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2 Timothy 4:3

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For 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;

For {G1063} the time {G2540} will come {G2071} when {G3753} they will {G430} not {G3756} endure {G430} sound {G5198} doctrine {G1319}; but {G235} after {G2596} their own {G2398} lusts {G1939} shall they heap {G2002} to themselves {G1438} teachers {G1320}, having itching {G2833} ears {G189};

For the time is coming when people will not have patience for sound teaching, but will cater to their passions and gather around themselves teachers who say whatever their ears itch to hear.

For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.

For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

Commentary

2 Timothy 4:3 serves as a prophetic warning from the Apostle Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, regarding the future spiritual climate within the church. It highlights a significant challenge to sound Christian teaching that would arise in later times.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's final, impassioned exhortations to Timothy, urging him to remain faithful to his calling, especially in light of impending difficulties. Paul has just commanded Timothy to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." Verse 3 explains why this steadfastness is so crucial: a time of widespread spiritual decline is coming.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rejection of Truth: The core message is that people will turn away from "sound doctrine" (Greek: hygiainousē didaskalia, literally "healthy teaching"). This indicates a spiritual illness where truth is not merely ignored but actively rejected because it is perceived as unpalatable or restrictive.
  • Self-Serving Desires: Instead of seeking truth, individuals will be driven by their own "lusts" or desires. This points to a self-centered approach to spirituality, where personal preferences and comforts take precedence over divine revelation.
  • Demand for Compliant Teachers: The phrase "heap to themselves teachers" illustrates a consumer-driven demand for spiritual leaders who will affirm their biases and cater to their preferences, rather than challenging them with biblical truth. This leads to an abundance of teachers who prioritize popularity over purity of doctrine.
  • "Itching Ears": This vivid metaphor describes a desire to hear what is pleasing and comforting, rather than what is necessary or convicting. People will seek out messages that scratch their intellectual or emotional "itch," preferring fables and pleasantries over the rigors of biblical truth. This echoes warnings found elsewhere, such as in Isaiah 30:10, where the people tell prophets to "speak unto us smooth things."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek term for "sound doctrine", hygiainousē didaskalia, emphasizes teaching that is wholesome, healthy, and promotes spiritual well-being, much like a healthy diet promotes physical well-being. It stands in stark contrast to teachings that are unhealthy, misleading, or spiritually damaging. The imagery of "itching ears" (Greek: knēthomenoi tēn akoēn) powerfully conveys a restless desire for novelty and agreeable sentiments, rather than a genuine hunger for truth.

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant today, serving as a powerful reminder for believers to:

  • Discern Teaching: Be vigilant in evaluating what is taught, ensuring it aligns with God's Word, not personal preferences or cultural trends. Believers are called to be like the Bereans who "searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
  • Prioritize Truth: Cultivate a love for biblical truth, even when it is challenging or counter-cultural. This involves a commitment to studying God's Word diligently.
  • Support Faithful Teachers: Seek out and support those who faithfully uphold and teach sound doctrine, even if their message is not always what we want to hear.
  • Guard Against Self-Deception: Examine personal motives and desires, ensuring that our spiritual journey is driven by a pursuit of God's will rather than our own inclinations or a desire for comfort alone.

Paul's warning calls for spiritual maturity and a firm grounding in the Scriptures to navigate times when genuine truth is increasingly unpopular.

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 (May 20, 2025) 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 Peter 2:1 (40 votes)

    ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

  • 2 Peter 2:3 (40 votes)

    ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

  • 2 Timothy 3:1 (35 votes)

    ¶ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

  • 2 Timothy 3:6 (35 votes)

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

  • 1 Timothy 4:1 (26 votes)

    ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

  • 1 Timothy 4:3 (26 votes)

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

  • Galatians 4:16 (17 votes)

    Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?