Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Having {G2192} a form {G3446} of godliness {G2150}, but {G1161} denying {G720} the power {G1411} thereof {G846}: from {G2532} such {G5128} turn away {G665}.
as they retain the outer form of religion but deny its power.
Stay away from these people!
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.
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Isaiah 29:13
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: -
Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. -
Matthew 23:27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness. -
Matthew 23:28
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. -
1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. -
Romans 2:20
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. -
Romans 2:24
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
2 Timothy 3:5 KJV is a powerful warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, describing a prevalent characteristic of people in the "last days." This verse highlights a dangerous form of spiritual hypocrisy: an outward show of piety that lacks genuine inner transformation and spiritual vitality.
Context
This verse is part of a broader passage in 2 Timothy 3:1-9, where Paul details a list of negative characteristics that will mark people in the "perilous times" preceding Christ's return. These traits include self-love, covetousness, boastfulness, disobedience to parents, and a general lack of genuine affection or self-control. Verse 5 acts as a summary and a critical warning against those who appear religious but are devoid of true spiritual power, making it a crucial point for spiritual discernment.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "form" is morphōsis (μορφωσις), which denotes an outward shape, outline, or semblance. It implies a pattern or structure that might look correct but lacks substance. For "godliness," the word is eusebeia (ευσεβεια), meaning piety, reverence, or devotion to God. The crucial word "power" is dynamis (δυναμις), from which we get "dynamite." It refers to inherent ability, strength, or miraculous power. In this context, it speaks to the spiritual energy, moral force, and transformative influence that accompanies a genuine relationship with God, enabled by the Holy Spirit. To "deny" (arneomai - αρνεομαι) this power means to reject it, disown it, or render it ineffective by one's lifestyle or teaching.
Practical Application
For believers today, 2 Timothy 3:5 serves as a vital reminder to examine our own hearts and ensure our faith is not just an outward performance but a vibrant, Spirit-empowered reality. It calls for introspection: are our religious practices merely rituals, or do they flow from a living relationship with God that transforms our character and actions? Furthermore, this verse underscores the importance of spiritual discernment in navigating the complexities of the modern world, where many may claim faith but live lives contrary to its true power. We are called to be wise, to identify and avoid associations that would compromise our spiritual integrity or lead us astray from authentic Christian living and the transforming grace of God.