2 Timothy 2:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

NIV: Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

NASB: Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners.

CSB: Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.

NLT: Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

KJV: Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

NKJV: Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.

In this verse, Paul changes from a focus on speaking to Timothy, to those Timothy led in Ephesus. "These things" is a reference to the lessons Paul has brought out in this chapter. This especially includes the hymn found in verses 11–13. Timothy is also meant to specifically teach others to avoid bickering. Paul had addressed this issue in 1 Timothy and again reminds him of the same issue here.

Paul then gives two reasons why arguing over words is unhelpful. First, there is no benefit to be gained by arguing over irrelevant details of Scripture (1 Timothy 1:3–4). By this, Paul does not suggest taking a shallow view of the Bible. Rather, he means to avoid conflict over doubtful issues (Romans 14:1). Paul specifically had in mind the false teachers mentioned in 1 Timothy. These men would attempt to re-interpret the Torah, seeking to make Christians obey Jewish laws. Second, Paul said arguing about words "only ruins the hearers."

Those who listened to the false teachers in Ephesus were "ruined" by such talk. The Greek word here is katastrophē, including the idea of destruction, or being overthrown. False teachers arguing over interpretative issues caused many problems among the Christians Timothy led in Ephesus.

Second Timothy 2:14–26 contains Paul's instructions to Timothy about leading other believers. Two important themes here are avoiding pointless bickering and holding to sound biblical teachings. Arguments over non-essential issues quickly turn into feuds, poisoning the body of Christ just as gangrene attacks the physical body. Paul names specific false teachers, but brings a note of compassion. Here, he reminds Timothy that gentleness and patience are key. After all, those who do not believe are not our enemies: they are those we are trying to rescue from the control of the Devil!

Paul gives Timothy a clear mandate to defend the truth. This includes both upholding the gospel accurately, and presenting that defense in a gentle and loving way. While truth is important, Paul also notes that there are some issues which are only distractions. He considers these "babble," and arguments over them a form of spiritual disease. Like gangrene, this bickering only spreads and spreads until it becomes catastrophic. The ultimate goal of our evangelism is not to "win" an argument, but to rescue lost people.

In chapter 1, Paul gave Timothy encouragement by reminding him of his heritage and spiritual power. Here, in chapter 2, Paul expands on these commands. Rather than giving minute details, Paul presents a series of examples and tells Timothy to consider them carefully. Paul's instructions here set the stage for the warnings coming up in the next chapter. Timothy—and all believers—need to be prepared and right-minded, because the world is going to become spiritually darker and darker.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.