2 Timothy 2:23
New International Version
Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

New Living Translation
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

English Standard Version
Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

Berean Standard Bible
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.

Berean Literal Bible
And refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they breed quarrels.

King James Bible
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

New King James Version
But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

New American Standard Bible
But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

NASB 1995
But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

NASB 1977
But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

Legacy Standard Bible
But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

Amplified Bible
But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels.

Christian Standard Bible
But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

American Standard Version
But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.

Contemporary English Version
Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments. These only lead to trouble,

English Revised Version
But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause quarrels.

Good News Translation
But keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments; you know that they end up in quarrels.

International Standard Version
Do not have anything to do with foolish and stupid discussions, because you know they breed arguments.

Majority Standard Bible
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.

NET Bible
But reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know they breed infighting.

New Heart English Bible
But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

Webster's Bible Translation
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they gender contentions.

Weymouth New Testament
But avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, knowing--as you do--that these lead to quarrels;

World English Bible
But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and be avoiding the foolish and uninstructed questions, having known that they beget strife,

Berean Literal Bible
And refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they breed quarrels.

Young's Literal Translation
and the foolish and uninstructed questions be avoiding, having known that they beget strife,

Smith's Literal Translation
And silly and ignorant questions refuse, knowing that they produce strifes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But avoid foolish and undisciplined questions, for you know that these produce strife.

New American Bible
Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels.

New Revised Standard Version
Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Keep away from foolish disputes which do not educate, you know they cause strife.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Abstain from the disputes of fools who are without instruction, for you know that they generate conflict.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But avoid foolish and unprofitable questions, because you know that they produce contentions:

Godbey New Testament
But reject foolish and undisciplinary questions, knowing that they gender strife.

Haweis New Testament
But foolish and uninstructive disputes avoid, knowing that they produce quarrels.

Mace New Testament
decline all impertinent barren disputes, since they only serve for contention.

Weymouth New Testament
But avoid foolish discussions with ignorant men, knowing--as you do--that these lead to quarrels;

Worrell New Testament
But the foolish and ignorant questionings reject, knowing that they beget strifes;

Worsley New Testament
but foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they produce quarrels; for the servant of the Lord ought not to wrangle,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lord's Approved Workman
22Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.…

Cross References
Proverbs 18:2
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions.

Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

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.

1 Timothy 6:4-5
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, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.

James 4:1
What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you?

Proverbs 20:3
It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 3:19-20
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

1 Timothy 6:20-21
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called “knowledge,” / which some have professed and thus swerved away from the faith. Grace be with you all.

Proverbs 26:4-5
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. / Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.

Romans 14:1
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on his opinions.

1 Corinthians 11:16
If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God.

2 Peter 3:16
He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.


Treasury of Scripture

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do engender strifes.

See on ver.

2 Timothy 2:14,16
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers…

1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

1 Timothy 4:7
But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

Jump to Previous
Arguments Avoid Avoiding Beget Breed Cause Contentions Controversies Discussions Foolish Gender Ignorant Lead Produce Quarrels Questionings Questions Refuse Senseless Speculations Strife Strifes Stupid Uncontrolled Unlearned
Jump to Next
Arguments Avoid Avoiding Beget Breed Cause Contentions Controversies Discussions Foolish Gender Ignorant Lead Produce Quarrels Questionings Questions Refuse Senseless Speculations Strife Strifes Stupid Uncontrolled Unlearned
2 Timothy 2
1. Timothy is exhorted again to constancy and perseverance.
17. Of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
19. The foundation of the Lord is sure.
22. He is taught whereof to beware, and what to follow after.














But reject
The Greek word for "reject" is "παραιτοῦ" (paraiteo), which implies a strong refusal or avoidance. In the context of Paul's letter to Timothy, this is not a passive suggestion but an active command. Timothy, as a leader in the early church, is instructed to decisively turn away from certain behaviors and discussions. This reflects a broader biblical principle of discernment and the importance of focusing on what is edifying and true, rather than being drawn into fruitless debates.

foolish
The term "foolish" comes from the Greek "μωράς" (mōras), which can also mean "dull" or "stupid." In the biblical context, foolishness is often associated with a lack of spiritual insight or wisdom. Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise with the foolish, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from the fear of the Lord. Here, Paul warns against engaging in discussions that lack spiritual depth and insight, which can distract from the core message of the Gospel.

and ignorant
"Ignorant" is translated from the Greek "ἀπαιδεύτους" (apaideutous), meaning uneducated or uninstructed. This suggests a lack of understanding or knowledge, particularly in spiritual matters. Paul is cautioning Timothy against engaging with arguments that stem from a lack of true knowledge of God’s Word. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of false teachings.

controversies
The word "controversies" is derived from the Greek "ζητήσεις" (zētēseis), which refers to disputes or debates. In the early church, there were many theological and doctrinal debates that could easily lead to division. Paul’s instruction is to avoid these contentious discussions that do not lead to edification or unity within the body of Christ. This reflects the biblical call to pursue peace and unity among believers.

because you know
This phrase underscores the certainty and awareness that Timothy should have regarding the outcome of such disputes. The Greek "οἶδας" (oidas) implies a deep, experiential knowledge. Paul is reminding Timothy of the wisdom he has gained through his faith journey and the teachings he has received. This knowledge should guide him in making wise decisions about which discussions to engage in.

they breed
The Greek word "γεννῶσιν" (gennōsin) means to give birth to or produce. This metaphorical language suggests that engaging in foolish and ignorant controversies will inevitably lead to negative outcomes. In the biblical narrative, actions and words are often seen as seeds that produce fruit, whether good or bad. Paul is emphasizing the importance of sowing seeds that will yield positive, godly results.

quarrels
"Quarrels" is translated from the Greek "μάχας" (machas), which refers to fights or conflicts. The New Testament frequently warns against strife and division within the church. Quarrels are seen as works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes peace and gentleness. Paul’s instruction to Timothy is a call to pursue harmony and avoid the destructive nature of disputes that can harm the church’s witness and unity.

(23) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid.--The Greek word translated "unlearned" is better rendered ignorant. These "questions" which, as we have seen above, the false teachers, with whom Timothy was so much thrown, loved to put forward for discussion, could hardly be termed "unlearned"--much useless learning being often thrown away in these disputing of the schools--but were rather "pointless," "stupid," as well as foolish. The nature of these questions of controversy has been discussed above.

Knowing that they do gender strifes.--Knowing--as thou dost--from sad and frequent experience, what conflicts, heart-burnings, estrangements, these abstract questions between rival teachers and rival sects engendered.

Verse 23. - Ignorant questionings for unlearned questions, A.V.; refuse for avoid, A.V.; gender for do gender, A.V. Ignorant (ἀπαιδεύτους); only here in the New Testament, but not uncommon in the LXX., applied to persons, and in classical Greek. Unlearned is quite as good a rendering as ignorant. It is a term applied properly to ill-educated, ill-disciplined people, and thence, by an easy metonymy, to the questions such persons delight in. Questionings (ζητήσεις); see 1 Timothy 1:4, note, and Titus 3:9. Refuse (παραίτου); "have nothing to do with" (see 1 Timothy 4:7; Titus 3:10). Gender (γεννῶσι). This is the only place in the New Testament where γεννάω is used in this metaphorical sense, unless Galatians 4:24 is included. (For the sentiment, see 1 Timothy 6:4, "Whereof cometh envy, strife," etc.) Strifes (μάχας); compare μάχας νομικάς, "fightings about the Law" (Titus 3:9); and "wars and fightings" (James 4:1, 2). Compare, too, the verb λογομαχεῖν, in ver. 14. Nothing can be more emphatic than St. Paul's warnings against foolish and angry controversies about words, and yet nothing has been more neglected in the Church, in all ages.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

reject
παραιτοῦ (paraitou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3868: From para and the middle voice of aiteo; to beg off, i.e. Deprecate, decline, shun.

foolish
μωρὰς (mōras)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3474: Probably from the base of musterion; dull or stupid, i.e. Heedless, blockhead, absurd.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

ignorant
ἀπαιδεύτους (apaideutous)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 521: Untrained, uneducated, showing a want of training or education, ignorant. Uninstructed, i.e. stupid.

speculation,
ζητήσεις (zētēseis)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2214: A question, debate, controversy; a seeking, search. From zeteo; a searching, i.e. A dispute or its theme.

for you know
εἰδὼς (eidōs)
Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

it breeds
γεννῶσιν (gennōsin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1080: From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.

quarreling.
μάχας (machas)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3163: From machomai; a battle, i.e. controversy.


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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings knowing (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
2 Timothy 2:22
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