Devine Scripture

2 Timothy 2:16

What does 2 Timothy 2:16 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 2:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Timothy 2:16 means

Timothy must avoid profane, empty chatter because it leads only to more ungodliness. Not all talk about spiritual things is spiritual. When discourse is detached from reverence for God and obedience to truth, it degrades character and behavior. Such speech often fascinates but does not sanctify; it multiplies words while diminishing holiness. Paul’s counsel is separation—do not entertain it, platform it, or be drawn into its orbit. Silence is sometimes the wisest rebuttal. The point is pastoral: protect yourself and your flock from conversations that corrode faith and morals, and instead invest attention in the wholesome, life-giving word of truth that builds up.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But take no part in wrong and foolish talk, for those who do so will go farther into evil,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the profane vain talkings stand aloof from, for to more impiety they will advance,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But profane, vain babblings shun, for they will advance to greater impiety,

Context

After urging careful, approved handling of Scripture (v.15), Paul names the opposite—profane babbling—and its moral trajectory. This warning prepares for a vivid metaphor of its effect (v.17) and for naming actual offenders (Hymenæus and Philetus) who are spreading doctrinal infection (vv.17–18). The flow contrasts healthy teaching that yields godliness with diseased speech that breeds further ungodliness, guiding Timothy’s choices about what to engage and what to shun.

v.15Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.

v.16This passage

v.17and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: of whom is Hymenæus and Philetus;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Timothy 2:14

    Of 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.

  • Titus 1:14

    not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:7

    For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: only there is one that restraineth now, until he be taken out of the way.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:6

    Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

  • Hosea 12:1

    Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he continually multiplieth lies and desolation; and they make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33

    Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.

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