2 Timothy Chapter 3 · Verse 5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 11
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μόρφωσιν
a form
G3446
μόρφωσιν
a form
Strong's:
G3446
Word #:
2 of 11
formation, i.e., (by implication), appearance (semblance or (concretely) formula)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμιν
the power
G1411
δύναμιν
the power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
6 of 11
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
αὐτῆς
thereof
G846
αὐτῆς
thereof
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
from
G2532
καὶ
from
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.1 Timothy 5:8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Titus 3:10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;2 Timothy 2:16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.2 Timothy 2:23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.Ephesians 4:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;1 Timothy 6:5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Historical Context
The early church struggled with false professors who joined for social benefits, business connections, or family pressure without genuine conversion. Nominal Christianity became common as the faith spread. Some maintained religious externals—baptism, Lord's Supper, church attendance—while living pagans. This hypocrisy damaged the church's witness and confused genuine seekers. Paul demands that Timothy and the church distinguish between struggling saints (who battle sin but pursue holiness) and hypocrites (who maintain religious form while denying transforming power). Church discipline was necessary to maintain purity.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you maintain a 'form of godliness' while denying its power to transform—professing faith without pursuing holiness?
- How can you cultivate genuine, heart-level godliness rather than merely maintaining external religious activities?
- From which professing Christians exhibiting the vice list while denying gospel power do you need to 'turn away' to protect your spiritual health?
Analysis & Commentary
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. Paul reaches the frightening climax: these vice-ridden people aren't obvious pagans but professing Christians. "Having a form of godliness" (echontes morphōsin eusebeias, ἔχοντες μόρφωσιν εὐσεβείας). Morphōsis (μόρφωσις) means outward form, appearance, semblance—external shape without internal reality. Eusebeia (εὐσέβεια) means godliness, piety, true religion. They maintain religious appearance: attend church, use Christian vocabulary, participate in rituals. But it's mere form, empty shell.
The devastating indictment: "but denying the power thereof" (tēn de dynamin autēs ērnēmenoi, τὴν δὲ δύναμιν αὐτῆς ἠρνημένοι). Perfect participle indicates completed action with ongoing result—they have denied and continue denying the power. Dynamis (δύναμις) means power, ability—the transforming power of the gospel that produces genuine holiness. They claim Christianity but reject its power to change hearts, break sin's dominion, and produce Christlike character. Their lives contradict their profession.
Paul's command: "from such turn away" (kai toutous apotrepou, καὶ τούτους ἀποτρέπου). Present imperative demands ongoing action—keep turning away, continually avoid. Don't fellowship with, don't follow, don't support false professors whose lives contradict their profession. This requires discernment: distinguishing genuine but struggling believers from hypocrites who exhibit the vice list while claiming Christianity. The difference: true believers, though battling sin, don't exhibit this comprehensive vice catalog or reject the gospel's transforming power.