1 Timothy 1:7

7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

1 Timothy 1:7 in Other Translations

7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

7 They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence.

7 They want to be teachers of the law, although they don't understand what they are saying or what they are insisting on.

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 this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.

7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.

9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,

Cross References

• 1. S Ephesians 4:11
• 2. Job 38:2