

English Standard Version
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

Berean Standard Bible
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

Berean Literal Bible
But the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

King James Bible
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

New King James Version
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,

New American Standard Bible
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

NASB 1995
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

NASB 1977
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

Legacy Standard Bible
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

Amplified Bible
But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons,

Christian Standard Bible
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

American Standard Version
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

Contemporary English Version
God's Spirit clearly says that in the last days many people will turn from their faith. They will be fooled by evil spirits and by teachings that come from demons.

English Revised Version
But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Spirit says clearly that in later times some believers will desert the Christian faith. They will follow spirits that deceive, and they will believe the teachings of demons.

Good News Translation
The Spirit says clearly that some people will abandon the faith in later times; they will obey lying spirits and follow the teachings of demons.

International Standard Version
Now the Spirit says clearly that in the last times some people will abandon the faith by following deceitful spirits, the teachings of demons,

Majority Standard Bible
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

NET Bible
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings,

New Heart English Bible
But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

Webster's Bible Translation
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons;

Weymouth New Testament
Now the Spirit expressly declares that in later times some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons;

World English Bible
But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,

Berean Literal Bible
But the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

Young's Literal Translation
And the Spirit expressly speaketh, that in latter times shall certain fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the Spirit says expressly, that in later times some shall be removed from the faith, holding to deceitful spirits, and doctrines of evil spirits;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now the Spirit manifestly saith, that in the last times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to spirits of error, and doctrines of devils,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the Spirit has clearly said that, in the end times, some persons will depart from the faith, paying attention to spirits of error and the doctrines of devils,

New American Bible
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will turn away from the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and demonic instructions

New Revised Standard Version
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will renounce the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, following after misleading spirits, and doctrines of devils.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But The Spirit speaks plainly that in the last time they shall depart one by one from the faith and they shall go after deceiving spirits and after the teachings of demons,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now the Spirit says expressly, that, in the last times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and teachings suggested by demons,

Godbey New Testament
But the Spirit says positively, that in the last times certain ones will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and to the teachings of demons,

Haweis New Testament
NOW the Spirit speaketh expresly, that in the latter days some will apostatise from the faith, giving heed to spirits of delusion, and doctrines of devils;

Mace New Testament
Now the spirit says expresly, that in the latter times some shall abandon the faith, by giving credit to seducing spirits, and the doctrine concerning demons;

Weymouth New Testament
Now the Spirit expressly declares that in later times some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons;

Worrell New Testament
But the Spirit expressly saith, that in later times, some will fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and to teachings of demons,

Worsley New Testament
Now the Spirit expressly saith, that in latter times some shall apostatize from the faith, attending to seducing spirits,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Warnings against False Teachers
1Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.…

Cross References
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.

Matthew 24:10-12
At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, / and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. / Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.

2 Peter 2:1
Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

1 John 2:18-19
Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. / They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...

2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. / So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Jude 1:17-19
But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ / when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” / These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.

Acts 20:29-30
I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.

1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 24:24
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

Mark 13:22
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.

2 Peter 3:3-4
Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. / “Where is the promise of His coming?” they will ask. “Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.”

Hebrews 3:12
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God.

Galatians 1:6-9
I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ. / But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse! ...


Treasury of Scripture

Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

the Spirit.

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Acts 13:2
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Acts 28:25
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

expressly.

Ezekiel 1:3
The word of the LORD came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the LORD was there upon him.

the latter.

Numbers 24:14
And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.

Deuteronomy 4:30
When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

Deuteronomy 32:29
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

depart.

Daniel 11:35
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

Matthew 24:5-12
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many…

2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

seducing.

Genesis 3:3-5,13
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die…

1 Kings 22:22,23
And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so…

2 Chronicles 18:19-22
And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner…

and doctrines.

Daniel 11:35-38
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed…

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Abandon Attention Clearly Deceit Deceitful Deceiving Declares Demons Depart Devils Doctrines Evil Expressly Faith Fall Follow Heed Later Minds Paying Speaketh Speaks Spirit Spirits Taught Teachings Times Turned
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1 Timothy 4
1. He foretells that in the latter times there shall be a departure from the faith.
6. And to the end that Timothy might not fail in doing his duty, he furnishes him with various precepts.














The Spirit clearly says
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority and clarity of the message being conveyed. "The Spirit" refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is actively involved in guiding and revealing truth to believers. The Greek word for "clearly" (ῥητῶς, rhētōs) suggests an explicit and unmistakable communication. This underscores the importance of the message and the certainty with which it should be received by the church. Historically, the early church relied heavily on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate challenges and discern truth from falsehood.

in later times
This phrase refers to a future period, often understood as the time between Christ's ascension and His second coming. The Greek term used here, "ὑστέροις καιροῖς" (hysterois kairois), indicates a period characterized by specific events or conditions. From a historical perspective, the early church faced numerous challenges, including false teachings and persecution, which were seen as signs of these "later times." This serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.

some will abandon the faith
The phrase highlights a concerning trend of apostasy, where individuals who once professed faith in Christ turn away. The Greek word for "abandon" (ἀποστήσονται, apostēsontai) conveys a deliberate departure or rebellion. This is a sobering reminder of the spiritual battle believers face and the importance of nurturing a strong, personal relationship with God. Historically, the church has witnessed periods of widespread apostasy, often linked to societal pressures or the allure of false teachings.

and follow deceiving spirits
This phrase warns of the influence of malevolent spiritual forces. The Greek word for "deceiving" (πλάνοις, planois) suggests wandering or misleading. These spirits aim to lead believers astray from the truth of the Gospel. The early church was acutely aware of spiritual warfare, recognizing that their struggle was not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). This serves as a call to discernment and reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

and things taught by demons
This phrase underscores the source of false teachings as demonic. The Greek term for "demons" (δαιμονίων, daimonion) refers to evil spirits opposed to God. Throughout history, the church has encountered various heresies and false doctrines that sought to undermine the core tenets of the Christian faith. This highlights the necessity for sound doctrine and the teaching of biblical truth to counteract these destructive influences. Believers are encouraged to test all teachings against the Word of God and remain anchored in the truth of Scripture.

IV.

(1) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly.--Rather, But the Spirit. But (de) in very strong contrast to the sublime mystery of Redemption St. Paul has been speaking of as the glorious treasure contained in the Church of which Timothy and his colleagues were ministers: but in spite of that sublime truth which should occupy the thoughts and fill the hearts of Christians, men will busy themselves with other and very different things; with a spurious mock devotion, dreaming that God's mercy and love were to be purchased by mere abstinence from certain meats, or by an unnatural renunciation of the home and family life. The "words of the Spirit" here allude to a mysterious power, to a divine gift, traces of which occur again and again in the New Testament pages. Among the supernatural signs which were vouchsafed to the first generation of believers, and with very rare exceptions only to the first generation--to men and women, many, if not most, of whom had seen Jesus, and had had personal contact with Him--must be reckoned those mysterious intimations of the will of the Holy Spirit which guided and encouraged the Church of the first days. That intimation came in varied forms: to the Twelve in the form of fiery tongues (Acts 2:1-12); to a more numerous company (Acts 4:31); to Peter on the occasion of the conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:10-16; Acts 10:19-20); to St. Paul on three occasions in the course of his second missionary journey (Acts 16:6-7; Acts 16:9-10); through the medium of the prophet Agabus (Acts 21:11). St. Paul alludes to many such voices of the Spirit, and heavenly intimations, when speaking to the elders of Miletus (Acts 20:23). One of these special revelations, made to himself, he here quotes. . . .

Verse 1. - But for now, A.V.; saith for speaketh, A.V.; later for the latter, A.V.; fall away for depart, A.V. The Spirit saith expressly (ῤητῶς); only here in the New Testament, and very rare in classical Greek. But the adjective ῤητός, in the sense of something "laid down," "definite.... expressly mentioned," is common. It was, doubtless, on account of these prophetic warnings of a falling away from the faith, that the apostle gave the preceding heads of Christian doctrine in such a terse and tangible form, and laid such a solemn charge upon Timothy. (For examples of these prophetic utterances, see Acts 11:28; Acts 13:2; Acts 20:23; Acts 21:11; 1 Corinthians 12:8; 1 Corinthians 14. '30, 32, etc.) Shall fall away (ἀποστησονται). So St. Paul says (2 Thessalonians 2:3) that the day of Christ will not be, "except the falling away (ἡ ἀποστασία) come first" (comp. Hebrews 3:12). The faith; objective (see 1 Timothy 3:9 and 16, note). This "falling away" is to take place ἐν ὑστέροις καιροῖς; not, as in the R.V., in "later times," but as in the A.V., "the latter times." The adjective ὕστερος is only found here in the New Testament. But in the LXX. (e.g., 1 Chronicles 29:29; Jeremiah 1:19; Jeremiah 27:17, LXX.), ὕστερος means "the last," as opposed to "the first." And so the adverb ὕστερον always in the New Testament (see Matthew 4:2; Matthew 21:37; Matthew 26:60; or more fully ὕστερον πάντεν, 22:27). Here, therefore, ἐν ὑστεροις καιροῖς is equivalent to ἐν ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις (Acts 2:17) and ἐν ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις (2 Timothy 3:1; comp. James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 1:18). It should be observed that in all these passages there is no article. Giving heed (προσέχοντες); as in ver. 13; in 1 Timothy 1:4; Titus 1:14; Acts 8:6, and elsewhere. Seducing spirits (πνεύμασι πλάνοις). Such were the "lying spirits" who deceived (ἠπάτησαν) Ahab to his destruction (2 Kings 22:22). Πλάνος, seducing, is not elsewhere found in the New Testament as an adjective (see Matthew 27:63; 2 Corinthians 6:8 2John 7, in all which places, however, it is almost an adjective). The idea is "causing to wander," or "go astray." St. John warns his people against such deceiving spirits (John 4:1-6). He calls them generically πνεύμα τῆς πλάνης, "the spirit of error." Doctrines of devils; i.e. teachings suggested by devils. So the unbelieving Jews suggested that John the Baptist had a devil (Luke 7:33), and that our Lord himself had a devil (John 7:20; John 8:48, 52; John 10:19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Now
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the
Τὸ (To)
Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Spirit
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

expressly
ῥητῶς (rhētōs)
Adverb
Strong's 4490: Expressly, explicitly, in so many words. Adverb from a derivative of rheo; out-spokenly, i.e. Distinctly.

states
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

later
ὑστέροις (hysterois)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural - Comparative
Strong's 5306: Later, latter, last. Comparative from hupo; later.

times
καιροῖς (kairois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2540: Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.

some
τινες (tines)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

will abandon
ἀποστήσονταί (apostēsontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 868: From apo and histemi; to remove, i.e. instigate to revolt; usually to desist, desert, etc.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

to follow
προσέχοντες (prosechontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4337: From pros and echo; to hold the mind towards, i.e. Pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to.

deceitful
πλάνοις (planois)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4108: Roving, i.e. an impostor or misleader.

spirits
πνεύμασιν (pneumasin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[the] teachings
διδασκαλίαις (didaskaliais)
Noun - Dative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1319: Instruction, teaching. From didaskalos; instruction.

of demons,
δαιμονίων (daimoniōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 1140: An evil-spirit, demon; a heathen deity. Neuter of a derivative of daimon; a d?Monic being; by extension a deity.


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