2 Timothy 3:8
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
Original Language Analysis
ὃν
G3739
ὃν
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τρόπον
as
G5158
τρόπον
as
Strong's:
G5158
Word #:
2 of 22
a turn, i.e., (by implication) mode or style (especially with preposition or relative prefix as adverb, like); figuratively, deportment or character
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Μωϋσεῖ
Moses
G3475
Μωϋσεῖ
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
8 of 22
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
11 of 22
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατεφθαρμένοι
of corrupt
G2704
κατεφθαρμένοι
of corrupt
Strong's:
G2704
Word #:
16 of 22
to spoil entirely, i.e., (literally) to destroy; or (figuratively) to deprave
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νοῦν
minds
G3563
νοῦν
minds
Strong's:
G3563
Word #:
18 of 22
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
ἀδόκιμοι
reprobate
G96
ἀδόκιμοι
reprobate
Strong's:
G96
Word #:
19 of 22
unapproved, i.e., rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally)
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
Cross References
Revelation 2:20Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.1 Timothy 6:5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.Exodus 7:11Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:1 John 4:1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.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;2 Timothy 4:15Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.1 Timothy 1:19Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
Historical Context
Jewish tradition elaborated on Pharaoh's magicians, naming them and describing their ultimate fate. They symbolized opposition to God through counterfeit spirituality. Early Christians saw parallels: false teachers performed signs and wonders but opposed truth (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). The warning remained urgent: Satan's servants masquerade as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). Discernment requires testing teaching against Scripture, not merely evaluating apparent success, charisma, or supernatural manifestations. Many will claim Christianity while corrupting its truth (Matthew 7:21-23).
Questions for Reflection
- How can you develop discernment to recognize counterfeit Christianity that resembles the real thing but subtly opposes truth?
- What false teachers today 'resist the truth' through corrupt minds and reprobate faith, and how should you respond to them?
- Are you testing teaching and teachers against Scripture or accepting messages based on charisma, apparent success, or supernatural claims?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. Paul reaches into Exodus tradition to illustrate false teachers' rebellion. "Jannes and Jambres" (Iannēs kai Iambrēs, Ἰαννῆς καὶ Ἰαμβρῆς) aren't named in Exodus but Jewish tradition identified Pharaoh's magicians (Exodus 7:11, 22; 8:7) by these names. They "withstood Moses" (antestēsan Mōysei, ἀντέστησαν Μωϋσεῖ)—anthistēmi (ἀνθίστημι) means oppose, resist, stand against. They used counterfeit miracles to oppose God's true prophet.
"So do these also resist the truth" (houtōs kai houtoi anthistantai tē alētheia, οὕτως καὶ οὗτοι ἀνθίστανται τῇ ἀληθείᾳ). Present tense indicates ongoing opposition. False teachers, like Egyptian magicians, don't merely err innocently but actively resist revealed truth. They produce counterfeits—teaching that resembles Christianity but subtly contradicts it, miracles that seem supernatural but lack divine source (Matthew 24:24). Paul identifies their character: "men of corrupt minds" (anthrōpoi katephtharmenoi ton noun, ἄνθρωποι κατεφθαρμένοι τὸν νοῦν). Perfect passive participle—minds have been corrupted and remain corrupted. Nous (νοῦς) means mind, understanding, intellect—their thinking is fundamentally warped.
"Reprobate concerning the faith" (adokimoi peri tēn pistin, ἀδόκιμοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν). Adokimos (ἀδόκιμος) means failing the test, rejected, worthless—like metal failing purity testing. Concerning "the faith" (tēn pistin, τὴν πίστιν, definite article indicates objective body of Christian doctrine), they have been tested and found counterfeit. They claim Christianity but are spiritually bankrupt imposters.