King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 3:6 Mean?

2 Timothy 3:6 in the King James Version says “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lu...” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,”

2 Timothy 3:6 · KJV

Context

4

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7

Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. reprobate: or, of no judgment reprobate: or, of no judgment

Read 2 Timothy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. Paul provides specific example of false teachers' methods. "For of this sort are they which creep into houses" (ek toutōn gar eisin hoi endynontes eis tas oikias, ἐκ τούτων γάρ εἰσιν οἱ ἐνδύνοντες εἰς τὰς οἰκίας). The verb endynō (ἐνδύνω) means worm one's way in, infiltrate sneakily—like snakes or spies. They don't openly proclaim error but subtly enter homes, targeting vulnerable people.

Their victims: "silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts" (aichmalōtiz ontes gynaikaria sesōreumena hamartiais, agomena epithymiais poikilais, αἰχμαλωτίζοντες γυναικάρια σεσωρευμένα ἁμαρτίαις, ἀγόμενα ἐπιθυμίαις ποικίλαις). Gynaikarion (γυναικάριον) is diminutive—"little women," indicating weakness or immaturity, not adult strength. "Laden with sins" (sesōreumena hamartiais, σεσωρευμένα ἁμαρτίαις) means heaped up, burdened—guilt-ridden consciences make them vulnerable to false teaching promising relief without repentance. "Led away with divers lusts" (agomena epithymiais poikilais, ἀγόμενα ἐπιθυμίαις ποικίλαις) means driven by various passions—emotional instability, spiritual immaturity.

The verb "lead captive" (aichmalōtizontes, αἰχμαλωτίζοντες) means take prisoner, enslave. False teachers exploit vulnerable, guilt-ridden, emotionally unstable women, promising spiritual fulfillment while actually enslaving them further. This isn't misogyny but pastoral wisdom: predatory teachers target the vulnerable, often women with limited theological training in ancient contexts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century women typically had less formal education than men, making them more vulnerable to deception. False teachers targeted households through women, knowing that converting wives often influenced entire families. Some heretical groups (like Montanists) particularly appealed to women by offering greater roles than orthodox churches allowed. Paul doesn't blame victims but exposes predatory tactics. The warning remains relevant: spiritual predators target the vulnerable—emotionally needy, biblically illiterate, burdened by guilt—offering counterfeit solutions to real problems.

Reflection Questions

  1. What makes people vulnerable to false teaching today—emotional needs, biblical illiteracy, unresolved guilt—and how can churches address these vulnerabilities?
  2. How can you develop biblical discernment to recognize when teachers are exploiting vulnerabilities rather than proclaiming truth?
  3. In what ways should church leaders protect and equip those most vulnerable to deception, especially new or struggling believers?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἐκ1 of 18

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τούτων2 of 18

“this sort”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

γάρ3 of 18

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰσιν4 of 18

“are they”

G1526

they are

οἱ5 of 18
G3588

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

ἐνδύνοντες6 of 18

“which creep”

G1744

to sink (by implication, wrap (compare g1746) on, i.e., (figuratively) sneak

εἰς7 of 18

“into”

G1519

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

τὰς8 of 18
G3588

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

οἰκίας9 of 18

“houses”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

καὶ10 of 18

“and”

G2532

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

αἰχμαλωτεύοντες11 of 18

“lead captive”

G162

to capture (like g0163)

τὰ12 of 18
G3588

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

γυναικάρια13 of 18

“silly women”

G1133

a little (i.e., foolish) woman

σεσωρευμένα14 of 18

“laden”

G4987

to pile up (literally or figuratively)

ἁμαρτίαις15 of 18

“with sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἀγόμενα16 of 18

“led away”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

ἐπιθυμίαις17 of 18

“lusts”

G1939

a longing (especially for what is forbidden)

ποικίλαις18 of 18

“with divers”

G4164

motley, i.e., various in character

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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:4Titus 3:32 Peter 3:17Titus 1:11Jude 1:18Mark 4:19

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes