2 Timothy 2:22
ESV
So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
NIV
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
NASB
Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
CSB
Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
NLT
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
KJV
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
NKJV
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
What does 2 Timothy 2:22 mean?
Paul presents two commands or imperatives to Timothy in this verse. Timothy was most likely in his early 30s at this time and still single. Youthful passions were as much a concern for men of that era as they are today (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy was to not only guard against sexual temptation, but also to flee from them. Paul taught in 1 Corinthians 6:18 to, "Flee from sexual immorality."Timothy is also given a list of areas to "pursue." This list included five areas: "righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." The first four are internal attributes. The fifth, however, is community with other devoted believers. Hebrews 10:24–25 also spoke on this topic, stating, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
