Bible Strands
2 Timothy 2:23
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Timothy, instructing him to withdraw from unproductive debates as he manages church conduct and prepares for future ministry.
The words — παραιτοῦ (paraitou) commands "do refuse" or "reject," demanding active disengagement. ζητήσεις (zētēseis) translates to "speculations," referring to endless, ungrounded debates.
The thread — The text warns against divisive debates because they inevitably produce conflict. This matches 2 Timothy 2:14, which charges believers to avoid quarreling over words, and Titus 3:9, which commands avoidance of foolish controversies and genealogies.
Why it lands — The verse asks readers to actively stop pursuing unproductive debates, recognizing that such discussions only generate conflict rather than spiritual progress.
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 foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
Cross-references
- 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.
- Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.
- 1 Timothy 4:7 But reject irreverent, silly myths. Instead, train yourself for godliness.
- 1 Timothy 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions,
- 1 Timothy 1:4 or devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship of God’s work, which is by faith.
- 2 Timothy 2:16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness,