2 Timothy 3:8
What does 2 Timothy 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 3:8 means
Paul likens the current opponents to “Jannes and Jambres,” remembered as magicians who opposed Moses. As they mimicked and resisted God’s work, so these men “withstand the truth.” Their minds are corrupted; they are “reprobate concerning the faith,” meaning disqualified and proved false when tested by the apostolic message. The parallel warns that counterfeit spirituality can look impressive for a time, but it stands in opposition to God’s appointed servants and His truth. Timothy must not be intimidated by displays of power or sophistry. The crucial issue is fidelity to the truth God revealed, which exposes and judges every pretender.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And as James and Jambres went against Moses, so do these go against what is true: men of evil minds, who, tested by faith, are seen to be false.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and, even as Jannes and Jambres stood against Moses, so also these do stand against the truth, men corrupted in mind, disapproved concerning the faith;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Now as Jannes and Mambres resisted Moses, so these also resist the truth, men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now in the same manner in which Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, thus these also withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, found worthless as regards the faith.
Context
Following verses 6–7’s account of deception and fruitless learning, verse 8 provides a biblical analogy that frames the opposition historically. By naming Jannes and Jambres, Paul shows Timothy that resistance to God’s truth is not new. This prepares for verse 9’s encouragement: just as the magicians were exposed in due course, so these opponents will be unmasked. The flow moves from diagnosis to hope, bolstering Timothy’s confidence to stand firm despite present pressures.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Exodus 7:11
Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers: and they also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their enchantments.
- 2 Corinthians 11:13
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.
- Exodus 8:7
And the magicians did in like manner with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.
- Revelation 2:6
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
- Revelation 2:20
But I have this against thee, that thou sufferest the woman Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess; and she teacheth and seduceth my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.
- Galatians 2:4
and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
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…