2 Timothy 2:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπομίμνῃσκε
put them in remembrance
G5279
ὑπομίμνῃσκε
put them in remembrance
Strong's:
G5279
Word #:
2 of 15
to remind quietly, i.e., suggest to the (middle voice, one's own) memory
διαμαρτυρόμενος
charging
G1263
διαμαρτυρόμενος
charging
Strong's:
G1263
Word #:
3 of 15
to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κυρίοῦ
the Lord
G2962
Κυρίοῦ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
οὐδὲν
no
G3762
οὐδὲν
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
10 of 15
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ἐπὶ
but to
G1909
ἐπὶ
but to
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καταστροφῇ
the subverting
G2692
καταστροφῇ
the subverting
Strong's:
G2692
Word #:
13 of 15
an overturn ("catastrophe"), i.e., demolition; figuratively, apostasy
Cross References
2 Timothy 2:23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.Romans 14:1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.2 Timothy 4:1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;1 Timothy 5:21I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.1 Timothy 6:13I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;Acts 15:24Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:2 Peter 1:13Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;Jeremiah 7:8Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit.Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Historical Context
First-century churches battled verbal disputes over non-essential matters. Jewish Christians argued about food laws, circumcision, feast days. Greek converts brought philosophical speculation and love of debate. The Ephesian church specifically faced false teachers promoting "endless genealogies" and "vain jangling" (1 Timothy 1:4, 6). Such disputes consumed energy better spent on gospel proclamation and Christian living. They also confused new believers and provided fodder for pagan critics who viewed Christians as contentious and divided.
Questions for Reflection
- What theological debates or controversies are you engaging in that produce more heat than light, more division than edification?
- How can you distinguish between essential doctrines worth defending and peripheral matters where Christians can disagree charitably?
- In what ways might your words be 'subverting hearers' rather than building them up in faith, love, and holiness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul transitions from doctrinal foundation to practical application. "Of these things put them in remembrance" (tauta hypomimnēske, ταῦτα ὑπομίμνῃσκε) commands Timothy to continually remind the church of gospel truths just stated (vv. 8-13). Present imperative indicates ongoing responsibility. Churches need constant reminders of foundational doctrines, not merely novel teachings.
"Charging them before the Lord" (diamartyromenos enōpion tou theou, διαμαρτυρόμενος ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ) intensifies the command. The verb diamartyromai (διαμαρτύρομαι) means solemnly testify, warn earnestly. "Before the Lord" invokes divine witness—Timothy speaks with God's authority, and hearers will answer to God. The warning: "that they strive not about words to no profit" (mē logomachein ep' ouden chrēsimon, μὴ λογομαχεῖν ἐπ᾿ οὐδὲν χρήσιμον). The compound logomacheō (λογομαχέω) combines logos (word) and machomai (fight)—quarreling about words, engaging in semantic battles.
Such disputes are "to no profit" (ep' ouden chrēsimon, ἐπ᾿ οὐδὲν χρήσιμον)—useless, accomplishing nothing beneficial. Worse, they result in "the subverting of the hearers" (epi katastrophē tōn akouontōn, ἐπὶ καταστροφῇ τῶν ἀκουόντων). The noun katastrophē (καταστροφή) means ruin, destruction—from which we get "catastrophe." Theological hairsplitting destroys rather than edifies listeners.