2 Timothy 3:7
What does 2 Timothy 3:7 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 3:7 means
Those ensnared by these teachers are “ever learning” yet never arriving at “the knowledge of the truth.” Their minds are busy but unsettled—gathering ideas, chasing novelties, but lacking repentance and faith. Real knowledge of the truth is not mere information; it is a settled grasp of God’s revelation that transforms life. The false teachers keep hearers in a cycle of curiosity without conversion, movement without maturity. Timothy’s task is to teach plainly and patiently, aiming not for endless speculation but for the recognition of truth that leads to godliness. The gospel brings people to a sure knowledge, centered in Christ, not an endless maze of theories.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of what is true.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862always learning, and never to a knowledge of truth able to come,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Ever learning, and never attaining to the knowledge of the truth.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890always learning, and never able to come to [the] knowledge of [the] truth.
Context
Verse 7 completes the portrait begun in verse 6 by depicting the tragic outcome of such manipulation: intellectual activity without spiritual arrival. This sets the stage for verse 8’s comparison to the magicians who resisted Moses, linking contemporary deceivers with ancient opposition. The context underscores that the issue is not lack of exposure to teaching but lack of submission to truth. The following verses will assure Timothy that such resistance is ultimately futile and will be publicly exposed.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 14:4
Therefore speak unto them, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Every man of the house of Israel that taketh his idols into his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I Jehovah will answer him therein according to the multitude of his idols;
- Matthew 13:11
And he answered and said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
- 1 Timothy 2:4
who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.
- John 3:20
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved.
- Isaiah 30:10
that say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits,
- John 5:44
How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Timothy 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Timothy 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Biblical Inerrancy
Biblical inerrancy is the belief that the Bible, in its original manuscripts, is without error or fault in all of its teachings.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Inspiration of Scripture
The Bible is God’s inspired Word, breathed out by Him and useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
What the Bible says about…