King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 2:14 Mean?

2 Timothy 2:14 in the King James Version says “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, bu...” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Timothy 2:14 · KJV

Context

12

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:

13

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

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.

15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Read 2 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What theological debates or controversies are you engaging in that produce more heat than light, more division than edification?
  2. How can you distinguish between essential doctrines worth defending and peripheral matters where Christians can disagree charitably?
  3. In what ways might your words be 'subverting hearers' rather than building them up in faith, love, and holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Ταῦτα1 of 15

“Of these things”

G5023

these things

ὑπομίμνῃσκε2 of 15

“put them in remembrance”

G5279

to remind quietly, i.e., suggest to the (middle voice, one's own) memory

διαμαρτυρόμενος3 of 15

“charging”

G1263

to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively

ἐνώπιον4 of 15

“them before”

G1799

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ5 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κυρίοῦ6 of 15

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

μὴ7 of 15

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

λογομαχεῖν8 of 15

“about words”

G3054

to be disputatious (on trifles)

εἰς9 of 15

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

οὐδὲν10 of 15

“no”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

χρήσιμον11 of 15

“profit”

G5539

serviceable

ἐπὶ12 of 15

“but to”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

καταστροφῇ13 of 15

“the subverting”

G2692

an overturn ("catastrophe"), i.e., demolition; figuratively, apostasy

τῶν14 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκουόντων15 of 15

“of the hearers”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Timothy 2:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Timothy 2:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Titus 3:9-112 Timothy 2:23Romans 14:12 Timothy 4:1Hebrews 13:91 Timothy 5:21

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 2 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes