What does it mean to depart from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19)?

Paul wrote a passionate letter from his Roman prison cell to Timothy because the young pastor was enduring spiritual discouragement and opposition from outside forces. Central ideas of 2 Timothy are that God’s truth endures forever and that believers must obey His Word. One of the apostle’s statements is, “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity’” (2 Timothy 2:19, ESV).

Paul warns in 2 Timothy 2:16 about dangerous, “profane and idle babblings” that produce “more ungodliness” (KJV). Paul names two men, Hymenaeus and Philetus, as specific examples of those whose false doctrine caused spiritual harm to others. One of their errors was proclaiming that “the resurrection has already taken place” (2 Timothy 2:18). This heresy weakened the doctrine of Christian hope, and Paul worried that the “teaching will spread like gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:17).

The solid foundation of God continues to stand firm even in the face of spiritual disorder, false doctrine, and persecution. False teachers cannot shake the foundation God has laid. The foundation bears a “seal,” which in biblical times represented ownership, authenticity, and security (cf. Esther 8:8; Ephesians 1:13). The two statements forming the seal unite divine election with human accountability. The first states, “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19, ESV, alluding to Numbers 16:5 and possibly Nahum 1:7). The second is, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19, ESV, alluding to Numbers 16:26).

“The Lord knows those who are His.” This recalls the time when Moses warns Korah and his rebellious followers, “In the morning the Lord will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him” (Numbers 16:5). At issue was who had authority to lead God’s people. Korah said he had as much right to leadership as Moses had (verse 3). Moses left it to God to show who was chosen and who was not. God made it abundantly clear that Korah was not His choice, and the rebels were swallowed up by the earth (verses 31–33).

“Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” Again, the confrontation between Moses and Korah is the basis for Paul’s statement. Before judgment fell on Korah and his cronies, Moses “warned the assembly, ‘Move back from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything belonging to them, or you will be swept away because of all their sins’” (Numbers 16:26). That is, the Israelites were to separate themselves from the iniquitous ones, and this illustrates the believer’s need to “depart from iniquity.”

In Greek, the imperative to depart from iniquity is quite strong. The believer should create a permanent separation from all types of sin. Paul demands active opposition to all unrighteousness. Those who belong to the Lord and name Christ as their Savior must turn away from wickedness.

The biblical word for “iniquity” here (adikias) denotes immoral conduct in general and any behavior that goes against the divine character, including deception and rebellion (cf. Romans 1:18; 1 John 5:17). Through his exhortation, Paul encourages believers to oppose the lifestyles of false teachers. Specifically, avoid the actions of men such as Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose deception led to spiritual devastation.

Everyone who identifies with Christ by naming Him must follow this command. “Naming” Christ involves open recognition of Him (cf. Acts 2:21; Romans 10:9). Those who profess the name of Christ should demonstrate corresponding conduct. A tree is known by its fruit, and Jesus declared that not all who claim Him as “Lord” will gain entrance to heaven (see Matthew 7:21).

Departing from iniquity is evidence of salvation rather than the foundation for obtaining it. Godly works are a sign of genuine faith. God’s grace “teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives” (Titus 2:12).

In 2 Timothy 2:19, the two parts of the “seal” present a single theological message. The foundation rests upon God’s knowledge—His intimate, covenantal relationship with His people (cf. John 10:14). The knowledge revealed by God leads people to conform their lives unto His image. The godly abhor what is evil (Romans 12:9).

During an era of doctrinal ambiguity and moral failure, the church must maintain its authenticity through sound doctrine and righteous conduct. Faithful followers of Christ will seek to separate from immoral behavior. And they have the promise of God: “[He] is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 1:24).

Second Timothy 2:19 delivers a comforting yet challenging message. God’s foundation stands firm amid doctrinal uncertainty and moral weakness. He knows His people. God’s followers must leave all wickedness behind. The requirement to depart from iniquity is an expectation for every person who claims to follow Christ.