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;
What does 2 Timothy 4:3 mean?
People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside 2 Timothy 4:1-5 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 4:3
- Probably referring to the time mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1 , following. When they will not endure sound doctrine - Greek, "healthful doctrine;" i. e., doctrine contributing to the health of the soul, or to salvation. At that time they would seek a kind of instruction more conformable to their wishes and feelings. But after their own lusts - They will seek such kind of preaching as will accord with their carnal desires; or such as will palliate their evil propensities, and deal gently with their vices; compare Isaiah 30:10 . "Speak unto us smooth things; prophesy deceits.
Context in 2 Timothy 4
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2 Timothy 4 belongs to the closing movement of the book, especially the section often described as farewell and personal notes. Second Timothy is a final appeal to courage, endurance, sound teaching, and fidelity to Scripture under suffering. Read this chapter with the wider themes of endurance, scripture, and courage in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Bible verses about suffering and trials
Key passages on grief, endurance, lament, divine mystery, and the Christian claim that suffering is neither final nor meaningless.
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.