2 Timothy 3:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

NIV: always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

NASB: always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

CSB: always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

NLT: (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.)

KJV: Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

NKJV: always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

In addition to the two concerns of "weak women" who were being taken advantage of by false teachers in the previous verse, Paul says these women were "always learning" but were "never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." This refers to those who are always seeking the newest, latest, greatest spiritual teaching. In modern terms, this is sometimes referred to as a person who is "so open-minded that their brains have fallen out." At some point, a person needs to recognize truth and accept it, rather than constantly bouncing from one fad to the next.

This last description of false teachers in verses 6–7 depicts one of the lowest acts that could be taken. They took advantage of women in their own homes, deceiving them with false teachings and leading them into further sin. True teachers of God's Word were to treat "older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity" (1 Timothy 5:2). Perhaps this was why 2 John 1:10–11 taught about false teachers: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works."

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.