2 Timothy 2:23

Analysis & Commentary

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. Returning to the theme of v. 14, Paul warns against certain controversies. "Foolish and unlearned questions" (tas de mōras kai apaideut ous zētēseis, τὰς δὲ μωρὰς καὶ ἀπαιδεύτους ζητήσεις). Mōros (μωρός) means foolish, stupid, senseless—not merely unintelligent but lacking spiritual wisdom. Apaideu tos (ἀπαίδευτος) means untrained, ignorant, lacking education—speculations showing intellectual and spiritual immaturity. Zētēsis (ζήτησις) means investigation, controversial question, dispute.

The command: "avoid" (paraitou, παραιτοῦ)—refuse, reject, decline. Don't engage these debates. Some questions seem intellectually stimulating but are spiritually barren. They waste time, energy, and goodwill on matters that don't advance godliness or gospel truth. The reason for avoiding them: "knowing that they do gender strifes" (eidōs hoti gennōsin machas, εἰδὼς ὅτι γεννῶσιν μάχας). The verb gennaō (γεννάω) means give birth to, produce, generate. Machē (μάχη) means battle, conflict, strife. Foolish questions inevitably breed quarrels, not understanding.

This requires wisdom to distinguish genuine theological inquiry from fruitless speculation. Not every question deserves extended debate. Some queries are designed to confuse rather than clarify, to showcase cleverness rather than pursue truth, to win arguments rather than build up the body. Discerning leaders recognize and avoid such traps.

Historical Context

First-century Greek culture loved sophistry—clever arguments for their own sake. Itinerant philosophers earned living through public debates showcasing rhetorical skill. Some converts brought this love of controversy into churches. Jewish converts sometimes raised questions about endless genealogies, obscure Levitical regulations, and rabbinic minutiae. Both groups generated much heat but little light. Such debates divided congregations, consumed leadership energy, and confused new believers. Paul's counsel wasn't anti-intellectual but prudent—invest energy in questions that matter, avoid those that only produce conflict.

Questions for Reflection

• What theological controversies or speculative questions are you engaging in that generate more conflict than clarity, more division than discipleship?
• How can you develop wisdom to distinguish important doctrinal discussions from foolish speculations that waste time and damage unity?
• In what areas might you be pursuing intellectual novelty or rhetorical victory rather than genuine understanding that produces godliness?