1 Timothy 1:8
1 Timothy 1:8 in Multiple Translations
Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully,
We are conscious that the law is good, if a man makes a right use of it,
Now we recognize that the law is good if people use it properly.
And we knowe, that the Law is good, if a man vse it lawfully,
and we have known that the law [is] good, if any one may use it lawfully;
But we know that the law is good if a person uses it lawfully,
But we know that the law is good, if a man useth it lawfully;
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully:
We know that the laws that God gave to Moses are good if people consider correctly what God intended them for.
We all know that the law that God gave to Moses is good, so long as people teach it the right way.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Timothy 1:8
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Timothy 1:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Timothy 1:8
Study Notes — 1 Timothy 1:8
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Timothy 1:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
- Sermons on 1 Timothy 1:8
Context — Correcting False Teachers
8Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately.
9We realize that law is not enacted for the righteous, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and profane, for killers of father or mother, for murderers, 10for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teachingCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 7:12–13 | So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good. Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Certainly not! But in order that sin might be exposed as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful. |
| 2 | Psalms 19:7–10 | The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. |
| 3 | Romans 7:16 | And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 2:5 | Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. |
| 5 | Galatians 3:21 | Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. |
| 6 | Psalms 119:127–128 | Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. Therefore I admire all Your precepts and hate every false way. |
| 7 | Romans 7:22 | For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 9:13 | You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them just ordinances, true laws, and good statutes and commandments. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:96–105 | I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit. Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path, that I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth! I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. |
| 10 | Romans 12:2 | Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. |
1 Timothy 1:8 Summary
[This verse reminds us that the law is good and useful when used in the right way. The law is like a mirror that shows us our sin and need for a Savior, as seen in James 1:23-25 and Romans 7:7. When we use the law to try to earn God's favor or to judge others, we are misusing it. Instead, we should use the law to point ourselves and others to Jesus Christ, who is the only one who can save us from our sins.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to use the law 'legitimately'?
Using the law legitimately means applying it in accordance with its original purpose, which is to point people to their need for a Savior, as seen in Romans 3:20 and Galatians 3:24. This is in contrast to misusing the law as a means of self-justification or to condemn others.
Is the law still relevant for believers today?
While the law is no longer a means of justification for believers, as explained in Romans 6:14, it still serves as a guide for living a holy life, as seen in 1 Timothy 1:8 and Psalm 119:105.
How can we distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate uses of the law?
A legitimate use of the law is one that acknowledges its limitations and points people to Jesus Christ, as seen in John 14:6 and Acts 13:38-39. An illegitimate use of the law, on the other hand, relies solely on human effort and ignores the need for salvation through faith in Christ.
What is the relationship between the law and the gospel?
The law and the gospel are not in opposition to each other, but rather, the law prepares the way for the gospel by revealing humanity's sinfulness and need for a Savior, as seen in Romans 3:20 and Galatians 3:24.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I use the law to justify myself or condemn others, rather than pointing myself and others to Jesus Christ?
- How can I apply the law in a way that is legitimate and honoring to God, rather than using it as a means of self-righteousness?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to surrender my attempts to follow the law in my own strength and instead trust in the power of the gospel?
- How can I use the law as a tool for discipleship and growth in my relationship with Christ, rather than relying solely on my own efforts?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Timothy 1:8
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Timothy 1:8
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
Cambridge Bible on 1 Timothy 1:8
Barnes' Notes on 1 Timothy 1:8
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Timothy 1:8
Sermons on 1 Timothy 1:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hell's Best Kept Secret (Spanish) by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher uses a story of two men on a plane to illustrate the difference between a gospel focused on life enhancement and a gospel focused on salvation. The fir |
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Hell's Best Kept Secret (French) by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men in a plane, one given a parachute and told it would improve his flight. The first man initially doubts the parachute's effec |
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Hell's Best Kept Secret (Korean) by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the preacher challenges the popular teaching that the Gospel is solely about finding peace, joy, love, and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He uses a story of two men o |
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Building Up Yourselves by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reviving the gift of God within oneself. He encourages Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord and highlight |
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Prayer - Founded on the Law and the Gospel by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the church. He shares a story of a pastor who was struggling to see any results in his ministry until he called |
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Family God's Way #5 - Parents and Children by Bob Hoekstra | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of following God's law and using it properly. He emphasizes that the law is not meant for righteous individuals, but for the re |
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The First Fruits of the Spirit by John Wesley | John Wesley emphasizes that those who are in Christ Jesus and walk according to the Spirit are free from condemnation. He explains that true believers, justified by faith, are no l |




