2 Timothy 3:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,

NIV: They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,

NASB: For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses,

CSB: For among them are those who worm their way into households and deceive gullible women overwhelmed by sins and led astray by a variety of passions,

NLT: They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.

KJV: For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

NKJV: For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

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.

Second Timothy 3:1–9 is Paul's extensive list of godless traits, which will characterize false teachers and unbelievers. In verses 2 through 5, Paul will list nineteen separate qualities which are to be condemned. Among these are selfishness, arrogance, slander, hedonism, and denial of the truth of God. According to Paul, despite the apparent success of these false teachers, they will eventually be seen for what they are, and punished. Timothy, like other believers, should steer clear of such people.

Chapter 3 presents two sections with very different themes. In the first, Paul describes in detail the sins associated with apostasy: the abandonment of truth. Echoing the themes of prior chapters, Paul instructs Timothy to avoid not only these sins, but the people who participate in them. In the second section, Paul draws a contrast between these false teachers and his own example, as well as the faithful conduct of Timothy. Paul's capstone advice against false teaching and apostasy is the written word of God: the most powerful resource for any Christian leader.

In prior chapters, Paul has encouraged Timothy through an appeal to his lifelong spiritual heritage. He has also instructed Timothy to remain focused on the work of God, rather than pointless bickering. Here, Paul will present more warnings about the attitude of false teachers and those who reject God in favor of their own preferences. Just as he taught previously, Paul warns Timothy in no uncertain terms to avoid these behaviors and those who participate in them. This chapter is the high point of Paul's letter, leading to his final instructions to Timothy found in chapter 4.

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.