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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_timothy/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_timothy/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_timothy/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_timothy/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But avoid worldly, empty babblings, for they will lead on to more ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_timothy/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But shun profane <i>and</i> vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_timothy/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But shun profane <i>and</i> idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_timothy/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But avoid worldly <i>and</i> empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_timothy/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But avoid worldly <i>and</i> empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But avoid godless <i>and</i> empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_timothy/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_timothy/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_timothy/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_timothy/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_timothy/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Keep away from worthless and useless talk. It only leads people farther away from God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_timothy/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_timothy/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Avoid pointless discussions. People who [pay attention to these pointless discussions] will become more ungodly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_timothy/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Keep away from profane and foolish discussions, which only drive people farther away from God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_timothy/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />However, avoid pointless discussions. For people will become more and more ungodly, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_timothy/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But avoid profane chatter, because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_timothy/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_timothy/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But from irreligious and frivolous talk hold aloof, for those who indulge in it will proceed from bad to worse in impiety,<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_timothy/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_timothy/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, <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 stand aloof from the profane vain talkings, for they will advance to more impiety,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_timothy/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But avoid worldly, empty babblings, for they will lead on to more ungodliness,<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 profane vain talkings stand aloof from, for to more impiety they will advance,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_timothy/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And avoid profane, empty discourses: for they will proceed to more of profanation.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_timothy/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness. <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 profane or empty talk. For these things advance one greatly in impiety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_timothy/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_timothy/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Avoid profane chatter, for it will lead people into more and more impiety,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_timothy/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Shun empty and worthless words, for they only increase the ungodliness of those who argue over them.<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 />And avoid empty words in which there is no benefit, for they will all the more add to the wickedness of those who converse in them,<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 shun profane and vain babblings; for they will make further advance to ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_timothy/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But reject the unsanctified empty talks: for they will proceed unto more of ungodliness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_timothy/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But profane vain bablings avoid: for they will proceed to greater lengths of impiety.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_timothy/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />discountenance such as hold vain irreligious discourse; for they will grow bold in impiety,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_timothy/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But from irreligious and frivolous talk hold aloof, for those who indulge in it will proceed from bad to worse in impiety,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_timothy/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But shun the profane babblings, for they will proceed to more ungodliness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_timothy/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But avoid prophane empty harangues; for they will proceed to more impiety,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_timothy/2-16.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=301" 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">15</span>Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/4026.htm" title="4026: periistaso (V-PMM-2S) -- From peri and histemi; to stand all around, i.e. to be a bystander, or to keep away from.">avoid</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/952.htm" title="952: bebēlous (Adj-AFP) -- Permitted to be trodden, accessible. From the base of basis and belos; accessible, i.e. heathenish, wicked.">irreverent,</a> <a href="/greek/2757.htm" title="2757: kenophōnias (N-AFP) -- Empty disputing, worthless babble. From a presumed compound of kenos and phone; empty sounding, i.e. Fruitless discussion.">empty chatter,</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">which</a> <a href="/greek/4298.htm" title="4298: prokopsousin (V-FIA-3P) -- From pro and kopto; to drive forward, i.e. to advance.">will only lead</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/4119.htm" title="4119: pleion (Adj-ANS-C) -- Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.">more</a> <a href="/greek/763.htm" title="763: asebeias (N-GFS) -- Impiety, irreverence, ungodliness, wickedness. From asebes; impiety, i.e. wickedness.">ungodliness,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">17</span>and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,…<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="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Ephesians 5:6</a></span><br />Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.<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/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a></span><br />O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”<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/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_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a></span><br />But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a></span><br />The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm">Proverbs 18:7</a></span><br />A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a></span><br />Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Romans 16:17</a></span><br />Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.<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 shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase to more ungodliness.</p><p class="hdg">shun.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">2 Timothy 2:14</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/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><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a></b></br> O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane <i>and</i> vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:</p><p class="hdg">for.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">2 Timothy 3:13</a></b></br> But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/10-10.htm">Ezra 10:10</a></b></br> And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Hosea 12:1</a></b></br> Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/3-4.htm">Advance</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-14.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Babblings</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-2.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Chatter</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Farther</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Frivolous</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-13.htm">Further</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Godless</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-3.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Impiety</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-10.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Indulge</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Irreligious</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-5.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">Part</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-11.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-20.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Ungodliness</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Worldly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">Worse</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Wrong</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_timothy/3-9.htm">Advance</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Aloof</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Babblings</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">Bad</a> <a href="/isaiah/8-19.htm">Chatter</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-9.htm">Farther</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Frivolous</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-9.htm">Further</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm">Godless</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/titus/1-9.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/titus/2-12.htm">Impiety</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-14.htm">Increase</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-11.htm">Indulge</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">Irreligious</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Lead</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-6.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-9.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-22.htm">Shun</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-8.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/titus/2-12.htm">Ungodliness</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-4.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/titus/2-12.htm">Worldly</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">Worse</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">Wrong</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 avoid irreverent, empty chatter</b><br>The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy to steer clear of conversations that lack reverence and substance. In the context of the early church, false teachings and idle talk were prevalent, often leading believers astray. This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity in speech, aligning with <a href="/proverbs/4-24.htm">Proverbs 4:24</a>, which advises keeping perverse talk far from one's lips. The Greek word for "avoid" suggests a deliberate turning away, indicating the necessity of active resistance against such discussions. The term "irreverent" implies a lack of respect for the sacred, while "empty chatter" denotes conversations devoid of edifying content. This aligns with <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a>, which encourages speech that builds others up.<p><b>which will only lead to more ungodliness</b><br>Paul warns that engaging in such conversations can result in increased ungodliness. This reflects the biblical principle that bad company corrupts good character, as stated in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-33.htm">1 Corinthians 15:33</a>. The progression from idle talk to ungodliness highlights the slippery slope of moral decay when one entertains or participates in discussions that do not honor God. Historically, the early church faced challenges from Gnostic teachings and other heresies, which often began with seemingly harmless discussions but led to significant doctrinal errors. This warning serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding one's heart and mind, as echoed in <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a>, which encourages believers to focus on what is true, noble, and pure.<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 epistle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and challenges to Christian teaching.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a></b><br>Individuals spreading false doctrines and engaging in "irreverent, empty chatter" that Paul warns against.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The community of believers in the first century, facing challenges of false teachings and maintaining doctrinal purity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_speech.htm">Guard Your Speech</a></b><br>As believers, we must be vigilant about the words we use, ensuring they align with godliness and truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_conversations.htm">Discernment in Conversations</a></b><br>Engage in conversations that edify and build up the body of Christ, avoiding those that lead to ungodliness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/impact_of_words.htm">Impact of Words</a></b><br>Recognize the power of words to influence thoughts and actions, both positively and negatively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursue_godliness.htm">Pursue Godliness</a></b><br>Focus on conversations and teachings that promote spiritual growth and maturity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_false_teachings.htm">Avoiding False Teachings</a></b><br>Be aware of teachings that deviate from biblical truth and lead others astray.<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/who_were_hymenaeus_and_alexander.htm">Who were Hymenaeus and Alexander in biblical context?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_rivers_of_living_water.htm">What does 'Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'rightly_dividing'_mean.htm">What does "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_1_tim_2_11-12_restrict_women.htm">1 Timothy 2:11–12: Why does this passage restrict women from teaching or having authority, and how does that align with broader biblical teachings on equality? </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>(16) <span class= "bld">But shun profane and vain babblings.</span>--<span class= "ital">But, </span>in strong contrast to the conduct just urged, on the workman of God, <span class= "ital">do thou avoid</span> (or, <span class= "ital">withdraw thyself from</span>)<span class= "ital"> vain babblings.</span> The word rendered "shun" is a strong one, and signifies literally, to make a circuit so as to avoid; or, as Alford paraphrases it, "the meaning seems to come from a number of persons falling back from an object of fear or loathing, and standing at a distance round it." The word is used in <a href="/titus/3-9.htm" title="But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.">Titus 3:9</a>. On the words "profane," "vain-babblings," see <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm" title="O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:">1Timothy 6:20</a>.<p><span class= "bld">For they will increase unto more ungodliness.</span>--Better translated, <span class= "ital">for they will advance unto . . .</span> The tendency of these useless discussions and idle disputes is to lead men into vain and profitless speculations, which end too often--as in the case, cited below, of Hymenaeus and Philetus--in the most fatal doctrinal error. The close connection between grave fundamental errors in doctrine and a lax and purely selfish life is constantly alluded to by St. Paul.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_timothy/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="accented">Profane</span> for <span class="accented">profane and vain</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">proceed further in ungodliness</span> for <span class="accented">increase unto more ungodliness</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Shun</span> (<span class="greek">περιι'´στασο</span>, as in <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a>); literally, <span class="accented">step out of the way of</span>, or <span class="accented">stand away from</span> - an unusual use of the word, found also in Josephus, 'Ant. Jud.,' 4. 6:12. <span class="cmt_word">Profane babblings</span> (see <a href="/1_timothy/4-7.htm">1 Timothy 4:7</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">1 Timothy 6:20</a>). <span class="cmt_word">They will proceed</span> (<span class="greek">προκόψουσιν</span>); see note on <span class="greek">προκοπή</span> in <a href="/1_timothy/4-15.htm">1 Timothy 4:15</a>. <span class="cmt_word">Further in ungodliness</span> (<span class="greek">ἐπὶ πεῖον ἀσεβείας</span>); surely better rendered in the A.V. <span class="accented">to more ungodliness.</span> It may be questioned whether "they" refers to the babblings or to the false teachers. It makes very good sense to say, "Avoid these profane babblings, for they won't stop there - they will grow into open impiety and blasphemy." But ver. 17, as Alford observes, is in favour of the "teachers" being the subject of "will proceed;" but it is not conclusive. If a full stop be put after "ungodliness," as in the A.V., ver. 17 comes in quite naturally with the further statement that "their word will eat as doth a gangrene." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_timothy/2-16.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">avoid</span><br /><span class="grk">περιΐστασο</span> <span class="translit">(periistaso)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4026.htm">Strong's 4026: </a> </span><span class="str2">From peri and histemi; to stand all around, i.e. to be a bystander, or to keep away from.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">irreverent</span><br /><span class="grk">βεβήλους</span> <span class="translit">(bebēlous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_952.htm">Strong's 952: </a> </span><span class="str2">Permitted to be trodden, accessible. From the base of basis and belos; accessible, i.e. heathenish, wicked.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] empty chatter,</span><br /><span class="grk">κενοφωνίας</span> <span class="translit">(kenophōnias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2757.htm">Strong's 2757: </a> </span><span class="str2">Empty disputing, worthless babble. From a presumed compound of kenos and phone; empty sounding, i.e. Fruitless discussion.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[which]</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will [only] lead</span><br /><span class="grk">προκόψουσιν</span> <span class="translit">(prokopsousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4298.htm">Strong's 4298: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pro and kopto; to drive forward, i.e. to advance.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπὶ</span> <span class="translit">(epi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> </span><span class="str2">On, to, against, on the basis of, at. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">more</span><br /><span class="grk">πλεῖον</span> <span class="translit">(pleion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4119.htm">Strong's 4119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ungodliness,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀσεβείας</span> <span class="translit">(asebeias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_763.htm">Strong's 763: </a> </span><span class="str2">Impiety, irreverence, ungodliness, wickedness. From asebes; impiety, i.e. wickedness.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_timothy/2-16.htm">2 Timothy 2:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_timothy/2-16.htm">NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:16 But shun empty chatter for they will (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_timothy/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Timothy 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Timothy 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 2:17" /></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>