2 Timothy 3:3
2 Timothy 3:3 in Multiple Translations
unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good,
Without natural love, bitter haters, saying evil of others, violent and uncontrolled, hating all good,
Heartless and unforgiving, they'll commit slander and have no self-control. Brutal people who hate what's good,
Without naturall affection, truce breakers, false accusers, intemperate, fierce, no louers at all of them which are good,
without natural affection, implacable, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, not lovers of those who are good,
without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good,
Without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Without affection, without peace, slanderers, incontinent, unmerciful, without kindness,
They will not even love their own family, nor agree with anybody (OR, they never forgive anyone). They will tell lies about people. They will not control what they say and do, nor allow anyone to control them. They will not love anything that is good.
They will be hard and cruel. They will remember the wrong things that other people do, and they will do payback to them. They will get wild easily, and they will never control themselves. They will always hate everything that is good.
Berean Standard Amplified — 2 Timothy 3:3
BSA
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Timothy 3:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
GRK
αστοργοι
ασπονδοι
διαβολοι
ακρατεις
ανημεροι
αφιλαγαθοι
αστοργοι
astorgos
G794
unfeeling
Adj-NPM
ασπονδοι
aspondos
G786
irreconcilable
Adj-NPM
διαβολοι
diabolos
G1228
devilish/the Devil
Adj-NPM
ακρατεις
akratēs
G193
intemperate
Adj-NPM
ανημεροι
anēmeros
G434
brutal
Adj-NPM
αφιλαγαθοι
aphilagathos
G865
hating good
Adj-NPM
Greek Word Study
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Greek Word Reference — 2 Timothy 3:3
αστοργοι
astorgos
G794
"unfeeling"
Adj-NPM
This word means being unfeeling or hard-hearted, especially towards family members. In Romans 1:31 and 2 Timothy 3:3, it describes people who lack natural affection. The KJV Bible translates it as 'without natural affection'.
Definition: ἄστοργος, -ον (στοργή, family affection, love of kindred, see: ἀγάπη) without natural affection: Rom.1:31, 2Ti.3:3 (MM, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: without natural affection See also: 2 Timothy 3:3; Romans 1:31.
ασπονδοι
aspondos
G786
"irreconcilable"
Adj-NPM
To be implacable means to be unable to make peace or be reconciled, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:3. It describes someone who refuses to forgive or make amends.
Definition: ἄσπονδος, -ον (σπονδή, a libation); __1. without truce (Thuc.). __2. admitting of no truce, implacable (Dem., al.): 2Ti.3:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: implacable, truce-breaker See also: 2 Timothy 3:3; Romans 1:31.
διαβολοι
diabolos
G1228
"devilish/the Devil"
Adj-NPM
The Greek word for the devil or a false accuser, used to describe Satan in the Bible, such as in Matthew 4:1 and Luke 4:2.
Definition: διάβολος, -ον (διαβάλλω, which see) [in LXX for שָׂטָן (as Job.1:6), exc. Est.7:4 8:1 (צַר, צָרַר) ;] slanderous, accusing falsely. As subst., ὁ, ἡ, δ.; __(a) generally (of. Es, ll. with), a slanderer, false accuser: 1Ti.3:6, 7 (CGT, in l., but see infr.) 3:11, 2Ti.3:3, Tit.2:3; __(b) as chiefly in LXX, of Satan, the Accuser, the Devil: Mat.4:1, 5, 8, 11 13:39 25:41, Luk.4:2, 3, 6, 13 8:12, Jhn.13:2, Act.10:38, Eph.4:27 6:11, 1Ti.3:6, 7 (but see supr.), 2Ti.2:26, Heb.2:14, Jas.4:7, 1Pe.5:8, Ju 9, Rev.2:10 12:9, 12 20:2, 10; εἶναι ἐκ τοῦ δ., Jhn.8:44, 1Jn.3:8; τέκνα τοῦ δ., 1Jn.3:10; υἱὸς, Act.13:10; metaphorically, of Judas, Jhn.6:70 (Cremer, 121; DCG, ii, 605).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: false accuser, devil, slanderer See also: 1 John 3:8; Luke 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8.
ακρατεις
akratēs
G193
"intemperate"
Adj-NPM
Being intemperate means lacking self-control, especially when it comes to desires or impulses. In 2 Timothy 3:3, Paul uses this word to describe people who are unable to control themselves. This word is about being powerless over one's own actions.
Definition: ἀκρατής, -ές (κράτος), [in LXX: Pro.27:20 * ;] __(a) powerless, impotent; __(b) in moral sense, lacking self-control, incontinent: 2Ti.3:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: incontinent See also: 2 Timothy 3:3.
ανημεροι
anēmeros
G434
"brutal"
Adj-NPM
The word brutal describes something savage or fierce, like in 2 Timothy 3:3. It refers to a lack of self-control or gentleness, often resulting in violent behavior.
Definition: ἀν-ήμερος, -ον (ἀ-, ἥμερο ), not tame, savage (MM, VGT, see word): 2Ti.3:3.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: fierce See also: 2 Timothy 3:3.
αφιλαγαθοι
aphilagathos
G865
"hating good"
Adj-NPM
Hating good describes someone who is hostile to virtue, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:3. It is the opposite of loving and doing good, and is considered a negative trait.
Definition: ἀ-φιλ-άγαθος, -ον without love of good: 2Ti.3:3 (not elsewhere in Gk. lit., but see MM, see word).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: despiser of those that are good See also: 2 Timothy 3:3.
Study Notes — 2 Timothy 3:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Timothy 3:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
- Sermons on 2 Timothy 3:3
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,
4traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jude 1:18 | when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.” |
| 2 | Romans 1:31 | They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. |
| 3 | Matthew 10:21 | Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. |
| 4 | 2 Peter 2:14 | Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed. |
| 5 | Matthew 4:1 | Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. |
| 6 | 1 Timothy 3:11 | In the same way, the women must be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in all things. |
| 7 | Daniel 8:23 | In the latter part of their reign, when the rebellion has reached its full measure, an insolent king, skilled in intrigue, will come to the throne. |
| 8 | Luke 10:16 | Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.” |
| 9 | Genesis 49:7 | Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. |
| 10 | Revelation 13:15 | The second beast was permitted to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship it to be killed. |
2 Timothy 3:3 Summary
In 2 Timothy 3:3, the Bible describes people who are unloving, unforgiving, and brutal, which is the opposite of how God wants us to live. As followers of Jesus, we are called to love and forgive others (Matthew 22:39, Matthew 6:14-15), and to live with self-control and kindness. By surrendering our lives to God and allowing His Spirit to work in us, we can develop a heart that is full of love, compassion, and gentleness, rather than one that is hard and unloving. This is evident when we compare our lives to the characteristics of a follower of Christ, as described in Galatians 5:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'unloving' in the context of 2 Timothy 3:3?
To be unloving means to lack concern or care for others, which is contrary to Jesus' command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (Matthew 22:39). This characteristic is a sign of a hardened heart.
How can someone be 'unforgiving' if Jesus teaches us to forgive?
While Jesus does teach us to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15), an unforgiving spirit refers to a refusal to let go of grudges and bitterness, which can lead to further conflict and harm. As Christians, we are called to extend forgiveness to others just as God has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:32).
What is meant by 'without self-control' in this verse?
Lacking self-control means being unable to regulate one's emotions, desires, or actions, which can lead to destructive behavior. This is in contrast to the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control (Galatians 5:23).
How can we recognize if we or someone else is 'brutal' in the way described in 2 Timothy 3:3?
A brutal person is one who is harsh, cruel, and lacks compassion towards others. This can manifest in verbal or physical abuse, and is contrary to the gentle and loving nature of Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I show love and kindness to those around me, especially those who may be difficult to get along with?
- Are there any areas in my life where I struggle with unforgiveness or bitterness, and how can I surrender these to God?
- How can I cultivate self-control in my own life, and what steps can I take to develop this fruit of the Spirit?
- What are some practical ways I can demonstrate a love of good and promote what is right and just in my community?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection,.... To parents, or children, or wife; parents thrusting their children into religious houses, cloisters, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Without natural affection , [ astorgoi (G794)] - love between parents and children, and similar relationships.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection; having no kindness for such as nature obligeth them to love and honour. Truce-breakers; men that will be held by no bonds or leagues. Or rather, implacable; so we translate the same Greek word, ; men so full of malice that they will admit no terms or covenants of peace. False accusers; Greek, devils, venting their malice by informing against and accusing others, without any regard to truth. Incontinent; intemperate, drunkards, gluttons, unclean persons, &c. Fierce; men without any gentleness, cruel. Despisers of those that are good; men that have no kindness for any good men, haters of them.
Trapp's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Ver. 3. Without natural affection, &c.] True Christians live soberly, as touching themselves, righteously toward men, and godly towards their God, Titus 2:12. But these antipodes are, as touching themselves, self-lovers, silver lovers, pleasure mongers, incontinent, boasters, proud, heady, high minded. As for their carriage towards others, they are blasphemers, disobedient to parents, without natural affection, truce breakers, or irreconcileable, ασπονδοι, false accusers, or devils, fierce or savage, despisers of those that are good, traitors, &c. And as to God, they are not lovers of God, but unthankful, unholy. And such dust heaps as these a man may find in every corner of the Church. Those who dwell directly opposite to each other on the globe, so that the soles of their feet are as it were planted against each other; esp. those who occupy this position in regard to us. �D
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
(3) Without natural affection.—Careless and regardless of the welfare of those connected with them by ties of blood. Trucebreakers.—Better rendered, implacable.False-accusers.—Or, slanderers. (See 1 Timothy 3:11.) Incontinent.—Having no control over the passions. Fierce.—Inhuman, savage, or merciless. Despisers of those that are good.—Better rendered, no lovers of good—that is, hostile to every good thought and work.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
Verse 3. Without natural affection] αστοργοι. Without that affection which parents bear to their young, and which the young bear to their parents. An affection which is common to every class of animals; consequently, men without it are worse than brutes. Truce-breakers] ασπονδοι. From α, negative, and σπονδη, a libation, because in making treaties libations both of blood and wine were poured out. The word means those who are bound by no promise, held by no engagement, obliged by no oath; persons who readily promise any thing, because they never intend to perform. False accusers] διαβολοι. Devils; but properly enough rendered false accusers, for this is a principal work of the devil. Slanderers; striving ever to ruin the characters of others.
Incontinent] ακρατεις. From α, negative, and κρατος, power. Those who, having sinned away their power of self-government, want strength to govern their appetites; especially those who are slaves to uncleanness. Fierce] ανημεροι. From α, negative, and ημερος, mild or gentle. Wild, impetuous, whatever is contrary to pliability and gentleness. Despisers of those that are good] αφιλαγαθοι. Not lovers of good men. Here is a remarkable advantage of the Greek over the English tongue, one word of the former expressing five or six of the latter. Those who do not love the good must be radically bad themselves.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Timothy 3:3
3. without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers] Or, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, another triad which starts from another breach of the same fifth commandment, the rending of the family ties of love, and advances to a breach of the sixth commandment in a refusal to make peace, and further of the ninth commandment in calumnious attacks and slanders. The threefold contrary spirit is in the same Sermon on the Mount, Luke 6:27, ‘love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you.’ The word for ‘unloving’ occurs only in Romans 1:31, the other similarities of which seem to suggest that St Paul may have it in his mind, and be sadly tracing the decline and fall of Christian men back to the old heathen state. The word for ‘unforgiving,’ means ‘unwilling to make a truce,’ the opposite of ‘peacemakers,’ Matthew 5:9. It has been wrongly introduced in Romans 1 from this place where only in N. T. it is found, though an ordinary classical word.incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good] Vicious or uncontrollable, unapproachable, unkindly to all good, a descending triad, in which the characters of the libertine, the churl, the worldling are painted. The three words occur nowhere else in N.T. But the exact opposites are found together in Titus 1:8, ‘temperate, a lover of hospitality, a lover of good.’
Barnes' Notes on 2 Timothy 3:3
Without natural affection - see the notes at Romans 1:31. Trucebreakers - The same word in Romans 1:31, is rendered “implacable;” see the notes at that verse.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:3
3. Truce-breakers—Who would seldom form any treaty, and disregard it if formed. Incontinent—Uncontrolling of themselves. Fierce—The reverse of mild, passionate and cruel.
Sermons on 2 Timothy 3:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God's Keeping by Aaron Hills | Aaron Hills preaches on the importance of God's keeping power and our responsibility to guard ourselves against backsliding. He emphasizes the need for constant trust, dependence o |
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The Twentieth Century Up to the World War by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein reflects on the false optimism and delusions of progress and peace that marked the dawn of the twentieth century, contrasting it with the harsh realities of |
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Jude - Pt 1 Believers Secure & Called by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to understand and experience the depth of God's peace, mercy, and love. He encourages the audience to grasp the assurance found in |
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How Our Suffering Glorifies God by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the call to embrace suffering for the sake of Christ, highlighting the need to endure persecution and hardships in order to display the glory of God's grace. |
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Separated From Our Loved Ones by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for si |
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Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up? by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the |
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(Prophecy) Prophecy in the New Testament by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of deception in relation to the second coming of Jesus. He highlights that Jesus himself warned about deception |