2 Timothy 3:9

But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all [men], as theirs also was.

But {G235} they shall proceed {G4298} no {G3756} further {G1909}{G4119}: for {G1063} their {G846} folly {G454} shall be {G2071} manifest {G1552} unto all {G3956} men, as {G5613} theirs {G1565} also {G2532} was {G1096}.

However, they won’t get very far; because everyone will see how stupid they are, just as happened with those two.

But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone.

But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be evident unto all men, as theirs also came to be.

Commentary

This verse from 2 Timothy offers a strong assurance regarding the ultimate failure and exposure of those who oppose the truth and spread false doctrine. It declares that their harmful influence will be limited and their true nature revealed to everyone.

Context

Paul is writing to his young protégé, Timothy, warning him about the challenging times ahead, specifically the "perilous times" characterized by people with depraved minds and corrupt conduct (see 2 Timothy 3:1-8). These individuals resist the truth, much like Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses in the Old Testament. Verse 9 provides a hopeful counterpoint to this grim description, stating that these opponents will not succeed indefinitely.

Key Themes

  • Limitation of Error: Despite their initial influence, the progress of those spreading falsehood and resisting sound doctrine is ultimately checked.
  • Exposure of Folly: Their foolishness (anoia in Greek, meaning senselessness or lack of understanding) will become plainly evident (ekdelos) to all who observe them.
  • Historical Parallel: The reference to "theirs also" points back to Jannes and Jambres (Exodus 7:11), whose magical resistance to God's power through Moses eventually failed and exposed their limitations.
  • Divine Sovereignty: Implicit in this verse is God's control, ensuring that truth will prevail and error will be exposed, preventing it from completely overwhelming the faithful.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "folly" is anoia (ἄνοια), which signifies more than simple foolishness; it suggests a lack of mind, senselessness, or even madness. This highlights the irrational and depraved nature of their opposition to God's truth. "Manifest" comes from ekdelos (ἔκδηλος), meaning clear, plain, or conspicuous, emphasizing that the exposure of their error will be undeniable and visible to everyone.

Reflection

This verse offers comfort and encouragement to believers facing opposition or exposed to false teaching. It reminds us that while error may seem powerful for a time, it lacks the substance and truth needed for lasting success. God ensures that ultimately, the bankruptcy and irrationality of such opposition will be revealed. This encourages believers to stand firm in the truth, knowing that those who resist it are on a path that leads to exposure, not triumph, just as Jannes and Jambres were ultimately unable to stand against Moses.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 3:8

    Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

  • Exodus 7:12

    For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

  • Jeremiah 28:15

    Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; The LORD hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie.

  • Jeremiah 28:17

    So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.

  • Exodus 9:11

    And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boil was upon the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians.

  • Jeremiah 37:19

    Where [are] now your prophets which prophesied unto you, saying, The king of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?

  • Exodus 8:18

    And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
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