Missing the Connection

But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 2 Timothy 2:16 NASB

Worldly – Sometimes translations simply remove us from the context of the author. When the NASB (or ESV) chose to translate bebelous as “worldly” (there is no “and” in the Greek text) or “irreverent,” the English obscures Paul’s real connection to the idea in Leviticus. We don’t see that Paul employs a Greek word that is the equivalent of “profane” (Hebrew hallel). We think he’s writing about gossip, but Paul has something else in mind. He means whatever speech defiles or pollutes. Feinstein helps us recognize how important this term is in biblical thought.

“When the Hebrew Bible uses the term ‘profane’ to describe pollution of the sacred, then, it is not using the terms ‘pollute’ and ‘profane’ synonymously. Rather, this usage reflects the capacity of pollution to debase the sacred, effectively nullifying an entity’s holiness and rendering it profane. The term ‘pollute’ refers to the act of contamination, while ‘profane’ refers to the reduction in status that results from contamination.”[1]

Since hallel is often translated as both “profane” and “pollute,” we need to employ this careful distinction in usage in order to avoid thinking that whatever isn’t set aside for God is simply ordinary and common (i.e., not sacred). Paul is not saying that ordinary speech will lead to further asebeia, a Greek word that means any deed that transgresses the Torah [this is another term that requires some investigation]. Paul is writing about polluting speech, the kind of speech that debases the sacred, the kind of speech that renders its object profane. In other words, Paul is effectively endorsing the instructions of James and the cautions of Solomon. Bridling the tongue is a first step toward self-control and self-control is an important part of Torah observance.

Applying Feinstein’s distinction to Paul’s instruction, we now see that whatever words we use that remove the sacred from our communication have the capacity to pollute. For example, invectives hurled at another who is loved by the Father and created with the potential of displaying His image debase the Creator by rendering His work as profane, that is, removed from the sacred. It doesn’t take gossip to do this. All it takes is anger.

The same could be said for stereotyping, insulting, disparaging, denigrating or slandering another. But it isn’t limited to persons. When our speech detaches us from stewardship of God’s creation, when we talk as if His world doesn’t matter, we profane His handiwork. “Empty talk” can be devaluing the earth (“Who cares about that stuff?”).

Paul’s concern is that any misuse of words sets us on the path for more lawlessness. One must wonder if intentionally deceptive promises aren’t included. And if they are, how can we expect God’s blessing over what we have polluted?

Topical Index: bebelos, profane, pollute, hallel, asebeia, lawlessness, 2 Timothy 2:16

[1] Eve Levavi Feinstein, Sexual Pollution in the Hebrew Bible, p. 20.