2 Timothy 2:23

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Timothy 2:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.
2 Timothy 2:23 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Timothy 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
23But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, etc.] Such as have no solid wisdom in them, and are foreign from the Gospel, the wisdom of God in a mystery, and are not useful and unedifying; such ought to be avoided, publicly and privately; they should not be started in the public ministry, nor attended to in private conversation; as being unworthy of the notice of a minister of the Gospel wise and learned, and useless to the church, and to his hearers. Knowing that they do gender strife; about words, and contentions, which break the peace of churches, and hinder the profit of souls, and the progress of the Gospel.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Tit 3:9.) unlearned--Greek, "undisciplined"; not tending to promote the discipline of faith and morals (Pro 5:23). "Uninstructive"; in contrast with "instructing" (Ti2 2:25), and "wise unto salvation" (Ti2 3:15). avoid--"decline."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid; - see the notes at 2 Timothy 2:16; compare the notes at 1Ti 1:4, 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:7. The word “unlearned,” here, means “trifling; that which does not tend to edification; stupid.” The Greeks and the Hebrews were greatly given to controversies of various kinds, and many of the questions discussed pertained to points which could not be settled, or which, if settled, were of no importance. Such has been the character of no small part of the disputes which have agitated the world. Paul correctly says that the only effect of such disputes is to engender harsh contention. Points of real importance can be discussed with no injury to the temper;…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Ti2 2:14, Ti2 2:16; Ti1 1:4, Ti1 4:7, Ti1 6:4, Ti1 6:5; Tit 3:9 2 Timothy 2:24”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification