The Meaning of 2 Timothy 2:14 Explained

2 Timothy 2:14

KJV: 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.

YLT: 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;

Darby: Of these things put in remembrance, testifying earnestly before the Lord not to have disputes of words, profitable for nothing, to the subversion of the hearers.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does 2 Timothy 2:14 Mean?

Verse Meaning

This verse is transitional. Timothy was to keep reminding his "faithful men" of the things Paul had just brought back to his own recollection (i.e, 2 Timothy 2:3-13, but especially 2 Timothy 2:11-13). Furthermore, he should warn them against emphasizing hair-splitting controversies in their ministries since these do more harm than good (cf. 1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 6:4-5).
"In the end disputing about words seeks not the victory of truth but the victory of the speaker." [1]

Context Summary

2 Timothy 2:10-18 - "approved Unto God"
The elect, 2 Timothy 2:10-13 : The Apostle sketches the experiences of the elect soul. It must endure, suffer, and die with Christ, that out of its surrender may come the truest, richest life, John 12:25. There is no path to lasting success save that of the cross and grave of Christ. It has been allotted to the redeemed in the divine program; each must tread it separately and with resolute purpose. But there is no doubt as to the sequel of a true life. The world of men may count it a failure, but God pledges Himself that as the pendulum swings here in the dark, it shall swing equally in yonder world of light. Three things are impossible with God-to die, to lie, and to fail the soul that trusts Him. Even when we cannot muster faith enough, His word of promise cannot be frustrated in the case of those whose faith is weak and trembling as the smoking flax.
The workman, 2 Timothy 2:14-18 : The one anxiety with us all should be to stand approved before God. As the r.v. margin suggests, we must hold a straight course in the word of truth. Our testimony should resemble an undeviating furrow. Let us construct in our life something which will be a permanent addition to the well-being of the world, so that at the last the Master may say that He is satisfied. [source]

Chapter Summary: 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

Greek Commentary for 2 Timothy 2:14

That they strive not about words [μη λογομαχειν]
Word apparently coined by Paul from λογομαχια — logomachia (1 Timothy 6:4 which see), a back formation in that case. A mere war of words displeases Paul. (Titus 3:9). [source]
Useful [χρησιμον]
Late and rare word from χραομαι — chraomai here only in N.T. To the subverting (επι καταστροπηι — epi katastrophēi). Old word (from καταστρεπω — katastrephō to turn down or over), here only in N.T. (except 2 Peter 2:6 in some MSS., not in Westcott and Hort).” Because of the overthrow” (result επι — epi not aim), useless for this reason. Such war of words merely upsets the hearers. [source]
To the subverting [επι καταστροπηι]
Old word (from καταστρεπω — katastrephō to turn down or over), here only in N.T. (except 2 Peter 2:6 in some MSS., not in Westcott and Hort).” Because of the overthrow” (result επι — epi not aim), useless for this reason. Such war of words merely upsets the hearers. [source]
Put them in remembrance [ὑπομίμνησκε]
oP. See on ὑπόμνησιν reminding 2 Timothy 1:5. [source]
Lit. to nothing useful . Ἑπ ' οὐδὲν , oP. He uses εἰς κενόν to no purpose . See 2 Corinthians 6:1 ; Galatians 2:2 ; Philemon 2:16 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:5 . Χρήσιμος usefulN.T.o To the subverting [ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ]
Ἑπὶ does not mean here to or for (purpose or object). but indicates the ground on which the unprofitableness of the wordy strife rests. Unprofitable because it works subversion of the hearers. Καταστροφή subversiontransliterated into catastrophe, only here and 2 Peter 2:6. In lxx of the destruction or overthrow of men or cities. Καταστρέφειν tooverturn, Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; Acts 15:16, cit. Paul uses καθαίρεσις pullingdown, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10 [source]
Charging [διαμαρτυρόμενος]
In Paul only 1 Thessalonians 4:6. Very frequent in Acts. See on Acts 2:40; see on Acts 20:23. The sense is rather conjuring them by their loyalty to God. Paul uses the simple μαρτύρεσθαι in a similar sense. See Galatians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:12(note); Ephesians 4:17. [source]
Before God [ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ]
See on 1 Timothy 5:4. [source]
Strive about words [λογομαχεῖν]
N.T.oolxx, oClass. Comp. λογομαχίας disputesof words, 1 Timothy 6:4, and see 1 Corinthians 4:20. [source]
To no profit [ἐπ ' οὐδὲν χρήσιμον]
Lit. to nothing useful. Ἑπ ' οὐδὲν , oP. He uses εἰς κενόν tono purpose. See 2 Corinthians 6:1; Galatians 2:2; Philemon 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:5. Χρήσιμος usefulN.T.oTo the subverting ( ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ ) Ἑπὶ does not mean here to or for (purpose or object). but indicates the ground on which the unprofitableness of the wordy strife rests. Unprofitable because it works subversion of the hearers. Καταστροφή subversiontransliterated into catastrophe, only here and 2 Peter 2:6. In lxx of the destruction or overthrow of men or cities. Καταστρέφειν tooverturn, Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; Acts 15:16, cit. Paul uses καθαίρεσις pullingdown, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10 [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Timothy 2:14

John 14:26 Whom [ο]
Grammatical neuter, but “whom” is correct translation. The Father will send the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:33), but so will the Son (John 15:26; John 16:7) as Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit upon the disciples (John 20:22). There is no contradiction in this relation of the Persons in the Trinity (the Procession of the Holy Spirit). Here the Holy Spirit (full title as in Mark 3:29; Matthew 12:32; Luke 12:10) is identified with the Paraclete. He Emphatic demonstrative pronoun and masculine like παρακλητος — paraklētos Shall teach you all things The Holy Spirit knows “the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10) and he is our Teacher in the Dispensation of the Holy Spirit of both new truth (John 14:25) and old. Bring to your remembrance Future active indicative of υπομιμνησκω — hupomimnēskō old verb to remind, to recall, here only in this Gospel (cf. 3 John 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:14) and with two accusatives (person and thing). After pentecost the disciples will be able better to recall and to understand what Jesus had said (how dull they had been at times) and to be open to new revelations from God (cf. Peter at Joppa and Caesarea). [source]
Acts 2:40 He testified [διεμαρτυρατο]
First aorist middle of διαμαρτυρομαι — diamarturomai old verb, to make solemn attestation or call to witness (perfective use of δια — dia), while μαρτυρεω — martureō is to bear witness. Page insists that here it should be translated “protested solemnly” to the Jews as it seems to mean in Luke 16:28; Acts 20:23; 1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:14; 2 Timothy 4:1. And exhorted (και παρεκαλει — kai parekalei). Imperfect active, kept on exhorting. Save yourselves First aorist passive of σωζω — sōzō Literally, Be ye saved. Crooked (σκολιας — skolias). Old word, opposite of ορτος — orthos straight. Pravus the opposite of rectus, a perversity for turning off from the truth. Cf. Luke 9:41; Philemon 2:15. [source]
1 Thessalonians 2:11 Charged [μαρτυρόμενοι]
Rev. testifying; but the A.V. is more correct. Rend. charging. The verb means to conjure, or appeal to by something sacred. So Ephesians 4:17. Comp. Acts 20:26; Galatians 5:3, and διαμαρτύρομαι Icharge, 1 Timothy 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:14; 2 Timothy 4:1. Comp. Thucyd. vi. 80. [source]
1 Timothy 6:4 Strifes of words [λογομαχίας]
N.T.oolxx, oClass. One of the unique compounds peculiar to these Epistles. The verb λογομαχεῖν 2 Timothy 2:14. [source]
1 Timothy 5:21 I charge [διαμαρτύρομαι]
In Paul 1 Thessalonians 4:6only. See on testifying, 1 Thessalonians 2:12. For this sense, adjure, see Luke 16:28; Acts 2:40; 2 Timothy 2:14. [source]
1 Timothy 6:4 Knowing nothing [μηδεν επισταμενος]
Present middle participle of επισταμαι — epistamai Ignorance is a frequent companion of conceit. Doting (νοσων — nosōn). Present active participle of νοσεω — noseō to be sick, to be morbid over, old word, only here in N.T. Disputes of words Our “logomachy.” From λογομαχεω — logomacheō (2 Timothy 2:14), and that from λογος — logos and μαχομαι — machomai to fight over words, late and rare word, here only in N.T. See Plato (Tim. 1085 F) for “wars in words” Whereof (εχ ων — ex hōn). “From which things.” Surmisings Old word from υπονοεω — huponoeō to surmise, to suspect (Acts 25:18), only here in N.T. All these words are akin (envy, πτονος — phthonos strife, ερις — eris railings or slanders, βλασπημιαι — blasphēmiai), all products of an ignorant and conceited mind. [source]
1 Timothy 6:4 Disputes of words [λογομαχιας]
Our “logomachy.” From λογομαχεω — logomacheō (2 Timothy 2:14), and that from λογος — logos and μαχομαι — machomai to fight over words, late and rare word, here only in N.T. See Plato (Tim. 1085 F) for “wars in words” Whereof (εχ ων — ex hōn). “From which things.” Surmisings Old word from υπονοεω — huponoeō to surmise, to suspect (Acts 25:18), only here in N.T. All these words are akin (envy, πτονος — phthonos strife, ερις — eris railings or slanders, βλασπημιαι — blasphēmiai), all products of an ignorant and conceited mind. [source]
2 Timothy 2:21 Meet [εὔχρηστον]
From εὐ welland χρᾶσθαι touse. Hence, easy to make use of, useful. The A.V. meet, is fit, suitable. Rend. serviceable. In contrast with to no profit, 2 Timothy 2:14. See Philemon 1:11, where the contrast with ἄχρηστος uselessis brought out. Only here, 2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 1:11. [source]
2 Timothy 2:15 Rightly dividing [ὀρθοτομοῦντα]
N.T.ooClass. In lxx, Proverbs 3:6; Proverbs 11:5; both times in the sense of directing the way. From ὀρθός straightand τέμνειν tocut. Hence, to cut straight, as paths; to hold a straight course; generally, to make straight; to handle rightly. Vulg. recte tractare. The thought is that the minister of the gospel is to present the truth rightly, not abridging it, not handling it as a charlatan (see on 2 Corinthians 2:17), not making it a matter of wordy strife (2 Timothy 2:14), but treating it honestly and fully, in a straightforward manner. Various homiletic fancies have been founded on the word, as, to divide the word of truth, giving to each hearer what he needs: or, to separate it into its proper parts: or, to separate it from error: or, to cut straight through it, so that its inmost contents may be laid bare. Others, again, have found in it the figure of dividing the bread, which is the office of the household steward; or of dividing the sacrificial victims; or of cutting a straight furrow with the plough. [source]
2 Timothy 2:23 Refuse [παραιτου]
See note on 1 Timothy 4:7. They gender strifes (γεννωσιν μαχας — gennōsin machas). Present active indicative of old and common verb γενναω — gennaō (Romans 9:11). “They beget battles.” See note on 2 Timothy 2:14. [source]
2 Timothy 2:23 They gender strifes [γεννωσιν μαχας]
Present active indicative of old and common verb γενναω — gennaō (Romans 9:11). “They beget battles.” See note on 2 Timothy 2:14. [source]
Titus 3:1 Put them in mind [ὑπομίμνησκε ἐξουσίαις]
See on 2 Timothy 2:14, and see on ὑπόμνησιν reminding 2 Timothy 1:5. [source]

What do the individual words in 2 Timothy 2:14 mean?

These things remind [them] solemnly charging [them] before - God not to quarrel about words for nothing profitable [but] to [the] subversion of those hearing
Ταῦτα ὑπομίμνῃσκε διαμαρτυρόμενος ἐνώπιον τοῦ Θεοῦ μὴ λογομαχεῖν ἐπ’ οὐδὲν χρήσιμον ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων

Ταῦτα  These  things 
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: οὗτος  
Sense: this.
ὑπομίμνῃσκε  remind  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Singular
Root: ὑπομιμνῄσκω  
Sense: to cause one to remember, bring to remembrance, recall to mind: to another.
διαμαρτυρόμενος  solemnly  charging  [them] 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: διαμαρτύρομαι  
Sense: to testify.
ἐνώπιον  before 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐνώπιον  
Sense: in the presence of, before.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεοῦ  God 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
λογομαχεῖν  to  quarrel  about  words 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: λογομαχέω  
Sense: to contend about words.
οὐδὲν  nothing 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: οὐδείς 
Sense: no one, nothing.
χρήσιμον  profitable 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: χρήσιμος  
Sense: fit for use, useful.
ἐπὶ  [but]  to 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
καταστροφῇ  [the]  subversion 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: καταστροφή  
Sense: overthrow, destruction.
τῶν  of  those 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀκουόντων  hearing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ἀκουστός 
Sense: to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf.