Avoiding Analogies in Biblical Teaching and Preaching
The Apostle Paul, in his pastoral epistles, frequently admonishes against engaging with certain types of discourse that distract from sound doctrine and godly edification. This counsel extends to avoiding "fables and endless genealogies" (1 Timothy 1:4 KJV) and "foolish and unlearned questions" (2 Timothy 2:23 KJV). These warnings highlight a consistent theme in Pauline instruction: the importance of focusing on teaching that builds faith rather than generating strife or speculation [1, 2, 4].
The Greek term for "parable" (παραβολή, parabolē) signifies a "placing beside" or a "comparison," often used for illustration or similitude [3]. While Jesus frequently employed parables as a teaching method, the Pauline epistles caution against specific kinds of narratives and discussions that, despite potentially appearing illustrative, lead away from the core tenets of faith. These are not general prohibitions against all forms of analogy or storytelling, but rather against those that are "profane" and lead away from "godliness" [8].
In 1 Timothy 1:4, Paul instructs Timothy "not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith" (Rotherham) [1]. The King James Version renders this as "fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith" [2]. The phrase "endless genealogies" likely refers to speculative or intricate discussions about lineage, possibly related to Jewish traditions or Gnostic ideas, which did not contribute to spiritual growth but instead fostered disputes [1, 2]. These discussions were seen as generating "questions" or "arguings" rather than promoting "godly edifying" or "the stewardship of God which is with faith" [1, 2]. The focus here is on the outcome of such discussions: they produce contention rather than spiritual benefit [4].
Similarly, in Titus 3:9, Paul advises Titus to "avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain." Matthew Henry interprets this as a warning against "idle and foolish enquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edification" [7]. These are not "needful questions to be discussed and cleared" for the sake of useful knowledge, but rather those that are "unprofitable and vain," leading to strife [7]. The emphasis is on discerning between discussions that genuinely contribute to faith and those that merely stir up controversy [7].
The concept of "old wives' fables" (γρᾳώδεις μύθους, graōdeis mythous) in 1 Timothy 4:7 further illustrates this point. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown describe these as "anile myths" that are "profane" because they divert from "godliness" [8]. Adam Clarke, in his introduction to 1 Timothy 4, notes that Paul predicts an "apostasy from the true faith" that would involve such fables [11]. The exhortation is to "refuse" or "reject" these, having "nothing to do with" them, and instead to "exercise thyself" in godliness [8]. This implies a deliberate choice to engage with spiritual disciplines that foster piety rather than with speculative or unedifying narratives [8].
The danger of such doctrines is that they can "carry about" believers, leading them away from the stability of sound teaching. John Gill, commenting on Hebrews 13:9 ("Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines"), explains that "divers" doctrines can refer to various rites, traditions, or human teachings, in contrast to the singular, uniform doctrine of Scripture [10]. These "strange doctrines" are those that are "foreign to the Scriptures" and "contrary to the Gospel" [10]. They are not rooted in Christ and his apostles' teachings and therefore lack the power to establish the heart [10].
The underlying concern in these Pauline warnings is the preservation of doctrinal purity and the promotion of genuine spiritual growth. The goal of Christian teaching is "godly edifying which is in faith" [2]. Anything that detracts from this, whether it be speculative genealogies, unprofitable questions, or "fables," is to be avoided [1, 2, 7, 8]. The focus should remain on the "word of Christ" and the "example of Christ" as the sole standard for believers [9]. Ministers, in particular, are called to avoid flattery and false teachings, which can mislead others [5]. Instead, they are to be faithful stewards of the truth, guiding believers toward genuine faith and away from divisive or unedifying discussions [1, 6]. The avoidance of strife and contention is a recurring theme, with "curious questions" being identified as a source of such conflict [4]. This emphasis underscores the practical implications of theological discourse: it should build up, not tear down; it should clarify, not confuse; and it should lead to faith, not endless debate [1, 2, 7].
Sources
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 1:4 — Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Missionaries, All Christians Should Be As — After the example of Christ -- Ac 10:38. Women and children as well as men -- Ps 8:2; Pr 31:26; Mt 21:15,16; Php 4:3; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 2:3-5; 1Pe 3:1. The zeal of idolaters should provoke to -- Jer 7:18. The zeal of hypocrites should provoke to -- Mt 23:15. An imperative duty -- Jdj 5:23; Lu 19:40. The principle on which -- 2Co 5:14,15. However weak they may be -- 1Co 1:27. From their calling as saints -- Ex 19:6; 1Pe 2:9. As faithful stewards -- 1Pe 4:10,11. In youth -- Ps 71:17; 148:12,13. In old age -- De 32:7; Ps 71:18. In”
- Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 3:9: Here is the fifth and last thing in the matter of the epistle: what Titus should avoid in teaching; how he should deal with a heretic; with some other directions. Observe, I. That the apostle's meaning might be more clear and full, and especially fitted to the time and state of things in Crete, and the many judaizers among them, he tells Titus what, in teaching, he should shun, Tit 3:9. There are needful questions to be discussed and cleared, such as make for improvement in useful knowledge; but idle and foolish enquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edif”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:7: refuse--reject, avoid, have nothing to do with (Ti2 2:23; Tit 3:10). old wives' fables--anile myths (Ti1 1:4, Ti1 1:9; Tit 1:14). They are "profane," because leading away from "godliness" or "piety" (Ti1 1:4-7; Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:16; Tit 1:1-2). exercise thyself--literally, "exercise thyself" as one undergoing training in a gymnasium. Let thy self-discipline be not in ascetical exercises as the false teachers (Ti1 4:3, Ti1 4:8; compare Ti2 2:22-23; Heb 5:14; Heb 12:11), but with a view to godliness or "piety" (Ti1 6:11-12).”
- Galatians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Galatians 6:4: Prove his own work - Let him examine himself and his conduct by the words and example of Christ; and if he find that they bear this touchstone, then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, feeling that he resembles his Lord and Master, and not in another - not derive his consolation from comparing himself with another who may be weaker, or less instructed than himself. The only rule for a Christian is the word of Christ; the only pattern for his imitation is the example of Christ. He should not compare himself with others; they are not his standard. Christ hath ”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- 1 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Timothy 4 (introduction): Apostasy from the true faith predicted, and in what that apostasy should consist, Ti1 4:1-5. Exhortations to Timothy to teach the truth, Ti1 4:6. To avoid old wives' fables; to exercise himself to godliness, Ti1 4:7, Ti1 4:8. To labor, command, and teach, Ti1 4:9, Ti1 4:10, Ti1 4:11. To act so that none might despise his youth, Ti1 4:12. To give attendance to reading and preaching, Ti1 4:13, Ti1 4:14. To give up himself wholly to the Divine work, Ti1 4:15. And so doing he should both save himself and them that heard him, Ti1 4:16.”