King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 2:17 Mean?

2 Timothy 2:17 in the King James Version says “And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; canker: or, gangrene” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; canker: or, gangrene”

2 Timothy 2:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; canker: or, gangrene

18

Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. sure: or, steady

Read 2 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus. Paul illustrates v. 16's warning with medical metaphor. "Their word will eat as doth a canker" (kai ho logos autōn hōs gangraina nomēn hexei, καὶ ὁ λόγος αὐτῶν ὡς γάγγραινα νομὴν ἕξει). Gangraina (γάγγραινα) gives us "gangrene"—necrotic tissue spreading infection, destroying healthy flesh. Nomē (νομή) means pasturage, spreading growth—the verb form means "to spread, to eat away." False teaching spreads like gangrene, consuming spiritual health, destroying faith.

This metaphor emphasizes several realities: (1) False doctrine is deadly, not merely mistaken. (2) It spreads progressively if not excised. (3) It destroys living tissue—genuine believers can be damaged. (4) Surgical removal (church discipline) is necessary to stop spread. Tolerance of heresy endangers the entire body. Paul names two heretics: "Hymenaeus and Philetus" (Hymenaios kai Philētos, Ὑμέναιος καὶ Φίλητος). Hymenaeus appears in 1 Timothy 1:20 as excommunicated. Philetus is mentioned only here.

Naming names serves several purposes: warns believers to avoid these men specifically, provides accountability (public sin receives public rebuke), illustrates that false teaching has human agents, not merely abstract errors. Paul isn't being uncharitable but protecting the flock. Shepherds must warn sheep about specific wolves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient medicine understood gangrene's deadly nature. Without antibiotics or surgical intervention, gangrene killed through sepsis. Amputation was often necessary to save lives. Paul's readers grasped the severity. Hymenaeus's reappearance (mentioned in both 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy) suggests persistent false teaching despite excommunication. This illustrated the difficulty of eliminating heresy once established. Church discipline was normal practice—unrepentant false teachers were identified publicly and removed from fellowship (Matthew 18:15-17, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Titus 3:10-11).

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you take false doctrine as seriously as Paul does—treating it like life-threatening gangrene requiring immediate action?
  2. How should churches today balance love and truth when dealing with persistent false teachers in their midst?
  3. What false teachings currently spreading in the church need to be identified and removed before they cause more spiritual destruction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὁ2 of 13
G3588

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

λόγος3 of 13

“word”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

αὐτῶν4 of 13

“their”

G846

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

ὡς5 of 13

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

γάγγραινα6 of 13

“doth a canker”

G1044

an ulcer ("gangrene")

νομὴν7 of 13
G3542

pasture, i.e., (the act) feeding (figuratively, spreading of a gangrene), or (the food) pasturage

ἕξει8 of 13

“will eat”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ὧν9 of 13

“of whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστιν10 of 13

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Ὑμέναιος11 of 13

“Hymenaeus”

G5211

"hymenaeal"; hymenaeus, an opponent of christianity

καὶ12 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Φίλητος13 of 13

“Philetus”

G5372

amiable; philetus, an opposer of christianity

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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 1:20Nahum 3:15James 5:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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