TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ 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.
Complete Jewish Bible
Keep reminding people of this, and charge them solemnly before the Lord not to engage in word-battles. They accomplish nothing useful and are a catastrophe for the hearers!
Berean Standard Bible
Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
American Standard Version
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear.
World English Bible Messianic
Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Of these things put them in remembrance, and protest before the Lord, that they striue not about wordes, which is to no profit, but to the peruerting of the hearers.
Young's Literal Translation
These things remind them of, testifying fully before the Lord--not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;
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In the KJVVerse 29,842 of 31,102
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Commentary on 2 Timothy 2 verses 14–18
14 ¶ 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.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to direct him in his work.
I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his charge, to put them in remembrance of those things which they did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that which they do know, charging them that they strive not about words. Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words to no profit. If people did but consider of what little use most of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in their strifes of words, to the subverting of the hearers, to the drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they produce their warrant for what they say. - Study to show thyself approved unto God, Ti2 2:15. Observe, The care of ministers must be to approve themselves unto God, to be accepted of him, and to show that they are so approved unto God. In order thereunto, there must be constant care and industry: Study to show thyself such a one, a workman that needs not be ashamed. Ministers must be workmen; they have work to do, and they must take pains in it. Workmen that are unskilful, or unfaithful, or lazy, have need to be ashamed; but those who mind their business, and keep to their work, are workmen that need not be ashamed. And what is their work? It is rightly to divide the word of truth. Not to invent a new gospel, but rightly to divide the gospel that is committed to their trust. To speak terror to those to whom terror belongs, comfort to whom comfort; to give every one his portion in due season, Mat 24:45. Observe here, 1. The word which ministers preach is the word of truth, for the author of it is the God of truth. 2. It requires great wisdom, study, and care, to divide this word of truth rightly; Timothy must study in order to do this well.
II. He must take heed of that which would be a hindrance to him in his work, Ti2 2:16. He must take heed of error: Shun profane and vain babblings. The heretics, who boasted of their notions and their arguments, thought their performances such as might recommend them; but the apostle calls them profane and vain babblings: when once men become fond of those they will increase unto more ungodliness. The way of error is down-hill; one absurdity being granted or contended for, a thousand follow: Their word will eat as doth a canker, or gangrene; when errors or heresies come into the church, the infecting of one often proves the infecting of many, or the infecting of the same person with one error often proves the infecting of him with many errors. Upon this occasion the apostle mentions some who had lately advanced erroneous doctrines: Hymeneus and Philetus. He names these corrupt teachers, by which he sets a brand upon them, to their perpetual infamy, and warns all people against hearkening to them. They have erred concerning the truth, or concerning one of the fundamental articles of the Christian religion, which is truth. The resurrection of the dead is one of the great doctrines of Christ. Now see the subtlety of the serpent and the serpent's seed. They did not deny the resurrection (for that had been boldly and avowedly to confront the word of Christ), but they put a corrupt interpretation upon that true doctrine, saying that the resurrection was past already, that what Christ spoke concerning the resurrection was to be understood mystically and by way of allegory, that it must be meant of a spiritual resurrection only. It is true, there is a spiritual resurrection, but to infer thence that there will not be a true and real resurrection of the body at the last day is to dash one truth of Christ in pieces against another. By this they overthrew the faith of some, took them off from the belief of the resurrection of the dead; and if there be no resurrection of the dead, nor future state, no recompence of our services and sufferings in another world, we are of men the most miserable, Co1 15:19. Whatever takes away the doctrine of a future state overthrows the faith of Christians. The apostle had largely disproved this error (1 Cor. 15), and therefore does not here enter into the arguments against it. Observe, 1. The babblings Timothy was to shun were profane and vain; they were empty shadows, and led to profaneness: For they will increase unto more ungodliness. 2. Error is very productive, and on that account the more dangerous: it will eat like a gangrene. 3. When men err concerning the truth, they always endeavour to have some plausible pretence for it. Hymeneus and Philetus did not deny a resurrection, but pretended it was already past. 4. Error, especially that which affects the foundation, will overthrow the faith of some.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–18. Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Stromata Book 1
This the Scripture has expressed with the greatest possible brevity, when it said, "Be not occupied much about words." For expression is like the dress on the body. The matter is the flesh and sinews. We must not therefore care more for the dress than the safety of the body. For not only a simple mode of life, but also a style of speech devoid of superfluity and nicety, must be cultivated by him who has adopted the true life. Accordingly, the blessed apostle very appropriately and urgently exhorts us "not to strive about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers, but to shun profane and vain babblings, for they increase unto more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker."
TertullianAD 220
The Prescription Against Heretics
Just as they carefully prepared their will and testament, and committed it to a trust, and adjured (the trustees to be faithful to their charge), even so do I hold it.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 2 Timothy 5
"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." It is an overawing thing to call God to witness what we say, for if no one would dare to set at nought the testimony of man when appealed to, much less when the appeal is to God. If any one, for instance, entering into a contract, or making his will, chooses to call witnesses worthy of credit, would any transfer the things to those who are not included? Surely not. And even if he wishes it, yet fearing the credibility of the witnesses, he avoids it. What is "charging them before the Lord"? he calls God to witness both what was said, and what was done. "That they strive not about words to no profit;" and not merely so, but "to the subverting of the hearers." Not only is there no gain from it, but much harm. "Of these things then put them in remembrance," and if they despise thee, God will judge them. But why does he admonish them not to strive about words? He knows that it is a dainty thing, and that the human soul is ever prone to contend and to dispute about words. To guard against this, he has not only charged them "not to strive about words," but to render his discourse more alarming, he adds, "to the subverting of the hearers."
PelagiusAD 418
PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
Do not manipulate Scripture testimonies. This kind of argument does not edify but does damage to one’s hearers, who come to think that a certain sharpness and subtlety of mind is everything. Or: Don’t try to win with words but with deeds.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
ON CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE 4.28.61
A good teacher chooses a good life in such a way that he does not also neglect good repute but provides “what may be good not only before God but also before men” insofar as he is able by fearing God and caring for men. In his speech itself he should prefer to please more with the meanings expressed than with the words used to speak them. Nor should he think that anything may be said better than that which is said truthfully. Nor should the teacher serve the words but the words the teacher.
OecumeniusAD 990
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
These things he reminds you of, sincerely charging you before the Lord not to quarrel about words to no profit, which leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
These things he reminds you of. So that no one might think these things are unnecessary; concerning these words to Timothy, Paul says, "These things he reminds you of," testifying before the Lord, and it is a fearful thing to speak before God as a witness.
not to quarrel. Since the matter has a certain taste, and the human soul always wishes to dispute and argue, you, Paul says, protesting to them before God, do not engage in argument; instead, he says, command, taking God as a witness, so that they may know that if they despise you, God will judge them.
about words to no profit. For not only does it have no benefit to engage in disputes, arguments, and battles, but it also causes harm to the weaker among those who listen.
present yourself approved. As an example, blameless.
a worker who does not need to be ashamed. Much has been said about this shame. For it is likely that some who are perishing feel shame about the preaching, as the apostles suffer badly, and as Christ is preached with the cross, or at least because the preachers are humble, namely, Paul, a weaver of tents, and Peter, along with several others, were fishermen. The fact that he is not ashamed is because he has done nothing corrupt.
rightly dividing the word of truth. Cut away like a knife the excess and false doctrines, which those perishing have added to the preaching, and lead straight through the Spirit.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 2:14, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn charge to his spiritual son, Timothy, emphasizing the critical importance of reminding believers of foundational truths while sternly warning against engaging in unproductive verbal disputes. This verse underscores that such contentious arguments yield no spiritual benefit and, more gravely, have the potential to undermine and spiritually damage those who hear them, thereby calling for a ministry of edification rather than division.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is the use of Imperative Mood, seen in "put them in remembrance" and the implied command to "strive not." These are direct, authoritative commands, reflecting Paul's apostolic authority and the urgency of his message to Timothy. There is also a clear Contrast established between discourse that is "to no profit" and that which leads "to the subverting of the hearers." This juxtaposition powerfully highlights the negative consequences of unfruitful speech, implying that profitable discourse would, by contrast, lead to edification. Finally, the word "subverting" (Greek, katastrophḗ) functions as a vivid Metaphor or strong Imagery. It conjures the picture of an "overthrow" or "demolition," conveying the spiritual ruin and destruction that empty arguments can wreak upon the faith of listeners, making the danger concrete and impactful.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's instruction in 2 Timothy 2:14 aligns with a broader biblical emphasis on the power of words and the critical importance of sound teaching for the spiritual health of God's people. The New Testament consistently warns against speech that is divisive, speculative, or unedifying, contrasting it with communication that builds up, instructs, and promotes unity in truth. This verse underscores that theological discussions are not mere intellectual exercises but have profound spiritual consequences, directly impacting the faith and stability of believers. It highlights that true ministry prioritizes the edification of the body of Christ over contentious debates, recognizing that the integrity of the gospel message and the spiritual well-being of the hearers are paramount before the Lord.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age saturated with information and constant digital discourse, 2 Timothy 2:14 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to critically evaluate not only what we say but also how we engage in discussions, especially concerning matters of faith. It calls us to discern between profitable theological inquiry that builds up and transforms, and "word quarrels" that devolve into arguments over non-essentials, personal opinions, or speculative theories that lack spiritual substance. For leaders, it serves as a sober reminder of their divine accountability to protect congregations from divisive and destructive arguments, modeling sound doctrine and guiding conversations toward edification. For every believer, it prompts a personal examination of our speech, both in person and online. Do our words impart grace and truth, or do they contribute to confusion and division? We are called to prioritize unity in the essentials, charity in the non-essentials, and wisdom in all things, ensuring that our communication serves to strengthen faith rather than subvert it.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What kind of "words" is Paul warning against in this verse?
Answer: Paul is not condemning all theological discussion or debate. Rather, he is warning against "striving about words" (Greek: logomachéō), which refers to engaging in unproductive, trivial, speculative, or contentious arguments that lack spiritual benefit. These are often debates over minor points of doctrine, philosophical speculations, or endless genealogies, as also warned against in 1 Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9. The key is their "no profit" nature; they do not lead to spiritual growth, understanding, or unity, but instead distract from the core truths of the gospel and cause division.
Why is "the subverting of the hearers" such a serious consequence?
Answer: The term "subverting" (Greek: katastrophḗ) implies an "overthrow," "ruin," or "demolition." It signifies that these unproductive verbal disputes are not merely annoying or time-wasting; they are actively destructive to the spiritual well-being of those who listen. Such arguments can confuse believers, undermine their faith in essential truths, lead them astray into error, or even cause them to abandon their faith altogether. Paul emphasizes this severe consequence to highlight the pastor's grave responsibility to protect the flock from anything that would cause spiritual harm or instability.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Timothy 2:14 is a direct pastoral instruction, its principles find their ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in Jesus Christ. Our Lord's teaching was always purposeful, profound, and aimed at life, never engaging in vain disputes or empty rhetoric. He is the very "Word made flesh" (John 1:14), the embodiment of truth and grace. His words were "spirit and life" (John 6:63), designed to build up, heal, and lead to eternal life, rather than to subvert or destroy. Jesus consistently exposed the emptiness of the Pharisees' legalistic quibbles and the Sadducees' speculative questions, always redirecting focus to the weightier matters of the law and the kingdom of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example, allowing our speech to be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6), speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and building up the body of Christ, rather than tearing it down with unprofitable words. Our ultimate aim, like Christ's, should be the spiritual flourishing and salvation of those who hear us.