2 Timotius 2:16-19

2:16 But avoid profane chatter, ¹  because those occupied with it will stray further and further into ungodliness, ²  2:17 and their message will spread its infection ³  like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are in this group. ⁴  2:18 They have strayed from the truth ⁵  by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith. 2:19 However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” ⁶  and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord ⁷  must turn away from evil.”

[2:16]  ¹ sn Profane chatter was apparently a characteristic of the false teachers in Ephesus (cf. 1 Tim 1:3-4; 4:7; 6:20).

[2:16]  ² tn Grk “they [who engage in it] will progress even more in ungodliness.”

[2:17]  ³ tn Or “eat away.”

[2:17]  ⁴ tn Grk “of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus.” Because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, this last clause has been made a new sentence in the translation.

[2:18]  ⁵ tn Grk “have deviated concerning the truth.”

[2:19]  ⁶ sn A quotation from Num 16:5.

[2:19]  ⁷ tn Grk “names the name of the Lord.”