2 Timothy 3:5

3:5 They will maintain the outward appearance ¹  of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. ² 

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¹ tn Or “form.”

sn 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).

² tn Grk “and avoid these,” with the word “people” implied.