2 Timothy 4:3 - Exposition

The sound for sound, A.V.; having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts for after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, A.V. The sound ( τῆς ὑγιαινούσης ). Nothing is gained by the addition of the article in English. The phrase, ἡ ὑγιαίνουσα διδασκαλία , is characteristic of the pastoral Epistles, having arisen, no doubt, from the growth of heresy (see 1 Timothy 1:10 ; 1 Timothy 6:3 . 2 Timothy 1:13 ; Titus 1:9 , Titus 1:13 ; Titus 2:1 ; also Titus 2:8 ). In classical Greek, ὑγιής is frequently applied to words, sentiments, advice, etc., in the sense of "sound," "wise;" and ὑγιαίειν is also applied to the mind and character. Endure ( ἀνέξονται ); usually, as Bishop Ellicott observes, applied by St. Paul to persons as the object, as elsewhere in the New Testament ( Matthew 17:17 ; Acts 18:14 ; Ephesians 4:2 , etc.); but not invariably (see 2 Thessalonians 1:4 ; so too Hebrews 13:22 ). In classical Greek, ἀνέχεσθαι , followed by persons or things, usually governs an accusative case, if any, but a genitive frequently in Plato. Having itching ears ( κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν ); only here in the New Testament. The phrase, κνησέως ὤτων , is ascribed by Plutarch to Plato (Alford), "scratching the (itching) ear;" κνᾶσθαι τὰ ὧτα , "to tickle the ears" (Lucian); ἀποκναίουσιν ἡμῶν τὰ ᾤτα (Philo, ap. Ellicott). The verb κνήθω (i.q. κνάω ) means "to scratch;" "to tickle," and in the passive "to itch." Will heap to themselves ( ἐπισωρεύσουσι ); a contemptuous word (found only here in the New Testament, and nowhere in early classical Greek), implying the indiscriminate multiplication of teachers (compare our use of "exaggerate"). The simple σωρεύειν occurs in 2 Timothy 3:6 . After their own lusts. The measure of the number or the quality of their self-chosen teachers will be their own insatiable and ever-varying fancies and mental appetites, not the desire to be taught God's truth by teachers sent from God. Compare Jeroboam's conduct in ordaining a feast "in the mouth which he had devised of his own heart" ( 1 Kings 12:33 ).