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Selected Verse: 2 Timothy 3:5 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 2Ti 3:5 |
King James |
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
form--outward semblance.
godliness--piety.
denying--rather as Greek, "having denied," that is, renounced.
the power--the living, regenerating, sanctifying influence of it.
turn away--implying that some of such characters, forerunners of the last days, were already in the Church. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Having a form of godliness - That is, they profess religion, or are in connection with the church. This shows that the apostle referred to some great corruption in the church; and there can be little doubt that he had his eye on the same great apostasy to which he refers in 2 Thes. 2:, and 1 Tim. 4: All these things to which he refers here have been practiced and tolerated in that apostate church, while no body of men, at any time, have been more zealous in maintaining "a form of godliness;" that is, in keeping up the forms of religion.
But denying the power thereof - Opposing the real power of religion; not allowing it to exert any influence in their lives. It imposes no restraint on their passions and carnal propensities, but in all respects, except in the form of religion, they live as if they had None. This has been common in the world. The most regular and bigoted adherence to the forms of religion furnishes no evidence in itself that there is any true piety at heart, or that true religion has any actual control over the soul. It is much easier for people to observe the forms of religion than it is to bring the heart under its controlling influence.
From such turn away - Have no contact with them as if they were Christians; show no countenance to their religion; do not associate with them; compare Jo2 1:10-11; see the notes at Co2 6:17. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
A form (μόρφωσιν)
Only here and Rom 2:20. Μορφὴ Form (for the want of any other rendering) is the expression or embodiment of the essential and permanent being of that which is expressed Μόρφωσις, lit. forming or shaping. Yet the meaning differs in different passages. In Rom 2:20, μόρφωσις is the truthful embodiment of knowledge and truth as contained in the law of God. Here, the mere outward semblance, as distinguished from the essential reality.
The power (τὴν δύναμιν)
The practical virtue. Comp. Co1 4:20. It is impossible to overlook the influence of Rom 1:29-31 in shaping this catalogue.
Turn away (ἀποτρέπου)
N.T.o. Comp. παραιτοῦ avoid, Ti2 2:23; ἐκτρεπόμενος turning away, Ti1 6:20; and ἐκκλίνετε turn away, Rom 16:17. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| Having a form - An appearance of godliness, but not regarding, nay, even denying and blaspheming, the inward power and reality of it. Is not this eminently fulfilled at this day? |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| Having a form of godliness - The original word μορφωσις signifies a draught, sketch, or summary, and will apply well to those who have all their religion in their creed, confession of faith, catechism, bodies of divinity, etc., while destitute of the life of God in their souls; and are not only destitute of this life, but deny that such life or power is here to be experienced or known. They have religion in their creed, but none in their hearts. And perhaps to their summary they add a decent round of religious observances. From such turn away - not only do not imitate them, but have no kind of fellowship with them; they are a dangerous people, and but seldom suspected, because their outside is fair. |
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.