2 Timothy 2 · Verse 14

2 Timothy 2:14

Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
2 Timothy 2:14, King James Version

2 Timothy 2:14 in other translations

BSBRemind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
WEBRemind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
ASVOf these things put them in remembrance, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they strive not about words, to no profit, to the subverting of them that hear.
YLTThese things remind them of, testifying fully before the Lord--not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;
DARBYOf these things put in remembrance, testifying earnestly before the Lord not to have disputes of words, profitable for nothing, to the subversion of the hearers.
BBEPut these things before them, giving them orders in the name of the Lord to keep themselves from fighting about words, which is of no profit, only causing error in their hearers.
WebsterOf these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they contend not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

What does 2 Timothy 2:14 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
14. them--those over whom thou dost preside (Tit 3:1). charging--Greek, "testifying continually": "adjuring them." before the Lord--(1Ti 5:21). that they strive not about words--rather, "strive with words": "not to have a (mere) war of words" (2Ti 2:23, 24; 1Ti 6:4) where the most vital matters are at stake (2Ti 2:17, 18; Ac 18:15). The oldest manuscripts put a stop at "charging them before the Lord" (which clause is thus connected with "put them in remembrance") and read the imperative, "Strive not thou in words," &c. to no profit--not qualifying "words"; but Greek neuter, in apposition with "strive in words," "(a thing tending) to no profit," literally, "profitable for nothing"; the opposite of "meet for the master's use" (2Ti 2:21). to the subverting--sure to subvert (overturn) the hearers: the opposite of "edifying" (building up) (2Co 13:10).

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 14. Of these things put them in remembrance. These great principles in regard to the kingdom of Christ. They would be as useful to others as they were for Timothy, to whom they were specially addressed.

Charging them before the Lord. In the presence of the Lord, implying that it was a very important matter. 1Timm 1:18.

That they strive not about words to no profit. 1Timm 1:6; 1Timm 6:4.

But to the subverting of the hearers. Turning them away from the simplicity of faith. It is rare, indeed, that a religious controversy does not produce this effect, and this is commonly the case, where, as often happens, the matter in dispute is of little importance.

(k) "put them" 2Pet 1:13 (l) "strive not" Tit 3:9,10

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 14 That they strive not about words - Words, not things, have been a most fruitful source of contention in the Christian world; and among religious people, the principal cause of animosity has arisen from the different manner of apprehending the same term, while, in essence, both meant the same thing. All preachers and divines should be very careful, both in speaking and writing, to explain the terms they use, and never employ them in any sense but that in which they have explained them. The subverting of the hearers - This is the general tendency of all polemical divinity and controversial preaching, when angry passions are called in to support the doctrines of the Gospel.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:14-21
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Tit 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels. Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's service, and thus fitted for his use.

Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain

2 Timothy 2:14 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

ΤαῦταTautaThese thingsG3778
ὑπομίμνῃσκεhupomimnēskedo remind [them]G5279
διαμαρτυρόμενοςdiamarturomenossolemnly charging [them]G1263
ἐνώπιονenōpionbeforeG1799
τοῦtou<the>G3588
θεοῦtheouGodG2316
μὴmēnotG3361
λογομαχεῖνlogomacheinto quarrel about wordsG3054
ἐπ᾽ep᾽uponG1909
οὐδὲνoudenno [thing]G3762
χρήσιμονchrēsimonprofitableG5539
ἐπὶepi[but] toG1909
καταστροφῇkatastrophēa[the] subversionG2692
τῶνtōnof thoseG3588
ἀκουόντων.akouontōnhearing.G191

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for 2 Timothy 2:14

  • Titus 3:9-11

    But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

  • 2 Timothy 2:23

    But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

  • 2 Timothy 4:1

    I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

  • Romans 14:1

    Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

  • 1 Timothy 5:21

    I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

  • 1 Timothy 6:4-5

    He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

  • Hebrews 13:9

    Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

  • Acts 15:24

    Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

  • Jeremiah 7:8

    Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.

  • 1 Samuel 12:21

    And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6

    Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

  • 2 Peter 1:13

    Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
put.
1:6; 2Pe 1:13
charging.
4:1; Eph 4:17; 1Th 4:1; 2Th 3:6; 1Ti 5:21; 6:13
that.
16,23; Ro 14:1; 1Ti 1:4,6; 6:4,5; Tit 3:9-11
to no.
1Sa 12:21; Jer 2:8,11; 7:8; 16:19; 23:32; Hab 2:18; Mt 16:26; 1Ti 4:8
Heb 13:9
the subverting.
Jer 23:36; Ac 13:10; 15:24; Ga 1:7; Tit 3:11

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • 2 Timothy 2:13

    If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

  • 2 Timothy 2:14

    Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

  • 2 Timothy 2:15

    Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Read all of 2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:14 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Recuérdales esto, protestando delante del Señor que no contiendan en palabras, lo cual para nada aprovecha, antes trastorna á los oyentes.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Remets ces choses en mémoire, protestant devant le Seigneur qu’on n’ait pas de disputes de mots, ce qui est sans aucun profit, et pour la subversion des auditeurs.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Dies bringe in Erinnerung, indem du ernstlich vor dem Herrn bezeugst, nicht Wortstreit zu führen, was zu nichts nütze, sondern zum Verderben der Zuhörer ist.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		Hæc commone, testificans coram Domino. Noli contendere verbis: ad nihil enim utile est, nisi ad subversionem audientium.