1 Timothy 1:7

7 They want to be teachers of Law without understanding either what they are saying or what they are talking about with such confidence.

1 Timothy 1:7 Meaning and Commentary

1 Timothy 1:7

Desiring to be teachers of the law
They were very fond of being called Rabbi, Rabbi, and styled doctors of the law, and of being thought to have skill in interpreting the law, and good talents in expounding it, and preaching upon it; which was now most in vogue, and gained the greatest applause, when the preaching of the Gospel was treated with contempt, not only by the unbelieving Jews, but by judaizing Christians, and carnal professors.

Understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm:
they did not understand the law, the nature and end, the purity and spirituality, and perfection of it, which they were so fond of teaching, and went into many foolish and unlearned questions about it; see ( 2 Timothy 2:23 ) ( Titus 3:9 ) , and which they as foolishly answered: these are the ignorant and unlearned men, who, notwithstanding their vain show of learning, and pretence to skill in interpreting the law, wrested the Scriptures to their own destruction, and that of others; they were ignorant of the things they talked of, and knew not by what arguments to confirm them, and yet were very bold and confident in their assertions: and generally speaking so it is, that those who can prove least assert most, and that with the greatest assurance.

1 Timothy 1:7 In-Context

5 The goal of instruction is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

6 Because they missed this goal, some people have been distracted by talk that doesn't mean anything.

7 They want to be teachers of Law without understanding either what they are saying or what they are talking about with such confidence.

8 Now we know that the Law is good if used appropriately.

9 We understand this: the Law isn't established for a righteous person but for people who live without laws and without obeying any authority. They are the ungodly and the sinners. They are people who are not spiritual, and nothing is sacred to them. They kill their fathers and mothers, and murder others.