On FOOLISH arguments

 2 Timothy 2:23

King James Version

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, 

knowing that they do gender strifes.

The world is steeped deeply in foolish arguments.

Why are we to avoid getting embroiled in these?

What are "foolish and unlearned questions"?

What does it mean "they do gender strifes"?

These Bible versions tell us more:

2 Timothy 2:23

American Standard Version

23 But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes.

2 Timothy 2:23

Amplified Bible

23 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.

2 Timothy 2:23

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

23 But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

Christian Standard Bible

23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, because you know that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

Common English Bible

23 Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions, since you know that they produce conflicts.

2 Timothy 2:23

Complete Jewish Bible

23 But stay away from stupid and ignorant controversies — you know that they lead to fights,

2 Timothy 2:23

Contemporary English Version

23 Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments. These only lead to trouble,

2 Timothy 2:23

Darby Translation

23 But foolish and senseless questionings avoid, knowing that they beget contentions.

2 Timothy 2:23

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

Decline Foolish Controversies. Be Kind, Skillful At Teaching, Gentle At Correcting

23 And be declining the foolish and ignorant controversies, knowing that they breed battles.

2 Timothy 2:23

Easy-to-Read Version

23 Stay away from foolish and stupid arguments. You know that these arguments grow into bigger arguments.

2 Timothy 2:23

English Standard Version

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

2 Timothy 2:23

Expanded Bible

23 ·Stay away from [Avoid; Having nothing to do with] foolish and ·stupid [ignorant] ·arguments [controversies; speculation], because you know they ·grow into [breed; beget] quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

Good News Translation

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

2 Timothy 2:23

Holman Christian Standard Bible

23 But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

J.B. Phillips New Testament

Be positively good—and patient

23 But have nothing to do with silly and ill-informed controversies which lead inevitably, as you know, to strife.

2 Timothy 2:23

Jubilee Bible 2000

23 But foolish and unwise questions refuse, knowing that they do beget contentions.

2 Timothy 2:23

Lexham English Bible

23 But avoid foolish and uninformed controversies, because you[a] know that they produce quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

Living Bible

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish arguments, which only upset people and make them angry.

2 Timothy 2:23

The Message

23 Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights.

2 Timothy 2:23

Modern English Version

23 But avoid foolish and unlearned debates, knowing that they create strife.

2 Timothy 2:23

New American Bible (Revised Edition)

23 Avoid foolish and ignorant debates, for you know that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

New Catholic Bible

23 Avoid foolish and stupid speculations, for you are well aware that they only result in quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

New English Translation

23 But reject foolish and ignorant[a] controversies, because you know they breed infighting.

2 Timothy 2:23

New International Reader's Version

23 Don’t have anything to do with arguing. It is dumb and foolish. You know it only leads to fights.

2 Timothy 2:23

New King James Version

23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

2 Timothy 2:23

New Life Version

23 Let me say it again. Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue. It can only lead to trouble.

2 Timothy 2:23

New Living Translation

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

2 Timothy 2:23

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

23 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

New Testament for Everyone

23 Avoid silly and unprofitable disputes, because you know that they produce fights;

Timotiyos II 2:23

Orthodox Jewish Bible

23 But speculations characterized by narrishkait and lacking da’as—such refuse, knowing that they produce fights.

2 Timothy 2:23

Revised Geneva Translation

23 And put away foolish and uneducated questions, knowing that they beget strife.

2 Timothy 2:23

Revised Standard Version

23 Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

2 Timothy 2:23

The Voice

23 Excuse yourself from any conversations that turn into foolish and uninformed debates because you know they only provoke fights.

2 Timothy 2:23

World English Bible

23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

2 Timothy 2:23

Worldwide English (New Testament)

23 Keep out of foolish quarrels. You know that they start fights.

2 Timothy 2:23

Wycliffe Bible

23 And eschew thou foolish questions, and without knowing [Forsooth shun thou foolish questions, and without discipline], witting that those gender chidings.

In SUMMARY, avoid "foolish and unlearned questions" mean:

foolish and ignorant questionings refuse

have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies]

refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings

reject foolish and ignorant disputes

Avoid foolish and thoughtless discussions

stay away from stupid and ignorant controversies

Stay away from stupid and senseless arguments.

foolish and senseless questionings avoid

be declining the foolish and ignorant controversies

Stay away from foolish and stupid arguments.

Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies

Stay away from [Avoid; Having nothing to do with] foolish and ·stupid [ignorant] ·arguments [controversies; speculation]

keep away from foolish and ignorant arguments

reject foolish and ignorant disputes

have nothing to do with silly and ill-informed controversies

foolish and unwise questions refuse

avoid foolish and uninformed controversies

don’t get involved in foolish arguments

Refuse to get involved in inane discussions

avoid foolish and unlearned debates

Avoid foolish and ignorant debates

Avoid foolish and stupid speculations

reject foolish and ignorant[a] controversies

Don’t have anything to do with arguing.

avoid foolish and ignorant disputes

Have nothing to do with foolish talk and those who want to argue.

don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments

Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies

Avoid silly and unprofitable disputes

speculations characterized by narrishkait and lacking da’as—such refuse

put away foolish and uneducated questions

Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies

Excuse yourself from any conversations that turn into foolish and uninformed debates

refuse foolish and ignorant questionings

Keep out of foolish quarrels.

eschew thou foolish questions, and without knowing [Forsooth shun thou foolish questions, and without discipline]

In SUMMARY, "they do gender strifes" mean:

they gender strifes

they produce strife and give birth to quarrels

they foster strife and breed quarrels

they breed quarrels

they produce conflicts

they lead to fights

These only lead to trouble

they beget contentions

they breed battles

these arguments grow into bigger arguments

they ·grow into [breed; beget] quarrels

they end up in quarrels

which lead inevitably to strife

they do beget contentions

they produce quarrels

which only upset people and make them angry

they always end up in fights

they create strife

they only result in quarrels

they breed infighting

it only leads to fights

they generate strife

It can only lead to trouble.

that only start fights

they produce fights

they beget strife

they only provoke fights

they generate strife

they start fights

those gender chidings

Related material:

AVOID petty controversy

SHUN profane babblings

GOD-breathed communication

Gobrecomm VERBAL

The IDLE word

SOLDIER of CHRIST

CHRIST's soldier

SHUN profane babblings

 2 Timothy 2:16

King James Version

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: 

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

SOLDIERS of CHRIST guard their speech.

They especially guard what they listen to.

He must "shun profane and vain babblings".

But what does that mean?

Let's turn to these Bible versions, for clarity:

2 Timothy 2:16

Amplified Bible

16 But avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], for it will lead to further ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

16 But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:16

Christian Standard Bible

16 Avoid irreverent and empty speech, since those who engage in it will produce even more godlessness,

2 Timothy 2:16

Common English Bible

16 Avoid their godless discussions, because they will lead many people into ungodly behavior,

2 Timothy 2:16

Complete Jewish Bible

16 But keep away from godless babbling, for those who engage in it will only become more ungodly,

2 Timothy 2:16

Contemporary English Version

16 Keep away from worthless and useless talk. It only leads people farther away from God.

2 Timothy 2:16

Disciples’ Literal New Testament

Shun Worthless Talk. Be an Honorable, Useful Vessel Prepared For Good Works

16 But be shunning the profane[a] empty-chatterings. For they[b] will advance further in ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16

Easy-to-Read Version

16 Stay away from people who talk about useless things that are not from God. That kind of talk will lead a person more and more against God.

2 Timothy 2:16

Evangelical Heritage Version

16 As for pointless chatter, avoid it, for it will lead to an ever greater measure of godlessness,

2 Timothy 2:16

English Standard Version

16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16

Expanded Bible

16 Stay away from ·foolish, useless talk [godless/irreverent chatter; 1 Tim. 1:3–4; 4:7; 6:20], because that will lead people ·further away from God [into even more ungodliness].

2 Timothy 2:16

Good News Translation

16 Keep away from profane and foolish discussions, which only drive people farther away from God.

2 Timothy 2:16

Holman Christian Standard Bible

16 But avoid irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness.

2 Timothy 2:16

International Children’s Bible

16 Stay away from those who talk about useless worldly things. That kind of talk will lead a person more and more away from God.

2 Timothy 2:16

International Standard Version

16 However, avoid pointless discussions. For people will become more and more ungodly,

2 Timothy 2:16

J.B. Phillips New Testament

16 But steer clear of these unchristian babblings, which in practice lead further and further away from Christian living.

2 Timothy 2:16

Jubilee Bible 2000

16 But avoid profane and vain wordiness, for it will develop into ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:16

Lexham English Bible

16 But avoid pointless chatter, for it will progress to greater ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16

Living Bible

16 Steer clear of foolish discussions that lead people into the sin of anger with each other.

2 Timothy 2:16

Modern English Version

16 But avoid profane foolish babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16

Names of God Bible

16 Avoid pointless discussions. People who pay attention to these pointless discussions will become more ungodly,

2 Timothy 2:16

New American Bible (Revised Edition)

16 Avoid profane, idle talk, for such people will become more and more godless,

2 Timothy 2:16

New American Standard Bible

16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for [a]it will lead to further ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16

New Catholic Bible

16 Avoid idle and worldly chatter, for those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly,

2 Timothy 2:16

New Century Version

16 Stay away from foolish, useless talk, because that will lead people further away from God.

2 Timothy 2:16

New English Translation

16 But avoid profane chatter,[a] because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness

2 Timothy 2:16

New International Reader's Version

16 Stay away from godless chatter. Those who take part in it will become more and more ungodly.

2 Timothy 2:16

New King James Version

16 But shun profane and [a]idle babblings, for they will [b]increase to more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:16

New Life Version

16 Do not listen to foolish talk about things that mean nothing. It only leads people farther away from God.

2 Timothy 2:16

New Living Translation

16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.

2 Timothy 2:16

New Matthew Bible

16 Unspiritual and vain voices pass over. For they will increase to greater ungodliness,

2 Timothy 2:16

New Testament for Everyone

16 Avoid pointless and empty chatter. It will push people further and further towards ungodliness,

Timotiyos II 2:16

Orthodox Jewish Bible

16 But profane chatter bereft of kedushah, avoid, for such will advance that which is frai (irreligious).

2 Timothy 2:16

Revised Geneva Translation

16 But stay away from godless and empty babblings. For they shall increase to more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 2:16

Tree of Life Version

[a] 16 But avoid godless chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness

2 Timothy 2:16

The Voice

16 Stay away from ungodly babbling because it will only lead deeper into a godless lifestyle.

2 Timothy 2:16

Worldwide English (New Testament)

16 Have no part in foolish talk that does not come from God. That kind of talk will take people farther and farther away from God.

2 Timothy 2:16

Wycliffe Bible

16 But eschew thou unholy and vain speeches, for why those profit much to unfaithfulness, [Forsooth shun thou unholy and vain speeches, soothly they profit much to unpiety,]

In SUMMARY, "shun profane and vain babblings" means:

avoid all irreverent babble and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words]

avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk

Avoid irreverent and empty speech

Avoid their godless discussions

keep away from godless babbling

Keep away from worthless and useless talk

be shunning the profane[a] empty-chatterings

Stay away from people who talk about useless things that are not from God.

As for pointless chatter, avoid it

avoid irreverent babble

Stay away from ·foolish, useless talk [godless/irreverent chatter

Keep away from profane and foolish discussions

avoid irreverent, empty speech

Stay away from those who talk about useless worldly things.

avoid pointless discussions

steer clear of these unchristian babblings

avoid profane and vain wordiness

avoid pointless chatter

Steer clear of foolish discussions

avoid profane foolish babblings

Avoid pointless discussions.

Avoid profane, idle talk

avoid worldly and empty chatter

Avoid idle and worldly chatter

Stay away from foolish, useless talk

avoid profane chatter

Stay away from godless chatter. 

shun profane and [a]idle babblings

Do not listen to foolish talk about things that mean nothing.

Avoid worthless, foolish talk

Unspiritual and vain voices pass over.

Avoid pointless and empty chatter.

profane chatter bereft of kedushah, avoid

stay away from godless and empty babblings

avoid godless chatter

Stay away from ungodly babbling

Have no part in foolish talk that does not come from God.

eschew thou unholy and vain speeches

Related material:

GOD-breathed communication

VERSES on SPEECH

Gobrecomm VERBAL

The IDLE word

SOLDIER of CHRIST

CHRIST's soldier

The WORKMAN's mission

2 Timothy 2:15

King James Version

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, 

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth.

What does it mean to be a workman for GOD?

How must he be?

What does the phrase, "rightly dividing the word of truth" mean?

Let's head over to some Bible versions:

2 Timothy 2:15

Amplified Bible

15 Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Christian Standard Bible

15 Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Common English Bible

15 Make an effort to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker, who doesn’t need to be ashamed but is one who interprets the message of truth correctly.

2 Timothy 2:15

Complete Jewish Bible

15 Do all you can to present yourself to God as someone worthy of his approval, as a worker with no need to be ashamed, because he deals straightforwardly with the Word of the Truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Contemporary English Version

15 Do your best to win God's approval as a worker who doesn't need to be ashamed and who teaches only the true message.

2 Timothy 2:15

Easy-to-Read Version

15 Do your best to be the kind of person God will accept, and give yourself to him. Be a worker who has no reason to be ashamed of his work, one who applies the true teaching in the right way.

2 Timothy 2:15

Evangelical Heritage Version

15 Make every effort to present yourself to God as one who is approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, correctly handling[a] the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

English Standard Version

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,[a] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Expanded Bible

15 ·Make every effort [Do your best; Be diligent] to ·give [present] yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who ·is not ashamed [or will not be shamed] and who ·uses the true teaching in the right way [correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth].

2 Timothy 2:15

GOD’S WORD Translation

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn’t ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.

2 Timothy 2:15

Good News Translation

15 Do your best to win full approval in God's sight, as a worker who is not ashamed of his work, one who correctly teaches the message of God's truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Holman Christian Standard Bible

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

International Children’s Bible

15 Do the best you can to be the kind of person that God will approve, and give yourself to him. Be a worker who is not ashamed of his work—a worker who uses the true teaching in the right way.

2 Timothy 2:15

International Standard Version

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as an approved worker who has nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of truth with precision.

2 Timothy 2:15

J.B. Phillips New Testament

15 For yourself, concentrate on winning God’s approval, on being a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, and who knows how to use the word of truth to the best advantage.

2 Timothy 2:15

Living Bible

15 Work hard so God can say to you, “Well done.” Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means.

2 Timothy 2:15

The Message

15 Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple.

2 Timothy 2:15

Names of God Bible

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn’t ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly.

2 Timothy 2:15

New American Bible (Revised Edition)

15 Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.

2 Timothy 2:15

New Catholic Bible

15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as one who is worthy of his approval, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, but who imparts the word of truth without any alteration.

2 Timothy 2:15

New Century Version

15 Make every effort to give yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who is not ashamed and who uses the true teaching in the right way.

2 Timothy 2:15

New English Translation

15 Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

2 Timothy 2:15

New International Reader's Version

15 Do your best to please God. Be a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed. Teach the message of truth correctly.

2 Timothy 2:15

New International Version

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

New Life Version

15 Do your best to know that God is pleased with you. Be as a workman who has nothing to be ashamed of. Teach the words of truth in the right way.

2 Timothy 2:15

New Living Translation

An Approved Worker

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

Timotiyos II 2:15

Orthodox Jewish Bible

15 Do your best to shtel zich (apply yourself), to present yourself to Hashem as one approved, a po’el (workman) without bushah (shame), keeping on a derech yashar the Dvar HaEmes.

2 Timothy 2:15

Revised Standard Version

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

The Voice

15 Timothy, do everything you can to present yourself to God as a man who is fully genuine, a worker unashamed of your mission, a guide capable of leading others along the correct path defined by the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

World English Bible

15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Worldwide English (New Testament)

15 Try to show God that you are a good worker. Do nothing you would be ashamed of. Tell the true message in the right way.

2 Timothy 2:15

Wycliffe Bible

15 Busily keep [Busily care, or keep,] to give thyself an approved, praiseable workman to God, without shame, rightly treating the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

Young's Literal Translation

15 be diligent to present thyself approved to God -- a workman irreproachable, rightly dividing the word of the truth;

In SUMMARY, a "workman" refers to:

a workman (tested by trial)

a worker

a tried-and-true worker

a proven worker

a good worker

a po’el (workman)

a man who is fully genuine

an approved, praiseable workman to God

a workman irreproachable

In SUMMARY, "rightly dividing the word of truth" means:

accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth

correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth

correctly teaching the word of truth

one who interprets the message of truth correctly

deals straightforwardly with the Word of the Truth

teaches only the true message

applies the true teaching in the right way

correctly handling[a] the word of truth

rightly handling the word of truth

uses the true teaching in the right way [correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth]

teach the word of truth correctly

correctly teaches the message of God's truth

correctly teaching the word of truth

uses the true teaching in the right way

handling the word of truth with precision

knows how to use the word of truth to the best advantage

Know what his Word says and means.

laying out the truth plain and simple

teach the word of truth correctly

imparting the word of truth without deviation

imparts the word of truth without any alteration

uses the true teaching in the right way

teaching the message of truth accurately

Teach the message of truth correctly.

correctly handles the word of truth

Teach the words of truth in the right way.

correctly explains the word of truth

rightly explaining the word of truth

keeping on a derech yashar the Dvar HaEmes

rightly handling the word of truth

a guide capable of leading others along the correct path defined by the word of truth

properly handling the Word of Truth

rightly treating the word of truth

rightly dividing the word of the truth

Related material:

RIGHT work

SOLDIER of CHRIST

CHRIST's soldier

WARRIOR of the SPIRIT

GOD wanted me to WRITE

Armagedreamer

Image: Clipart Library

AVOID petty controversy

 2 Timothy 2:14

King James Version

14 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.

This is part of the series on what is expected of the SOLDIER of CHRIST.

What does "strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers" mean?

These Bible versions explain here:

2 Timothy 2:14

Amplified Bible

An Unashamed Workman

14 Remind the people of these facts, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen.

2 Timothy 2:14

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

14 Remind [the people] of these facts and [solemnly] charge them in the presence of the Lord to avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14

Christian Standard Bible

An Approved Worker

14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God[a] not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.

2 Timothy 2:14

Common English Bible

Speak, instruct, and act correctly

14 Remind them of these things and warn them in the sight of God not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them.

2 Timothy 2:14

Complete Jewish Bible

14 Keep reminding people of this, and charge them solemnly before the Lord not to engage in word-battles. They accomplish nothing useful and are a catastrophe for the hearers!

2 Timothy 2:14

Easy-to-Read Version

A Worker Who Pleases God

14 Keep on telling everyone these truths. And warn them before God not to argue about words. Such arguments don’t help anyone, and they ruin those who listen to them.

2 Timothy 2:14

Evangelical Heritage Version

Correctly Handle the Word of Truth

14 Remind people of these things, as you solemnly charge them in the presence of God[a] not to fight about words, which does no good and only ruins those who listen.

2 Timothy 2:14

Expanded Bible

A Worker Pleasing to God

14 ·Continue teaching [L Remind them of] these things, ·warning people [L solemnly testifying/declaring] in God’s presence not to ·argue [quarrel] about words. It ·does not help anyone [is good for nothing], and it ruins those who listen.

2 Timothy 2:14

GOD’S WORD Translation

14 Remind believers about these things, and warn them in the sight of God not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn’t do any good but only destroys those who are listening.

2 Timothy 2:14

J.B. Phillips New Testament

Hold fast to the true: avoid dangerous error

14 Remind your people of things like this, and tell them as before God not to fight wordy battles, which help no one and may undermine the faith of some who hear them.

2 Timothy 2:14

Lexham English Bible

A Worker Approved to God and Not Ashamed

14 Remind people of these things, solemnly urging them before the Lord[a] not to dispute about words. This is in no way beneficial and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14

Living Bible

14 Remind your people of these great facts, and command them in the name of the Lord not to argue over unimportant things. Such arguments are confusing and useless and even harmful.

2 Timothy 2:14

The Message

14 Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God’s people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out.

2 Timothy 2:14

Modern English Version

An Approved Workman

14 Remind them of these things, commanding them before the Lord that they not argue about words, which leads to nothing of value and to the destruction of those who hear them.

2 Timothy 2:14

New American Bible (Revised Edition)

III. Instructions Concerning False Teaching

Warning Against Useless Disputes. 14 [a]Remind people of these things and charge them before God[b] to stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.

2 Timothy 2:14

New American Standard Bible

An Unashamed Worker

14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners.

2 Timothy 2:14

New American Standard Bible 1995

An Unashamed Workman

14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14

New International Version

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

2 Timothy 2:14

New Life Version

Foolish Talk

14 Tell your people about these things again. In the name of the Lord, tell them not to argue over words that are not important. It helps no one and it hurts the faith of those who are listening.

2 Timothy 2:14

New Living Translation

14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

2 Timothy 2:14

New Matthew Bible

14 Of these things put them in remembrance. And warn them before the Lord not to strive about words, which accomplishes nothing but to pervert the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14

New Testament for Everyone

Foolish Words and the Word of Truth

14 Remind them about these things; and warn them, in God’s presence, not to quarrel about words. This doesn’t do any good; instead, it threatens to ruin people who listen to it.

Timotiyos II 2:14

Orthodox Jewish Bible

14 Remind them of these things, solemnly warning them in the presence of Hashem not to be engaged in disputes over devarim, which is not beneficial, but only ruins the hearers.

2 Timothy 2:14

Tree of Life Version

A Workman with the Word

14 Remind them of these things and solemnly charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which is useless—to the ruin of those who are listening.

2 Timothy 2:14

The Voice

14 Remind others about these things that I’m telling you. Warn them before God to stop their useless bickering over words. After all, splitting hairs does no good; it only ruins those forced to listen to their meritless arguments.

2 Timothy 2:14

Worldwide English (New Testament)

14 Tell people these things again. Tell them before the Lord not to quarrel in their teaching. There is no good in doing that. It upsets the minds of those who listen to them.

In SUMMARY, "strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers" means:

avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good, and [upsets and undermines and] ruins [the faith of] those who listen

avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers

not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen.

not to engage in battles over words that aren’t helpful and only destroy those who hear them

not to engage in word-battles. They accomplish nothing useful and are a catastrophe for the hearers!

not to argue about words. Such arguments don’t help anyone, and they ruin those who listen to them.

not to fight about words, which does no good and only ruins those who listen

not to ·argue [quarrel] about words. It ·does not help anyone [is good for nothing], and it ruins those who listen.

not to quarrel over words. Quarreling doesn’t do any good but only destroys those who are listening.

not to fight wordy battles, which help no one and may undermine the faith of some who hear them

not to dispute about words. This is in no way beneficial and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

not to argue over unimportant things. Such arguments are confusing and useless and even harmful.

against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out.

not argue about words, which leads to nothing of value and to the destruction of those who hear them

stop disputing about words. This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen

not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners

not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers

against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen

not to argue over words that are not important. It helps no one and it hurts the faith of those who are listening.

stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

not to strive about words, which accomplishes nothing but to pervert the hearers

not to quarrel about words. This doesn’t do any good; instead, it threatens to ruin people who listen to it.

not to be engaged in disputes over devarim, which is not beneficial, but only ruins the hearers

not to quarrel about words, which is useless—to the ruin of those who are listening

stop their useless bickering over words. After all, splitting hairs does no good; it only ruins those forced to listen to their meritless arguments.

not to quarrel in their teaching. There is no good in doing that. It upsets the minds of those who listen to them.

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