2 Timothy 2:14
What does 2 Timothy 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 2:14 means
Timothy must keep reminding believers of these central truths, solemnly charging them before the Lord to avoid word-wars that produce no good but ruin those who hear. Quibbling over terminology or speculative nuances distracts from the gospel and damages souls. Paul is not opposing careful doctrine but empty, combative disputing. The standard is profit to hearers: does it build faith, holiness, and clarity, or does it unsettle and divide? Timothy’s authority is exercised under God’s eye—“in the sight of the Lord”—so his aim must be edification. To shepherd well, he must keep the main things central and refuse the traps of pedantry that turn ministry into a battlefield of egos.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Of 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Of 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Of 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Put 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.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862These things remind <FI>them<Fi> of, testifying fully before the Lord--not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words: for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Of 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.
Context
With the faithful saying freshly in view (vv.11–13), Paul pivots to pastoral practice. Verse 14 sets a double task: constant remembrance of gospel truths and a ban on useless disputes. This prepares for the positive charge to present oneself approved to God by accurate handling of Scripture (v.15) and the negative warning to shun profane babble that advances ungodliness (vv.16–18). The thread is the same: protect the flock by keeping to the heart of the message and by avoiding corrosive controversy.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Timothy 6:4
he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
- 2 Timothy 2:16
But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
- Jeremiah 16:19
O Jehovah, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, unto thee shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited nought but lies, even vanity and things wherein there is no profit.
- 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 they received of us.
- Romans 14:1
But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples.
- Jeremiah 2:8
The priests said not, Where is Jehovah? and they that handle the law knew me not: the rulers also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.
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