Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

2 TIMOTHY 3:8KJV
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2 Timothy 3:8 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 3:8 mean?

2 Timothy 3:8 says that just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, certain people now resist the truth, showing corrupt thinking and being rejected when it comes to the faith. The verse draws a parallel between ancient opponents of God’s work and those in Timothy’s time who oppose true teaching.

Paul is writing to Timothy, warning him about people who actively resist the message of Jesus. By mentioning Jannes and Jambres—traditional names for Egyptian magicians who challenged Moses—Paul highlights how these new opponents have twisted minds and are not genuine believers. This sets up a warning about false teachers and their influence in the church.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 3:8

  • ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi, "withstood/resist"): This word means to stand against or oppose. Paul uses it both for Jannes and Jambres’ opposition to Moses and for the current opponents, emphasizing a direct, active resistance to the truth.
  • διαφθαρμένοι (diaphtarmenoi, "corrupt"): This word refers to being thoroughly ruined or spoiled, especially in mind or character. Paul is saying these people’s thinking is deeply damaged, not just mistaken.
  • ἀδόκιμοι (adokimoi, "reprobate"): This word means failing the test or being disqualified. Paul uses it to describe how these people do not meet the standard when it comes to genuine faith.

Why 2 Timothy 3:8 matters

  • This verse clarifies that opposition to God’s truth is not new; it has always existed, even in the time of Moses, and continues in the church.
  • By naming Jannes and Jambres, Paul connects Timothy’s struggles with a well-known story, showing that resisting God’s message is a repeated pattern.
  • The verse highlights that the real issue is not just disagreement, but a deep corruption of mind and a failure to truly belong to the faith, helping Timothy and readers recognize the seriousness of false teaching.

Where else these words appear

“corrupt” Greek G2704 · used in 2 verses

  • 2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;

“reprobate” Greek G96 · used in 8 verses

  • Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

“withstood” Greek G436 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
  • Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer(for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
  • Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

“as” Greek G5158 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Acts 15:11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;