2 Timothy 4:3
What does 2 Timothy 4:3 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 4:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 4:3 means
Paul foresees a season when people will reject healthy teaching. Instead of submitting to God’s truth, they will search for teachers who satisfy their own desires. The image of “itching ears” suggests a craving for novelty or affirmation rather than repentance and obedience. Rather than receiving the Word that heals, they will gather many voices that echo their preferences. The warning implies personal responsibility; people will choose teachers to match their lusts. Timothy must not shape his message to suit hearers’ appetites. Sound doctrine may be uncomfortable, but it is life-giving, and the shepherd must resist the market of tailored teaching.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
KJV
King James Version · 1611For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For the time will come when they will not take the true teaching; but, moved by their desires, they will get for themselves a great number of teachers for the pleasure of hearing them;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for there shall be a season when the sound teaching they will not suffer, but according to their own desires to themselves they shall heap up teachers--itching in the hearing,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers having itching ears:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For the time shall be when they will not bear sound teaching; but according to their own lusts will heap up to themselves teachers, having an itching ear;
Context
This prediction explains the urgency of verse 2. Sound preaching and patient correction are required because a tide of doctrinal resistance is coming. The phrase “will come” pushes Timothy to prepare, not to be surprised. Verse 4 will describe the outcome of this ear-itching impulse—turning from truth to myths. Together, verses 3–4 justify Paul’s insistence that Timothy remain steady, and they begin to highlight a contrast between fickle hearers and a faithful minister who keeps his course regardless of public taste or pressure.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 3:1
But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.
- 2 Chronicles 24:20
And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of Jehovah, so that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken Jehovah, he hath also forsaken you.
- 2 Peter 2:1
But there arose false prophets also among the people, as among you also there shall be false teachers, who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
- Jeremiah 6:16
Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein.
- Jeremiah 27:9
But as for you, hearken ye not to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreams, nor to your soothsayers, nor to your sorcerers, that speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon:
- John 8:45
But because I say the truth, ye believe me not.
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