2 Timothy 2 16

2 Timothy 2:16 kjv

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

2 Timothy 2:16 nkjv

But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:16 niv

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

2 Timothy 2:16 esv

But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16 nlt

Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

2 Timothy 2 verses

2 Timothy 2 16 Meaning

This verse warns believers, especially church leaders like Timothy, to actively avoid engaging in or allowing irreverent, empty, and spiritually barren conversations or teachings. The consequence of failing to shun such discourse is severe: it leads those exposed to it deeper into ungodliness and moral decay, eroding their faith and proper conduct. It emphasizes the dangerous and corrosive nature of talk that lacks spiritual substance or proper respect for divine truth.

2 Timothy 2 16 Context

Within the broader second chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul charges Timothy to be a disciplined soldier of Christ (v. 3-4), an approved worker who correctly handles the word of truth (v. 15), and a chosen vessel in a great house (v. 20-21). This verse is a direct command regarding the practice of "rightly handling the word of truth" (v. 15). Immediately following this command, Paul identifies two specific individuals, Hymenaeus and Philetus (v. 17-18), who had already deviated into such "babble" and "wandered away from the truth." Therefore, verse 16 serves as a foundational principle against the destructive effect of their (and others') false teaching, highlighting the practical consequences of spiritual error and pointless arguments. Historically, the church in Ephesus, where Timothy served, was grappling with various forms of deceptive teachings, including Gnostic leanings and legalistic Jewish interpretations that emphasized speculative knowledge or endless genealogies over the simple, transformative truth of the gospel. Paul's exhortation is a polemic against such corrupting influences.

2 Timothy 2 16 Word analysis

• But (Greek: Δὲ - De): This conjunction indicates a transition or a contrast to the preceding thought. While verse 15 emphasizes what a believer should do (handle the word accurately), verse 16 commands what they must avoid (vain babble).
• avoid (Greek: Περιΐστασο - Periïstasō): An imperative verb, meaning "to stand around," "to keep away from," or "to turn aside from." It implies an active, deliberate disengagement and refusal to participate or even be near something. This is not passive observation but an urgent call to shun and distance oneself from the specified behavior.
• irreverent (Greek: Βεβήλους - Bebēlous): From bebēlos, meaning "profane," "common," "unhallowed," "worldly," or "ungodly." It literally denotes that which is accessible to the public and not set apart for sacred use, contrasting with what is holy or dedicated to God. It suggests something that pollutes or desecrates spiritual purity. This term is often linked to "fables" (1 Tim 4:7) or "myths" (1 Tim 1:4).
• babble (Greek: Κενοφωνίας - Kenophonias): A compound word from kenos ("empty," "vain," "futile") and phōnē ("voice," "sound," "speech"). It signifies "empty speech," "vain talk," "meaningless discussions," or "pointless controversies." Such talk lacks spiritual substance, divine revelation, or edifying purpose. It suggests sound without substance, words without meaning or profit, serving only to distract.
• for (Greek: γάρ - gar): A conjunction indicating cause or reason. It introduces the destructive consequence that necessitates the command to avoid such babble.
• it will lead people into (Greek: προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ - prokopsousin epi): The verb prokoptō means "to cut forward," "to advance," "to make progress," or "to push one's way forward." Coupled with epi ("toward" or "unto"), it describes a progression or advancement. Here, it indicates a movement forward, but tragically, it's a progression away from God.
• more and more (Greek: πλεῖον - pleion): Implies an increasing degree or intensity. The negative outcome is not static but continually worsens. It highlights the escalating nature of the spiritual danger.
• ungodliness (Greek: ἀσεβείας - asebeias): The noun for "impiety," "godlessness," "irreverence," or "wickedness." It describes a practical contempt for God and divine things, manifested in thought, word, and deed. It denotes a departure from reverence, piety, and living according to God's standards.

• Words-Group Analysis:
• "avoid irreverent babble": This phrase combines a strong, active command with a vivid description of the forbidden communication. "Irreverent" highlights the character of the speech – it’s desacralized, impious, unfit for holy discussions. "Babble" points to its content – empty, meaningless, devoid of genuine spiritual substance or profit. Together, they target discourse that lacks reverence for God and sound doctrine, and simultaneously contributes nothing to true spiritual growth. It's a polemic against the "old wives' fables," "myths," and "genealogies" often mentioned in the Pastoral Epistles (1 Tim 1:4; 4:7).
• "for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness": This part emphasizes the serious and escalating danger. The word "lead into" (prokopsousin) suggests an active progression, not mere passive decline. Such talk is portrayed as an infectious spiritual disease that advances and deepens practical impiety. It moves from intellectual error (wrong ideas) to behavioral ungodliness (wrong living), demonstrating that abstract discussions, when untethered from divine truth, have devastating real-world consequences on one's character and relationship with God. It implies a "slippery slope" where an initial flirtation with meaningless talk results in increasing spiritual decay and rejection of divine standards.

2 Timothy 2 16 Bonus section

This verse implies that words are not neutral; they carry spiritual weight and have moral consequences. The "more and more" aspect underscores the insidious nature of error and ungodliness – they are often progressive. What starts as seemingly harmless or intellectual banter can, over time, subtly and increasingly corrupt the heart and actions, pulling individuals further from Christ. This also serves as a warning against being merely passive listeners; responsibility falls on the listener to "avoid" such contaminating speech. The call for Timothy to shun this "babble" directly relates to his role as a spiritual leader and a good steward of God's household, protecting the flock from dangerous influences. The counter-response to this negative progression is found in the positive exhortations within the surrounding verses, such as diligently presenting oneself to God, accurately handling the word of truth (v.15), and fleeing youthful passions while pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace (v.22).

2 Timothy 2 16 Commentary

Paul's strong injunction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:16 is a critical charge for all who handle sacred truth. He demands a proactive shunning of any speech or discussion that is profane, empty, or disrespectful towards God and His revealed will. Such "babble" includes speculative myths, unproductive controversies, and any talk that deviates from sound doctrine or leads away from practical godliness. The reason for this firm command is the inherent spiritual contagion of such communication; it doesn't merely distract but actively propels individuals into deeper states of ungodliness and moral degradation. Therefore, believers must exercise careful discernment in what they speak and what they permit others to speak, recognizing that words, even seemingly innocent ones, carry profound spiritual power to either build up or tear down, to lead to godliness or pull toward ungodliness. This call remains vital in an age where information, much of it irreverent or empty, is rampant.

Examples include:

• Engaging in endless online debates about trivial theological points while neglecting evangelism or discipleship.
• Spreading unsubstantiated rumors or gossip that undermine the credibility of believers or leaders.
• Allowing conversations in faith communities to drift into crude jokes or worldly philosophies that mock sacred things.
• Promoting or listening to teachings that emphasize subjective experiences or mystical interpretations over the clear and authoritative word of God.