A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Timothy 6

Under the yoke (υπο ζυγον). As slaves (δουλο, bondsmen). Perhaps under heathen masters (1 Peter 2:18). For the slave problem, see also Phm 1; Colossians 3:22; Ephesians 6:5; Titus 2:9. See Mt 11:29 for Christ's "yoke" (ζυγον, from ζευγνυμ, to join).

Their own masters (τους ιδιους δεσποτας). That is always where the shoe pinches. Our "despot" is this very Greek word, the strict correlative of slave (δουλος), while κυριος has a wider outlook. Old word only here, Titus 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:21; 1 Peter 2:18 for human masters. Applied to God in Lu 2:29; Acts 4:24,29 and to Christ in 2 Peter 2:1.

The name of God (το ονομα του θεου). See Ro 2:24. If the heathen could say that Christian slaves were not as dependable as non-Christian slaves. Negative purpose with ινα μη and present passive subjunctive (βλασφημητα).

Let not despise them (μη καταφρονειτωσαν). Negative imperative active third plural of καταφρονεω, to think down on. See 4:12. He must not presume on the equality of Christian brotherhood not allowed by the state's laws. Some of these Christian slaves might be pastors of churches to which the master belonged. For the difficulty of the Christian master's position, see 1 Corinthians 7:22; Phm 1:16.

But rather (αλλα μαλλον). Render the Christian Master better service.

They that partake of the benefit (ο της ενεργεσιας αντιλαμβανομενο). For ευεργεσιας (genitive case after participle) see Ac 4:9, only other N.T. example of this old word. Present middle participle of αντιλαμβανω, old verb, to take in turn, to lay fast hold of, in N.T. only here, Luke 1:54; Acts 20:35.

Teacheth a different doctrine (ετεροδιδασκαλε). See 1:3 for this verb, present active indicative here in condition of first class.

Consenteth not (μη προσερχετα). Also condition of first class with μη instead of ου. Προσερχομα (old verb, to come to, to approach, with dative) is common enough in N.T. (Hebrews 4:16; 7:25, etc.), but in the metaphorical sense of coming to one's ideas, assenting to, here only in N.T., but is so used in Philo and Irenaeus (Ellicott).

Sound words (υγιαινουσιν λογοις). See 1:10 for υγιαινω.

The words of our Lord Jesus Christ (τοις του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου). Either subjective genitive (the words from the Lord Jesus, a collection of his sayings in Lock's opinion like 5:18; Acts 20:35, at least in the Spirit of Jesus as Ac 16:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23) or objective genitive about Jesus like 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18.

According to godliness (κατα ευσεβειαν). Promoting (designed for) godliness as in Tit 1:1.

He is puffed up (τετυφωτα). Perfect passive indicative of τυφοω, for which see 3:6.

Knowing nothing (μηδεν επισταμενος). Present middle participle of επισταμα. Ignorance is a frequent companion of conceit.

Doting (νοσων). Present active participle of νοσεω, to be sick, to be morbid over, old word, only here in N.T.

Disputes of words (λογομαχιας). Our "logomachy." From λογομαχεω (2 Timothy 2:14), and that from λογος and μαχομα, to fight over words, late and rare word, here only in N.T. See Plato (Tim. 1085 F) for "wars in words" (μαχας εν λογοις).

Whereof (εξ ων). "From which things."

Surmisings (υπονοια). Old word from υπονοεω, to surmise, to suspect (Acts 25:18), only here in N.T. All these words are akin (envy, φθονος, strife, ερις, railings or slanders, βλασφημια), all products of an ignorant and conceited mind.

Wranglings (διαπαρατριβα). Late and rare (Clem. of Alex.) double compound (δια, mutual or thorough, παρατριβα, irritations or rubbings alongside). "Mutual irritations" (Field).

Corrupted in mind (διεφθαρμενων τον νουν). Perfect passive participle of διαφθειρω, to corrupt, genitive case agreeing with ανθρωπων (of men) and retaining the accusative τον νουν.

Bereft of the truth (απεστερημενων της αληθειας). Perfect passive participle of αποστερεω, old verb (1 Corinthians 6:8) with the ablative case after it (αληθειας).

A way of gain (πορισμον). Late word from ποριζω, to provide, to gain. Only here in N.T. "Rich Christians." Predicate accusative with εινα (indirect assertion) in apposition with ευσεβειαν, the accusative of general reference.