Bible Strands
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy from prison as he anticipates his own execution, issuing final pastoral instructions. He identifies a coming period when the church will face internal pressure to abandon doctrinal fidelity.
The words — ὑγιαινούσης (hugiainousēs) translates literally to "sound" or "healthy," describing teaching that maintains spiritual integrity. καιρὸς (kairos) specifies an appointed, critical moment rather than an indefinite duration.
The thread — The text locates this rejection of truth in 2 Timothy 3:1 regarding the last days and 1 Timothy 4:1 concerning later times when some abandon the faith. 2 Timothy 4:4 immediately follows by describing the result: listeners turning away from truth to myths.
Why it lands — The text states that people will actively seek teachers who validate their preexisting preferences rather than correct them. It requires readers to submit to established instruction instead of curating messages that align with personal desire.
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
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Cross-references
- 2 Peter 2:1 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
- 2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.
- 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
- 1 Timothy 1:10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave traders and liars and perjurers, and for anyone else who is averse to sound teaching
- Galatians 4:16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
- John 3:19 And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.
- Jeremiah 23:16 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.
- Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
- Jeremiah 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
- Micah 2:11 If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people!