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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Timothy 2:23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_timothy/2-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/55_2Ti_02_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Timothy 2:23 - The Lord's Approved Workman" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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you know that they breed quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_timothy/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they breed quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_timothy/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_timothy/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_timothy/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_timothy/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife <i>and</i> give birth to quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_timothy/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_timothy/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_timothy/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments. These only lead to trouble, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_timothy/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_timothy/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_timothy/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_timothy/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid discussions, because you know they breed arguments. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_timothy/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_timothy/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_timothy/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_timothy/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they gender contentions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, knowing--as you do--that these lead to quarrels;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_timothy/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_timothy/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and be avoiding the foolish and uninstructed questions, having known that they beget strife,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_timothy/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they breed quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_timothy/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the foolish and uninstructed questions be avoiding, having known that they beget strife,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_timothy/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And silly and ignorant questions refuse, knowing that they produce strifes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_timothy/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_timothy/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But avoid foolish and undisciplined questions, for you know that these produce strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_timothy/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_timothy/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_timothy/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Keep away from foolish disputes which do not educate, you know they cause strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_timothy/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Abstain from the disputes of fools who are without instruction, for you know that they generate conflict.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_timothy/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But avoid foolish and unprofitable questions, because you know that they produce contentions:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_timothy/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But reject foolish and undisciplinary questions, knowing that they gender strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_timothy/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But foolish and uninstructive disputes avoid, knowing that they produce quarrels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_timothy/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />decline all impertinent barren disputes, since they only serve for contention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, knowing--as you do--that these lead to quarrels;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_timothy/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But the foolish and ignorant questionings reject, knowing that they beget strifes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_timothy/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />but foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they produce quarrels; for the servant of the Lord ought not to wrangle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FxoCLii8Z48?start=378" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/2.htm">The Lord's Approved Workman</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/3868.htm" title="3868: paraitou (V-PMM/P-2S) -- From para and the middle voice of aiteo; to beg off, i.e. Deprecate, decline, shun.">reject</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3474.htm" title="3474: mōras (Adj-AFP) -- Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.">foolish</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/521.htm" title="521: apaideutous (Adj-AFP) -- Untrained, uneducated, showing a want of training or education, ignorant. Uninstructed, i.e. stupid.">ignorant</a> <a href="/greek/2214.htm" title="2214: zētēseis (N-AFP) -- A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.">speculation,</a> <a href="/greek/1492.htm" title="1492: eidōs (V-RPA-NMS) -- To know, remember, appreciate. ">for you know</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: gennōsin (V-PIA-3P) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">it breeds</a> <a href="/greek/3163.htm" title="3163: machas (N-AFP) -- From machomai; a battle, i.e. controversy.">quarreling.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a></span><br />A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a></span><br />But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a></span><br />or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4-5</a></span><br />he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1</a></span><br />What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3</a></span><br />It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">1 Corinthians 1:20</a></span><br />Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">1 Corinthians 3:19-20</a></span><br />For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a></span><br />Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Colossians 2:8</a></span><br />See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20-21</a></span><br />O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” / which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-4.htm">Proverbs 26:4-5</a></span><br />Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. / Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-1.htm">Romans 14:1</a></span><br />Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16</a></span><br />If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">2 Peter 3:16</a></span><br />He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do engender strifes.</p><p class="hdg">See on ver.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">2 Timothy 2:14,16</a></b></br> Of these things put <i>them</i> in remembrance, charging <i>them</i> before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, <i>but</i> to the subverting of the hearers… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a></b></br> Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: <i>so do</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a></b></br> But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself <i>rather</i> unto godliness.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Avoiding</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Beget</a> <a href="/job/21-10.htm">Breed</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-10.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Contentions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Controversies</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Discussions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-16.htm">Gender</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-13.htm">Ignorant</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Quarrels</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Questionings</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-9.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Speculations</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">Strifes</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-17.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Unlearned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-5.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">Avoiding</a> <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Beget</a> <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Breed</a> <a href="/titus/1-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Contentions</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Controversies</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Discussions</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/leviticus/19-19.htm">Gender</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-2.htm">Ignorant</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/james/1-20.htm">Produce</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Quarrels</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Questionings</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Questions</a> <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-15.htm">Senseless</a> <a href="/acts/26-3.htm">Speculations</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Strifes</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Stupid</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-3.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">Unlearned</a><div class="vheading2">2 Timothy 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/2-1.htm">Timothy is exhorted again to constancy and perseverance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">Of Hymenaeus and Philetus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">The foundation of the Lord is sure.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">He is taught whereof to beware, and what to follow after.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_timothy/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But reject foolish and ignorant speculation</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of discernment in spiritual discussions. The term "foolish" in biblical context often refers to actions or thoughts that lack wisdom or understanding of God's will. <a href="/proverbs/12-15.htm">Proverbs 12:15</a> states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice," highlighting the need for humility and wisdom. "Ignorant speculation" suggests discussions that are not grounded in truth or knowledge, which can lead believers away from sound doctrine. In the early church, false teachings and heresies were prevalent, as seen in Paul's letters addressing issues in Corinth and Galatia. The call to reject such speculation is a call to uphold the truth of the Gospel, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a>, where Paul advises Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him.<p><b>for you know that it breeds quarreling</b><br>The phrase "breeds quarreling" indicates the divisive nature of engaging in baseless arguments. In the cultural context of the early church, debates and philosophical discussions were common, especially in Greek and Roman societies. However, Paul warns against engaging in disputes that do not edify or build up the body of Christ. <a href="/james/4.htm">James 4:1-2</a> speaks to the destructive nature of quarrels, stating that they arise from desires that battle within individuals. The emphasis here is on maintaining unity and peace within the church, as Jesus prayed for in <a href="/john/17-21.htm">John 17:21</a>, "that all of them may be one." The focus is on promoting love and understanding, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/4-3.htm">Ephesians 4:3</a>, which encourages believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and personal conduct.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A young pastor and protégé of Paul, serving in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this letter.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was leading the church, known for its diverse population and various religious beliefs, which often led to disputes.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/foolish_and_ignorant_controversies.htm">Foolish and Ignorant Controversies</a></b><br>Refers to debates and arguments that are unproductive and based on a lack of understanding or wisdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/q/quarrels.htm">Quarrels</a></b><br>Disputes or arguments that arise from engaging in these controversies, which can lead to division within the church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_unproductive_arguments.htm">Avoiding Unproductive Arguments</a></b><br>As believers, we should focus on edifying conversations rather than engaging in debates that lead to division.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_peace.htm">Pursuing Peace</a></b><br>Strive for peace and unity within the church by steering clear of discussions that are rooted in ignorance and foolishness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>Exercise discernment in choosing which conversations to engage in, ensuring they are beneficial and rooted in truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart.htm">Guarding the Heart</a></b><br>Be mindful of the motivations behind engaging in controversies, ensuring they align with godly wisdom and love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/promoting_unity.htm">Promoting Unity</a></b><br>Encourage a spirit of unity by focusing on common faith and shared beliefs rather than divisive issues.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_timothy_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_arguing.htm">What does the Bible say about Christians arguing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_ingratitude.htm">What does the Bible say about being ungrateful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_christians_divided_if_one_body.htm">1 Corinthians 12:12–14 – If all believers are supposedly one body, how do we account for the numerous factions and contradictions among different Christian groups? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_fights_and_promote_peace.htm">How can we avoid quarreling and promote peace?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_timothy/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">But foolish and unlearned questions avoid.</span>--The Greek word translated "unlearned" is better rendered <span class= "ital">ignorant.</span> These "questions" which, as we have seen above, the false teachers, with whom Timothy was so much thrown, loved to put forward for discussion, could hardly be termed "unlearned"--much useless learning being often thrown away in these disputing of the schools--but were rather "pointless," "stupid," as well as foolish. The nature of these questions of controversy has been discussed above.<p><span class= "bld">Knowing that they do gender strifes.</span>--Knowing--as thou dost--from sad and frequent experience, what conflicts, heart-burnings, estrangements, these abstract questions between rival teachers and rival sects engendered.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_timothy/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - <span class="accented">Ignorant questionings</span> for <span class="accented">unlearned questions</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">refuse</span> for <span class="accented">avoid</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">gender</span> for <span class="accented">do gender</span>, A.V. Ignorant (<span class="greek">ἀπαιδεύτους</span>); only here in the New Testament, but not uncommon in the LXX., applied to persons, and in classical Greek. <span class="accented">Unlearned</span> is quite as good a rendering as <span class="accented">ignorant.</span> It is a term applied properly to ill-educated, ill-disciplined people, and thence, by an easy metonymy, to the questions such persons delight in. <span class="cmt_word">Questionings</span> (<span class="greek">ζητήσεις</span>); see <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">1 Timothy 1:4</a>, note, and <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a>. <span class="cmt_word">Refuse</span> (<span class="greek">παραίτου</span>); "have nothing to do with" (see <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a>; <a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Titus 3:10</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Gender</span> (<span class="greek">γεννῶσι</span>). This is the only place in the New Testament where <span class="greek">γεννάω</span> is used in this metaphorical sense, unless <a href="/galatians/4-24.htm">Galatians 4:24</a> is included. (For the sentiment, see <a href="/1_timothy/6-4.htm">1 Timothy 6:4</a>, "Whereof cometh envy, strife," etc.) <span class="cmt_word">Strifes</span> (<span class="greek">μάχας</span>); compare <span class="greek">μάχας νομικάς</span>, "fightings about the Law" (<a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a>); and "wars and fightings" (<a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1, 2</a>). Compare, too, the verb <span class="greek">λογομαχεῖν</span>, in ver. 14. Nothing can be more emphatic than St. Paul's warnings against foolish and angry controversies about words, and yet nothing has been more neglected in the Church, in all ages. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reject</span><br /><span class="grk">παραιτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(paraitou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3868.htm">Strong's 3868: </a> </span><span class="str2">From para and the middle voice of aiteo; to beg off, i.e. Deprecate, decline, shun.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">foolish</span><br /><span class="grk">μωρὰς</span> <span class="translit">(mōras)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3474.htm">Strong's 3474: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">ignorant</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπαιδεύτους</span> <span class="translit">(apaideutous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_521.htm">Strong's 521: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untrained, uneducated, showing a want of training or education, ignorant. Uninstructed, i.e. stupid.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speculation,</span><br /><span class="grk">ζητήσεις</span> <span class="translit">(zētēseis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2214.htm">Strong's 2214: </a> </span><span class="str2">A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for you know</span><br /><span class="grk">εἰδὼς</span> <span class="translit">(eidōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1492.htm">Strong's 1492: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know, remember, appreciate. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it breeds</span><br /><span class="grk">γεννῶσιν</span> <span class="translit">(gennōsin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">quarreling.</span><br /><span class="grk">μάχας</span> <span class="translit">(machas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3163.htm">Strong's 3163: </a> </span><span class="str2">From machomai; a battle, i.e. controversy.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings knowing (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Timothy 2:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 2:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Timothy 2:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 2:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>