Exegesis of 1 Timothy 6:11, with special attention to the Greek term διώκω (diōkō)

 

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1 Timothy 6:11 (Greek and English)

Greek (NA28):
Σὺ δέ, ὦ ἄνθρωπε Θεοῦ, ταῦτα φεῦγε, δίωκε δὲ δικαιοσύνην, εὐσέβειαν, πίστιν, ἀγάπην, ὑπομονήν, πραϋπαθίαν.

English (ESV):
"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness."

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Contextual Overview

In this portion of the letter, Paul is exhorting Timothy—a leader in the church at Ephesus—to live in contrast to the false teachers described in the preceding verses (6:3–10), who are characterized by greed, quarrelsomeness, and a corrupt view of godliness as a means to financial gain. Verse 11 marks a pivot: Timothy is to flee from such corruptions and pursue a different set of virtues.

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Focus on the Greek Term: διώκω (diōkō)

Basic Meaning

• διώκω generally means "to pursue," "to strive after," or "to persecute."

• It is used in both positive and negative contexts throughout the New Testament.

Usage in the New Testament

• Negative examples (persecution):

  • Acts 9:4: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

  • Galatians 1:13: Paul refers to his past as a persecutor of the church.

• Positive examples (pursuit of virtue):

  • Romans 14:19: “Let us pursue what makes for peace.”

  • Philippians 3:12: “I press on to make it my own…”

In 1 Timothy 6:11, διώκω is clearly used in the positive moral sense: not a passive reception of righteousness and godliness, but an active, intentional, determined striving after them.

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Theological and Practical Implications

1. Active Discipleship

The use of διώκω implies a dynamic spirituality—not just avoiding evil ("flee") but fervently chasing good. Christian virtue is not accidental; it requires energy, attention, and relentless pursuit.

2. Contrast with "Flee" (φεύγε)

• Paul pairs φεύγε (pheuge) — flee — with δίωκε (diōke) — pursue.

• This mirrors the classic biblical ethical pattern: turn away from sin and turn toward righteousness (cf. Psalm 34:14, “Turn from evil and do good”).

3. The Intentionality of Virtue

• Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness are not simply byproducts of conversion.

• They are objectives to be chased after—with the same passion that once fueled Paul’s persecution of the church (cf. Philippians 3:6–14, where Paul uses διώκω twice).

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Conclusion

In 1 Timothy 6:11, διώκω conveys a vigorous, intentional pursuit of spiritual virtues. Paul isn't just telling Timothy to "prefer" these qualities; he's telling him to chase them down like a runner after a prize or a hunter after game. This active pursuit complements the warning to flee from destructive desires and highlights the dynamic nature of Christian maturity: not static or accidental, but driven, focused, and relentless.