The meaning of 1 Tim 4:7

[Ambasea]

I was wondering what the meaning of 1 Tim 4:7 was. “Refuse profane and old wives’ fables.” Are the profane fables that Paul’s referring to things like “It’s bad luck to open an umbrella indoors” or is he referring to false doctrine? Or maybe something else?

 

[Luke6_37]

I was wondering what the meaning of 1 Tim 4:7 was. “Refuse profane and old wives’ fables.” Are the profane fables that Paul’s referring to things like “It’s bad luck to open an umbrella indoors” or is he referring to false doctrine? Or maybe something else?

I assume it means superstitions of the time. Try reading it in context using a modern translation and read the notes.

1 Timothy 4:6-9 NABRE - - Bible Gateway

www.biblegateway.com

 

[ShowersofRoses]

Haydock’s commentary says:

Old wives’ fables.[2] Some understand the groundless traditions of the Jews; others the ridiculous fictions of Simon Magus and his followers. In the Greek they are called profane fables.

I’m sure it could refer to both false doctrines and silly superstitions.

 

[Hodos]

Looking at the epistle in its entirety, I imagine that Paul is probably referencing back to his first paragraph when he says Timothy needs to charge certain persons not to teach a different doctrine, nor devote oneself to myths or genealogies, which promote speculations, etc. It is difficult to know exactly whom Timothy is referring to. My guess is that there were some Jewish sects involved in angel adoration, or were perhaps concerned with blood relation to Abraham, or Levitical lines, or something of that nature. It could also refer to teachings that are mentioned in passing in Hebrews, where angel worship or devotion is rebuked. Its hard to say here. Since we don’t have the precipitating letter from Timothy to Paul, we can speculate, but can’t determine with certainty.

 

[Roguish]

I was wondering what the meaning of 1 Tim 4:7 was. “Refuse profane and old wives’ fables.” Are the profane fables that Paul’s referring to things like “It’s bad luck to open an umbrella indoors” or is he referring to false doctrine? Or maybe something else?

The Vulgate has “ineptas […] et aniles fabulas”. This simply translates as “silly stuff that old women talk about”. And “old” in this context just means married-with-children.

What do married women talk about when they meet up in the market-place, the street, at the well? They don’t discuss superstitions or religious doctrine. They gossip. They voice opinions and bicker about them. They complain about their men, their kids, their relatives. Etc. etc. It’s worldly talk – which is the strict meaning of “profane” anyway. Worldly talk is what this verse is telling us to stay away from.