2 Timothy 2:14
New International Version
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

New Living Translation
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

English Standard Version
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.

Berean Standard Bible
Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

Berean Literal Bible
Remind them these things, solemnly charging them before God not to quarrel about words, for nothing profitable but to the subversion of those hearing.

King James Bible
Of 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.

New King James Version
Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.

New American Standard Bible
Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners.

NASB 1995
Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

NASB 1977
Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless, and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

Legacy Standard Bible
Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

Amplified Bible
Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen.

Christian Standard Bible
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Remind them of these things, charging them before God not to fight about words; this is in no way profitable and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Don't let anyone forget these things. And with God as your witness, you must warn them not to argue about words. These arguments don't help anyone. In fact, they ruin everyone who listens to them.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn't do any good but only destroys those who are listening.

Good News Translation
Remind your people of this, and give them a solemn warning in God's presence not to fight over words. It does no good, but only ruins the people who listen.

International Standard Version
Remind others about these things, and warn them before God not to argue over words. Arguing does not do any good but only destroys those who are listening.

Majority Standard Bible
Remind the believers of these things, charging them before the Lord to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

NET Bible
Remind people of these things and solemnly charge them before the Lord not to wrangle over words. This is of no benefit; it just brings ruin on those who listen.

New Heart English Bible
Remind them of these things, charging them in the presence of God, not to wrangle about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.

Webster's Bible Translation
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they contend not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

Weymouth New Testament
Bring all this to men's remembrances, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to waste time in wrangling about mere words, a course which is altogether unprofitable and tends only to the ruin of the hearers.

World English Bible
Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord that they don’t argue about words to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Remind [them] of these things, testifying fully before the LORD—not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;

Berean Literal Bible
Remind them these things, solemnly charging them before God not to quarrel about words, for nothing profitable but to the subversion of those hearing.

Young's Literal Translation
These things remind them of, testifying fully before the Lord -- not to strive about words to nothing profitable, but to the subversion of those hearing;

Smith's Literal Translation
Put these things in mind, calling to witness before the Lord not to wrangle for nothing useful, to the subversion of them hearing.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Insist on these things, testifying before the Lord. Do not be contentious about words, for this is useful for nothing but the subversion of listeners.

New American Bible
Remind people of these things and charge them before God to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.

New Revised Standard Version
Remind them of this, and warn them before God that they are to avoid wrangling over words, which does no good but only ruins those who are listening.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
You should keep these things in remembrance, as a testimony before our LORD, that the faithful should not argue over words in which there is no profit but which are destruction to those who listen to them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Remind them of these things, and charge them before our Lord that they should not dispute about words without profit, to the overthrow of those who hear such things.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Put them in mind of these things, charging them before the Lord that they dispute not about words to no profit, which disputes end in the overthrow of the hearers.

Godbey New Testament
Remember these things, testifying before God, that they shall not fight with words, profitable unto nothing, for the overturning of those who hear.

Haweis New Testament
Put them in mind of these things, adjuring them before the Lord not to quarrel about words of no use, but tending to the perversion of the audience.

Mace New Testament
These things represent, conjuring them by the presence of the Lord, to avoid disputes about words, which only serve to pervert the audience.

Weymouth New Testament
Bring all this to men's remembrances, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to waste time in wrangling about mere words, a course which is altogether unprofitable and tends only to the ruin of the hearers.

Worrell New Testament
Of these things put them in remembrance, solemnly charging them before God, that they engage not in word-battles to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.

Worsley New Testament
These things remind them of, charging them before the Lord not to contend about words, which is profitable for nothing, and tends to the subversion of the hearers.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lord's Approved Workman
13if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself. 14Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. 15Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.…

Cross References
Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

1 Timothy 6:4-5
he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

1 Timothy 1:4
or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.

1 Timothy 6:20
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”

1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.

1 Corinthians 14:20
Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.

2 Peter 3:16
He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

Romans 14:1
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing,

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Galatians 5:15
But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.


Treasury of Scripture

Of 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.

put.

2 Timothy 1:6
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

2 Peter 1:13
Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

charging.

2 Timothy 4:1
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

Ephesians 4:17
This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

1 Thessalonians 4:1
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

that.

2 Timothy 2:16,23
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness…

Romans 14:1
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.

1 Timothy 1:4,6
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do

to no.

1 Samuel 12:21
And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

Jeremiah 2:8,11
The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit…

Jeremiah 7:8
Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.

the subverting.

Jeremiah 23:36
And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

Acts 13:10
And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Acts 15:24
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:

Jump to Previous
Altogether Argue Avoid Causing Charge Charging Contend Course Disputes Disputing Earnestly Error Good Hear Hearers Mere Orders Presence Profit Profitable Quarreling Remembrance Remembrances Remind Reminding Ruin Ruins Sight Solemnly Strive Subverting Tends Testifying Themselves Time Unprofitable Useless Value Warn Waste Words Wrangle Wrangling
Jump to Next
Altogether Argue Avoid Causing Charge Charging Contend Course Disputes Disputing Earnestly Error Good Hear Hearers Mere Orders Presence Profit Profitable Quarreling Remembrance Remembrances Remind Reminding Ruin Ruins Sight Solemnly Strive Subverting Tends Testifying Themselves Time Unprofitable Useless Value Warn Waste Words Wrangle Wrangling
2 Timothy 2
1. Timothy is exhorted again to constancy and perseverance.
17. Of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
19. The foundation of the Lord is sure.
22. He is taught whereof to beware, and what to follow after.














Remind them of these things
The phrase "Remind them of these things" emphasizes the importance of continual teaching and reinforcement of the truths Paul has been discussing. The Greek word for "remind" is "ὑπομιμνῄσκω" (hypomimnēskō), which implies a gentle yet firm prompting to recall essential teachings. In the historical context, Paul is writing to Timothy, a young pastor, urging him to keep the core doctrines of the faith at the forefront of his congregation's mind. This reflects the conservative Christian emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the need for constant engagement with biblical truths to guard against false teachings.

and solemnly charge them before God
"Solemnly charge them before God" carries a weighty sense of responsibility. The Greek word "διαμαρτύρομαι" (diamarturomai) means to testify earnestly or to exhort with authority. This phrase underscores the seriousness of the task Timothy has as a leader in the church. The invocation of God as a witness highlights the divine accountability in teaching and maintaining doctrinal purity. Historically, this reflects the early church's understanding of leadership as a divine calling, where leaders are stewards of God's truth.

to avoid quarreling over words
The instruction "to avoid quarreling over words" addresses a common issue in the early church—disputes over interpretations and meanings that detract from the gospel's core message. The Greek term "λογομαχέω" (logomacheō) means to engage in a war of words. This reflects a conservative Christian perspective that values unity and clarity in doctrine over divisive debates that can lead to confusion and discord within the church body. The historical context suggests that such quarrels were prevalent, and Paul is urging Timothy to steer clear of them to maintain the church's focus on Christ.

which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin
The phrase "which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin" warns of the destructive outcome of such disputes. The Greek word "καταστροφή" (katastrophē) translates to "overturning" or "ruin," indicating a complete spiritual downfall. This serves as a cautionary note that engaging in fruitless arguments can lead believers away from the truth and into spiritual peril. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this highlights the importance of edifying speech and teaching that builds up the church rather than tearing it down. Historically, this reflects the challenges faced by the early church in maintaining doctrinal purity amidst diverse interpretations and teachings.

(14) Of these things put them in remembrance.--A new division of the Epistle begins with this 14th verse. St. Paul has been urging Timothy to be strong in endurance, to bear trouble and suffering with brave patience. He now proceeds to charge him respecting the special work he has to do; and, first he deals with his duties as a teacher of truth brought face to face with teachers of error. He prefaces his directions by bidding him, in the forefront of his teaching, "put them" (that is, those over whom he was placed: the members of his Ephesian flock) "in remembrance of these things"--namely, of those great and solemn truths set forth in 2Timothy 2:11-13, and which may be briefly summed up in the words: "Fellowship with Christ in suffering will be succeeded by fellowship with Christ in glory." Surely such lofty, soul-inspiring thoughts as these will form the best safeguard against the pitiful controversies and disputes about words, which were occupying the thoughts and wasting the lives of so many in Ephesus called by the name of Christ.

Charging them before the Lord.--Better rendered, solemnly charging them before the Lord . . . In all Timothy's solemn addresses to his flock he is, St. Paul reminds him, charging his people "before the Lord"--a very earnest, solemn thought for every public teacher, and one calculated now, as then, to deepen the life of one appointed to such an office. There was a grave danger that such empty, profitless disputes about words and expressions, which, we know, occupied the attention of many of the Ephesian so called Christian teachers, would end in distracting the minds of the members of the several congregations, who would naturally take their tone, in matters connected with religious life, from their teacher; and thus words would soon come to be substituted for acts in the lives of those men and women called by the name of Christ in Ephesus. (See 1Timothy 6:4, where these "strifes of words" are mentioned among the special characteristics of the false teachers.)

But to the subverting of the hearers.--Not only are such arguments and disputes useless and profitless, but they are positively mischievous. In the long history of Christianity, St. Paul's repeated warning respecting the danger of these disputes about theological terms and expressions has been sadly verified. Such contentions serve only to unsettle the mind, only to shake true faith, only to distract the one who gives himself up to this fatal pursuit, from real, earnest, patient work for Christ.

Verse 14. - In the sight of for before, A.V.; to for but to, A.V.; them that hear for the hearers, A.V. Put them in remembrance (ὑπομίμνησκε; John 14:26; Titus 3:1; 2 Peter 1:12). St. Paul skilfully strengthens his preceding exhortations to Timothy by now charging him to impress upon others - referring, perhaps, especially to "the faithful men" spoken of in ver. 2, but generally to the whole flock committed to him - the truths which he had just been urging upon Timothy. Charging (διαμαρτύρομενος); as 1 Timothy 5:21 and 2 Timothy 4:1. Strive...about words (λογομαχεῖν); only here in the New Testament or elsewhere. But λογομαχία occurs in 1 Timothy 6:4 and in late Greek. Another reading is λογομάχει, as if addressed to Timothy himself, but λογομαχεῖν is supported by the best authorities, and agrees best with the context. To no profit; literally, useful for nothing; serving no good purpose. Ξρήσιμον, which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, is found repeatedly in the LXX., and is very common in classical Greek, where it is followed by εἰς ἐπί, and πρός. The construction is "not to strive about words, a thing useful for nothing, but, on the contrary, tending to subvert those who hear such strife." To the subverting (ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ); elsewhere only in 2 Peter 2:6, where it is used of a material overthrow, as it is in the LXX. of Genesis 19:29, to which St. Peter is referring. The history of its use here of a moral overthrow, which is not borne out by its classical use, seems to be that the apostle had in his mind the very common metaphor of οἰκοδομή, edification, as the proper result of speaking and teaching, and so uses the contrary to "building up," viz. an "overthrowing" or "destruction," to describe the effect of the teaching of those vain talkers and deceivers (comp. ver. 18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Remind [ the believers ]
ὑπομίμνῃσκε (hypomimnēske)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5279: To remind, remember, call to mind. From hupo and mimnesko; to remind quietly, i.e. Suggest to the memory.

of these things,
Ταῦτα (Tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

charging [them]
διαμαρτυρόμενος (diamartyromenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1263: To give solemn evidence, testify (declare) solemnly. From dia and martureo; to attest or protest earnestly, or hortatively.

before
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

to avoid
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

quarreling over words;
λογομαχεῖν (logomachein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 3054: To contend about words. From a compound of logos and machomai; to be disputatious.

[this is]
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

in no way
οὐδὲν (ouden)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3762: No one, none, nothing.

profitable,
χρήσιμον (chrēsimon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5539: Useful, profitable. From chresis; serviceable.

[and leads]
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

[its]
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

listeners
ἀκουόντων (akouontōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

to ruin.
καταστροφῇ (katastrophē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2692: Overthrow, destruction, material or spiritual. From katastrepho; an overturn, i.e. Demolition; figuratively, apostasy.


Links
2 Timothy 2:14 NIV
2 Timothy 2:14 NLT
2 Timothy 2:14 ESV
2 Timothy 2:14 NASB
2 Timothy 2:14 KJV

2 Timothy 2:14 BibleApps.com
2 Timothy 2:14 Biblia Paralela
2 Timothy 2:14 Chinese Bible
2 Timothy 2:14 French Bible
2 Timothy 2:14 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things charging them (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
2 Timothy 2:13
Top of Page
Top of Page