2Ti 3:5 | NETfull | STEP | They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.

2 Timothy 3:5

5 They will maintain the outward appearance ^{▼▼ Or “form.”} ^{▼▼ Outward appearance. Paul’s contrast with power in 3:5b shows that he regards this “form” to be outward, one of appearance rather than reality (cf. 1 Cor 4:19–20; 1 Thess 1:5).} of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. ^{▼▼ Grk “and avoid these,” with the word “people” implied.}