Reference: Timothy, The First Epistle to
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FIRST EPISTLE. Its authenticity as Paul's writing, and its canonical authority as inspired, were universally recognized by the early church with the solitary exception of the Gnostic Marcion. 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy are in the Peshito Syriac of the second century. The Muratorian Fragment on the canon in the same century acknowledges them. The Pastoral Epistles, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, have a mutual resemblance. Irenaeus (adv. Haeres. i. and iii. 3,. section 3-4; 4:16, section 3; 2:14, section 8; 3:11, section 1; 1:16, section 3) quotes 1Ti 1:4,9; 6:20; 2Ti 4:9-21; Tit 3:10. Clement of Alex. (Strom. 2:383, 457; 3:534, 536; 1:350) quotes 1Ti 4; 20/type/acv'>6:20-21,2 Timothy as to deaconesses; Tit 1:12. Tertullian (de praescriptione Haereticorum, 25 and 6) quotes 1Ti 1:18; 6:13,20; 2Ti 1:14; 2:2; Tit 3:10-11; and adv. Marcion, Scorp. 13, compare 2Ti 4:6.
Eusebius includes the two epistles to Timothy and Titus in "the universally acknowledged Scriptures." Theophilus of Antioch (ad Autolycum 3:14) quotes 1Ti 2:1-2; Tit 3:1. Caius (in Eusebius' Ecclesiastes Hist. vi. 20) recognizes their authenticity. Clement of Rome (First Epistle to Cor. 29) quotes 1Ti 2:8. Ignatius in the second century (epistle to Polycarp 6) alludes to 2Ti 2:4. Polycarp in the same century (Epistle to Philipp. 4-5) alludes to 1Ti 6:7,10; 2Ti 2:4,11-12; and (in chapter 9) to 2Ti 4:10. Hegesippus, in the end of second century (in Eusebius, Ecc. Hist. iii. 32), alludes to 1Ti 6:3,20. Athenagoras at the same period alludes to 1Ti 6:16.
Heresies opposed in the Pastoral Epistles. Ascetic Judaism and legalism (1Ti 1:7; Tit 1:10,14; 3:9) on the one hand, and incipient gnosticism on the other (1Ti 1:4), of which the theory that a twofold principle existed from the beginning, evil as well as good, appears in germ, 1Ti 4:3, etc. In 1Ti 6:20 the term gnosis, "science," itself occurs. Another Gnostic error, "that the resurrection is past," is noticed (2Ti 2:17-18; compare 1Co 15:12-33). The Judaism herein refuted is not that controverted in the earlier epistles, namely, that which joined the law with faith in Christ, for justification. The intermediate phase appears in epistle to Colossians (Colossians 2), namely, that which superadded ascetical will worship and angel worship to Judaism. In the epistle to Philippians (Php 3:2,18-19) the further stage appears, immoral practice accompanying false doctrine as to the resurrection. The pastoral epistles - 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus - exhibit the mattered godlessness which followed superstition as superstition had followed legalism.
Not knowing the true use of "the law" (1Ti 1:7-8) the false teachers "put away good conscience," as well as "the faith" (1Ti 1:19; 4:2), "spoke lies in hypocrisy, corrupt in mind," regarded "piety as a means of gain" (1Ti 6:5; Tit 1:11); "overthrew the faith" by heresies "eating as a canker, saying the resurrection is past, leading captive silly women, ever learning yet never knowing the truth, reprobate as Jannes and Jambres (2Ti 3:6-8), defiled, unbelieving, professing to know God but in works denying Him, abominable, disobedient, reprobate" (Tit 1:15-16). The universal epistles of John (1Jo 2:18-23; 4:1,3; 2Jo 1:7,11; 3Jo 1:9-10), Jude, and Peter (2Pe 2), and to the Hebrew (Heb 6:4-8) present the same features. This proves the later date of Paul's pastoral epistles. The Gnosticism opposed is not the anti-Judaic later Gnosticism which followed the overthrow of the Jerusalem temple worship, but the earlier phase which amalgamated with Judaism oriental and Greek elements.
Directions in the Pastoral Epistles as to church ministers and officers. The apostle naturally directs Timothy, the church president for the time being at Ephesus, and Titus at Crete, concerning "bishop-elders and deacons," in order to secure due administration of the church at a time when heresies were springing up and when he must soon depart this life. He shows the same anxiety in his address to the elders of the same city Ephesus earlier (Ac 20:21-30). The presbyterate and diaconate existed long before (Ac 6:8; 11:30; 14:23). Paul's directions are not as to their appointment then first, but as to the due ordination and moral qualifications of elders and deacons thenceforth, according as vacancies might occur. Timothy and Titus exercised the same power in ordaining elders in Ephesus and Crete as Paul had in the Gentile churches in general (2Co 11:28).
Unique phrases and modes of thought in the Pastoral Epistles. The difference of subject and of circumstances of those addressed, and those spoken of, as compared with Paul's other epistles, accounts for these. They partly occur in Galatians also, where as here he with characteristic warmth controverts the perverters of the truth: 1Ti 2:6; Tit 2:4, "gave Himself for us," with Ga 1:4; 1Ti 1:17; 2Ti 4:18, "forever and ever," with Ga 1:5; 1Ti 5:21; 6:13; 2Ti 2:14; 4:22 with Ga 1:20; "a pillar," 1Ti 3:15, with Ga 2:9; "mediator," 1Ti 2:5, with Ga 3:20; 1Ti 2:6; 6:15; Tit 1:3, with Ga 6:9, "in due season." Fifty special phrases occur, e.g. "the faithful saying" (1Ti 1:15), "sound," "seared" (1Ti 4:2,7), "old wives' fables," "slow bellies" (Tit 1:12). Paul's writing with his own hand, instead of by an amanuensis, as he did to Galatians and Philemon, accounts for the more concise, abrupt, and forcible style and phraseology.
TIME OF WRITING: First Epistle to Timothy. Soon after Paul's leaving Ephesus for Macedon (1Ti 1:3). The object of leaving Timothy at Ephesus was primarily to restrain the false teachers (1Ti 1:3), not to organize the church for the first time. The institution for church widows implies a settled organization. Scandals occurring after the original institution rendered directions as to the existing ministry needful. The similarity in style, subject, and state of the church, of the second epistle to Timothy (written certainly just before Paul's death) with the first epistle, implies that the date of the latter is not much prior to that of the second. The mention of Timothy's "youth" (1Ti 4:12) is not inconsistent with a late date; he was "young" not absolutely but as compared with "Paul the aged" (Phm 1:9), and with some of the elders whom he had to superintend; probably 34 or 35, compare 1Ti 5:1.
As to Ac 20:25, "all" the Ephesian elders called to Miletus "never saw Paul's face" afterward; Paul "knew" this by inspiration; but this assertion of his is compatible with his visiting Ephesus again (1Ti 1:3; 2Ti 1:18; 4:20). Being at Miletum, so near Ephesus, after his first Roman imprisonment, he would be sure to visit Ephesus. In 1Ti 3:14 Paul says "I write, hoping to come unto thee shortly"; but on the earlier occasion of his passing from Ephesus to Macedon he had planned to spend the summer in Macedon and the winter in Corinth (1Co 16:6). Nor did Paul leave Timothy then as now (1Ti 1:3) at Ephesus, but sent him to Macedon (Ac 19:22). Paul in his address to the Ephesian elders (Ac 20:29-30) prophesies the rise of false teachers; in his epistle to the Ephesians from Rome at his first imprisonment he does not notice the Judaeo-Gnostic errors as yet; but in 1 Timothy he notices them as then actually prevailing.
PLACE OF WRITING: First Epistle to Timothy. Paul's using "went" not "came," "when I went (poreuomenos) into Macedonia" (1Ti 1:3), implies he was not there when he wrote the First Epistle to Timothy. Wherever he was he was uncertain how long he might be detained from coming to Ephesus to Timothy (1Ti 3:14-15). Corinth may have been the place. Between it and Ephesus communication was easy; his course on former occasions was from Macedon to Corinth (Acts 17-18). Coincidences occur between 1Ti 2:11-14 and 1Co 14:40 as to women being silent in church; 1Ti 5:17-18 and 1Co 9:8-10 as to ministers' maintenance, on the law's maxim not to muzzle the ox treading the grain; and 1Ti 5:19-20 and 2Co 13:1-4 as to charges against elders before witnesses. In the very place where these directions had been already enforced Paul naturally reproduces them in his First Epistle to Timothy.
DESIGN.
(1) To direct Timothy to restrain false teachers from teaching aught different from the gospel (1Ti 1:3,20; Re 2:1-6).
(2) To g
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Only be strong and very courageous to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou may have good success wherever thou go.
Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage. Be not frightened, neither be thou dismayed, for LORD thy God is with thee wherever thou go. Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, read more. Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, Prepare food for you, for within three days ye are to pass over this Jordan to go in to possess the land, which LORD your God gives you to possess it.
And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.
which also they did, having sent it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
And having appointed elders for them in every congregation, having prayed with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
And having sent into Macedonia two of those who help him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus. And now behold, I, bound in the spirit, am going to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me in it, read more. except that the Holy Spirit testifies from city to city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I make nothing of the matter, nor do I hold my life precious to myself, so as to fully complete my course with joy, and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to solemnly testify the good-news of the grace of God. And now behold, I have seen that ye will no longer see my face, ye all among whom I passed through preaching the kingdom of God.
And now behold, I have seen that ye will no longer see my face, ye all among whom I passed through preaching the kingdom of God. Therefore I solemnly declare to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. read more. For I did not withdraw from declaring to you the whole plan of God. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit placed you guardians, to tend the church of the Lord and God, which he purchased by his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And from you yourselves men will rise up, speaking distorted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
And from you yourselves men will rise up, speaking distorted things, to draw away the disciples after them.
Do I say these things according to man, or does not the law also say these things? For it is written in the law of Moses thou shall not muzzle an ox threshing grain. Is God concerned about oxen, read more. or does he speak altogether for our sake? For our sake, for it was written, He who plows ought to plow with hope, and he who threshes with his hope, with hope to share.
Let all things be done decently and in order.
Now if Christ is proclaimed that he has risen from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ risen. read more. And if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty. And also we are found FALSE witnesses of God, because we witnessed according to God that he raised up the Christ, whom he did not raise up, if therefore the dead are really not raised. For if the dead are not raised, neither has Christ been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain. Ye are still in your sins. Then also those who slept in Christ have perished. If we are men who have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men more miserable. But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruit of those who are asleep. For since death is because of a man, the resurrection of the dead is also because of a man. For as by Adam all die, so also by Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order. Christ the first fruit, then those of Christ at his coming. Afterwards the end, when he delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when he will abolishes all rule, and all authority and power. For he must reign until he will put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy abolished is death. For he subordinated all things under his feet. But when he says that all things have been subordinated, it is clear that he who subordinated all things under him, is excepted. And when all things are made subordinate to him, then the Son himself will also be made subordinate to him who subordinated all things to him, so that God may be all in all. Otherwise what will they do who are immersed for the dead? If the dead do not rise at all, why then are they immersed for the dead? And we, why are we in peril every hour? By the pride that belongs to you, that I keep in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If in respect to men I fought with beasts at Ephesus, what is the benefit to me if the dead are not raised? Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Be not led astray. Evil associations corrupt good habits.
And it may be that I will remain with you, or I will even spend winter, so that ye may set me on my way wherever I go.
Besides the external things, crowding upon me daily is the care of all the congregations.
This third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two witnesses or three every saying will be confirmed. I have told you before, and I say in advance, as present the second time, and now absent, I write to those who have previously sinned, and to all the others, that if I come to it again, I will not spare, read more. since ye seek proof of the Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but is mighty in you. For even if he was crucified from weakness, yet he lives from the power of God. For we in him are also weak, but we will live with him from the power of God toward you.
who gave himself for our sins, so that he might rescue us, according to the will of our God and Father, out of the evil age that has come, to whom is the glory into the ages of the ages. Truly.
Now what I write to you, behold before God, I do not lie.
and James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, when they understood the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship. So that we were for the Gentiles, and they for me
Now a mediator is not of one, but God is one.
And let us not be weary doing good, for in our own time we will reap, not desponding.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the excision.
For many walk, who (I told you often, and now also say while weeping) are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and the glory in their shame, who mind earthly things.
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different,
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different,
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different,
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different,
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different,
As I urged thee, while going to Macedonia, remain in Ephesis, so that thou might command certain men not to teach something different, nor to heed myths and endless genealogies, which cause controversies rather than stewardship of God in faith.
nor to heed myths and endless genealogies, which cause controversies rather than stewardship of God in faith.
desiring to be law teachers, understanding neither what they say, nor about what they confidently assert.
desiring to be law teachers, understanding neither what they say, nor about what they confidently assert. But we know that the law is good, if any man uses it lawfully, read more. knowing this, that law is not laid down for righteous men, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the irreverent and sinful, for the impious and profane, for father killers and mother killers, for man killers,
Faithful is the saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinful men, of whom I am foremost.
This command I set before thee, child Timothy, according to the prophecies leading the way for thee, so that by them thou might war the good warfare. Holding faith and a good conscience, which some, having put away, made shipwreck about the faith, read more. of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan, so that they may be disciplined not to blaspheme.
I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men,
I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men, for kings and all those who are in prominence, so that we may live a quiet and peaceful life in all piety and propriety.
for kings and all those who are in prominence, so that we may live a quiet and peaceful life in all piety and propriety. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, read more. who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Jesus Christ,
For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony for their own times.
who gave himself a ransom for all, the testimony for their own times.
I desire therefore the men to pray in every place, lifting up devout hands, apart from anger and argument.
Let a woman learn in silence in all subjection. But I do not allow a woman to teach, nor to act autonomously from a man, but to be in quietness. read more. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, having been deceived, became in transgression.
These things I write to thee, hoping to come to thee sooner,
These things I write to thee, hoping to come to thee sooner, but if I delay, that thou may know how it is necessary to live in a house of God, which is a congregation of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
but if I delay, that thou may know how it is necessary to live in a house of God, which is a congregation of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
speaking lies in hypocrisy, their own conscience having been seared with a hot iron,
speaking lies in hypocrisy, their own conscience having been seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, to abstain from foods, which God created for partaking with thankfulness by those who believe and know the truth.
But reject the profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself to piety.
Let no man disparage thy youth, but become an example of the faithful, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Do not rebuke an elder man, but entreat him as a father, younger men as brothers,
Let the elders who rule well be regarded worthy of double compensation, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture says thou shall not muzzle an ox that is threshing. And the workman is worthy of his wage. read more. Accept no accusation against an elder, except at two or three witnesses. Those who sin, rebuke in the sight of all, so that the others may also have fear.
If any man teaches something different, and does not associate with wholesome words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine according to piety,
If any man teaches something different, and does not associate with wholesome words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine according to piety, he is puffed up, understanding nothing, but doting about disputes and word controversies, from which develop envy, strife, revilings, evil surmisings, read more. constant frictions of men corrupted in mind, and destitute of the truth, supposing piety to be a means of gain. Withdraw from such.
constant frictions of men corrupted in mind, and destitute of the truth, supposing piety to be a means of gain. Withdraw from such. But piety with contentment is great gain, read more. for we brought nothing into the world. It is clear that neither can we carry anything out,
for we brought nothing into the world. It is clear that neither can we carry anything out, but having food and covering we will be content with these. read more. But those who want to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, which sink men in destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all the evils, of which some aspiring have wandered from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
For the love of money is a root of all the evils, of which some aspiring have wandered from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things, and pursue righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, mildness. read more. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life for which thou are called, and confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. I command thee in the sight of God, who makes all live, and of Christ Jesus, who testified to Pontius Pilate the good confession,
I command thee in the sight of God, who makes all live, and of Christ Jesus, who testified to Pontius Pilate the good confession, that thou keep the commandment, without spot, blameless, until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ, read more. which he will show in his own times, the blessed and only Potentate, the King of those who are kings, and Lord of those who are lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in irreproachable light, whom no man has seen, nor can see, to whom is honor and eternal dominion. Truly.
who alone has immortality, dwelling in irreproachable light, whom no man has seen, nor can see, to whom is honor and eternal dominion. Truly. Command the rich in the present age not to be arrogant, nor hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in the living God, who supplies us all things abundantly for enjoyment, read more. to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for that which is coming, so that they may take hold of the eternal life. O Timothy, keep the entrustment, avoiding the profane babblings and objections of the falsely-called knowledge,
O Timothy, keep the entrustment, avoiding the profane babblings and objections of the falsely-called knowledge,
O Timothy, keep the entrustment, avoiding the profane babblings and objections of the falsely-called knowledge,
O Timothy, keep the entrustment, avoiding the profane babblings and objections of the falsely-called knowledge,
No man who serves in the military entangles himself in the affairs of life, so that he may please the man who enlisted the army.
and their word will have a feeding field like gangrene, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, men who missed the mark about the truth, saying the resurrection happened already, and they overthrow the faith of some.
for from these are those who creep into houses, and take captive petty women laden with sins, being led away by various impulses, ever learning and never able to come to knowledge of truth. read more. And by which way Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also do these oppose the truth. Men corrupted in mind, worthless about the faith.
For I am already poured out a libation, and the time of my dissolution is imminent.
for Demas forsook me having loved the present age, and he went to Thessalonica, Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
but in his own times he made known his word by preaching, which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
For there are also many insubordinate men, vain talkers and deceivers, especially those from circumcision, who must be muzzled, men who subvert whole houses, teaching things that they ought not, for sake of ugly profit. read more. A certain man of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.
A certain man of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.
not giving heed to Jewish myths, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.
not giving heed to Jewish myths, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. Truly to the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. read more. They profess to know God, but in their works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and worthless for every good work.
Aged men are to be without wine, noble, serious minded, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
Aged men are to be without wine, noble, serious minded, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
so that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
so that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
Likewise exhort the younger men to be sober-minded.
For the saving grace of God has appeared to all men, disciplining us, so that, having denied irreverence and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and piously in the present age.
who gave himself for us, so that he might redeem us from all lawlessness, and purify to himself a special people, a zealot of good works.
Remind them to be submissive to principle offices and positions of authority, to be obedient, to be prepared for every good work,
But avoid foolish questionings, and genealogies, and contentions, and legal fightings, for they are useless and vain. Shun a factious man after a first and second admonition,
Shun a factious man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned.
because of love I rather beseech, being such as aged Paul, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and who tasted of the heavenly gift, and who became partakers of Holy Spirit, and who tasted the good word of God and the powers of the coming age, read more. and who fell away, to restore again to repentance, crucifying to themselves the Son of God, and disgracing him publicly. For the soil that has drunk the rain often coming upon it, and bringing forth vegetation useful for those by whom also it is cultivated, partakes of a blessing from God. But producing thorns and thistles it is unfit and near a curse, the end of which is for burning.
Children, it is the last hour. And as ye heard that the antichrist comes, and now many antichrists have developed, from which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For if they were of us, they would have continued with us, but--so that they might be made known, that they are not all of us. read more. And ye have an anointing from the Holy, and ye know all the things. I wrote to you not because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and because no lie is of the truth. Who is the liar if not he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. Every man who denies the Son, also does not have the Father.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but examine the spirits, whether they are of God, because many FALSE prophets have gone out into the world.
and every spirit that does not confess Jesus Christ has come in flesh is not of God. And this is that of the antichrist, which ye have heard that it comes, and is now in the world already.
To the agent of the congregation in Ephesus write, These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: I know thy works, and thy toil, and thy perseverance, and that thou cannot tolerate evil, and thou examined those who say themselves to be apostles, and are not, and found them false. read more. And thou have perseverance. And thou endured because of my name, and did not become weary. Nevertheless, I have against thee because thou left thy first love. Remember therefore from where thou have fallen, and repent and do the first works. And if not, I come to thee quickly, and will move thy lampstand out of its place, if thou do not repent. But this thou have, that thou hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.