For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 TIMOTHY 4:3KJV
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2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV)

What does 2 Timothy 4:3 mean?

2 Timothy 4:3 warns that a time will come when people will refuse to accept healthy, true teaching and instead seek out many teachers who tell them what they want to hear, driven by their own desires. This verse describes a turning away from solid instruction in favor of messages that satisfy personal preferences.

Paul is writing to Timothy, a younger church leader, urging him to stay faithful in teaching even when people around him grow tired of sound doctrine. The verse highlights a future situation where people will actively look for teachers who match their own wants, rather than submitting to what is right or true. This warning comes as part of Paul’s final instructions, stressing the importance of holding onto truth even when it becomes unpopular.

The Greek behind 2 Timothy 4:3

  • ὑγιαίνουσαν (hygiainousan, "sound"): This word means "healthy" or "wholesome." Paul is not just talking about correct teaching, but teaching that brings spiritual health and well-being.
  • ἐπιθυμίαις (epithymiais, "lusts" or "desires"): This word refers to strong desires or cravings, not just sexual but any kind of self-centered longing. The verse points out that people’s own cravings will drive them to seek out agreeable teachers.
  • κνηθόμενοι (knēthomenoi, "itching"): This word literally means "to itch" or "to tickle." The phrase "having itching ears" paints a picture of people wanting to hear things that please or excite them, rather than what is true or necessary.

Why 2 Timothy 4:3 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the problem is not a lack of teachers, but a desire for teaching that fits personal tastes, even if it is not true or healthy.
  • It highlights the pressure Timothy and other leaders might face to change their message to suit the crowd, making Paul’s call to faithfulness more urgent.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing why Paul insists on preaching the word "in season and out of season" (v.2): because people will be tempted to abandon truth for comfort.

Where else these words appear

“sound” Greek G5198 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;

“will” Greek G430 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 17:17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
  • 2 Corinthians 11:20 For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face.

“doctrine” Greek G1319 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
  • 1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
  • 1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

“ears” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
  • Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?