2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Nota de estudio
Study Note
Paul's warning against those who have 'a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof' describes an eschatological religious crisis — the 'perilous times' of verse 1 — characterised by the performance of piety without its transformative reality. The Greek 'morphōsin eusebeias' (form/appearance of godliness) suggests the external shell of religious devotion retained while its life-giving core is evacuated — the ultimate religious imposture. The list of vices in verses 2-4 is striking for including 'lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God' immediately before the godliness description, identifying the heart of the problem as misplaced love rather than outright atheism. Jesus's condemnation of those who say 'Lord, Lord' but do not do God's will (Matthew 7:21-23) and the Laodicean church's lukewarm self-sufficiency (Revelation 3:16-17) provide canonical parallels.
Otras traducciones
holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.
having a form of piety, and its power having denied; and from these be turning away,
Having a form of religion, but turning their backs on the power of it: go not with these.
Referencias cruzadas
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And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can …
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but …
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.