2nd Timothy Chapter 2 verse 16 Holy Bible
But shun profane babblings: for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
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But take no part in wrong and foolish talk, for those who do so will go farther into evil,
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But profane, vain babblings shun, for they will advance to greater impiety,
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But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
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But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,
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and the profane vain talkings stand aloof from, for to more impiety they will advance,
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Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerse 16. - Profane for profane and vain, A.V.; proceed further in ungodliness for increase unto more ungodliness, A.V. Shun (περιι'´στασο, as in Titus 3:9); literally, step out of the way of, or stand away from - an unusual use of the word, found also in Josephus, 'Ant. Jud.,' 4. 6:12. Profane babblings (see 1 Timothy 4:7; 1 Timothy 6:20). They will proceed (προκόψουσιν); see note on προκοπή in 1 Timothy 4:15. Further in ungodliness (ἐπὶ πεῖον ἀσεβείας); surely better rendered in the A.V. to more ungodliness. It may be questioned whether "they" refers to the babblings or to the false teachers. It makes very good sense to say, "Avoid these profane babblings, for they won't stop there - they will grow into open impiety and blasphemy." But ver. 17, as Alford observes, is in favour of the "teachers" being the subject of "will proceed;" but it is not conclusive. If a full stop be put after "ungodliness," as in the A.V., ver. 17 comes in quite naturally with the further statement that "their word will eat as doth a gangrene."
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(16) But shun profane and vain babblings.--But, in strong contrast to the conduct just urged, on the workman of God, do thou avoid (or, withdraw thyself from) vain babblings. The word rendered "shun" is a strong one, and signifies literally, to make a circuit so as to avoid; or, as Alford paraphrases it, "the meaning seems to come from a number of persons falling back from an object of fear or loathing, and standing at a distance round it." The word is used in Titus 3:9. On the words "profane," "vain-babblings," see 1Timothy 6:20.For they will increase unto more ungodliness.--Better translated, for they will advance unto . . . The tendency of these useless discussions and idle disputes is to lead men into vain and profitless speculations, which end too often--as in the case, cited below, of Hymenaeus and Philetus--in the most fatal doctrinal error. The close connection between grave fundamental errors in doctrine and a lax and purely selfish life is constantly alluded to by St. Paul.
