English Standard Version
2 Timothy 2:23
23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
2 Timothy 2:23 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
- New International Version (NIV)Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
- New King James Version (NKJV)But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
- New Living Translation (NLT)Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
Context of 2 Timothy 2:23
21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
Read all of 2 Timothy 22 Timothy 2:23 word by word
τὰς δὲ μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους ζητήσεις παραιτοῦ εἰδὼς ὅτι γεννῶσιν μάχας·Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
- ·ὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
- Butδέde · thenG1161
- foolishμωρόςmōros · foolishG3474
- andκαίkai · andG2532
- unlearnedἀπαίδευτοςapaideutos · uninstructedG521
- questionsζήτησιςzētēsis · controversyG2214
- avoidπαραιτέομαιparaiteomai · to refuse/excuseG3868
- knowingεἴδωeidō · to perceive: understandG1492
- thatὅτιhoti · that/since: thatG3754
- they do genderγεννάωgennaō · to begetG1080
- strifesμάχηmachē · quarrelG3163
Cross-references for 2 Timothy 2:23
- 2 Timothy 2:14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.
- 1 Timothy 1:4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
- 1 Timothy 4:7Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;
- 1 Timothy 6:4he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions,
Commentaries on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 23Foolish and unlearned questions - See the notes on 1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Timothy 4:7; (note), and Titus 3:9; (note).Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid; - see the notes at 2 Timothy 2:16; compare the notes at 1 Timothy 1:4, 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:7. The word “unlearned,” here, means “trifling; that which does not tend to edification; stupid.” The Greeks and the Hebrews were greatly given to controversies of various kinds, and many of the questions discussed pertained to points which could not be settled, or which, if settled, were of no importance. Such has…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 22-26Verses 22-26 The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up the communion of saints, will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires, than in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 14-26Timothy must focus on Paul's teaching and avoid the teachings and behavior of false teachers 2:8–13. The false teachings were probably similar to those in 1 Timothy 6:20–21.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2323. (Tit 3:9.) unlearned--Greek, "undisciplined"; not tending to promote the discipline of faith and morals (Pr 5:23). "Uninstructive"; in contrast with "instructing" (2Ti 2:25), and "wise unto salvation" (2Ti 3:15). avoid--"decline."Read the comment
Topics related to 2 Timothy 2:23
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 2 Timothy 2
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries