What does 2 Timothy 3:6 mean?

In verses 2–5 Paul described the traits of evil people. He clearly taught Timothy to avoid those who claim to know God yet live in sinful ways. What Paul describes is a smaller group, within the previous category of wicked ones. Some, but not all, of these false teachers are involved in additional evil actions. Paul's description here suggests a con-man or swindler. He uses the Greek word aichmalōtizontes, which implies a "leading away," or a "taking captive." This implies one who turns a certain way of thinking into something else.

This probably involved scam artists and other thieves. It may have also meant those who physically seduced women. The idea of a false teacher taking advantage of women in their own homes would have been repulsive to Timothy and other believers.

These men are certainly targeting those who are vulnerable. The second half of this verse is constructed in Greek to show that the traits are about the same "weak women" Paul mentions. Such women are noted as having three concerns, two of which are listed in this verse. First, they were "burdened with sins." In other words, they had other sinful actions in their lives in addition to the problems brought upon them by false teachers. Second, these women were "led astray by various passions." These were likely not only referring to sexual passions, but to "various" areas of life in which weaknesses occurred.