2 Timothy 3:1

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

This {G5124} know {G1097} also {G1161}, that {G3754} in {G1722} the last {G2078} days {G2250} perilous {G5467} times {G2540} shall come {G1764}.

Moreover, understand this: in the acharit-hayamim will come trying times.

But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.

But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.

The Apostle Paul, nearing the end of his life and ministry, imparts a solemn warning to his beloved spiritual son, Timothy, in 2 Timothy 3:1. This verse serves as a crucial preface to a detailed prophecy concerning the moral and spiritual decline that will characterize a specific period in human history.

Context

Written as Paul's final pastoral letter, 2 Timothy is a deeply personal and urgent communication to the young minister, Timothy. Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in sound doctrine, to endure hardship, and to faithfully carry on the work of the gospel amidst increasing opposition and spiritual decay. Chapter 3 begins a stark warning about the nature of the "last days," providing a vivid contrast to the virtuous life Paul encourages. This prophecy is not merely a prediction of the distant future but a call to vigilance and faithfulness for believers living in these challenging times.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Prophecy of Difficult Times: The primary message is a clear foretelling of future hardship and moral degradation. Paul emphasizes that these conditions are not merely possible but certain to "come."
  • The "Last Days": This phrase, eschatais hemerais in Greek, refers to the entire period from Christ's first coming until His second coming, the Christian dispensation, or the "last times" of human history as we know it. It signifies a climactic era marked by increasing spiritual conflict and societal challenges, as foretold by prophets (see Acts 2:17).
  • "Perilous Times": The Greek word for "perilous" is chalepos (χαλεπός), which means "difficult," "grievous," "fierce," or "dangerous." This word is also used to describe the demon-possessed men in Matthew 8:28 as "exceeding fierce." This highlights the intense, severe, and even violent nature of the difficulties Paul anticipates, setting the stage for the specific characteristics of ungodly behavior described in 2 Timothy 3:2-5.

Linguistic Insights

The word "perilous" (Greek: chalepos) is significant. Its rarity in the New Testament, coupled with its use to describe something "exceeding fierce" or "hard to deal with," underscores the severity of the coming times. It suggests not just general difficulty, but a profound moral and spiritual danger that will be hard to navigate. The phrase "last days" (Greek: eschatais hemerais) points to a final epoch, indicating that the signs described are characteristic of the end of the age, a period of heightened spiritual warfare and testing.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a sober warning and a call to preparedness for believers. It encourages:

  • Spiritual Awareness: Christians should not be surprised by the increasing moral decline and opposition to faith. Paul's prophecy helps us understand the spiritual climate of our world.
  • Vigilance and Discipleship: Knowing that such times will come compels believers to be vigilant, to hold fast to sound doctrine, and to actively disciple others, strengthening the church against the onslaught of these "perilous" conditions.
  • Endurance and Hope: While the times are difficult, this warning is not meant to instill fear but to equip believers for endurance. Our hope remains in Christ's ultimate victory and the sustaining power of God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 3:3

    ¶ Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts,

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

  • 1 Timothy 4:3

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

  • 1 John 2:18

    ¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3

    ¶ Let no man deceive you by any means: for [that day shall not come], except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:12

    That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
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