2 Timothy 2:23
2 Timothy 2:23 in Multiple Translations
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.
And put away foolish and uncontrolled questionings, seeing that they are a cause of trouble.
Avoid foolish and childish debates, for you know they only lead to fights.
And put away foolish and vnlearned questions, knowing that they ingender strife.
and the foolish and uninstructed questions be avoiding, having known that they beget strife,
But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they gender contentions.
And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.
Do not talk with anyone who foolishly wants to argue about matters that are not important. Do not talk with them, because you know that when people talk about foolish things, they begin to quarrel.
But you can’t argue about stupid things that are not important. If you argue like that, you might get into a fight.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Timothy 2:23
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2 Timothy 2:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Timothy 2:23
Study Notes — 2 Timothy 2:23
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Timothy 2:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
- Sermons on 2 Timothy 2:23
Context — The Lord’s Approved Workman
23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. 25He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Timothy 2:14 | Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin. |
| 2 | Titus 3:9 | But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 4:7 | But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 2:16 | But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 6:4–5 | he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, 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. |
2 Timothy 2:23 Summary
This verse is telling us to avoid getting into arguments or discussions that are not based on God's truth. Instead, we should focus on promoting love, peace, and righteousness in our interactions with others, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:22. By doing so, we can avoid strife and instead build each other up in the faith, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32. This requires humility, gentleness, and a willingness to listen to and learn from others, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:24-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'foolish and ignorant speculation' in 2 Timothy 2:23?
This phrase refers to discussions or debates that are not grounded in God's truth, but rather in human opinions or speculations, which can lead to arguments and divisions, as seen in Titus 3:9 and 2 Timothy 2:14.
Why does the Bible warn against engaging in quarrelsome discussions?
The Bible warns against quarrelsome discussions because they can lead to strife and hinder the spread of the Gospel, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:24-25, where a servant of the Lord is instructed to be kind and gentle in their interactions with others.
How can I discern what discussions are 'foolish and ignorant speculation'?
To discern what discussions are 'foolish and ignorant speculation', we should test them against the truth of God's Word, as seen in Acts 17:11, and be cautious of discussions that seek to provoke arguments rather than promote understanding and edification, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:14.
What is the alternative to engaging in 'foolish and ignorant speculation'?
The alternative to engaging in 'foolish and ignorant speculation' is to pursue discussions that promote righteousness, faith, love, and peace, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:22, and to seek to understand and apply God's truth in a humble and gentle manner, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some discussions or debates that I have engaged in recently that may have been 'foolish and ignorant speculation', and how can I learn from those experiences?
- How can I balance the need to stand firm in my faith with the need to avoid quarrelsome discussions, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:24-25?
- What are some ways that I can promote 'righteousness, faith, love, and peace' in my interactions with others, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:22?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and gentleness in my discussions with others, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32?
- What are some potential consequences of engaging in 'foolish and ignorant speculation', and how can I avoid those consequences in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 2:23
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 2:23
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 2:23
Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 2:23
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:23
Sermons on 2 Timothy 2:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
What Love Is This? - Part 1 by Dave Hunt | This sermon delves into the controversial topic of Calvinism and its impact on churches and individuals. The speaker shares personal experiences and reactions to addressing Calvini |
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2 Timothy - Part 4 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, Dr. Gooding discusses the importance of properly interpreting and teaching the word of God. He emphasizes the need to avoid getting caught up in meaningless argumen |
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When Someone Doubts by C.J. Mahaney | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different forms of doubt that Christians may experience. He identifies seven families of doubt, including doubt from ingratitude, a faulty |
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Unity of the Spirit - by the Bond of Peace by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians. He warns against engaging in arguments and disputes over words, as it only leads to division and ha |
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Soul Winning - Part 3 by Roy Daniel | In this video, the speaker shares a personal encounter with a missionary in Africa who recognized his leadership potential. The missionary encouraged him to leave his current missi |
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2 Timothy - Part 13 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and presenting the word of God clearly. He shares his personal experience of being criticized for focusing on |
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To Young Preachers by Barton W. Stone | Barton W. Stone advises young preachers to seek counsel from older, experienced individuals and to avoid engaging in debates that lead to strife and division, emphasizing the impor |






