King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 2:18 Mean?

2 Timothy 2:18 in the King James Version says “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Timothy 2:18 · KJV

TruthFaith

Context

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

20

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

Read 2 Timothy 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. Paul specifies Hymenaeus and Philetus's error: "concerning the truth have erred" (hoitines peri tēn alētheian ēstochēsan, οἵτινες περὶ τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἠστόχησαν). The verb astocheō (ἀστοχέω) means miss the mark, deviate from, go astray—used of archers missing targets. In matters of ultimate truth, close isn't sufficient; missing the mark is fatal.

Their specific error: "saying that the resurrection is past already" (legontes anastāsin ēdē gegonenai, λέγοντες ἀνάστασιν ἤδη γεγονέναι). They taught that believers' resurrection had already occurred in some spiritual or metaphorical sense—perhaps at conversion or baptism. This denies future bodily resurrection, a core Christian doctrine (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Such teaching likely blended with Greek philosophy's disdain for physical bodies and proto-Gnostic spiritualizing of biblical promises.

The devastating result: they "overthrow the faith of some" (kai tēn tinōn pistin anatrep ousin, καί τὴν τινῶν πίστιν ἀνατρέπουσιν). The verb anatrepō (ἀνατρέπω) means overturn, upset, destroy—like capsizing a boat. Some believers, hearing this error, shipwrecked their faith. Paul doesn't say they lost salvation but that their faith was seriously damaged. This shows that even genuine believers can be harmed by false teaching, underscoring the need for vigilance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Denying bodily resurrection was common in Greek thought. Platonism taught that souls were imprisoned in bodies; salvation meant escaping physicality. Many Greeks found resurrection absurd (Acts 17:32). Some false teachers apparently "spiritualized" resurrection promises, teaching that believers experienced spiritual resurrection at conversion but no future bodily resurrection awaited. This contradicted Paul's clear teaching (1 Corinthians 15, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and undermined Christian hope. The error persists today in various forms—those who deny literal resurrection or reduce it to mere metaphor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How firmly do you believe in future bodily resurrection, or have you reduced it to mere spiritual or metaphorical concepts?
  2. What contemporary false teachings pose similar threats to biblical truth and believer's faith?
  3. How can you help establish new or weak believers in core doctrines so they won't be 'overthrown' by error?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
οἵτινες1 of 15

“Who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

περὶ2 of 15

“concerning”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τὴν3 of 15
G3588

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

ἀλήθειαν4 of 15

“the truth”

G225

truth

ἠστόχησαν5 of 15

“have erred”

G795

to miss the mark, i.e., (figuratively) deviate from truth

λέγοντες6 of 15

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

τὴν7 of 15
G3588

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

ἀνάστασιν8 of 15

“that the resurrection”

G386

a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor

ἤδη9 of 15

“already”

G2235

even now

γεγονέναι10 of 15

“is past”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ11 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

ἀνατρέπουσιν12 of 15

“overthrow”

G396

to overturn (figuratively)

τήν13 of 15
G3588

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

τινων14 of 15

“of some”

G5100

some or any person or object

πίστιν15 of 15

“the faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

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 2:18 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 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:121 Timothy 1:19Hebrews 3:101 Corinthians 11:19James 5:19Matthew 22:29

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