1 Timothy 6:11 Meaning: Flee and Pursue
But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
and thou, O man of God, these things flee, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness;
But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, endurance, meekness of spirit.
Meaning in one sentence
1 Timothy 6:11 meaning: what does it mean to be a man of God? Flee love of money, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, gentleness.
Context
Paul has spent the first half of this chapter warning about people who use religion for profit. The love of money, he says, is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have wandered from the faith and brought great sorrow on themselves. Then, in verse 11, the apostle turns directly to Timothy. He calls him “man of God,” a title the Old Testament gave to prophets like Moses and Elijah. It marks a sharp contrast with those who chase wealth. Now Paul gives Timothy two commands: run from the love of money, and run hard after six qualities that reflect the character of God himself.
Key Words
Three Greek words carry the weight of this verse. The first is pheuge, translated “flee.” It means to run for your life, the way you would from a snake or a fire. Paul does not say “be careful around the love of money” or “keep it at a distance.” He says: get away. The opposite command is dioke, “pursue” or “follow after.” In the Greek, this word was used for a hunter chasing prey or a runner straining toward the finish line. Paul piles six nouns after it: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and the rare word praupathia, which only appears here in the New Testament. It means a gentle, meek spirit even when you are being treated unfairly. Putting both verbs together, Paul says the life of faith is not passive. You run from one thing and run toward another.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree that Paul is drawing a sharp line between Timothy and the false teachers. But they read the phrase “man of God” differently. Many Protestant commentators, like Matthew Henry and Albert Barnes, see it as first applying to Timothy as a minister, but also to every believer who belongs to God. Wesley says a man of God is “a man of another world.” Some Catholic and Eastern Orthodox readings emphasize the official role of Timothy as a bishop, while still holding up the virtues as a standard for all. The Cambridge Bible notes that the phrase comes from the Old Testament prophets and gives the passage a solemn, weighty tone. What all traditions share is the call to actively flee evil and pursue godliness.
A common misunderstanding
A frequent misreading is to think “man of God” means only pastors or clergy. In fact, Paul is writing to Timothy as a leader, but the same pattern of fleeing and pursuing appears in 2 Timothy 2:22 addressed to every Christian. The virtues listed are not a job description for ministers; they are marks of anyone who belongs to God. You do not need a title to live this way.
Living This Out
Take a few minutes today and name one thing you tend to chase more than you should. Maybe it is money, maybe it is approval from others. Then name one virtue from this verse you want more of. Now plan one small step: if you need to flee, set a boundary. Delete the shopping app. Say no to the extra shift. And if you need to pursue, find a way to practice that virtue today. Send the note of love. Stay quiet when you want to fight back. That is what being a man or woman of God looks like this week.
Main takeaway: Being a man or woman of God means turning away from greed and actively chasing after a life marked by godliness and love.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some things are bad for us, like loving money too much. God says run away from that. Then run after good things like being kind, loving others, and being patient.
For ages 9, 12
Paul told Timothy to run from the love of money and run after six good things. Think of it like a race: you leave the wrong stuff behind, and you chase after what makes you more like Jesus. Which one of those six do you want to work on this week? Maybe faith, love, or being gentle? Pick one and ask God to help you run after it.
Questions People Ask
What does “man of God” mean in 1 Timothy 6:11?
The phrase comes from the Old Testament, where it was used for prophets like Moses and Elijah. Paul uses it to set Timothy apart from the false teachers. It shows that Timothy belongs to God and is called to live differently. Many Christians also see it as a title for every believer who is devoted to God.
Why does Paul tell Timothy to flee instead of just resist temptation?
The Greek word for flee means to run for your life, like escaping a fire. Paul knew that the love of money is a powerful trap. Trying to simply resist while staying close to the temptation is dangerous. Sometimes the most faithful thing you can do is get away.
What does it mean to pursue righteousness, godliness, etc.?
Pursue is a strong word used for hunting or racing. It means you do not wait for these virtues to happen to you. You actively go after them. Righteousness is living right with God and people. Godliness is reverence toward God. Faith is trust. Love is selfless care. Perseverance is staying steady under pressure. Gentleness is a humble, patient spirit.
Is “man of God” only for men?
The Greek word for man here can mean “human being” and is a direct address to Timothy as a male. But the qualities Paul lists are for every Christian, male and female. In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul gives the same command to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace” without specifying gender. So the call is for all believers.
How does 1 Timothy 6:11 fit with the rest of the chapter?
Earlier in the chapter, Paul warns against false teachers who think godliness is a way to get rich. He says that the love of money leads to ruin. Verse 11 is the turning point: instead of chasing money, the man of God chases virtues. The next verses tell Timothy to fight the good fight and hold on to eternal life. So the whole passage is about choosing what really matters.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study