New International Version
2 Timothy 2:23
23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.
2 Timothy 2:23 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed 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
21Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 22Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them 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 2:14Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
- 1 Timothy 1:4or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.
- 1 Timothy 4:7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
- 1 Timothy 6:4they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, 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
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