2 Timothy 3:3

KJV

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

KJV (with Strong's)

Without natural affection {G794}, trucebreakers {G786}, false accusers {G1228}, incontinent {G193}, fierce {G434}, despisers of those that are good {G865},

Complete Jewish Bible

heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, uncontrolled, brutal, hateful of good,

Berean Standard Bible

unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good,

American Standard Version

without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Timothy 3:3 presents a stark portrait of moral and relational decay characteristic of the "last days," as described by the Apostle Paul. This verse enumerates a series of deeply troubling vices, including a profound absence of familial love, an ingrained unreliability in agreements, a propensity for malicious slander, a pervasive lack of self-control, a brutal and untamed disposition, and an active disdain for all that is good and virtuous. It serves as a sobering warning to Timothy and to the church throughout history, highlighting the spiritual and ethical challenges that will define the end times and emphasizing the stark contrast between worldly depravity and godly living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Paul's urgent warning to Timothy regarding the "perilous times" (χαλεποὶ καιροί, *chalepoi kairoi*) that will mark the "last days" (2 Timothy 3:1). Paul begins this catalogue of vices in [2 Timothy 3:2](/2_timothy/3-2 "2 Timothy 3:2 - Characteristics of the Last Days"), describing individuals as self-lovers, money-lovers, boastful, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, and unholy. Verse 3 continues this escalating list of moral degradation, moving from personal vices to those that actively disrupt social and familial bonds. The entire section from [2 Timothy 3:1-5](/2_timothy/3-1-5 "2 Timothy 3:1-5 - The Perilous Times") forms a cohesive unit, painting a comprehensive picture of the spiritual and ethical landscape believers will navigate, culminating in the warning to "turn away from such people" ([2 Timothy 3:5](/2_timothy/3-5 "2 Timothy 3:5 - Avoiding Hypocrisy")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote 2 Timothy during his final imprisonment in Rome, likely around 66-67 AD, facing imminent martyrdom. The letter reflects his deep concern for the future of the church and Timothy's leadership in a challenging environment. The vices listed in [2 Timothy 3:1-5](/2_timothy/3-1-5 "2 Timothy 3:1-5 - The Perilous Times") were not entirely new to the Greco-Roman world, which, despite its philosophical advancements, was rife with moral corruption, social injustices, and a breakdown of traditional values. Concepts like *pietas* (duty to family, gods, and state) were foundational but often undermined in practice. The "trucebreakers" (áspondos) would have been particularly shocking in a culture where treaties and oaths, often sealed with libations, were sacrosanct for maintaining social order and trust. The absence of "natural affection" (ástorgos) would strike at the heart of the family unit, a cornerstone of both Roman and Jewish society. Paul's list, therefore, describes an exacerbation of existing human depravity, indicating a profound spiritual decline that would be particularly pronounced in the eschatological era.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [2 Timothy 3](/2_timothy/3 "2 Timothy 3 - Perilous Times and God's Word") is the **moral and spiritual degeneration** that will characterize the "last days." Verse 3 specifically contributes to this by highlighting the **breakdown of fundamental human relationships and societal trust**. The absence of "natural affection" and the presence of "trucebreakers" speak to a profound erosion of familial bonds and contractual reliability, leading to a fragmented and unreliable society. Furthermore, the descriptions of being "fierce" and "despisers of those that are good" underscore a pervasive **rejection of virtue and goodness**, demonstrating an active hostility towards righteousness and those who embody it. This reflects a deep-seated spiritual rebellion against God's moral order, contrasting sharply with the call for believers to embody the [fruit of the Spirit](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit") even amidst such corruption.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Without natural affection (Greek, _ástorgos'_):** This term, derived from the Greek negative particle 'a' (meaning "not") and 'storge' (familial love), denotes a profound lack of the natural, instinctive affection that family members should have for one another. It signifies a hard-heartedness towards kindred, indicating a breakdown in the most basic and foundational human relationships. This is not merely an absence of love, but an active coldness or indifference to those with whom one should share the deepest bonds.
* **Trucebreakers (Greek, _áspondos'_):** Literally meaning "without a libation," this word refers to those who are unwilling to enter into or keep treaties, covenants, or agreements. Libations (drink offerings) often accompanied the solemnization of treaties in the ancient world, symbolizing the binding nature of the agreement. Thus, "trucebreakers" are those who are faithless, unreliable, and treacherous, demonstrating an utter disregard for oaths and promises, thereby destroying the very fabric of trust necessary for any society.
* **False accusers (Greek, _diábolos'_):** This is the plural form of the Greek word from which we derive "devil." It describes individuals who are slanderers, malicious gossips, or traducers. Like Satan, who is the "accuser of the brethren" ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser of the Brethren")), these individuals actively seek to undermine and destroy others' reputations through lies and calumny, motivated by envy and malice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Without natural affection":** This phrase describes a chilling absence of *storge*, the deep, instinctive love that should bind family members together. It points to a profound hardening of the heart, where basic human empathy and care for one's own kin are absent, leading to fractured homes and societal instability.
* **"trucebreakers":** This refers to individuals who are utterly unreliable and untrustworthy. They disregard oaths, covenants, and agreements, demonstrating a profound lack of integrity. Their word cannot be trusted, making genuine community and cooperation impossible.
* **"false accusers":** This denotes those who engage in malicious slander and baseless accusations. Like the devil, they seek to destroy reputations and sow discord through lies and calumny, reflecting a spirit of destructive malice rather than truth or justice.
* **"incontinent":** This describes a lack of self-control, an inability to restrain one's passions, desires, or impulses. It points to an unbridled nature, where individuals are slaves to their appetites and whims, leading to recklessness and moral dissolution.
* **"fierce":** This term signifies a savage, brutal, or untamed disposition. It indicates a lack of gentleness, humanity, or civility, suggesting a readiness to resort to violence or cruelty without compunction, reflecting an animalistic or wild nature.
* **"despisers of those that are good":** This phrase identifies those who actively hate, scorn, or are hostile towards virtue, righteousness, and those who embody moral excellence. It's not merely an indifference to good, but an active aversion and opposition to it, preferring wickedness and darkness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse to emphasize the profound moral decay he describes. The entire list functions as a **catalogue** or **vices list**, a common rhetorical device in ancient literature and Pauline epistles (cf. [Romans 1:29-31](/romans/1-29-31 "Romans 1:29-31 - A List of Vices")). This cumulative enumeration builds a stark and overwhelming picture of depravity. Many of the terms are formed with the Greek **alpha privative** (e.g., *ástorgos*, *áspondos*, *akratḗs*, *anḗmeros*, *aphilágathos*), indicating a *lack* or *absence* of a positive quality. This repeated use of **negation** underscores the deficit of virtue and the inversion of godly character. The progression of vices, from the personal ("without natural affection," "incontinent") to the relational ("trucebreakers," "false accusers") and finally to a profound spiritual hostility ("despisers of those that are good"), creates a sense of escalating **degeneration** and **antithesis** to the godly character Paul consistently promotes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The vices listed in 2 Timothy 3:3 are not merely social ills but deep-seated spiritual maladies, reflecting a profound alienation from God and His moral order. The absence of natural affection, the breaking of trust, the malicious slandering, the lack of self-control, the fierce brutality, and the active disdain for goodness all stem from a heart that has rejected divine love and truth. These traits stand in stark opposition to the character of God, who is love, faithfulness, and the source of all goodness. Theologically, this verse underscores the pervasive nature of human depravity when left unchecked by divine grace, illustrating the world's need for redemption and transformation. It highlights the spiritual battle between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness, where the latter manifests in such destructive behaviors.

* [Romans 1:29-31](/romans/1-29-31 "Romans 1:29-31 - The Depravity of Humanity")
* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")
* [Matthew 24:12](/matthew/24-12 "Matthew 24:12 - The Cooling of Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly marked by the very characteristics Paul describes in 2 Timothy 3:3, this verse serves as both a sobering warning and a powerful call to counter-cultural living for believers. We are called not to despair at the moral decline around us, but to recognize it as a sign of the times and to respond with intentionality and spiritual fortitude. This means actively cultivating the opposite virtues: demonstrating genuine, sacrificial love within our families and communities, being people of unwavering integrity and trustworthiness, speaking truth in love rather than engaging in slander, exercising diligent self-control in all areas of life, embodying gentleness and compassion, and passionately loving and pursuing all that is good and righteous. Our lives, transformed by the Gospel, are meant to be a stark contrast to the world's decay, shining as lights in the darkness and offering a tangible witness to the power of Christ to redeem and restore.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I see the characteristics listed in 2 Timothy 3:3 manifesting in the world around me today?**
* **How can I personally cultivate "natural affection," trustworthiness, self-control, and a love for what is good, thereby living in contrast to these vices?**
* **What specific steps can I take to guard my heart and mind against adopting any of these negative traits, even subtly?**
* **How does understanding these "perilous times" inform my prayers and my engagement with culture as a follower of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Are the characteristics in 2 Timothy 3:3 only for the "last days" or are they always present?**

Answer: While Paul specifically links these characteristics to the "last days" or "perilous times" ([2 Timothy 3:1](/2_timothy/3-1 "2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times")), it's important to understand that human sinfulness and depravity have been present throughout history. These vices are manifestations of the fallen human nature described in passages like [Romans 3:10-18](/romans/3-10-18 "Romans 3:10-18 - No One Is Righteous"). What Paul suggests is that in the "last days," these negative traits will become more pervasive, pronounced, and perhaps even normalized, reaching a critical mass that signifies a profound spiritual and moral decline before Christ's return. Therefore, while the seeds of these sins are always present, their widespread and intensified manifestation is a hallmark of the end times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The bleak picture painted in 2 Timothy 3:3, detailing a world devoid of natural affection, trust, and self-control, finds its ultimate counterpoint and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Where humanity is "without natural affection," Christ perfectly embodies divine love, demonstrating ultimate affection by laying down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")) and even for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). As "trucebreakers" shatter trust, Christ is the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), the very embodiment of God's covenant faithfulness, whose promises are "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Against "false accusers," Christ was Himself falsely accused and slandered ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Accusations Against Jesus")), yet He responded with truth and grace, ultimately disarming the great accuser, Satan, through His victory on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Where humanity is "incontinent" and "fierce," Christ perfectly exercised self-control and exhibited unparalleled gentleness and humility, even in the face of immense suffering ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example of Suffering")). Finally, for those who are "despisers of those that are good," Christ is the ultimate Good Shepherd ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")), the source of all goodness and righteousness, who calls His followers to love what is good and to live righteously through the power of the Holy Spirit, transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, Christ not only exposes the depth of human depravity but also offers the divine remedy, empowering believers to live lives that stand in stark, redemptive contrast to the darkness of the "last days."

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

Jude 1:18

How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.

Romans 1:31

Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

Matthew 10:21

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

2 Peter 2:14

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

Daniel 8:23

And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

1 Timothy 3:11

Even so [must their] wives [be] grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

Matthew 4:1

¶ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.