What does “flee from youthful lusts” mean (2 Timothy 2:22)?

In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul provides guidance for maintaining integrity as a Christian leader. Paul tells Timothy to flee from youthful lusts as part of a broader set of instructions for dealing with false teachers (see 2 Timothy 2:14–26). The passage emphasizes the importance of avoiding foolish arguments and maintaining a clean heart. Anyone who does this is a true disciple—“a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21, NKJV). In this context, Paul instructs Timothy, “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22, NASB).

The word translated as “lusts” (epithymias in Greek) in 2 Timothy 2:22 generally refers to desires, cravings, passions, and temptations. “Youthful” (neōterikas in Greek) lusts are those desires and passions commonly associated with youth, which can include sexual temptations and drunkenness, but also envy, pride, impatience, a desire for recognition, and impulsiveness. Paul’s warning is not limited to physical temptations of the flesh but also encompasses the emotional and spiritual pitfalls that can accompany immaturity or inexperience.

Paul presented a similar teaching in 1 Timothy 6:1–21. While Timothy was contending with false teachers in the church, Paul instructed the young pastor to avoid arrogance, an unhealthy interest in quarreling, envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, greed, and the love of money. “But you, man of God,” Paul writes, “flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).

The Greek verb for “flee” (pheuge), which Paul used in both passages, is an active command. It means “to run or move away quickly, to escape, avoid, shun.” Rather than simply resisting or tolerating temptations, Paul urges Timothy to avoid them altogether—to escape or run away from situations where such youthful lust and impure desires might arise. Timothy was to be like young Joseph when he “ran out of the house” to avoid sexual temptation in Genesis 39:12.

Elsewhere, Paul encourages Christians to follow his lead and take intentional steps to distance themselves from anything that could lead to sin or compromise their integrity (see Romans 6:19; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Colossians 3:5; Galatians 5:24). Paul urges the Ephesians to “throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:22–24, NLT).

Paul’s instruction is not limited to young people; it applies to believers of all ages. Christians, both young and old, new or seasoned in the faith, are to “flee from youthful lusts,” actively avoiding temptations and instead pursuing positive virtues.

In a practical sense, how do we flee from youthful lust? First, we must identify areas of personal weakness in our lives and be honest about the temptations we face. We will likely need to set boundaries about where we can and cannot go, what we can and cannot look at or listen to, and avoid environments and relationships that will lead to impure desires or actions. Our strategy may include developing an accountability network with other believers who will pray for us and stand with us in the battle.

Another practical step in fleeing youthful lusts is to actively “pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace,” and other godly virtues with like-minded believers. By renewing our thoughts and minds and focusing on what is pure and righteous, we can replace negative temptations with godly character (see Philippians 4:8–9; Colossians 3:12–14; 2 Peter 1:5–7). Paul mentions doing this “with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart,” emphasizing the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive and mentoring people.

To “flee from youthful lusts” is to intentionally avoid temptations and desires that can lead to sin, especially those common to youth. It also invites us to cultivate godly virtues and develop habits that promote spiritual growth and character. In practice, this calls for both personal responsibility and the support of a faith community.