2 Timothy 3 6

2 Timothy 3:6 kjv

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 nkjv

For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

2 Timothy 3:6 niv

They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,

2 Timothy 3:6 esv

For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions,

2 Timothy 3:6 nlt

They are the kind who work their way into people's homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires.

2 Timothy 3 verses

2 Timothy 3 6 Meaning

2 Timothy 3:6 describes the insidious method and specific targets of false teachers who operate with a deceptive facade of godliness. These individuals surreptitiously infiltrate private homes to ensnare and spiritually enslave vulnerable women. The women are characterized by a heavy accumulation of sins and a susceptibility to deception, being easily influenced by their unbridled, diverse desires and passions. This verse highlights the danger of those who prey on spiritual weakness and unconfessed guilt to gain influence.

2 Timothy 3 6 Context

This verse is part of Paul's final letter to his protégé, Timothy, written as Paul faces execution. Chapter 3 begins by warning about the character of people in the "last days" (v. 1), which includes being lovers of self, money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient, unholy, and those having "an appearance of godliness, but denying its power" (v. 2-5). Verse 6 specifically elaborates on how these dangerous individuals operate, demonstrating their practical application of the characteristics previously listed. They are not openly hostile but rather insidious, exploiting the spiritual vulnerabilities of others within the private sphere of homes. This section serves as a direct caution to Timothy, who would encounter such individuals in his ministry, and urges him to avoid them (v. 5). The chapter contrasts these deceitful people with the sound teaching and godly life that Timothy learned from Paul (v. 10-17).

2 Timothy 3 6 Word analysis

• For among them are those who: This phrase, originating from the Greek "ἐκ τούτων" (ek toutōn), directly connects to the description of wicked individuals in the preceding verses (2 Tim 3:1-5). It specifies that from among these characteristics of people in the "last days" emerge the type described. It indicates a subgroup within the larger group of corrupt people.
• creep into: From the Greek "ἐνδύνοντες" (endynontes), a present active participle of endyndō. This verb signifies entering in a stealthy, subtle, or unobserved manner, like slipping into clothing or an enemy sneaking into a camp. It implies cunning, manipulation, and a deceptive infiltration rather than overt entrance. This suggests their approach is not confrontational but surreptitious, gaining trust discreetly.
• households: From the Greek "οἰκίας" (oikias). This refers to private homes, the domestic sphere. The choice of "households" emphasizes that these false teachers target personal, intimate spaces where people might be less guarded than in public assemblies. It highlights the vulnerability of the home as a place where trust can be easily exploited.
• and capture: From the Greek "αἰχμαλωτίζοντες" (aichmalōtizontes). This powerful verb literally means "to take captive in war" or "to make a prisoner." Here, it signifies a spiritual or intellectual enslavement. It indicates a domination, where the ensnared individuals become controlled or held in spiritual bondage by the false teachers, losing their own discernment and freedom.
• weak women: From the Greek "γυναικάρια" (gynaikaria), a diminutive of gynē (woman). This term often carries a pejorative or disparaging nuance, implying "silly," "foolish," or "little women." It does not universally condemn all women but points to a specific demographic particularly susceptible due to their spiritual or moral fragility, perhaps a lack of biblical knowledge, a restless mind, or an emotional vulnerability. Their weakness is not physical, but related to their internal spiritual state.
• burdened with sins: From the Greek "σεσωρευμένα ἁμαρτίαις" (sesōreumena hamartiais). "Σεσωρευμένα" is a perfect passive participle of a verb meaning "to heap up" or "to pile." This vividly depicts a heavy, accumulated load of guilt and unconfessed sin. These women carry a large amount of past transgressions, making them susceptible targets. The burden likely implies a troubled conscience, dissatisfaction, or a desire for an easy remedy.
• and led astray by: From the Greek "ἀγόμενα" (agomena), a present passive participle of agō. This implies being drawn, driven, or carried away by external forces. Their passive state suggests they are easily manipulated and influenced, rather than actively choosing the path of error. It highlights their susceptibility to being misled due to their internal weaknesses.
• various passions: From the Greek "ποικίλαις ἐπιθυμίαις" (poikilais epithymiais). "Ποικίλαις" means "various" or "manifold," indicating a wide range. "Ἐπιθυμίαις" refers to strong desires, cravings, or lusts, which can be good or bad depending on their object and whether they are controlled. Here, in context of "being led astray," these are unchecked, often worldly or illicit desires that render them vulnerable to anyone who promises to fulfill them or offer an escape from their burdened state. This might include desires for novelty, excitement, spiritual experiences, validation, or relief from guilt.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "creep into households and capture weak women": This phrase details the insidious strategy of the false teachers. They do not overtly declare their intentions but secretly gain entry into the most personal spaces, aiming to spiritually enslave a specific vulnerable group, often using manipulative tactics to gain control over them. This shows a premeditated, calculated method of deception.
• "burdened with sins and led astray by various passions": This part describes the profile of the victims. Their internal state – a heavy load of guilt and a multitude of unchecked, powerful desires – makes them ripe for manipulation. They are spiritually unwell, seeking solutions for their inner turmoil, and are therefore easily influenced and misguided by promises that cater to their passions or offer an escape from their burden. This reveals why these specific individuals are targeted and how their vulnerabilities are exploited.

2 Timothy 3 6 Bonus section

The derogatory diminutive gynaikaria does not imply misogyny on Paul's part but points to a real vulnerability of certain women in the social and spiritual context of the time. These women might have had less access to formal theological training, relied more on charismatic experiences, or perhaps felt isolated within societal structures, making them susceptible to comforting or empowering (but ultimately deceptive) narratives offered by false teachers. The passive voice in "led astray" underscores that the victims are primarily acted upon by these deceptive forces, highlighting the cunning of the false teachers and the spiritual state of their prey. The entire passage (3:1-9) implicitly argues for the importance of robust, orthodox teaching and faithful leadership (like Timothy's) as an antidote to such insidious error.

2 Timothy 3 6 Commentary

2 Timothy 3:6 exposes the underhanded tactics of spiritual deceivers. These individuals, characterized by a mere facade of godliness (v.5), do not engage in direct theological debate but rather employ subtle infiltration. Their preferred domain is the "household," emphasizing the vulnerability of private spaces where people feel safe and let down their guard. The target is specifically identified as "weak women," a term that signifies spiritual or moral susceptibility rather than intellectual inferiority. These women are burdened by a "heap of sins," indicating a troubled conscience, perhaps unresolved guilt, or past transgressions that make them feel vulnerable and desperate for an answer, however false. This spiritual weight makes them pliable and open to any doctrine promising relief or fulfillment. Furthermore, they are "led astray by various passions," meaning they are not driven by godly discernment but by their own uncontrolled, manifold desires, which false teachers expertly manipulate. The verb "capture" denotes a spiritual enslavement, turning these women into instruments of the deceivers, bound by their misleading teachings and often exploited for the teachers' own gain (money, influence, or even sexual misconduct, though not explicit here, often accompanies such spiritual abuse). The warning for Timothy, and for believers today, is to be discerning of those who outwardly appear pious but inwardly seek to ensnare vulnerable souls through appeals to their unaddressed guilt and unchecked desires, often operating within intimate, trusting environments.For practical usage, one should:

• Be discerning of those who present themselves as spiritual but lack true humility or genuine submission to biblical authority.
• Recognize that unresolved sin and unchecked desires can make anyone, regardless of gender, vulnerable to deception.
• Protect homes and personal spaces from those who seek to manipulate or gain undue influence under the guise of spiritual counsel.