2 Timothy 4:4

KJV

And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they shall turn away {G3303}{G654} their ears {G189} from {G575} the truth {G225}, and {G1161} shall be turned {G1624} unto {G1909} fables {G3454}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, they will stop listening to the truth, but will turn aside to follow myths.

Berean Standard Bible

So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

American Standard Version

and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - Turning from Truth to Fables") delivers a solemn prophetic warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, foretelling a future spiritual condition where individuals will deliberately reject divine truth and instead embrace deceptive narratives and humanly devised falsehoods. This verse underscores the critical importance of discerning sound doctrine and remaining steadfast in the face of widespread spiritual apostasy, serving as a poignant reminder of the challenges inherent in upholding the Gospel in a world increasingly hostile to its message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's final, deeply personal, and urgent letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, written shortly before Paul's martyrdom. It forms a crucial part of Paul's concluding charge in [2 Timothy 4:1-5](/2_timothy/4-1-5 "2 Timothy 4:1-5 - Paul's Solemn Charge to Timothy"). Having commanded Timothy to "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" in [2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word Diligently"), Paul immediately explains the necessity and urgency of this command by describing the spiritual climate of the "last days." The preceding verse, [2 Timothy 4:3](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3 - Not Enduring Sound Doctrine"), explicitly states that "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." Verse 4 then presents the natural and inevitable consequence of this rejection: a deliberate turning away from authentic truth and a subsequent embrace of misleading "fables." Thus, [2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - The Consequence of Rejecting Truth") serves as a dire prediction and a foundational reason for Timothy's unwavering commitment to sound teaching.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote Second Timothy from a Roman prison, likely facing imminent execution. The early church was already grappling with internal heresies and external pressures. Within the Greco-Roman world, various philosophical schools, mystery religions, and mythological narratives competed for intellectual and spiritual allegiance. Paul had previously warned against "Jewish fables" ([Titus 1:14](/titus/1-14 "Titus 1:14 - Warning Against Jewish Fables")) and "fables and endless genealogies" ([1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Avoiding Fables and Genealogies")) that distracted from godly edification. This cultural backdrop, coupled with the nascent challenges of false teachers infiltrating Christian communities (as seen throughout Paul's epistles, e.g., [Acts 20:29-30](/acts/20-29-30 "Acts 20:29-30 - Paul's Warning to the Ephesian Elders")), made the warning in [2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - A Prophetic Warning") particularly prescient. It highlights a recurring pattern in human history: when divine truth is abandoned, a vacuum is created that is often filled by human inventions or deceptive spiritualities.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - Key Themes") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Paul's letters and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **rejection of truth**, portraying it not as mere ignorance but as an active, deliberate turning away from God's revealed word, which is the Gospel itself. Secondly, it highlights the **embrace of falsehoods**, specifically "fables," which are presented as the direct consequence of this rejection. These are not harmless stories but misleading myths, human philosophies, or unbiblical teachings that cater to personal desires rather than divine revelation. This theme of embracing comfortable lies over challenging truths is a recurring motif in biblical warnings against apostasy (e.g., [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Exchanging Truth for a Lie")). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **spiritual decline and apostasy**, foreshadowing a pervasive erosion of genuine faith where individuals prefer novelty or teachings that validate their own inclinations over submission to the authority of God's Word. This spiritual drift is a constant danger for believers and communities, necessitating vigilance and a steadfast commitment to sound doctrine, as emphasized in passages like [1 Timothy 4:1](/1_timothy/4-1 "1 Timothy 4:1 - Departing from the Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turn away (Greek, _apostréphō'_):** From G654, meaning "to turn away or back (literally or figuratively)." This word implies a deliberate, intentional act of aversion or rejection. It is not a passive drifting but an active decision to withdraw one's attention or allegiance from something. In this context, it signifies a conscious choice to disengage from or repudiate the truth.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** From G225, meaning "truth, verity." This term refers to divine reality, the authentic message of the Gospel, and the revealed word of God. It stands in stark contrast to human error, deception, or falsehood. The "truth" here is absolute, objective, and divinely authored, representing the very essence of God's revelation to humanity.
* **fables (Greek, _mŷthos'_):** From G3454, meaning "a tale, i.e. fiction ('myth')." This word denotes fictitious narratives, legends, or baseless speculations, often serving as a vehicle for humanly devised philosophies or misleading religious teachings. Paul uses this term pejoratively to describe doctrines that lack divine authority and lead people away from sound doctrine and godly living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they shall turn away [their] ears from the truth":** This clause describes a deliberate and active rejection of divine revelation. The "ears" represent not merely the physical organ of hearing but the faculty of understanding, discernment, and spiritual receptivity. To "turn away their ears" signifies a conscious decision to cease listening to, accepting, or obeying the truth of God's Word. This implies a willful resistance to sound doctrine, often driven by a desire for teachings that align with personal preferences or sinful inclinations rather than divine authority.
* **"and shall be turned unto fables":** This clause presents the consequence of rejecting truth. Having actively turned away from what is real and divine, people will then passively or actively embrace what is fictitious and humanly contrived. "Fables" represent misleading myths, baseless speculations, human philosophies, or false doctrines that lack scriptural foundation. This turning is a spiritual gravitation towards narratives that appeal to the "itching ears" mentioned in the preceding verse, offering comfort, novelty, or validation apart from the challenging demands of biblical truth.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its urgent warning. **Antithesis** is central, creating a stark contrast between "the truth" and "fables," highlighting the mutually exclusive nature of these two spiritual destinations. This opposition underscores the critical choice facing humanity. **Metonymy** is used with the phrase "turn away their ears," where "ears" stand for the entire faculty of hearing, understanding, and spiritual receptivity. It emphasizes the active disengagement of the whole person from divine revelation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Prophecy** or **Foreshadowing**, as Paul predicts a future spiritual decline within the church, where the rejection of sound doctrine will become widespread. This prophetic warning serves as an **Admonition** to Timothy and, by extension, to all believers, to remain vigilant and anchored in biblical truth amidst pervasive deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - Theological Implications") speaks profoundly to the nature of truth and the pervasive danger of spiritual deception. Theologically, it affirms that there is an objective, divinely revealed "truth" (the Gospel, God's Word) from which humanity can choose to depart. This departure is not accidental but a deliberate act of the will, often driven by a preference for self-serving narratives over the sometimes challenging demands of God's righteousness. The consequence—a turning to "fables"—highlights humanity's inherent need for meaning and narrative, which, if not found in divine truth, will inevitably be sought in human inventions, however deceptive. This dynamic underscores the continuous spiritual battle for the minds and hearts of people, emphasizing the preciousness of sound doctrine and the necessity of discernment in an age of competing worldviews.

* [1 Timothy 4:1](/1_timothy/4-1 "1 Timothy 4:1 - Departure from the Faith")
* [Titus 1:14](/titus/1-14 "Titus 1:14 - Warning Against Fables")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - Reflection and Application") serves as a timeless mirror for contemporary believers and the church at large. In an age characterized by information overload, subjective truth claims, and a proliferation of diverse spiritual narratives, Paul's warning is more relevant than ever. We are called to cultivate an unshakeable commitment to biblical truth, not as a rigid dogma, but as the living, transformative Word of God that alone provides true spiritual nourishment and guidance. This requires diligent study, humble submission to Scripture, and a discerning spirit to identify and reject the "fables" — whether they manifest as popular cultural ideologies, unbiblical theological trends, or personal biases that subtly distort divine revelation. For leaders, it is a renewed call to faithfully preach and teach sound doctrine, even when it is unpopular or challenging, recognizing that spiritual health depends on an unwavering adherence to the truth. For every believer, it is a reminder to guard our "ears" and hearts, ensuring they remain open to the Spirit's leading through the Word, rather than being swayed by the fleeting allure of comforting lies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we ensure our "ears" remain open to biblical truth in a world saturated with competing narratives and subjective viewpoints?**
* **What "fables" or misleading ideas, whether subtle or overt, might be subtly influencing believers today, and how can we identify them through the lens of Scripture?**
* **In what practical ways can we strengthen our commitment to sound doctrine and cultivate spiritual discernment, even when it is challenging or unpopular to do so?**

### FAQ
**Why will people turn away from the truth, as prophesied in [2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - Why People Turn from Truth")?**

Answer: Paul provides the immediate reason in the preceding verse, [2 Timothy 4:3](/2_timothy/4-3 "2 Timothy 4:3 - Having Itching Ears"), stating that "they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." This suggests several motivations: a lack of endurance for the rigorous demands of sound doctrine, a desire for teachings that cater to personal desires or sinful inclinations ("their own lusts"), and a craving for novelty or affirmation ("itching ears"). People may reject truth because it challenges their comfort zones, exposes their sin, or demands a level of commitment they are unwilling to give. Instead, they seek out messages that are entertaining, affirming, or less demanding, even if those messages are ultimately baseless or deceptive. This echoes warnings found elsewhere in Scripture about those who prefer lies over truth ([Jeremiah 5:31](/jeremiah/5-31 "Jeremiah 5:31 - Prophets Prophesy Falsely") and [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Exchanging Truth for a Lie")).

**What exactly are "fables" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: In [2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - What are Fables?"), "fables" (Greek: _mŷthos_) refers to fictitious narratives, baseless speculations, or humanly devised doctrines that lack divine authority and contradict the revealed truth of God. These are not innocent children's stories but misleading myths, legends, or false teachings that can subtly or overtly draw people away from sound doctrine. Paul uses this term in other letters to warn against specific types of ungodly instruction, such as "fables and endless genealogies" ([1 Timothy 1:4](/1_timothy/1-4 "1 Timothy 1:4 - Avoiding Fables and Genealogies")) and "Jewish fables" ([Titus 1:14](/titus/1-14 "Titus 1:14 - Warning Against Jewish Fables")). Essentially, "fables" represent any teaching or narrative that is not grounded in the truth of God's Word and therefore leads to spiritual deception and ultimately, destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Timothy 4:4](/2_timothy/4-4 "2 Timothy 4:4 - Christ-Centered Fulfillment") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is Himself the embodiment of "the truth." When Paul warns that people will "turn away their ears from the truth," he is implicitly speaking of a turning away from Christ, for Jesus declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, Life")). To reject the truth is to reject the very revelation of God in Christ, who came "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - Word Became Flesh")). The "fables" into which people turn are antithetical to the reality of God's saving work in Jesus. Christ consistently warned against false prophets and deceptive teachings that would lead many astray ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets"); [Matthew 24:4-5](/matthew/24-4-5 "Matthew 24:4-5 - Deception in the Last Days")). The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised, is explicitly called "the Spirit of truth" ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - Spirit of Truth")), guiding believers into all truth and convicting the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. Therefore, remaining steadfast in the truth, as urged by Paul, is fundamentally about remaining steadfast in Christ, the living Word, and allowing His Spirit to guard us from the deceptive allure of humanly devised "fables."

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

Zechariah 7:11

But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.

1 Timothy 1:4

Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: [so do].

2 Peter 1:16

¶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Acts 7:57

Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

1 Timothy 4:7

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.

Titus 1:14

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

2 Timothy 1:15

¶ This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.