1 Let as many as are slaves under a yoke consider their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God {Theos, Worthy Of Honor} and the teaching {didaskalia: apostolic instruction} may not be blasphemed.
2 But those who have believing masters {despotas: household authorities} must not treat them with contempt because they are brothers; rather, let them serve all the more, because the ones who benefit from their good service are faithful and beloved. Teach and urge these things.
3 If anyone teaches differently and does not adhere to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ {Kyrios Iesous Christos, Teacher of Truth}, and to the teaching that accords with godliness {eusebeia: reverent devotion},
4 He has become conceited and understands nothing, but is sick over disputes and word-quarrels, from which arise envy, strife, slanders {blasphemiai: injurious speech}, wicked suspicions {ponerai: morally corrupt}.
5 There are constant quarrels {diaparatribai: continual strife} of people with a corrupted mind and deprived of the truth, supposing that godliness {eusebeia: devout conduct} is a means of gain.
6 But godliness {eusebeia: reverent devotion} with contentment {autarkeia: inner sufficiency} is great gain.
7 For we have brought {eisphero: bring in} nothing into the world {kosmos: created order}, because we are not even able to carry anything out.
8 But having food {diatrophas: necessary sustenance} and coverings, with these we shall be content {arkeo: inwardly satisfied}.
9 But those who wish to be rich fall into temptation and a snare {pagis: hidden trap} and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction {apoleia: total loss}.
10 For the love of money {philargyria: intense pursuit of wealth} is a root of all kinds of evils, which some, craving after, have wandered away from the faith {pisteos: steadfast trust} and have pierced themselves with many pains.
11 But you, O man of God {Theos, One Who Commissions}, flee these things; instead, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness {praupathia: gentle disposition}.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith {pisteos: steadfast trust}; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession {homologian: public declaration} before many witnesses.
13 I charge you in the presence of God {Theos, Universal Life-Giver}, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus {Christos Iesous, Faithful Witness under Trial}, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate.
14 That you keep the commandment {entole: authoritative charge} spotless and irreproachable until the appearing {epiphaneia: visible return} of our Lord Jesus Christ {Kyrios Iesous Christos, Returning Sovereign Redeemer}.
15 Which He {Theos, Supreme Revealer} will display in His own proper times, He who is the blessed {makarios: supremely joyful} and only Sovereign, the King of those who reign as kings and Lord of those who rule as lords.
16 He {Theos, Invisible Sovereign} is the only One who possesses immortality {athanasia: deathless existence} and who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one of men has seen nor is able to see—to Him be honor and eternal power. Amen.
17 Instruct the rich in the present age not to be arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God {Theos, Generous Giver} who richly provides us with all things for enjoyment {apolausis: grateful use}.
18 To do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous {eumetadotous: freely giving}, and willing to share {koinonikous: relational sharing}.
19 Storing up for themselves a good foundation {themelion: secure base} for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly {ontos: genuinely real} life.
20 O Timothy, guard the deposit {paratheken: entrusted treasure}, turning away from profane empty speeches and the contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge {gnoseos: distorted teaching}.
21 Which some, professing it, have missed {estochesan: failed or deviated} concerning the faith {pistis: conviction of truth}. Grace be with you.