What does it mean to arrive at a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7)?

In 2 Timothy 3:7 false teachers are described as “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (ESV). This verse warns that it is possible to pursue knowledge in vain. Without spiritual grounding in Christ, a person will never arrive at a knowledge of the truth.

In context (2 Timothy 3:1–5), Paul describes the moral decadence evident in the last days. Some people appear godly but deny the power of godliness (verse 5). Some will “work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires” (verse 6, NLT). And they will be “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (verse 7, ESV). Knowledge of the truth here is more than intellectual assent; it is God’s revelation in Christ, who is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, ESV).

To arrive at a knowledge of the truth, we must do more than accumulate facts about Christ. It’s not enough to learn religion; we must have faith in Christ. Commentator Albert Barnes stated the problem this way: “Nothing is more common than for persons to be very busy and active in religion, and even to ‘learn’ many things about it, who still remain strangers to the saving power of the gospel” (comment on 2 Timothy 3:7, Notes on the Bible, 1834).

Knowing the truth involves having a personal relationship with Christ: “This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3, ESV). How can we know Christ unless we immerse ourselves in God’s Word? Jesus told His disciples, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32, ESV). A hardened heart cannot receive or know Christ.

Many people fail to arrive at a knowledge of the truth because of spiritual blindness. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Paul writes, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (ESV). Unbelievers do not submit to God’s revelation in Christ because of pride. However, believers trust the Lord with all their hearts and do not lean on their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). Believers know that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV).

The Holy Spirit helps believers to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. In John 16:3, Jesus promised, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (ESV). The Spirit illuminates Scripture and reveals Christ. Reading and studying the Bible will not produce fruitful results without the Spirit’s help. He guides us toward the truth so we can trust and obey Christ.

Arriving at a knowledge of the truth is not a simple intellectual or academic exercise; it requires growing and maturing in the faith. James 1:22 states, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (ESV). Genuine knowledge transforms our lives: “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:17). Paul prays for the Colossians to “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:9–10, ESV). Knowing the truth changes how we think, speak, and act.

To know the truth, we must heed the gospel message and trust in Christ, who saves and sanctifies us. We must humble ourselves, rely on the Holy Spirit, and live the truth. Second Timothy 3:7 warns of the futility of intellectual pursuits without God. It calls us to pursue a deeper relationship with God that renews our minds and spirits. This can only be done through the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit: “Sanctify them in the truth,” Jesus prayed, “your word is truth” (John 17:17, ESV).