2 Timothy 3:6

Translation
King James Version
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
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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,
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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,
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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,
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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,
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World English Bible Messianic
For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
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Geneva Bible (1599)
For of this sort are they which creepe into houses, and leade captiue simple women laden with sinnes, and led with diuers lustes,
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Young's Literal Translation
for of these there are those coming into the houses and leading captive the silly women, laden with sins, led away with desires manifold,
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See also
Jude 1:42 Peter 3:17Titus 3:3Titus 1:11Jude 1:18Mark 4:19Matthew 23:13
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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). Following a stark enumeration of self-centered and ungodly traits prevalent in such times (2 Timothy 3:2-5), 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).
  • 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), 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).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • creep (Greek, endýnō', G1744): 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): 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): 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. 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.

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.

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), 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 and the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8:1-11). Where false teachers exploit "divers lusts," Christ calls for repentance and transformation, offering a new heart and new desires (Ezekiel 36:26). He is the Good Shepherd who protects His flock from wolves in sheep's clothing (John 10:11-12), 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). 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).

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Commentary on 2 Timothy 3 verses 1–9

Timothy must not think it strange if there were in the church bad men; for the net of the gospel was to enclose both good fish and bad, Mat 13:47, Mat 13:48. Jesus Christ had foretold (Mt. 24) that there would come seducers, and therefore we must not be offended at it, nor think the worse of religion or the church for it. Even in gold ore there will be dross, and a great deal of chaff among the wheat when it lies on the floor.

I. Timothy must know that in the last days (Ti2 3:1), in gospel times, there would come perilous times. Though gospel times were times of reformation in many respects, let him know that even in gospel times there would be perilous times; not so much on account of persecution from without as on account of corruptions within. These would be difficult times, wherein it would be difficult for a man to keep a good conscience. He does not say, "Perilous times shall come, for both Jews and Gentiles shall be combined to root out Christianity;" but "perilous times shall come, for such as have the form of godliness (Ti2 3:5) shall be corrupt and wicked, and do a great deal of damage to the church." Two traitors within the garrison may do more hurt to it than two thousand besiegers without. Perilous times shall come, for men shall be wicked. Note, 1. Sin makes the times perilous. When there is a general corruption of manners, and of the tempers of men, this makes the times dangerous to live in; for it is hard to keep our integrity in the midst of general corruption. 2. The coming of perilous times is an evidence of the truth of scripture-predictions; if the event in this respect did not answer to the prophecy, we might be tempted to question the divinity of the Bible. 3. We are all concerned to know this, to believe and consider it, that we may not be surprised when we see the times perilous: This know also.

II. Paul tells Timothy what would be the occasion of making these times perilous, or what shall be the marks and signs whereby these times may be known, Ti2 3:2, etc. 1. Self-love will make the times perilous. Who is there who does not love himself? But this is meant of an irregular sinful self-love. Men love their carnal selves better than their spiritual selves. Men love to gratify their own lusts, and make provision for them, more than to please God and do their duty. Instead of Christian charity, which takes care for the good of others, they will mind themselves only, and prefer their own gratification before the church's edification. 2. Covetousness. Observe, Self-love brings in a long train of sins and mischiefs. When men are lovers of themselves, no good can be expected from them, as all good may be expected from those who love God with all their hearts. When covetousness generally prevails, when every man is for what he can get and for keeping what he has, this makes men dangerous to one another, and obliges every man to stand on his guard against his neighbour. 3. Pride and vain-glory. The times are perilous when men, being proud of themselves, are boasters and blasphemers, boasters before men whom they despise and look upon with scorn, and blasphemers of God and of his name. When men do not fear God they will not regard man, and so vice vers. 4. When children are disobedient to their parents, and break through the obligations which they lie under to them both in duty and gratitude, and frequently in interest, having their dependence upon them and their expectation from them, they make the times perilous; for what wickedness will those stick at who will be abusive to their own parents and rebel against them? 5. Unthankfulness and unholiness make the times perilous, and these two commonly go together. What is the reason that men are unholy and without the fear of God, but that they are unthankful for the mercies of God? Ingratitude and impiety go together; for call a man ungrateful, and you can call him by no worse name. Unthankful, and impure, defiled with fleshly lusts, which is an instance of great ingratitude to that God who has provided so well for the support of the body; we abuse his gifts, if we make them the food and fuel of our lusts. 6. The times are perilous when men will not be held by the bonds either of nature or common honesty, when they are without natural affection, and truce-breakers, Ti2 3:3. There is a natural affection due to all. Wherever there is the human nature, there should be humanity towards those of the same nature, but especially between relations. Times are perilous when children are disobedient to their parents (Ti2 3:2) and when parents are without natural affection to their children, Ti2 3:3. See what a corruption of nature sin is, how it deprives men even of that which nature has implanted in them for the support of their own kind; for the natural affection of parents to their children is that which contributes very much to the keeping up of mankind upon the earth. And those who will not be bound by natural affection, no marvel that they will not be bound by the most solemn leagues and covenants. They are truce-breakers, that make no conscience of the engagements they have laid themselves under. 7. The times are perilous when men are false accusers one of another, diaboloi - devils one to another, having no regard to the good name of others, or to the religious obligations of an oath, but thinking themselves at liberty to say and do what they please, Psa 12:4. 8. When men have no government of themselves and their own appetites: not of their own appetites, for they are incontinent; not of their own passions, for they are fierce; when they have no rule over their own spirits, and therefore are like a city that is broken down, and has no walls; they are soon fired, upon the least provocation. 9. When that which is good and ought to be honoured is generally despised and looked upon with contempt. It is the pride of persecutors that they look with contempt upon good people, though they are more excellent than their neighbours. 10. When men are generally treacherous, wilful, and haughty, the times are perilous (Ti2 3:4) - when men are traitors, heady, high-minded. Our Saviour has foretold that the brother shall betray the brother to death and the father the child (Mat 10:21), and those are the worst sort of traitors: those who delivered up their Bibles to persecutors were called traditores, for they betrayed the trust committed to them. When men are petulant and puffed up, behaving scornfully to all about them, and when this temper generally prevails, then the times are perilous. 11. When men are generally lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. When there are more epicures than true Christians, then the times are bad indeed. God is to be loved above all. That is a carnal mind, and is full of enmity against him, which prefers any thing before him, especially such a sordid thing as carnal pleasure is. 12. When, notwithstanding all this, they have the form of godliness (Ti2 3:5), are called by the Christian name, baptized into the Christian faith, and make a show of religion; but, how plausible soever their form of godliness is, they deny the power of it. When they take upon them the form which should and would bring along with it the power thereof, they will put asunder what God hath joined together: they will assume the form of godliness, to take away their reproach; but they will not submit to the power of it, to take away their sin. Observe here, (1.) Men may be very bad and wicked under a profession of religion; they may be lovers of themselves, etc., yet have a form of godliness. (2.) A form of godliness is a very different thing from the power of it; men may have the one and be wholly destitute of the other; yea, they deny it, at least practically in their lives. (3.) From such good Christians must withdraw themselves.

III. Here Paul warns Timothy to take heed of certain seducers, not only that he might not be drawn away by them himself, but that he might arm those who were under his charge against their seduction. 1. He shows how industrious they were to make proselytes (Ti2 3:6): they applied themselves to particular persons, visited them in their houses, not daring to appear openly; for those that do evil hate the light, Joh 3:20. They were not forced into houses, as good Christians often were by persecution; but they of choice crept into houses, to insinuate themselves into the affections and good opinion of people, and so to draw them over to their party. And see what sort of people those were that they gained, and made proselytes of; they were such as were weak, silly women; and such as were wicked, laden with sins, and led away with divers lusts. A foolish head and a filthy heart make persons, especially women, an easy prey to seducers. 2. He shows how far they were from coming to the knowledge of the truth, though they pretended to be ever learning, Ti2 3:7. In one sense we must all be ever learning, that is, growing in knowledge, following on to know the Lord, pressing forward; but these were sceptics, giddy and unstable, who were forward to imbibe every new notion, under pretence of advancement in knowledge, but never came to a right understanding of the truth as it is in Jesus. 3. He foretels the certain stop that should be put to their progress (Ti2 3:8, Ti2 3:9), comparing them to the Egyptian magicians who withstood Moses, and who are here named, Jannes and Jambres; though the names are not to be met with in the story of the Old Testament, yet they are found in some old Jewish writers. When Moses came with a divine command to fetch Israel out of Egypt, these magicians opposed him. Thus those heretics resisted the truth and like them were men of corrupt minds, men who had their understandings perverted, biassed and prejudiced against the truth, and reprobate concerning the faith, or very far from being true Christians; but they shall proceed no further, or not much further, as some read it. Observe, (1.) Seducers seek for corners, and love obscurity; for they are afraid to appear in public, and therefore creep into houses. Further, They attack those who are the least able to defend themselves, silly and wicked women. (2.) Seducers in all ages are much alike. Their characters are the same - namely, Men of corrupt minds, etc.; their conduct is much the same - they resist the truth, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses; and they will be alike in their disappointment. (3.) Those who resist the truth are guilty of folly, yea, of egregious folly; for magna est veritas, et praevalebit - Great is the truth, and shall prevail. (4.) Though the spirit of error may be let loose for a time, God has it in a chain. Satan can deceive the nations and the churches no further and no longer than God will permit him: Their folly shall be manifest, it shall appear that they are imposters, and every man shall abandon them.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Ignatius of AntiochAD 108
Epistle of Ignatius to the Philadelphians
Wherefore, as children of light and truth, flee from division and wicked doctrines; but where the shepherd is, there do ye as sheep follow. For there are many wolves that appear worthy of credit, who, by means of a pernicious pleasure, carry captive those that are running towards God; but in your unity they shall have no place.
IrenaeusAD 202
Against Heresies Book I
Such are the words and deeds by which, in our own district of the Rhone, they have deluded many women, who have their consciences seared as with a hot iron.
IrenaeusAD 202
AGAINST HERESIES 1.13.6
Some of the disciples of Marcus wandered about among the faithful, deceived many silly women and defiled them. They boasted of being so perfect that no one was able to come up to the greatness of their knowledge. No one, not even Peter or Paul, or any other of the apostles. They imagined that they knew more than all others and alone imbibed the greatness of the knowledge and the unspeakable Power. They thought of themselves as on a height above all Power, and so they felt free to do all things without fear of anyone in regard to anything.
JeromeAD 420
LETTERS 22.28
Avoid men, also, when you see them loaded with chains and wearing their hair long like women, contrary to the apostle’s precept, not to speak of beards like those of goats, black cloaks and bare feet braving the cold. All these things are tokens of the devil. Such a one was Antimus, who Rome groaned over some time ago. And Sophronius is a still more recent instance. Such persons, when they have once gained admission to the houses of the highborn, and have deceived “silly women laden with sins, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth,” feign a sad face and pretend to make long fasts while at night they would feast in secret.
OecumeniusAD 990
COMMENTARY ON 2 TIMOTHY
For from these are those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins, who are driven by various lusts: always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Behold, all their secret and shameless plotting was revealed by the saying, those who enter into households and lead captive young women burdened with sins. Do you see that they have been deceived by the Serpent's deceit, which he used against Adam? For it was likely that he also deceived these men through the women. But by calling them mere women, he only revealed what is easily deceived. Therefore, the one being deceived, even if he is a man, differs in no way from a woman in this respect. But the multitude, accumulated with sins, also shows the confusion of sins. For it is not simply, Paul says, that women deceive (for there are also women of a courageous nature, just as there are men of a weak nature), but the sins accumulated, for from these come also the acts of deceit.

who are driven by various lusts. Paul did not blame nature, but such a woman. Here he encountered many lusts. Both bodily and mental. And see also the phrase "driven," as if towards irrational beings.

always learning. Not excusing them for these things, but rather strongly blaming them. For since they have heaped up sins for themselves, their mind has naturally become hardened because of them.
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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