2 Timothy 2:17

KJV

And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} their {G846} word {G3056} will eat {G2192}{G3542} as {G5613} doth a canker {G1044}: of whom {G3739} is {G2076} Hymenaeus {G5211} and {G2532} Philetus {G5372};

Complete Jewish Bible

and their teaching will eat away at people like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among these;

Berean Standard Bible

and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

American Standard Version

and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: of whom is Hymenæus and Philetus;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 2:17, the Apostle Paul issues a grave warning to Timothy regarding the insidious nature of false teaching, likening its destructive spread to a rapidly consuming disease, specifically a "canker" or gangrene. He directly names Hymenaeus and Philetus as primary examples of individuals whose erroneous doctrines were actively undermining the faith of believers, underscoring the urgent need for discernment and the preservation of sound doctrine within the early Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Paul's second letter to Timothy, a deeply personal and pastoral epistle written during Paul's final imprisonment. Immediately preceding [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching"), Paul has exhorted Timothy to "rightly dividing the word of truth" ([2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "Study to Show Thyself Approved")), contrasting this diligent handling of Scripture with the "profane and vain babblings" that "will increase unto more ungodliness" ([2 Timothy 2:16](/2_timothy/2-16 "Avoid Profane and Vain Babblings")). The naming of Hymenaeus and Philetus in [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") serves as a concrete illustration of the type of destructive teaching Paul is warning against, which, as the subsequent verse clarifies, "will overthrow the faith of some" ([2 Timothy 2:18](/2_timothy/2-18 "False Teachers Overthrow Faith")). The broader context of [2 Timothy 2](/2_timothy/2 "A Call to Endurance and Sound Doctrine") emphasizes the qualities of a faithful minister, the importance of enduring hardship, and the absolute necessity of holding fast to sound doctrine in the face of widespread apostasy and false teaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church, still in its nascent stages, faced significant internal and external pressures. Externally, persecution from Roman authorities and Jewish opposition was common. Internally, however, the threat of false teaching posed an equally grave danger, capable of corrupting the purity of the gospel and fracturing the unity of the nascent Christian communities. Paul's letters, particularly the Pastoral Epistles, frequently address these internal threats. While the specific nature of Hymenaeus and Philetus's doctrine is not fully detailed in [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching"), [2 Timothy 2:18](/2_timothy/2-18 "False Teachers Overthrow Faith") reveals they taught that "the resurrection is past already." This likely reflects an early form of Gnosticism or a similar heresy, which spiritualized the resurrection, denying a future bodily resurrection. Such a teaching would undermine the hope of believers, the bodily resurrection of Christ, and the very foundation of Christian eschatology. Paul's direct naming of these individuals was a bold and necessary act of church discipline and public warning, characteristic of his concern for the spiritual health of the congregations.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") contributes significantly to several key themes within [2 Timothy](/2_timothy "Paul's Final Charge"):
* **The Corrosive Nature of False Doctrine:** The central metaphor of "canker" (gangrene) vividly illustrates that false teaching is not benign but actively destructive, spreading like a spiritual disease that consumes faith and spiritual vitality. This underscores the urgency of confronting it.
* **Identification and Accountability of False Teachers:** Paul's willingness to name Hymenaeus and Philetus highlights the need for transparency and direct confrontation when dealing with those who propagate destructive heresies. It emphasizes that false teachers are not abstract threats but real individuals who must be identified for the protection of the flock. This aligns with Paul's previous action of delivering Hymenaeus and Alexander "unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme" ([1 Timothy 1:20](/1_timothy/1-20 "Hymenaeus and Alexander Delivered to Satan")).
* **Protection of Spiritual Health and Sound Doctrine:** The verse serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of guarding one's own faith and the faith of others from the damaging effects of heresy. It reinforces the call for believers to be rooted in the truth of God's Word, enabling them to recognize and resist the "canker" of false teachings that seek to undermine genuine faith and spiritual growth. This is a recurring theme throughout Paul's Pastoral Epistles, as seen in his instructions to Titus to "hold fast the faithful word" ([Titus 1:9](/titus/1-9 "The Importance of Sound Doctrine")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Greek, _lógos'_):** (G3056) From `légō` (to speak); something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive. In this context, it refers to the specific teachings, doctrines, or pronouncements of Hymenaeus and Philetus, emphasizing that it is their *message* itself that is destructive.
* **eat (Greek, _nomḗ'_):** (G3542) Feminine from the same as `nómos` (law); pasture, i.e., (the act) feeding (figuratively, spreading of a gangrene), or (the food) pasturage. Here, it is used metaphorically to describe the active, consuming, and spreading nature of the false teaching, much like a disease "feeds" on healthy tissue. The KJV translates this verb as "will eat," capturing the progressive and destructive action.
* **canker (Greek, _gángraina'_):** (G1044) From `gnáthō` (to gnaw); an ulcer ("gangrene"). This is the medical term for gangrene, a condition where body tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply or a severe bacterial infection. It is highly aggressive and spreads rapidly, often requiring drastic measures like amputation to prevent further destruction. Paul employs this vivid and alarming medical analogy to convey the virulent, spreading, and ultimately fatal spiritual impact of false doctrine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And their word will eat as doth a canker":** This powerful opening clause immediately establishes the destructive nature of the false teaching. The "word" refers to the specific doctrines propagated by the false teachers, which are not merely incorrect but actively corrosive. The verb "eat" (from `nomḗ`) implies a consuming, spreading action, while "canker" (`gángraina`) provides the vivid medical analogy of gangrene. This metaphor underscores that heresy is not static; it is a dynamic, infectious spiritual disease that spreads through the body of believers, destroying faith and spiritual vitality, much like physical gangrene consumes healthy tissue.
* **"of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;":** Paul moves from the general principle of destructive false teaching to specific examples, directly naming Hymenaeus and Philetus. This direct identification serves multiple purposes: it provides concrete examples for Timothy and the church to be wary of, it acts as a public denouncement of their erroneous doctrines, and it underscores the personal responsibility of those who propagate such harmful teachings. By naming them, Paul makes it clear that the threat is real, identifiable, and requires decisive action to protect the flock.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's choice of language in [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the gravity of his warning. The most prominent is the **metaphor** of "canker" (gangrene). This medical imagery is incredibly vivid and impactful, comparing the insidious spread of false teaching to a rapidly decaying and consuming physical disease. Just as gangrene requires amputation to save the body, Paul implies that radical measures may be necessary to protect the spiritual health of the church from such destructive doctrines. This metaphor also involves a degree of **personification**, as the "word" is described as actively "eating," giving an almost predatory quality to the false teaching. Finally, Paul utilizes **specific naming**, directly identifying Hymenaeus and Philetus. This is a rhetorical strategy to make the threat concrete and personal, providing clear examples for Timothy and the church to recognize and avoid, rather than leaving the warning as an abstract concept. This directness serves to underscore the urgency and reality of the danger posed by these individuals and their teachings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The warning in [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning the nature of truth and error, the importance of sound doctrine, and the spiritual warfare inherent in the Christian life. The "canker" of false teaching represents a spiritual contagion that, left unchecked, can corrupt the entire body of Christ. It highlights the profound theological truth that doctrine is not merely intellectual assent but has vital, life-altering consequences for faith and salvation. Just as a physical disease attacks the body's health, spiritual error attacks the soul's health, leading to spiritual decay and ultimately, the "overthrow" of faith. This underscores the church's perpetual responsibility to guard the deposit of truth, discern spirits, and confront heresy for the preservation of genuine faith and the glory of God.

* [1 Timothy 1:19-20](/1_timothy/1-19-20 "Hymenaeus and Alexander")
* [Titus 1:10-11](/titus/1-10-11 "Rebuking False Teachers")
* [Galatians 5:9](/galatians/5-9 "A Little Leaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") serves as a timeless and urgent call for believers in every generation to cultivate spiritual discernment and to prioritize the safeguarding of sound doctrine. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, the "word" of false teachers can spread with unprecedented speed, often cloaked in appealing rhetoric or seemingly benign intentions. This verse reminds us that not all teaching that claims to be Christian is truly edifying or aligned with God's truth. Just as a physical canker requires swift and decisive intervention, so too does spiritual error. We are called not only to recognize and reject such teachings but also to be rooted so deeply in God's Word that our own faith becomes a bulwark against spiritual decay. This requires diligent study, prayer, and a commitment to Christian community where truth is upheld and accountability is practiced. Our spiritual health, and the health of the church, depends on our vigilance against the corrosive effects of unbiblical doctrines.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we, as individual believers, cultivate the discernment necessary to identify "cankerous" teachings in our contemporary context?**
* **What is our responsibility when we encounter teachings that appear to contradict biblical truth within our churches or Christian communities?**
* **In what ways might we unintentionally contribute to the spread of spiritual "canker" if we are not careful with what we consume and share?**

### FAQ

**Who were Hymenaeus and Philetus, and what was their specific false teaching?**

Answer: Hymenaeus and Philetus were individuals active in the early church whom Paul identifies as propagating destructive false doctrines. While [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") simply names them as examples of those whose "word will eat as doth a canker," the very next verse, [2 Timothy 2:18](/2_timothy/2-18 "False Teachers Overthrow Faith"), specifies their particular error: they taught "that the resurrection is past already." This was likely an early form of Gnosticism or a related heresy that spiritualized the resurrection, denying a future, bodily resurrection. Such a teaching would undermine the foundational Christian hope, the historical reality of Christ's resurrection, and the future hope of believers, thereby "overthrowing the faith of some." Hymenaeus is also mentioned in [1 Timothy 1:19-20](/1_timothy/1-19-20 "Hymenaeus and Alexander"), where Paul states he delivered him and Alexander "unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme," indicating a serious and persistent pattern of doctrinal error and rebellion.

**What does the metaphor of "canker" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The King James Version's "canker" comes from the Greek word `gángraina` (G1044), from which we derive the medical term "gangrene." This metaphor is incredibly vivid and impactful. Gangrene is a severe medical condition where body tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply or a bacterial infection, and it spreads rapidly, consuming healthy tissue and potentially leading to death if not contained, often requiring amputation. Paul uses this powerful analogy to convey that false teaching is not merely incorrect or harmless; it is a virulent, spreading spiritual disease that actively consumes and destroys faith, spiritual vitality, and the very fabric of the church. Just as gangrene leads to physical death, unchecked false doctrine leads to spiritual decay and the "overthrow" of faith.

**How can believers apply the warning of 2 Timothy 2:17 to modern challenges and false teachings?**

Answer: The warning in [2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") remains profoundly relevant today. In an era of widespread information and diverse spiritual claims, believers must exercise extreme discernment. Application involves several key areas:
1. **Biblical Literacy:** Deeply grounding oneself in the truth of God's Word ([2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "Study to Show Thyself Approved")) is the primary defense against error, enabling one to recognize deviations from sound doctrine.
2. **Discernment of Spirits:** Actively testing teachings against Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "Test the Spirits")) rather than passively accepting all claims.
3. **Community Accountability:** Engaging with a local church where sound doctrine is taught and where leaders are committed to guarding the truth ([Titus 1:9](/titus/1-9 "The Importance of Sound Doctrine")).
4. **Confronting Error:** While not all believers are called to public confrontation, we are all called to avoid "profane and vain babblings" ([2 Timothy 2:16](/2_timothy/2-16 "Avoid Profane and Vain Babblings")) and to gently correct those who are in error, or, if necessary, to separate from those who persist in destructive teachings. The principle is to protect the spiritual health of oneself and the wider body of Christ from spiritual decay.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Timothy 2:17](/2_timothy/2-17 "The Corrosive Nature of False Teaching") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the embodiment of Truth and the antidote to all spiritual decay. False teaching, likened to a spreading "canker," is fundamentally a distortion or denial of Christ Himself, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The "word" that Paul warns against is any teaching that deviates from the true "Word" who became flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")) and dwelt among us. Christ's resurrection, which Hymenaeus and Philetus denied, is the very cornerstone of the gospel and the hope of believers ([1 Corinthians 15:13-14](/1_corinthians/15-13-14 "If Christ Be Not Risen")). Therefore, to be rooted in Christ is to be protected from the spiritual gangrene of false doctrine. He is the Great Physician who heals all spiritual ailments, and His truth is the living water that nourishes and preserves life, guarding His people from being "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" ([Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "No Longer Children")). The call to guard against false teaching is, at its core, a call to remain steadfast in Christ, the one true Head of the Church, whose finished work on the cross and victorious resurrection overcome all error and death.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 1:20

Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Nahum 3:15

There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts.

James 5:3

Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.