Wrangling About Words

In 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (verses from which were discussed in recent articles), Paul had been giving Timothy instructions, telling him – in my quick paraphrase – to focus on his mission like a soldier, follow the rules like an athlete, and work hard like a farmer.  And, in 2 Timothy 2:11-13, there’s a saying that Paul shares, but whether this is a poem, some words from a hymn, or just something for Timothy to remember, I encourage you to read that on your own.

This leads into verse 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 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/2ti.2.14.NIV

Timothy isn’t just being trained by Paul for Timothy’s own benefit.  As a teacher, pastor, evangelist, or all three, Timothy is expected to pass along the truth to others.  And, given the specific nature of some of Paul’s comments, those that Timothy was leading and serving seem to have needed an extra helping of guidance on those particular topics.

One of those topics is this “quarreling about words” [NIV] (or, “not to dispute about words” [NASB]).  Apparently, this arguing is a waste of time, ruining those who listen.  So, what do you think “quarreling about words” meant for the first century Christians, as well as for those of us today?  (As a hint, you’re welcome to peek down at verses 16-18, where I think that Paul is referring to a similar problem.)

I welcome your ideas in the chat below, but here are a few ideas I collected about what this “quarreling about words” might look like today:

• Debating subtleties of Hebrew or Greek in the Bible, while missing obvious instructions from it.
• Arguing that the tithe is an Old Testament command, while failing to be generous at all.
• Fighting about specific translations of the Bible being “better” or “worse”, when those arguing don’t actually do what the Bible clearly tells them to do.
• Complaining about how a pastor presents something, rather than addressing the thing that the sermon reminded us to change in our lives.
• Objecting to the form of worship, teaching, and service in a congregation, while not actually living out the commands of Jesus.
• Maybe, as suggested by the study guide, debates like those between Christians and atheists.
• Or, perhaps more specific to this passage, any argument about words from the Bible that ends up corrupting the gospel.

And, if you have any other ideas on what this might look like (whether back in the first century or today), I encourage you to share them in the comments below.  Looking back at this list, in light of what Paul told Timothy here, would we agree that – even if we don’t know exactly what Timothy was dealing with – some of these are truly useless and ruin those who listen?

If so, though, let’s remember that identifying the problem is only half the battle.  Paul offers more suggestions throughout more of 2 Timothy 2, but let’s ponder a question for ourselves today: Are we still tempted to defend our favorite “excuses to quarrel”?  I’m afraid that I am quite the advocate for my own petty arguments, sometimes, and if you run into the same, let’s keep reading Paul’s advice for what to do about it.

From Sunday School lesson prepared for March 30, 2025

References:

• 1717 Bible Studies, 2 Timothy, © 2025 Christian Standard Media.
• Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
• Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
• The College Press NIV Commentary – 1, 2 Timothy & Titus, by C. Michael Moss.  © 1994 College Press Publishing Co.