1Ti 6:4, Tit 3:9 | JFB | STEP | 4. He is proud —literally, "wrapt in smoke"; filled with the fumes of self-conceit ( ) while "knowing nothing," namely, of the doctrine which is according to godliness ( ), though arrogating pre-eminent knowledge ( ). doting about —literally, " sick about"; the opposite of " wholesome " ( ). Truth is not the center about which his investigations move, but mere word-strifes. questions —of controversy. strifes of words —rather than about realities ( ). These stand with them instead of "godliness" and "wholesome words" ( ). evil surmisings —as to those who are of a different party from themselves.

1 Timothy 6:4

4. He is proud—literally, "wrapt in smoke"; filled with the fumes of self-conceit (1Ti 3:6) while "knowing nothing," namely, of the doctrine which is according to godliness (1Ti 6:3), though arrogating pre-eminent knowledge (1Ti 1:7).

doting about—literally, "sick about"; the opposite of "wholesome" (1Ti 6:3). Truth is not the center about which his investigations move, but mere word-strifes.

questions—of controversy.

strifes of words—rather than about realities (2Ti 2:14). These stand with them instead of "godliness" and "wholesome words" (1Ti 6:3; 1Ti 1:4; Tit 3:9).

evil surmisings—as to those who are of a different party from themselves.

Titus 3:9

9. avoid—stand aloof from. Same Greek, as in 2Ti 2:16; see on 2Ti 2:16.

foolish—Greek, "insipid"; producing no moral fruit. "Vain talkers."

genealogies—akin to the "fables" (see on 1Ti 1:4). Not so much direct heresy as yet is here referred to, as profitless discussions about genealogies of aeons, &c., which ultimately led to Gnosticism. Synagogue discourses were termed daraschoth, that is, "discussions." Compare "disputer of this world (Greek, 'dispensation')."

strivings about the law—about the authority of the "commandments of men," which they sought to confirm by the law (Tit 1:14; see on 1Ti 1:7), and about the mystical meaning of the various parts of the law in connection with the "genealogies."