2 Timothy 3:6

KJV

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} of {G1537} this sort {G5130} are they {G1526} which creep {G1744} into {G1519} houses {G3614}, and {G2532} lead captive {G162} silly women {G1133} laden {G4987} with sins {G266}, led away {G71} with divers {G4164} lusts {G1939},

Complete Jewish Bible

For some of them worm their way into homes and get control of weak-willed women who are heaped with sins and swayed by various impulses,

Berean Standard Bible

They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions,

American Standard Version

For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 3:6, the Apostle Paul continues his prophetic warning to Timothy regarding the character and deceptive methods of individuals who will arise in the "last days." This verse specifically unmasks their insidious strategy of infiltrating private homes to exploit and spiritually ensnare vulnerable individuals, particularly "silly women" who are burdened by sin and swayed by various desires, highlighting the pervasive danger of false teaching and spiritual manipulation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's urgent and sobering charge to Timothy concerning the moral and spiritual decline that will characterize the "last days" (as introduced in [2 Timothy 3:1](/2_timothy/3-1 "2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times")). Following a stark enumeration of self-centered and ungodly traits prevalent in such times ([2 Timothy 3:2-5](/2_timothy/3-2-5 "2 Timothy 3:2-5 - Characteristics of Ungodly People")), verse 6 transitions from describing *who* these people are to *how* they operate. It details their cunning methodology—a stealthy, manipulative approach that targets specific vulnerabilities, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent call for Timothy to remain steadfast in the truth and sound doctrine ([2 Timothy 3:10-17](/2_timothy/3-10-17 "2 Timothy 3:10-17 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, and particularly within the early Christian movement, homes frequently served as primary gathering places for worship, teaching, and community fellowship. Churches often met in house churches (e.g., [Romans 16:5](/romans/16-5 "Romans 16:5 - The Church in Priscilla and Aquila's House")), making them central to the spread of the gospel and the nurturing of believers. This made households prime targets for those seeking to subtly introduce false teachings or exert undue influence. Women, while active in the early church, often had more limited public roles compared to men and might have been more susceptible to private, deceptive instruction, especially if they lacked formal theological training or were seeking spiritual guidance outside recognized channels. The cultural emphasis on household authority also meant that gaining influence within a home could grant significant sway over its members.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Timothy and the broader Pauline epistles. Foremost is the theme of **deception and spiritual danger**, warning against those who subtly infiltrate and corrupt the faith from within. It highlights the insidious nature of false teachers who do not operate transparently but rather "creep into houses," preying on trust and intimacy within private spheres. Another key theme is **vulnerability and discernment**. The specific targeting of "silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts" underscores the susceptibility of individuals who are spiritually immature, burdened by guilt, or driven by ungodly desires. This emphasizes the urgent need for believers to cultivate spiritual discernment and to be firmly grounded in sound doctrine to resist such manipulation, a theme echoed in Paul's admonition to Timothy to "preach the word" ([2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **creep (Greek, _endýnō'_):** This verb, G1744, signifies to 'sink into' or 'insinuate oneself'. It conveys a sense of stealthy, surreptitious entry, implying that these individuals do not openly declare their intentions or teachings but rather subtly embed themselves within households, gaining trust under false pretenses. This contrasts sharply with the open and bold proclamation of the gospel.
* **silly women (Greek, _gynaikárion'_):** G1133 is a diminutive form of the Greek word for 'woman' (gynē). It is not a general derogatory term for all women, but rather specifically denotes 'little women' or 'weak women,' implying a lack of maturity, discernment, or spiritual stability. These are individuals easily swayed, perhaps emotionally vulnerable, spiritually ungrounded, or prone to sensationalism rather than truth.
* **lusts (Greek, _epithymía'_):** G1939 refers to a strong longing or desire, often with a negative connotation, especially for what is forbidden or worldly. When combined with "divers" (poikílos, G4164, meaning 'various' or 'manifold'), it points to a wide range of ungodly cravings—whether for novelty, emotional gratification, worldly gain, or spiritual shortcuts—that make these individuals susceptible to manipulation by false teachers who promise to satisfy such desires.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For of this sort are they which creep into houses,"**: This clause introduces the deceptive method of the false teachers previously described. The phrase "of this sort" connects back to the ungodly characteristics listed in [2 Timothy 3:2-5](/2_timothy/3-2-5 "2 Timothy 3:2-5 - Characteristics of Ungodly People"). Their primary tactic is not open confrontation but rather a subtle, insidious infiltration of private homes, which served as centers of early Christian community. The verb "creep" (endýnō) emphasizes their clandestine and manipulative approach, suggesting they gain access by insinuation rather than honest engagement.
* **"and lead captive silly women"**: Having gained entry, their aim is to "lead captive" (aichmalōteúō), which literally means to take as a prisoner of war. This strong imagery conveys spiritual enslavement, where these women are brought under the control and influence of the false teachers. The targets are specifically "silly women" (gynaikárion), a term highlighting their spiritual immaturity, lack of discernment, or emotional susceptibility, making them easy prey for manipulative doctrines.
* **"laden with sins,"**: This phrase describes the spiritual condition of these vulnerable women. "Laden" (sōreúō) literally means 'heaped up' or 'piled high,' suggesting a heavy burden of unconfessed or unresolved sins. This spiritual weight makes them particularly susceptible to those who might offer false assurances of forgiveness, easy solutions, or a way to alleviate guilt without genuine repentance, thus exploiting their spiritual vulnerability.
* **"led away with divers lusts,"**: This final clause further explains the susceptibility of these women. They are "led away" (ágō), implying being carried off or enticed, by "divers lusts" (poikílos epithymía). These are manifold or various desires, cravings, or passions. These "lusts" could be for anything from sensational spiritual experiences, emotional comfort, social acceptance, or even worldly pleasures, which the false teachers exploit by catering to these ungodly desires rather than challenging them to holiness and truth.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices to convey the gravity of the spiritual danger. The phrase "creep into houses" is a vivid **Metaphor** or **Imagery**, depicting the stealthy, snake-like infiltration of these deceivers, contrasting with the open and transparent nature of true gospel ministry. The description of women as "laden with sins" uses **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** (literally "heaped up with sins") to emphasize the overwhelming burden of their spiritual condition, which makes them particularly vulnerable to manipulation. Furthermore, the use of the **Diminutive** "silly women" (gynaikárion) is not merely a derogatory term but serves to underscore their spiritual immaturity and lack of discernment, making them easy targets for those who would exploit their weaknesses and "divers lusts."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the pervasive danger of spiritual deception and the insidious nature of false teaching. It highlights how those who reject sound doctrine often target the vulnerable, exploiting their weaknesses, burdens, and ungodly desires to lead them astray. The theological implication is a stark warning against spiritual naiveté and a call for robust discernment, emphasizing that true spiritual growth requires a firm grounding in God's Word and a willingness to confront sin rather than seek comfort in deceptive promises. The verse underscores the adversary's strategy of sowing discord and error through human agents who mimic godliness but deny its power, ultimately aiming to lead people into spiritual bondage rather than freedom.

* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")
* [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning to the Ephesian Elders")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage serves as a timeless and urgent warning for all believers, not just Timothy. It compels us to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment, grounded deeply in the truth of God's Word, so that we are not easily swayed by deceptive teachings, no matter how subtly they are presented. We must be vigilant in guarding our homes and communities, recognizing that spiritual dangers often arise from within, through those who appear pious but harbor destructive motives. Furthermore, this verse calls us to compassionate action: to identify and lovingly disciple those who may be spiritually vulnerable, burdened by sin, or led astray by their own desires, helping them to grow in maturity and understanding so they can stand firm against error. It reminds us that true freedom comes not from catering to "divers lusts" but from repentance, confession, and walking in the light of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment in my own life and in my community?**
* **What "lusts" or unfulfilled desires might make me or others vulnerable to deceptive teachings?**
* **In what ways might I, or my church, be unknowingly susceptible to subtle forms of spiritual infiltration or manipulation?**
* **How can I compassionately support and guide those who are burdened by sin or struggling with spiritual immaturity?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "silly women" mentioned in this verse, and is this a derogatory term for all women?**

Answer: The term "silly women" (Greek: *gynaikárion*) is a diminutive, not a blanket derogatory term for all women. It specifically refers to women who are spiritually immature, easily swayed, lacking discernment, or emotionally susceptible. Paul is not condemning women in general, but rather identifying a particular type of individual—regardless of gender, though he specifies women here likely due to cultural contexts of the time where women might have been more accessible in homes or less formally educated in theology—who are vulnerable to manipulation by false teachers. These are individuals who may be seeking spiritual novelty or quick fixes rather than sound doctrine and genuine repentance, making them susceptible to those who "creep into houses" to exploit their weaknesses.

**What does it mean for false teachers to "creep into houses"?**

Answer: The phrase "creep into houses" (Greek: *endýnō*) signifies a stealthy, insidious, and manipulative approach. It means these individuals do not openly declare their false teachings or destructive intentions but rather subtly infiltrate private homes or community gatherings. In the early church, homes were often centers for worship and fellowship, making them prime targets. This "creeping" implies a lack of transparency, a deceptive insinuation into trusted spaces, where they can quietly gain influence and lead people astray, preying on personal relationships and vulnerabilities rather than engaging in open, honest theological discourse. This contrasts sharply with the bold and public proclamation of the truth that characterized the ministry of true apostles like Paul, as seen in [Acts 20:20](/acts/20-20 "Acts 20:20 - Paul's Public and Private Teaching").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Timothy 3:6 exposes the insidious tactics of those who lead others into spiritual bondage, it also implicitly highlights the radical contrast with the liberating work of Christ. Unlike those who "creep into houses" to exploit and enslave, Jesus came openly, declaring Himself the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), drawing all people to Himself through truth and grace. He did not lead "silly women laden with sins" into further captivity, but rather offered genuine forgiveness and freedom from the burden of sin (e.g., [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free") and the account of the woman caught in adultery in [John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery")). Where false teachers exploit "divers lusts," Christ calls for repentance and transformation, offering a new heart and new desires ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). He is the Good Shepherd who protects His flock from wolves in sheep's clothing ([John 10:11-12](/john/10-11-12 "John 10:11-12 - The Good Shepherd")), empowering believers with discernment through His Spirit so they are not "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" ([Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Children")). Ultimately, Jesus is the one who leads captives to freedom, not into further spiritual chains, fulfilling the promise of true liberation found only in Him ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")).

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

Jude 1:4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:17

Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know [these things] before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Titus 1:11

Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

Jude 1:18

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Mark 4:19

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Matthew 23:13

¶ But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.