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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.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Timothy 3:1

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2 Timothy 3:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK τουτο δε γινωσκε οτι εν εσχαταις ημεραις ενστησονται καιροι χαλεποι
τουτο ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-ASN
δε de G1161 then Conj
γινωσκε ginōskō G1097 to know Verb-PAM-2S
οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
εσχαταις eschatos G2078 last/least Adj-DPF-S
ημεραις hēmera G2250 day Noun-DPF
ενστησονται enistēmi G1764 be present Verb-FDI-3P
καιροι kairos G2540 time/right time Noun-NPM
χαλεποι chalepos G5467 harsh Adj-NPM
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Timothy 3:1

τουτο ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-ASN
This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.
Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
γινωσκε ginōskō G1097 "to know" Verb-PAM-2S
To know or understand something, as in Matthew 22:18 and Mark 5:43, where it means to recognize or perceive.
Definition: γινώσκω (= γιγν-: see previous word. So also vulgar Attic, in Inscr., see Thumb, MGV, 207), [in LXX chiefly for ידע ;] to be taking in knowledge, come to know, recognize, perceive, understand; in past tenses to know, realize; pass., to become known: with accusative, Mat.22:18, Mrk.5:43, Col.4:8, 1Th.3:5, al. Pass., Mat.10:26, Php.4:5, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.21:45, Jhn.4:1, al.; τί, Mat.6:3; ἀπό, Mrk.15:45; ὅ, Rom.7:15; τ. λεγόμενα, Luk.18:34; τ. θέλημα, Luk.12:47; τ. καρδίας, Luk.16:15; with accusative of person(s), of recognition by God, 1Co.8:3, Gal.4:9; by Christ, neg., Mat.7:23; frequently of the knowledge of divine things, of God and Christ; τ. θεόν, Rom.1:21 Gal.4:9; τ. πατέρα, Jhn.8:55; τ. κύριον, Heb.8:1 (LXX); νοῦν κυρίου, Rom.11:34; Χριστόν, Jhn.17:3, 1Jn.3:6; τὰ τοῦ πνεύματος, 1Co.2:14; τ. πνεύμα, 1Jn.4:6; τ. ἀλήθειαν, Jhn.8:32; of Christ's knowledge of the Father (ἐπιγ.), Mat.11:27 (Dalman, Words, 282ff.). In Hellenistic writers [LXX for Heb. ידע, Gal.4:1, al.], of sexual intercourse, to know carnally: Mat.1:25, Luk.1:34 (Cremer, 153). SYN.: γ., to know by observation and experience is thus prop. disting. from οἶδα, to know by reflection (a mental process, based on intuition or information); cf. also ἐφίστημι, συνίημι. (Cf. ἀνα-, δια-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-γινώσκω.) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 207 NT verses. KJV: allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 1:21; John 8:55; Hebrews 3:10.
οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj
This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.
Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
εσχαταις eschatos G2078 "last/least" Adj-DPF-S
This word means 'last' or 'farthest' and is used to describe something that is final or extreme. It appears in Matthew 20:12 and Acts 1:8, describing the last or utmost things.
Definition: ἔσχατος, -η, -ον [in LXX chiefly for אַחֲרִית אַחֲרוֹן ;] last, utmost, extreme; __(a) of place: of the lowest or least honoured place, Luk.14:9-10; τ. ἔσχατον, with genitive part., Act.1:8 13:47; __(b) of time: Mat.20:12, 14, Mrk.12:6, 22, opposite to πρῶτος, Mat.20:8, 1Co.15:45, Rev.2:19, al.; τὰ ἔ. καὶ T. πρῶτα, Mat.12:45, Luk.11:26, 2Pe.2:20; of the Eternal, ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔ., Rev.1:17 2:8 22:13; in phrases relating to the Messianic age and the consummation of the Kingdom of God: ἐπ᾽ ἐσχάτου (-ων) τ. ἡμερῶν, Heb.1:2, 2Pe.3:3; τ. χρόνων, 1Pe.1:20; ἔ. ὥρα, 1Jn.2:18; ἐπ᾽ ἐ. χόνου, Ju 18; ἐν ἐ. ἡμέραις, Act.2:17, Jas.5:3, 2Ti.3:1; neut., ἔσχατον, as adv., Mrk.12:22, 1Co.15:8; __(with) of rank: Mrk.9:35, 1Co.4:9 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 47 NT verses. KJV: ends of, last, latter end, lowest, uttermost See also: 1 Corinthians 4:9; Jude 1:18; 1 Peter 1:5.
ημεραις hēmera G2250 "day" Noun-DPF
The Greek word for day refers to a 24-hour period, used in Revelation 21:25 and Acts 9:24. It can also mean a period of time, like in Luke 21:37.
Definition: ἡμέρα, -ας, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for יוֹם ;] day; __1. as distinct from night: genitive ἡμέρας, by day (WM, §30, 11), Rev.21:25; ἡ. κ. νυκτός (ν. κ. ̔ἡ.), Act.9:24, 1Th.2:9, 2Th.3:8, Rev.4:8 (BL, §36, 13); ἡμέρας μέσης, at mid-day, Act.26:13; accusative durat., τ. ἡμέρας, Luk.21:37; ὅλην τὴν ἡ., Rom.8:36; ἐν ἡμέρα, Jhn.11:9, Rom.13:13; ἡμέρας ὁδός, a day's journey, Luk.2:44; ἡ. γίνεται, Lk 4:42 22:66; κλίνει, Luk.9:12, al.; metaphorically, Jhn.9:4, Rom.13:12, 1Th.5:4, 5 8, 2Pe.1:19. __2. Of a civil day of 24 hours, incl. night: Mat.6:34, Mrk.6:21, Luk.13:14, al.; τρίτῃ ἡ., Mat.16:21; ἡμέρᾳ κ. ἡ. (cf. יוֹם בְּיוֹם, Est.3:4), 2Co.4:16; ὅλην τ. ἡ., Rom.8:36 10:21; pl., Jhn.2:12, Act.9:19, al.; ἡ. τῶν ἀζύμων, Act.12:3; τ. σαββάτου, Luk.13:14, 16; ἡ κυριάκη ἡ., Rev.1:10. __3. In Messianic sense, of the last day: ἡ ἡ. (ἐκείνη, τ. κυρίου, etc.), Mat.7:22, Luk.6:23, Rom.13:12, 1Co.1:8, 1Th.5:2, 2Th.2:2, 2Pe.3:10, al; by meton., as compared with the divine judgment on that day, ἡ. ἀνθρωπίνη, of a human tribunal, 1Co.4:3 (EV, man's judgment). __4. As in Heb. (also in Gk. writers; Bl, §46, 9; M, Pr., 81), of time in general: Jhn.8:56 14:20, 2Co.6:2, Eph.6:13, 2Pe.3:18; pl. Act.15:7, Eph.5:16, Heb.10:32; πᾶσας τὰς ἡ. (cf. כָּל הַיָּמִים, Deu.4:40, al.; MM, Exp., xv), Mat.28:20; ἐλεύσονται ἡ. ὅταν (ὅτε), Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, Luk.5:35 17:22; αἱ ἡ., with genitive of person(s) (Gen.26:1, al.), Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Act.7:45, 1Pe.3:20; ἀρχ̀ ἡμερῶν, Heb.7:3. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 366 NT verses. KJV: age, + alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Acts 21:5; 1 Peter 2:12.
ενστησονται enistēmi G1764 "be present" Verb-FDI-3P
This word means to be present or at hand, like when something is about to happen. It's used in 2 Timothy 3:1 to describe difficult times that are coming. In 1 Corinthians 7:26, it describes the present time we are living in.
Definition: ἐν-ίστημι [in LXX: 4Ki.13:6 A (עֶמְדָּה), 3Ki.12:24, 1Es.5:47 Est.9:6, Est.3:13, 1; 4Ma.9.1-32 * ;] to place in; in pf., plpf., 2 aor. and in mid., intrans.; __(a) to be at hand, impend, threaten: 2Ti.3:1; __(b) to be present: 2Th.2:2 (but see Thayer, see word); pf. ptcp., present: 1Co.7:26, Gal.1:4, Heb.9:9; pl., Rom.8:38, 1Co.3:22 (Cremer, 3O9).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: come, be at hand, present See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 9:9.
καιροι kairos G2540 "time/right time" Noun-NPM
This word means the right time or opportunity, like in Matthew 11:25 and Mark 1:15. It refers to a specific moment or season, often related to God's plan. It helps us understand timing and purpose.
Definition: καιρός, -οῦ, ὁ [in LXX chiefly for עֵת, also for מוֹעֵד, etc. ;] __1. due measure, fitness, proportion (Eur., Xen., al.). __2. Of Time (cl. also) in the sense of a fixed and definite period, time, season (Kennedy, Sources, 153): Mat.11:25, Mrk.1:15, Luk.21:8, Rom.13:11, Eph.6:18, Heb.11:15, 1Pe.1:5 1:11 Rev.1:3, al.; with genitive, πειρασμοῦ Luk.8:13; τ. καρπῶν, Mat.21:34; σύκων, Mrk.11:13; pl., Mat.21:41; χρόνοι ἢ (καὶ) κ., Act.1:7, 1Th.5:1; ἐθνῶν, Luk.21:24; of opportune or seasonable time, Act.24:25, Gal.6:10, Eph.5:16, Col.4:5; with inf., Heb.11:15; ὁ κ. οὗτος, Mrk.10:30, Luk.18:30; ὁ νῦν κ. (Dalman, Words, 148), Rom.8:18; ὁ κ. ὁ ἐμός, Jhn.7:6; κ. δεκτῲ, 2Co.6:2 (LXX); δουλεύειν τῷ κ., Rom.12:11, R, mg.; τ. σημεῖα τῶν κ., Mat.16:3; adverbial usages: ἐν κ., Mat.24:45, 1Pe.5:6 (cf. καιρῷ, Luk.20:10; τῷ κ., Mrk.12:2); ἄχρι καιροῦ, Luk.4:13; πρὸς καιρόν, Luk.8:13, 1Co.7:5; κατὰ καιρόν, Rom.5:6; πρὸ καιροῦ, Mat.8:29 SYN.: (χρόνος) time in the sense of duration (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 81 NT verses. KJV: X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while See also: 1 Corinthians 4:5; John 7:6; 1 Peter 1:5.
χαλεποι chalepos G5467 "harsh" Adj-NPM
Something harsh is difficult or dangerous, like the fierce men in Matthew 8:28. It can also describe a painful or grievous situation, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:1. This word is used to convey a sense of severity.
Definition: χαλεπός, -ή, -όν [in LXX: Isa.18:2 (יָרֵא), Wis.3:19, Sir.3:21, al. ;] hard; __(a) hard to do or deal with, difficult; __(b) hard to bear, painful, grievous: καιροί, 2Ti.3:1; __(with) of persons, hard to deal with, harsh, fierce, savage: Mat.8:28.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: fierce, perilous See also: 2 Timothy 3:1; Matthew 8:28.

Study Notes — 2 Timothy 3:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (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

  1. 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?
  2. 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?
  3. How can I balance the reality of the 'terrible times' with the hope and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as my Savior?
  4. 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

This know also,.... That not only men of bad principles and practices are in the churches now, as before described in the preceding chapter, but that in succeeding ages there would be worse men, if

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 3:1

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. The indications of the future increase as we approach the close.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1

2 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 3 The apostle foretelleth the evil characters that should appear in the last days. He describeth the enemies of the truth, propoundeth unto Timothy his own example, and exhorteth him to abide in the doctrine he had learned, commending unto him the manifold use of the Holy Scriptures. We met with this term, last days, , and there said that the Scripture by that term understands all the time from Christ’ s ascension to the end of the world. We meet with the term, . Of these days some are later than others, but it appears by , that that whole period of time is so called. Perilous times shall come; in the Greek it is, difficult times, that is, times when it will be difficult for Christians to keep their lives or estates, or any happy station in the world, with a good conscience, by reason of the plenty of ill men that should live in those times, and make them so difficult.

Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Ver. 1. Perilous times] Gr. καιροιχαλεποι, hard times. Hard hearts make hard times. Eiusmodi tempera descripsit (saith Casaubon of Tacitus, and the same may we say of St Paul) quibus nulla unquam aut virtutum steriliora, aut virtutibus inimiciora; he describeth these last and loosest times of the world, barren of virtues, but abounding with vices. There was never any but Noah, that with two faces saw both before and behind. But that Ancient of days, to whom all things are present, hath here told us that the last shall be the worst.

Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1

III. (1) This know also.—Better rendered, But know this. The Apostle had warned Timothy (2 Timothy 2:3-13) not to allow fear of oncoming peril and trouble to paralyse his efforts in the Master’s cause, for the Lord’s true servant should never lose heart, and then had proceeded (2 Timothy 2:14-26) to detail how these efforts of his were to be directed, showing him how his teaching should stand in contrast with that of the false teachers. St. Paul now (2 Timothy 3:1), having told him that although there was no reason to fear, yet warns him that grave dangers to the Church would surely arise, and that God’s servants, like Timothy, must be prepared to combat. In the last days.—The majority of commentators have referred “the last days” here spoken of to the period immediately preceding the second coming of the Lord—a day and an hour somewhere in the future but hidden, not merely from all men, but from the angels, and even from the Son (Mark 13:32). It seems, however, more in accordance with such passages as 1 John 2:18 : “Little children, it is the last time”—where the present, and not an uncertain future is alluded to—to understand “the last days “as that period, probably of very long duration, extending from the days of the first coming of Messiah—in which time St. Paul lived—to the second coming of Christ in judgment. The Jewish Rabbis of the days of St. Paul were in the habit of speaking of two great periods of the world’s history—“this age,” and “the age to come.” The former of these, “this age,” including all periods up to Messiah’s advent; the latter, “the age to come,” including all periods subsequent to the appearance of Messiah. We find the same idea embodied later in the Talmud (treatise “Sanhedrim”) 6,000 years are mentioned as the duration of the world, 2,000 years, waste or chaos, 2,000 years under the law, 2,000 years the days of Messiah.” This last period, “the days of Messiah,” are often alluded to by the Hebrew prophets under the expression, “in the last days”—literally, in the end of days. (See Isaiah 2:2; Hosea 3:5; Micah 4:1.) The words of 2 Timothy 3:5, “from such turn away,” would require certainly a strained interpretation if we are to suppose that the “last days” referred to a time immediately preceding the end, or, in other words, the last period of the Christian era. The sad catalogue of vices is, alas, one with which all ages of the Church of Christ has been too well acquainted. The Christian teacher has no need to look forward to a future time of deeper iniquity, when in the Church of the living God will be found those who will deserve the dreary titles of this passage. The Church of his own age will supply him with examples of many such, for “In a great house . . .

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1

CHAPTER III. Dangerous times in the latter days, from the apostasy and wickedness of men, of whom an affecting description is given, 1-7. It shall happen to them as to Jannes and Jambres, who withstood Moses, 8, 9. The apostle speaks of his persecutions and sufferings, and shows that all those who will live a godly life must suffer persecution, 10-12, because evil men and seducers will wax worse and worse, 13. Timothy is exhorted to continue in the truths he had received, having known the Scriptures from a child, 14, 15. All Scripture is given by Divine inspiration, 16, 17. NOTES ON CHAP. III. Verse 1. In the last days] This often means the days of the Messiah, and is sometimes extended in its signification to the destruction of Jerusalem, as this was properly the last days of the Jewish state. But the phrase may mean any future time, whether near or distant.

Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 3:1

1–5. Appeal to Timothy for pure life in view of the worse days and lives to comeThe same three thoughts are still in St Paul’s mind, viz. (1) his own life’s work and suffering now closed, (2) Timothy’s life and teaching as the pattern still for other ministers, (3) the false teachers to be shunned and stopped. They are blended in an old man’s artless way as each is uppermost, (3) 2 Timothy 3:1-5; (2) 5; (3) 6–9; (2) 10; (1) 10–12; (3) 13; (2) 14–17. But the main central thought—anxiety for Timothy—comes in, after the others, three times.The connexion with chap. 2. seems to be: ‘do your best to win back those who are only in the first stage of opposition (see 2 Timothy 2:25, ‘those that are setting themselves contentiously’); there will be men ere long too far gone for this in evil living and false teaching; from these there is no help for it but to turn away.’

Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 3:1

This know also - The “object” of this reference to the perilous times which were to occur, was evidently to show the necessity of using every precaution to preserve the purity of the church, from the

Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1

III. OF THE AT THE CLOSE OF THE AGE, AND OF TIMOTHY AGAINST IT, 2 Timothy 3:1-17.1. False and demoralized character of the coming heretics, 2 Timothy 3:1-9.1. This know—Of this prediction we may note, 1.

Sermons on 2 Timothy 3:1

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill 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
Derek Prince 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
Major Ian Thomas 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
David Wilkerson 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
Zac Poonen (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
Dwight Pentecost 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
Russell Kelfer 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

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