Bible Strands
2 Timothy 2:16
But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy, continuing his chapter 2 instructions on faithful teaching and warning against destructive influence.
The words — βεβήλους (bebēlous) means worldly or profane, and κενοφωνίας (kenophōnias) literally denotes empty babblings or chatter.
The thread — This warning parallels 1 Timothy 6:20, which commands avoiding irreverent empty chatter, and Titus 3:9, which advises against pointless controversies and law quarrels.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to actively shun profane and empty talk because it produces ungodliness, directly reinforcing 2 Timothy 2:14 that quarreling over words achieves nothing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
Cross-references
- Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
- 1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,”
- 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way.
- Titus 1:14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of men who have rejected the truth.
- Hosea 12:1 Ephraim feeds on the wind and pursues the east wind all day long; he multiplies lies and violence; he makes a covenant with Assyria and sends olive oil to Egypt.
- Ezra 10:10 Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have been unfaithful by marrying foreign women, adding to the guilt of Israel.
- 1 Timothy 4:7 But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
- Revelation 13:3 One of the heads of the beast appeared to have been mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast.
- 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough?