2 Timothy 3:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul delivers a solemn and urgent warning to his spiritual son, Timothy, predicting a future era marked by profound moral decay and intense spiritual opposition. This pivotal verse serves as a crucial preface to a detailed prophecy, establishing the certainty that "perilous times" will indeed characterize the "last days," thereby preparing believers for the challenges inherent in living faithfully within such a deteriorating world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/3 "2 Timothy - Paul's Final Charge") is Paul’s final epistle, penned from a Roman prison cell shortly before his martyrdom. It carries an urgent, personal, and deeply pastoral tone, serving as a charge to his beloved protégé, Timothy, to remain steadfast in the faith, guard the truth, and faithfully carry on the work of the gospel. Chapter 3 begins a stark shift in focus from personal encouragement and doctrinal instruction to a prophetic warning. Verses [2 Timothy 3:1-5](/2_timothy/3-1-5 "2 Timothy 3:1-5 - Characteristics of Perilous Times") detail the specific characteristics of the moral and spiritual decline, providing a vivid contrast to the virtuous life Paul has consistently encouraged throughout the letter (e.g., [2 Timothy 2:22](/2_timothy/2-22 "2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee Youthful Lusts")). This warning is not merely a prediction but a foundational premise for Paul’s subsequent exhortations to Timothy to hold fast to Scripture and endure hardship ([2 Timothy 3:14-17](/2_timothy/3-14-17 "2 Timothy 3:14-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul writes this letter from a time of intense persecution under Emperor Nero, where Christians were increasingly marginalized and martyred. The early church was already grappling with internal heresies and external pressures. While [2 Timothy 3:1](/2_timothy/3-1 "2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times in the Last Days") points to a future period, it resonates with the immediate challenges Timothy and the early church faced. The Greco-Roman world was characterized by a complex mix of philosophical schools, pagan religions, and social structures that often clashed with Christian ethics. Paul's warning about "perilous times" would have been understood against a backdrop of societal moral relativism, a burgeoning cult of personality, and the ever-present threat of imperial opposition, all of which foreshadowed the spiritual dangers he describes.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate [2 Timothy](/2_timothy/3 "2 Timothy - Paul's Final Charge") and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the **certainty of spiritual decline** in the "last days," a concept rooted in Old Testament prophecy and reinforced by Jesus' teachings (e.g., [Matthew 24:12](/matthew/24-12 "Matthew 24:12 - Lawlessness Will Abound")). Another key theme is **endurance in the face of apostasy**. Paul's warning aims not to instill fear but to equip believers for perseverance, urging them to remain steadfast in sound doctrine and godly living despite increasing opposition ([2 Timothy 2:3](/2_timothy/2-3 "2 Timothy 2:3 - Endure Hardship")). Finally, the verse underscores the **importance of discernment**, preparing Timothy to recognize and resist the ungodly behaviors and false teachings that will characterize these difficult times, as further elaborated in [2 Timothy 3:2-5](/2_timothy/3-2-5 "2 Timothy 3:2-5 - Characteristics of Ungodly Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. Paul is not asking Timothy to simply acknowledge a fact, but to grasp it with conviction and understanding, preparing himself for its implications. It implies an awareness that shapes one's perspective and actions.
* **last (Greek, _éschatos_):** A superlative term meaning "farthest" or "final." When applied to time, it denotes the ultimate, conclusive period. In biblical eschatology, "the last days" refers to the entire period from Christ's first coming until His second coming, the Christian dispensation, signaling a climactic era of salvation history.
* **perilous (Greek, _chalepós_):** This adjective describes something "difficult," "grievous," "fierce," or "dangerous." Its rare use in the New Testament (also found in [Matthew 8:28](/matthew/8-28 "Matthew 8:28 - The Gerasene Demoniacs") to describe the "exceeding fierce" demon-possessed men) highlights the extreme, intense, and even violent nature of the difficulties anticipated. It suggests a time that is not just challenging, but profoundly hard to navigate and spiritually threatening.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This know also":** Paul begins with a direct, emphatic command, "This know," using the Greek particle _dé_ (here translated "also") to add emphasis or continuity to his previous instructions. It signals a crucial piece of information that Timothy must internalize and be fully aware of.
* **"that in the last days":** This phrase sets the temporal context for the warning. "The last days" refers to the eschatological period inaugurated by Christ's first advent and culminating in His second coming. It signifies the final era of human history before the full establishment of God's kingdom, a time characterized by both the outpouring of the Spirit and increasing spiritual conflict.
* **"perilous times shall come":** This is the core prophecy. The Greek verb _enístēmi_ ("shall come") means "to be at hand" or "to impend," indicating an inevitable and present reality or a certainty of arrival. The "perilous times" (Greek: _kairoi chalepoi_) are not merely difficult circumstances but specific "seasons" or "occasions" marked by severe, dangerous, and grievous moral and spiritual conditions, which Paul proceeds to describe in detail in the following verses.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Paul sets the stage for the detailed description of moral decay that follows in [2 Timothy 3:2-5](/2_timothy/3-2-5 "2 Timothy 3:2-5 - Characteristics of Ungodly Men"). The phrase "last days" functions as **eschatological language**, immediately signaling a theological context of ultimate times and divine judgment, drawing on a rich tradition of Old Testament prophecy concerning the end of the age. The use of the strong adjective **"perilous"** (chalepós) serves as a form of **hyperbole** or intense description, emphasizing the extreme nature of the coming difficulties, aligning with its rare usage elsewhere to describe fierce, uncontrollable forces. This stark warning creates a sense of **urgency** and **gravity**, preparing Timothy and future readers for the challenging spiritual landscape ahead.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prophecy of "perilous times" in the last days is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, underscoring God's sovereign knowledge of history and His preparation of His people. It speaks to the ongoing spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil, a conflict that intensifies as human history progresses towards its culmination. The moral degradation described is a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion against God's truth and a manifestation of the "mystery of lawlessness" at work ([2 Thessalonians 2:7](/2_thessalonians/2-7 "2 Thessalonians 2:7 - The Mystery of Lawlessness")). Yet, this warning is not given to induce despair but to equip believers with discernment and resilience, reminding them that God's plan will ultimately prevail, and His people are called to stand firm amidst the storm.

* [Matthew 24:12](/matthew/24-12 "Matthew 24:12 - Lawlessness Will Abound")
* [1 Timothy 4:1](/1_timothy/4-1 "1 Timothy 4:1 - Apostasy in Later Times")
* [2 Peter 3:3](/2_peter/3-3 "2 Peter 3:3 - Scoffers Will Come")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's warning in [2 Timothy 3:1](/2_timothy/3-1 "2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times in the Last Days") serves as a timeless call to spiritual vigilance for every generation, particularly those who perceive themselves to be living in "the last days." It encourages believers not to be surprised or disheartened by the increasing moral decline, societal unrest, and opposition to biblical truth, but rather to recognize these as signs fulfilling scriptural prophecy. This awareness should compel us to deepen our commitment to Christ, to cling more firmly to the unchanging truth of God's Word, and to live lives that stand in stark contrast to the surrounding darkness. It is a call to intentional discipleship, to fortify our own faith, and to faithfully transmit the gospel to others, understanding that our witness becomes even more critical in a world growing increasingly hostile to God. Instead of fear, this prophecy should cultivate a sober resolve and a renewed urgency for evangelism and godly living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the concept of "perilous times" change my perspective on current events and societal trends?**
* **In what specific ways can I personally prepare myself and my family to stand firm amidst the challenges of these "last days"?**
* **How can the church more effectively equip believers to live faithfully and courageously in a world characterized by the moral decay described in this passage?**

### FAQ
**What does "the last days" mean in this context?**

Answer: In biblical theology, "the last days" (Greek: _eschatais hēmerais_) refers to the entire period from the first coming of Jesus Christ until His second coming. It is the final dispensation of God's redemptive plan, inaugurated by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost ([Acts 2:17](/acts/2-17 "Acts 2:17 - The Spirit Poured Out")) and marked by the spread of the gospel, but also by increasing spiritual opposition and moral decay. It is not necessarily a short, finite period, but rather the climactic era of human history.

**What does "perilous" imply about the nature of these times?**

Answer: The Greek word for "perilous" is _chalepós_, which means "difficult," "grievous," "fierce," or "dangerous." It suggests a time that is not merely challenging, but intensely severe and hard to endure. This same word is used in [Matthew 8:28](/matthew/8-28 "Matthew 8:28 - The Gerasene Demoniacs") to describe the "exceeding fierce" demon-possessed men, highlighting the extreme, even violent, nature of the difficulties. It implies a moral and spiritual danger that will be profoundly difficult to navigate for believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Timothy 3:1](/2_timothy/3-1 "2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times in the Last Days") describes the escalating darkness of the "last days," its ultimate fulfillment and hope are profoundly centered in Christ. The very existence of "perilous times" underscores the necessity and triumph of Jesus' redemptive work. He is the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who takes away the sin of the world, providing the only antidote to the moral decay described. His first coming inaugurated these "last days," and His ongoing reign at the right hand of the Father means that even amidst rising lawlessness, He remains [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of kings and Lord of lords"). The spiritual warfare intensifies, but believers are not left defenseless; Christ has [overcome the world](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Has Overcome the World"), and His Spirit empowers them to stand firm ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Whole Armor of God")). Ultimately, the promise of "perilous times" points to the glorious hope of Christ's second coming, when He will finally and completely eradicate all evil, ushering in a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")). Thus, the warning serves not as a cause for despair, but as a call to fix our eyes on the One who has already secured the victory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.