1 Timothy 1:4
1 Timothy 1:4
“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul warns against myths and endless genealogies that breed arguments instead of building people up in faith.
What Does 1 Timothy 1:4 Mean?
Some teachers were absorbed in speculative stories and long family lists, spinning questions that had no end and no answer. Such talk felt learned but led nowhere.
The test of any teaching is whether it builds people up toward God. Edifying in faith strengthens love and trust; endless speculation only stirs debate. Paul tells Timothy to keep the church's attention on what actually feeds the soul.
In the Original Language
oikodome (οἰκοδομή), 'edifying' -- the building up of believers, like raising a house.