2 Timothy 2:16-18
What is written? (ESV)
But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.
What does it say?
Avoid ungodly, empty discussion, because it will lead to more ungodliness and it will spread like a disease. Such were Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the truth, teaching that the resurrection already happened and are leading some astray.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter to young preacher Timothy, instructing him to remind others of some basic truths (vss 11-13) about their faith and here warning of some that apparently have not held to them – “quarreling about words” (vs 14) and not “rightly handling the word of truth” (vs 15) and later saying, “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.” (vs 23).
How 2 Timothy 2:16-18 is applied across Bible answers
What is a false teacher?
A warning to handle truth correctly by avoiding quarreling "about words" and engaging in "foolish, ignorant controversies."
