This verse contains both a negative and a positive command to Timothy. Negatively he should Have nothing to do with myths, since these are godless and silly. Have nothing to do (Good News Translation “keep away from”) translates a verb that means “shun,” “avoid,” “refuse,” “beg off,” “decline.” For myths see 1.4. These myths are described as godless and silly. Godless translates a word that in its neutral sense means “accessible” but is used in Greek writings as the opposite of the word “holy,” hence “secular.” In the present context its primary meaning is “profane,” that is, devoid of anything sacred, so that it is not worth the attention of any godly or religious person. Silly translates a word that can be literally rendered “characteristic of or belonging to old women” (so Jerusalem Bible “old wives’ tales,” New English Bible “fit only for old women”). The expression perhaps originates from the notion that old women (especially senile ones) like to tell stories that make no sense. It was not long before the expression became an idiom for any limitless, insignificant chatter; this is the way it was used in Greek philosophical writings at that time. It is thus justified to translate the expression not literally but according to its meaning, which many modern translations have done.

Positively Timothy is urged to train himself in godliness. For godliness see discussion on the same term translated “godly” in 2.2 and “religion” in 3.16. The word translated Train yourself comes from language used in the gymnasium and refers to exercising or training for some sports event. In some languages an expression like “Work hard to be” (Contemporary English Version) will be more natural. The form of the Greek verb is that of a present imperative, emphasizing the continuity of the action (so Good News Translation “keep yourself in training”). The attainment of the godly life is not a one-time event; it needs persistent and strenuous effort both mentally and spiritually. Another way of expressing Train yourself in godliness is “You must train yourself continually to live a life that shows reverence to God.”

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to Timothy. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .