2 Timothy 3 1

2 Timothy 3:1 kjv

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 Timothy 3:1 nkjv

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

2 Timothy 3:1 niv

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

2 Timothy 3:1 esv

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

2 Timothy 3:1 nlt

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.

2 Timothy 3 verses

2 Timothy 3 1 Meaning

This verse serves as a crucial warning and a prophetic declaration to Timothy, and by extension, to all believers throughout the Christian era. It signifies that as the period inaugurated by Christ's first coming progresses towards His second coming, a specific and severe deterioration in societal and spiritual conditions will characterize these "last days." The term "perilous times" highlights an era of great difficulty, danger, and moral decay, indicating an intensification of evil and challenges to faith. Paul intends for Timothy to be acutely aware of these impending conditions so that he may be spiritually prepared and guide the church accordingly.

2 Timothy 3 1 Context

2 Timothy is Paul's last known epistle, written from a Roman prison likely shortly before his death. It serves as his final testament and pastoral charge to Timothy, his protégé. Chapters 1 and 2 focus on remaining faithful to the gospel, enduring hardship, and entrusting sound doctrine to others. Verse 1 of chapter 3 marks a significant shift, introducing a detailed prophetic warning about the challenges that will intensify "in the last days." This transition serves to prepare Timothy for the deteriorating moral and spiritual climate he will undoubtedly face, equipping him with discernment and perseverance as a faithful minister. The immediate context of chapter 3 then lists specific characteristics of people during these perilous times, detailing their ungodly behavior and false religiosity, thereby providing a clear picture of the environment Timothy and the church will navigate. Historically, the early church understood that they were living in "the last days," a period inaugurated by Christ's first coming and extending to His second, marked by a constant spiritual struggle against growing apostasy and moral decay, both within and outside the church.

2 Timothy 3 1 Word analysis

• But: Greek: De (δὲ). This conjunction signifies a strong contrast or transition. It sets this warning apart from Paul's previous instructions and encouragement (2 Tim 2:20-26), emphasizing a new and vital piece of information Timothy must grasp.
• know this: Greek: ginōske touto (γίνωσκε τοῦτο). "Know" is in the imperative mood, demanding active and persistent awareness. It implies more than mere intellectual understanding; it calls for a deep, intuitive recognition and certainty. Paul wants Timothy to be absolutely assured of this truth.
• that in the last days: Greek: en eschatais hēmerais (ἐν ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις).
  • last: eschatais (ἐσχάταις) refers to ultimate, final, or extreme.
  • days: hēmerais (ἡμέραις) means days.Together, "the last days" is a common biblical eschatological term (found in both Old and New Testaments). In the New Testament, particularly after Pentecost, it denotes the entire period from Christ's first coming, through His ascension, to His glorious return. It's the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about a final spiritual dispensation, characterized by both the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17) and increasing moral and spiritual decline. It does not refer to a very short final period, but the present age of the church before Christ's return.
• perilous: Greek: chalepoi (χαλεποί). This word is striking for its rarity and strong meaning in the New Testament. It appears only one other time in the New Testament (Mt 8:28) to describe the "exceedingly fierce" (or violent/dangerous) demon-possessed men, so much so that no one could pass by that road. It describes something severe, dangerous, difficult to cope with, grievous, or harsh. It's not just "tough times" but "times of great moral danger and extreme difficulty."
• times: Greek: kairoi (καιροί). This refers not merely to chronological time (chronos) but to significant, opportune, or specific appointed seasons/periods that are characterized by particular events or conditions. These are times that have a definite, grim character.
• will come: Greek: enstēsontai (ἐνστήσονται). This is the future indicative form of enistēmi, meaning "to stand in" or "to be present." It strongly implies a certainty that these difficult times will not just happen but will effectively "bear down" or "press upon" the era with full force, becoming a prevalent reality.

Words-group analysis:

• But know this: A strong command and an emphatic declaration from Paul to Timothy. It stresses the crucial importance of the impending revelation and the need for resolute understanding and preparedness. This isn't optional knowledge but essential for leadership.
• that in the last days perilous times will come: This phrase functions as a solemn warning and a prophetic certainty. It paints a vivid picture of the inevitable challenges awaiting the church within the broad timeline of Christian history. The combination of "last days" (the age of the church) and "perilous" (fiercely difficult, dangerous) indicates that Christian faith will increasingly be tested by moral decay, opposition, and spiritual struggles, requiring vigilance and endurance from believers.

2 Timothy 3 1 Bonus section

The concept of "perilous times" (χαλεποὶ καιροὶ) is unique and highlights the extreme nature of the challenges believers would face. It's not just "hard times" but times fraught with intense spiritual danger, reflecting a pervasive moral and spiritual degradation. This is crucial for understanding Paul's pastoral counsel throughout 2 Timothy. He is preparing Timothy not for easy evangelism, but for arduous ministry amidst significant spiritual opposition and ethical decay, especially from those within who profess godliness but deny its power. This verse serves as an enduring call for Christians to realistically appraise their world, discerning the signs of the times and bracing themselves for inevitable spiritual conflict and pressure to compromise.

2 Timothy 3 1 Commentary

2 Timothy 3:1 is a sober and foundational warning. Paul, at the end of his life, looks forward to the nature of the "last days"—the entire Christian era between Christ's first and second comings. He reveals that this period, despite being a time of the Spirit's indwelling and the Gospel's advance, will also be characterized by "perilous times." The Greek word chalepoi (perilous) vividly portrays these times as intensely difficult, dangerous, and aggressive, akin to the savage behavior of demon-possessed men. This prophecy is not just about general societal problems but specifically pertains to the spiritual and moral climate that believers will navigate. It sets the stage for the detailed description of human depravity and godlessness outlined in the subsequent verses (2 Tim 3:2-5), indicating that these internal challenges to faith, manifesting through corrupt individuals and doctrines, will be a significant hallmark of this age. This verse underscores the necessity of constant spiritual vigilance and steadfastness in adhering to sound doctrine and living a godly life, recognizing the true nature of the spiritual battlefield.