TRV
Translation
King James Version
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
Complete Jewish Bible
they have missed the mark, as far as the truth is concerned, by saying that our resurrection has already taken place; and they are overturning some people’s faith.
Berean Standard Bible
who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.
American Standard Version
men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some.
World English Bible Messianic
men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Which as concerning ye trueth haue erred from the marke, saying that the resurrection is past alreadie, and do destroy the faith of certaine.
Young's Literal Translation
who concerning the truth did swerve, saying the rising again to have already been, and do overthrow the faith of some;
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In the KJVVerse 29,846 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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TertullianAD 220
PRESCRIPTIONS AGAINST HERETICS 33
Similarly Paul touches those who said that the resurrection had already happened. The Valentinians affirm this of themselves.
Athanasius of AlexandriaAD 373
Discourses Against the Arians 1.54
Hymenaeus and Alexander and their fellows were confused about time—ahead of time—when they said that the resurrection had already occurred. The Galatians misunderstood the dispensations by making so much of circumcision now.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
These heretics deny that Christians shall rise in a future life and insist that the resurrection happens in the natural birth of children.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 2 Timothy 5
"Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus, Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some." He has well said, "They will increase unto more ungodliness." For it appears indeed to be a solitary evil, but see what evils spring out of it. For if the Resurrection is already past, not only do we suffer loss in being deprived of that great glory, but because judgment is taken away, and retribution also. For if the Resurrection is past, retribution also is past. The good therefore have reaped persecutions and afflictions, and the wicked have not been punished, nay verily, they live in great pleasure. It were better to say that there is no resurrection, than that it is already past. "And overthrow," he says, "the faith of some." "Of some," not of all. For if there is no resurrection, faith is subverted. Our preaching is vain, nor is Christ risen; and if He is not risen, neither was He born, nor has He ascended into heaven. Observe how this error, while it seems to oppose the doctrine of the Resurrection, draws after it many other evils.
PelagiusAD 418
PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
The resurrection has happened, according to them, either in children or in Ezekiel’s reference to the revivified bones of the people of Israel in captivity.
Theodore of MopsuestiaAD 428
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
The heretical teaching about the resurrection is that it happens in the process of natural procreation, by which our children succeed us.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
TRACTATES ON JOHN 19.14
Therefore, all who have established a sect of some religion, even a false one, wishing that they be believed, have not been able to deny this resurrection of human souls. All have agreed on that, but many have denied the resurrection of the flesh and have said that resurrection has already taken place in faith.… They said that resurrection had already taken place but in such a way that another was not to be hoped for; and they reproached those who hoped for the resurrection of the flesh, as though the resurrection which had been promised was already fulfilled in the human soul by believing.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Tractates on John 19
Tell us something, O Lord, also of the resurrection of the flesh; for there have been those who denied it, asserting that this is the only resurrection which is wrought by faith. Of which resurrection the Lord has just now made mention, and inflamed our desire, because "the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and shall live." It is not some of those who hear shall live, and others shall die; but "all that hear shall live," because all that obey shall live. Behold, we see a resurrection of the mind; let us not therefore let go our faith of the resurrection of the flesh. And unless Thou, O Lord Jesus, declare to us this, whom shall we oppose to those who assert the contrary? For truly all sects that have undertaken to engraft any religion upon men have allowed this resurrection of minds; otherwise, it might be said to them, If the soul rise not, why speakest thou to me? What meanest thou to do in me? If thou dost not make of the worse a better, why speakest thou? If thou dost not make a righteous of the unrighteous, why speakest thou? But if thou dost make righteous of the unrighteous, godly of the ungodly, wise of the foolish, thou confessest that my soul doth rise again, if I comply with thee and believe.
So, then, all those that have founded any sect, even of false religion, while they wished to be believed, could not but admit this resurrection of minds: all have agreed concerning this; but many have denied the resurrection of the flesh, and affirmed that the resurrection had taken place already in faith. Such the apostle resisteth, saying, "Of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection hath taken place already, and overthrow the faith of some." They said that the resurrection had taken place already, but in such manner that another was not to be expected; and they blamed people who were looking for a resurrection of the flesh, just as if the resurrection which was promised were already accomplished in the act of believing, namely, in the mind. The apostle censures these.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
INTERPRETATION OF THE SECOND LETTER TO TIMOTHY
The successions that happen through the procreation of children they unhappily call the resurrection.
OecumeniusAD 990
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
Avoid profane and empty chatter; for they will increase in ungodliness, and their message will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are among them, who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened; and they overturn the faith of some.
Avoid profane and empty chatter. If anything new in the preaching has been introduced from more recent empty chatter, it is altogether wicked and profane. As for that, either remove it or stand firmly to stop and prevent it altogether.
for they will increase in ungodliness. For if anything spurious is introduced, Paul says, it always leads to absurdity. And he receives a greater offering every day.
like gangrene. Gangrene is a infected ulcer, consuming the place, causing rotting; some say it is a creeping ulcer, or erysipelas.
He who is Hymenaeus..." Of those ones who utter profane and empty chatter.
— [THEODORET] saying that the resurrection. They called the succession of procreation of children to be cursed resurrection: and they enticed some to depart from apostolic teaching. [end of the excerpt from Theodoret PG 82.685A] —
saying that the resurrection has already happened. Rightly said above, for ungodliness will increase even more. For see how many evil things arise from saying that the resurrection has already happened. We would be deprived of the presence of Christ, what could be more grievous? There is no remedy, nor punishment. Christ, who promised these things, lies. And many similar things, such as, "If there is no resurrection, then Christ has not been raised," (1 Cor. 15:14) nor does a judge sit over the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42)
and they overturn the faith of some. Of those who are simpler and weaker.
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
Paul sternly warns Timothy about Hymenaeus and Philetus, two individuals who have deviated from the truth by asserting that the resurrection has already occurred. This false teaching, which likely spiritualized or allegorized the future bodily resurrection, is condemned not merely as an intellectual error but as a destructive heresy that actively undermines and overthrows the faith of some believers, highlighting the critical importance of sound doctrine for spiritual stability.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to emphasize the gravity of the false teaching. The Metaphor of "gangrene" in the preceding verse (2 Timothy 2:17) powerfully extends into this verse, illustrating how doctrinal error, like a spreading disease, corrupts and destroys spiritual life. The verb "erred" (Greek: astochéō) functions as a Metaphor for "missing the mark," drawing on imagery from archery or racing, implying a failure to hit the target of sound doctrine. Furthermore, the strong verb "overthrow" (Greek: anatrépō) is a vivid Metaphor portraying the destructive power of heresy, akin to overturning a structure or capsizing a ship, underscoring the profound spiritual damage inflicted on those whose faith is subverted. The passage also implicitly uses Contrast between the "truth" which Hymenaeus and Philetus deviate from, and the "faith" of believers which they overthrow, highlighting the opposing forces at play in the spiritual battle for sound doctrine.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The denial of the future bodily resurrection, as propagated by Hymenaeus and Philetus, strikes at the very heart of Christian eschatology and hope. The resurrection is not merely an isolated doctrine but a foundational pillar of the Christian faith, intimately connected to the victory of Christ over sin and death, the promise of eternal life, and the ultimate redemption of creation. To spiritualize or deny the physical resurrection undermines the tangible hope of believers, suggesting that the ultimate reality is not a renewed physical existence with Christ, but merely an internal spiritual state. This theological error has profound implications, potentially leading to a diminished view of God's power, a lack of hope in the face of death, and a distorted understanding of salvation that neglects the bodily aspect of human existence. The integrity of the gospel message hinges on the literal, historical resurrection of Jesus and the promise of our own.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Timothy 2:18 serves as a timeless warning for believers in every generation. In an age saturated with information and diverse voices, the call to discernment is more critical than ever. We must actively cultivate a deep understanding of biblical truth, not merely for intellectual satisfaction, but as a safeguard against deceptive teachings that can subtly undermine our faith. This requires diligent study of God's Word, prayerful reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom, and a commitment to sound theological resources and faithful teachers. Furthermore, this verse reminds us of our responsibility to protect the vulnerable within the body of Christ. Just as Hymenaeus and Philetus "overthrew the faith of some," false doctrines today continue to cause spiritual shipwreck. We are called to contend earnestly for the faith (Jude 1:3), to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), and to equip ourselves and others to stand firm on the unshakeable foundation of God's Word, ensuring that our hope remains fixed on the glorious future resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the specific error of Hymenaeus and Philetus regarding the resurrection?
Answer: Hymenaeus and Philetus taught "that the resurrection is past already." This means they denied a future, physical resurrection of believers. Instead, they likely spiritualized the concept, suggesting that the resurrection referred to a past event, such as a spiritual awakening at conversion, an inner renewal, or a metaphorical rise from sin. This directly contradicted the apostolic teaching that affirmed the literal bodily resurrection of Christ and the future bodily resurrection of believers, as highlighted in passages like 1 Corinthians 15.
Why was the doctrine of the resurrection so crucial for early Christians, and why was its denial so dangerous?
Answer: The doctrine of the resurrection was, and remains, absolutely central to Christianity. For early Christians, it was the cornerstone of their hope, proving Christ's victory over sin and death and guaranteeing their own future bodily resurrection and eternal life with God. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins." Denying a future bodily resurrection removed the hope of ultimate victory over death, undermined the power of God, and could lead to a fatalistic or hedonistic worldview, as seen in the phrase "Let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die" (1 Corinthians 15:32). It "overthrew the faith of some" by removing the very foundation of their future hope in Christ.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The heresy of Hymenaeus and Philetus, which denied the future bodily resurrection, stands in stark contrast to the glorious truth revealed in Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), and His own physical resurrection from the dead is the firstfruits (1 Corinthians 15:20) of all who believe. His victory over the grave ensures that our hope is not in a spiritualized, past event, but in a future, tangible reality where our perishable bodies will be raised imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). When Hymenaeus and Philetus erred concerning the truth, they were, in essence, erring concerning Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The promise of our bodily resurrection is rooted in our union with Him; because He lives, we also shall live (John 14:19). Thus, the defense of the literal resurrection is not merely a theological point but a profound affirmation of Christ's power, His completed work, and the certain hope of our future glorification with Him, a hope that anchors the believer's faith against all attempts to overthrow it.