They will maintain the outward appearance ¹  of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. ² 

biblegateway 2Ti 3:5

holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

holding to the form of religion but denying its power. Avoid these people!

maintaining a form of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid these [people].

biblegateway 2Ti 3:5

having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

bibleoremus 2Ti 3:5

holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them!

While preserving the outward form of religion, they are a standing denial of its power. Keep clear of them.

biblegateway 2Ti 3:5

having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

biblegateway 2Ti 3:5

They will maintain the outward appearance ¹  of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. ² 

¹ tn Or “form.”

¹ sn Outward appearance. Paul’s contrast with power in 3:5b shows that he regards this “form” to be outward, one of appearance rather than reality (cf. 1 Cor 4:19-20; 1 Thess 1:5).

² tn Grk “and avoid these,” with the word “people” implied.