2 Timothy Chapter 2 · Verse 23

Authorized King James Version

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But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

Original Language Analysis

τὰς G3588
τὰς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 11
but, and, etc
μωρὰς foolish G3474
μωρὰς foolish
Strong's: G3474
Word #: 3 of 11
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 4 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπαιδεύτους unlearned G521
ἀπαιδεύτους unlearned
Strong's: G521
Word #: 5 of 11
uninstructed, i.e., (figuratively) stupid
ζητήσεις questions G2214
ζητήσεις questions
Strong's: G2214
Word #: 6 of 11
a searching (properly, the act), i.e., a dispute or its theme
παραιτοῦ avoid G3868
παραιτοῦ avoid
Strong's: G3868
Word #: 7 of 11
to beg off, i.e., deprecate, decline, shun
εἰδὼς knowing G1492
εἰδὼς knowing
Strong's: G1492
Word #: 8 of 11
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι that G3754
ὅτι that
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 9 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
γεννῶσιν they do gender G1080
γεννῶσιν they do gender
Strong's: G1080
Word #: 10 of 11
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
μάχας· strifes G3163
μάχας· strifes
Strong's: G3163
Word #: 11 of 11
a battle, i.e., (figuratively) controversy

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