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The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

In 2 Timothy 3:8, Paul references historical figures Jannes and Jambres as he warns Timothy about false teachers who, like these Egyptian magicians, oppose the truth. This verse not only provides historical context but also uses the Greek language to emphasize ongoing, repetitive action, a feature captured by the grammar through the use of the imperfect tense.

Greek Syntax and Exegetical Significance

The key phrase in this passage is ἀνθίστανται (anthistantai), which is derived from the verb ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi), meaning “to oppose” or “to resist.” This verb is in the imperfect tense, which, in Greek, is primarily used to indicate past, continuous action. This tense is significant because it informs the reader not only that the opposition was happening but that it was ongoing—a continuous stance against truth.

The syntax of the sentence follows a typical Greek comparative pattern: Ὃν τρόπον… οὕτως καὶ (hon tropon… houtōs kai), translated as “Just as… so also.” This structure is used to draw a direct comparison between the actions of Jannes and Jambres against Moses and those of false teachers against the truth. The use of καὶ (kai), meaning “also,” emphasizes the similarity in conduct between the two parties being compared.

Translation Soundness

The translation in the Updated American Standard Version (UASV) reflects the meaning and continuous aspect of the Greek text accurately:

“Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disapproved in regard to the faith.”

The choice of “opposed” to translate ἀνθίστανται captures the continuous historical resistance Jannes and Jambres exhibited towards Moses, which Paul analogizes to the present resistance by false teachers. The translation maintains the aspectual force of the Greek imperfect, highlighting the enduring nature of their opposition.

Theological Implications

From an exegetical perspective, the use of the imperfect tense serves a dual purpose: it historically grounds the reference to Jannes and Jambres in their sustained opposition to Moses during the Exodus narrative, and it theologically links this ongoing opposition to the persistent challenge faced by the church from false teachings. By using the imperfect tense, Paul underscores the vigilance required to guard against deceit, suggesting that such opposition is not merely a past event but a continuous threat.

Moreover, the adjectives used to describe these opponents—κατεφθαρμένοι τὸν νοῦν (katephtharmenoi ton noun, “corrupted in mind”) and ἀδόκιμοι περὶ τὴν πίστιν (adokimoi peri tēn pistin, “disapproved in regard to the faith”)—provide a moral and spiritual diagnosis of their condition. This characterization not only identifies the nature of their error but also serves as a warning to the faithful about the insidious nature of such corruption.

Conclusion

The syntax and grammar of the Greek in 2 Timothy 3:8 richly contribute to the understanding of Paul’s warning against persistent opposition to the truth. By choosing the imperfect tense, Paul emphasizes the continuous and relentless nature of such opposition, mirroring the historical opposition Moses faced. This grammatical choice deepens the reader’s understanding of the text and heightens the sense of urgency in combating false teachings that threaten the purity and integrity of the faith. The UASV translation faithfully conveys these nuances, maintaining the doctrinal fidelity and linguistic precision required for sound biblical interpretation.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).