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

Verse Takeaways

1

The Danger of "Itching Ears"

Commentators explain that "itching ears" describes a desire for religious teaching that is pleasing rather than true. It's a craving for messages that "tickle" the ear by gratifying personal desires, justifying sinful habits, and avoiding challenging truths. People with this mindset reject "sound" or "healthful" doctrine in favor of teachings that make them feel comfortable in their self-will.

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Book Overview

2 Timothy

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Commentaries

8

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 2 Timothy 4:3

18th Century

Theologian

For the time will come, and so on. This probably refers to the time mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1 and following.

When …

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On 2 Timothy 4:3

A time when (καιρος οτε). One of the ακαιρως (out of season) times.

Will not endure (ουκ ανεξοντα). Future…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 2 Timothy 4:3

19th Century

Bishop

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.—Timothy must bear in mind that things in the Church of C…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On 2 Timothy 4:3

19th Century

Preacher

When men do not have good preachers, they are sure to have a great many of them. Those nations which have the worst priests always have them in swa…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On 2 Timothy 4:3

Timothy is now warned that the time will come when people will not be able to tolerate “sound doctrine” (a key phrase in the Pastorals; cf. [Refere…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On 2 Timothy 4:3

16th Century

Theologian

For there will be a time. From the very depravity of men, he shows how careful pastors ought to be; for the gospel will soon be extinguish…

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John Gill

John Gill

On 2 Timothy 4:3

17th Century

Pastor

For the time will come
This is a reason of the solemn charge above given: the time referred to was future, when the …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 2 Timothy 4:1–5

17th Century

Minister

People will turn away from the truth; they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy for fables, and take pleasure in them…