2 Timothy 3:1
2 Timothy 3:1 in Multiple Translations
But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.
But be certain of this, that in the last days times of trouble will come.
Be aware that there will be troubled times in the last days.
This knowe also, that in the last dayes shall come perilous times.
And this know thou, that in the last days there shall come perilous times,
But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come.
This know also, that in the last days perilous times will come.
Know also this, that, in the last days, shall come dangerous times.
You need to realize that during the last days [MTY] before Christ returns, evil people will make it difficult for believers to behave as they should.
You have to understand this. In the last days of this world, things will be tough for people.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Timothy 3:1
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2 Timothy 3:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Timothy 3:1
Study Notes — 2 Timothy 3:1
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Timothy 3:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
- Sermons on 2 Timothy 3:1
Context — Evil in the Last Days
1But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.
2For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Peter 3:3 | Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. |
| 2 | 2 Timothy 4:3 | For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 4:1–3 | Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. |
| 4 | 1 John 2:18 | Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. |
| 5 | 2 Thessalonians 2:3–12 | Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed. He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things while I was still with you? And you know what is now restraining him, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work, but the one who now restrains it will continue until he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth and annihilate by the majesty of His arrival. The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the truth and delighted in wickedness. |
| 6 | Micah 4:1 | In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. |
| 7 | Jude 1:17 | But you, beloved, remember what was foretold by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ |
| 8 | Isaiah 2:2 | In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 49:39 | “Yet in the last days, I will restore Elam from captivity, ” declares the LORD. |
| 10 | Daniel 12:11 | And from the time the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation set up, there will be 1,290 days. |
2 Timothy 3:1 Summary
The Bible tells us that in the last days, there will be very difficult times, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1. This means that as time goes on, the world will become increasingly challenging and sinful, but as believers, we have hope in Jesus Christ, as seen in John 16:33 and Romans 8:28. We can prepare for these times by staying close to God and trusting in His promises, as encouraged in Psalm 23:4 and Jeremiah 29:11. By doing so, we can face the future with confidence and peace, knowing that God is always with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible mean by 'the last days' in 2 Timothy 3:1?
The 'last days' refers to the period of time between the first and second coming of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Acts 2:17 and Hebrews 1:2. This era is characterized by the spread of the gospel and the anticipation of Christ's return.
Will the 'terrible times' be universal or limited to specific areas?
While the Bible does not provide a clear answer to this question, it does indicate that the difficulties will be widespread, affecting many people, as seen in Jesus' words in Matthew 24:9-10 and Luke 21:25-26.
How can we prepare for these 'terrible times'?
To prepare for the challenges ahead, we must stay grounded in our faith, as encouraged in 2 Peter 3:17-18 and 1 Peter 5:8-11, and prioritize our relationship with God, as emphasized in Matthew 22:37-40 and John 15:4-5.
Are the 'terrible times' a reference to a specific event or period of time?
The 'terrible times' mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:1 are likely a description of the general character of the last days, rather than a specific event or period, as supported by the context of verses 2-5, which list various characteristics of people during this time.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can remain faithful to God in the face of adversity, and how can I use those experiences to grow in my relationship with Him?
- In what ways do I see the characteristics of the 'last days' manifesting in the world around me, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance the reality of the 'terrible times' with the hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior?
- What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize my relationship with God and stay grounded in my faith, especially during difficult times?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 3:1
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 3:1
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 3:1
Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 3:1
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1
Sermons on 2 Timothy 3:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
I Will Come Again by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the promise given by Jesus Christ that he will come again. He highlights the significance of Jesus' words, "I will come again and receive yo |
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Fierce Times Are Coming by Derek Prince | This sermon addresses the theme of fierce times that are coming, drawing parallels between the perilous times described in 2 Timothy and the encounter of Jesus with demonized men i |
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Saving Life of Christ - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of faith fading into mere form and how the church has lost touch with the true essence of Christianity. He emphasizes that history |
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The Downfall of Saddam Hussein by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his struggle to find a message for the congregation but feels a burning desire to share something important. He emphasizes that God is about |
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(The Last Days & the Lord's Coming) a Pure Virgin for Christ by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the distinction between the church and the world. He uses a metaphor of a handsome man and a bride walking down the road to illustrate how th |
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Week of Meetings-08 Rome-Religion-and the Second Advent by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a specific verse from the Bible, Revelation 17:3, which describes a woman riding a beast. The woman represents a powerful entity that has gai |
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God's Truth About Alliances (Part 2) by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of being unequally yoked with the world. He uses the story of Lot from the book of Genesis as an example. Lot had moved in wi |







