2 Timothy 3:5
2 Timothy 3:5 in Multiple Translations
having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.
Having a form of religion, but turning their backs on the power of it: go not with these.
They may give an outward impression of being religious, but they don't actually believe it works. Stay away from these people!
Hauing a shewe of godlinesse, but haue denied the power thereof: turne away therefore from such.
having a form of piety, and its power having denied; and from these be turning away,
holding a form of godliness but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also.
Having a form of godliness, but denying its power: from such turn away.
Having an appearance indeed of godliness, but denying the power thereof. Now these avoid.
And, although they will pretend that they worship God, they will not let God’s Spirit work powerfully in their lives. Do not associate with such people (OR, Do not let such people join your congregation),
They will reckon they respect God, but they will reckon that he hasn’t got any power. So I’m telling you, keep right away from those people.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Timothy 3:5
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2 Timothy 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Timothy 3:5
Study Notes — 2 Timothy 3:5
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Timothy 3:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
- Sermons on 2 Timothy 3:5
Context — Evil in the Last Days
5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
6They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, 7who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 29:13 | Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. |
| 2 | Titus 1:16 | They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed. |
| 3 | Matthew 23:27–28 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. |
| 4 | 1 Timothy 5:8 | If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. |
| 5 | Romans 2:20–24 | an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who forbid adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” |
| 6 | Matthew 7:15 | Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. |
| 7 | Titus 3:10 | Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition, |
| 8 | Ezekiel 33:30–32 | As for you, son of man, your people are talking about you near the city walls and in the doorways of their houses. One speaks to another, each saying to his brother, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD!’ So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice. |
| 9 | 2 John 1:10–12 | If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. |
| 10 | Romans 16:17–18 | Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. |
2 Timothy 3:5 Summary
[This verse is warning us about people who may look or sound like they are followers of God, but they don't really live by His power. As it says in 2 Timothy 3:5, they have a form of godliness but deny its power. This means they may go to church or talk about God, but their actions don't show that they are truly living for Him. We are instructed to turn away from such people, as seen in this verse, and to follow the teachings of the Bible, such as Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus teaches us to love God and our neighbors.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a form of godliness but deny its power?
This means that some people may appear to be godly or spiritual on the outside, but they do not truly live by the power of God in their lives, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:5, and this is also warned against in Titus 1:16, where it says that some people claim to know God but deny Him by their actions.
How can we identify those who have a form of godliness but deny its power?
According to 2 Timothy 3:5 and the surrounding verses, such as 2 Timothy 3:6-7, we can identify them by their unloving, unforgiving, and reckless behavior, which is contrary to the teachings of the Bible, such as Matthew 22:37-40, where Jesus teaches us to love God and our neighbors.
What should we do when we encounter people who have a form of godliness but deny its power?
The Bible instructs us to turn away from such people, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:5, and to not be influenced by their false teachings, as warned in 1 Timothy 4:1-3, where it says that some people will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits.
Is having a form of godliness but denying its power a common problem in the church?
Unfortunately, yes, this is a common problem, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:5, and it has been a problem throughout the history of the church, as warned in Jude 1:4, where it says that certain individuals have secretly slipped in among the believers and are denying the only Master and our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be having a form of godliness but denying its power in my own life?
- How can I ensure that my faith is not just a surface-level appearance, but a deep and abiding relationship with God?
- What are some warning signs that someone may be having a form of godliness but denying its power, and how can I avoid being influenced by them?
- How can I cultivate a genuine and powerful faith that is rooted in the teachings of the Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 3:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 3:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 3:5
Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 3:5
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:5
Sermons on 2 Timothy 3:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Basics) 13. Religiosity and Spirituality by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between religious form and spiritual power. He refers to 2 Timothy 3:5, which warns about peo |
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Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion |
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(Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of Complacency by Don Currin | In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene in a restaurant where people are enjoying their meals and drinks while oblivious to a documentary on global starvation playing on the |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Malachi) ch.1:1-1:11 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Malachi and the overall theme of revival and declension in the history of God's people. The Old Testament is seen as a revelation |
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Youth Convention at Fairhaven 1964-02 Returning to the Principles by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's control over our minds, emotions, and will. He uses an example of being sincerely wrong about the time and missing a |
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A Word to Apostates by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a commitment to God in light of the current events happening in the world. He urges the audience to take a serious l |
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Nothing but Leaves by Harold Vaughan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of practicing what we believe rather than just giving lip service. He criticizes the current state of the church, stating tha |






