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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm" title="2 Timothy 2:26">◄</a> 2 Timothy 3:1 <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm" title="2 Timothy 3:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_timothy/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_timothy/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_timothy/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But realize this, that in <i>the</i> last days difficult times will be present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_timothy/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_timothy/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_timothy/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_timothy/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_timothy/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days difficult times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_timothy/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_timothy/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But know this: Hard times will come in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_timothy/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But know this: Difficult times will come in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_timothy/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_timothy/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard times. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_timothy/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_timothy/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You must understand this: In the last days there will be violent periods of time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_timothy/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_timothy/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />You must realize, however, that in the last days difficult times will come. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_timothy/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_timothy/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_timothy/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_timothy/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />This know also, that in the last days perilous times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But of this be assured: in the last days grievous times will set in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_timothy/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_timothy/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And know this, that in the last days there will come perilous times,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_timothy/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But realize this, that in <i>the</i> last days difficult times will be present.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_timothy/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And this know thou, that in the last days there shall come perilous times,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_timothy/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And this know, that in the last days difficult times shall interpose.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_timothy/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Know also this, that, in the last days, shall come dangerous times. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_timothy/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And know this: that in the last days perilous times will press near.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_timothy/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But understand this: there will be terrifying times in the last days.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_timothy/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_timothy/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />KNOW this: that in the last days disas trous times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_timothy/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But you should know this, that in the last days hard times will come.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_timothy/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days trying times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_timothy/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days perilous times shall come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_timothy/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />BUT this know, that in the last days distressing times will come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_timothy/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Take notice that in the latter days difficult incidents will arise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_timothy/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But of this be assured: in the last days grievous times will set in.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_timothy/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_timothy/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But this know, that in the last days there will be difficult times;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FxoCLii8Z48?start=411" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_timothy/3.htm">Evil in the Last Days</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: ginōske (V-PMA-2S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">understand</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this:</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">In</a> <a href="/greek/2078.htm" title="2078: eschatais (Adj-DFP) -- Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.">the last</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerais (N-DFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">days</a> <a href="/greek/5467.htm" title="5467: chalepoi (Adj-NMP) -- Perhaps from chalao through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, i.e. Dangerous, or furious.">terrible</a> <a href="/greek/2540.htm" title="2540: kairoi (N-NMP) -- Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.">times</a> <a href="/greek/1764.htm" title="1764: enstēsontai (V-FIM-3P) -- From en and histemi; to place on hand, i.e. impend, be instant.">will come.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">2</span>For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a></span><br />Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a></span><br />Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">2 Peter 3:3</a></span><br />Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-18.htm">Jude 1:18</a></span><br />when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-18.htm">1 John 2:18</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-9.htm">Luke 21:9-11</a></span><br />When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.” / Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. / There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Romans 1:29-31</a></span><br />They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. / They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/13-19.htm">Mark 13:19-20</a></span><br />For those will be days of tribulation unseen from the beginning of God’s creation until now, and never to be seen again. / If the Lord had not cut short those days, nobody would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom He has chosen, He has cut them short.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/12-1.htm">Daniel 12:1</a></span><br />“At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/30-7.htm">Jeremiah 30:7</a></span><br />How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-16.htm">Ezekiel 38:16</a></span><br />You will advance against My people Israel like a cloud covering the land. It will happen in the latter days, O Gog, that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy in you before their eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/14-1.htm">Zechariah 14:1-2</a></span><br />Behold, a day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided in your presence. / For I will gather all the nations for battle against Jerusalem, and the city will be captured, the houses looted, and the women ravished. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be removed from the city.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.</p><p class="hdg">in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3</a></b></br> 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;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/49-1.htm">Genesis 49:1</a></b></br> And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you <i>that</i> which shall befall you in the last days.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass in the last days, <i>that</i> the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.</p><p class="hdg">perilous.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/7-8.htm">Daniel 7:8,20-25</a></b></br> I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn <i>were</i> eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/8-8.htm">Daniel 8:8-14</a></b></br> Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/11-36.htm">Daniel 11:36-45</a></b></br> And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/4-12.htm">Assured</a> <a href="/acts/15-19.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-17.htm">Last</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-7.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-6.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/jeremiah/19-9.htm">Stress</a> <a href="/luke/21-11.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-16.htm">Times</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-24.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-7.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_timothy/3-14.htm">Assured</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Difficult</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-20.htm">Last</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-11.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-11.htm">Realize</a> <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Stress</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-21.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-2.htm">Times</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">2 Timothy 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Paul advises Timothy of the difficult times to come;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">describes the enemies of the truth;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/3-10.htm">explains unto him his own example;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">and commends the holy Scriptures;</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_timothy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_timothy/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But understand this:</b><br>This phrase serves as a direct and emphatic call to attention. Paul is urging Timothy to grasp the seriousness of what he is about to say. The use of "understand" implies a need for discernment and awareness, suggesting that the following message is of great importance. This is consistent with Paul's pastoral concern for Timothy, as seen throughout the epistle, where he encourages Timothy to be vigilant and steadfast in his faith (<a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">2 Timothy 1:6-7</a>).<p><b>In the last days:</b><br>The term "last days" is a biblical expression that refers to the period between Christ's first and second coming. It is a time characterized by both the fulfillment of God's promises and the presence of challenges and opposition. This phrase is used in other parts of the New Testament, such as in <a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Acts 2:17</a> and <a href="/hebrews/1-2.htm">Hebrews 1:2</a>, to describe the era inaugurated by Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Theologically, it encompasses the entire church age, highlighting the urgency and expectation of Christ's return.<p><b>terrible times will come:</b><br>The "terrible times" mentioned here are indicative of moral and spiritual decline. The Greek word used for "terrible" can also mean "difficult" or "dangerous," suggesting that these times will be marked by significant challenges for believers. This aligns with Jesus' warnings in <a href="/matthew/24.htm">Matthew 24</a> about the trials and tribulations that will precede His return. Historically, the early church faced persecution and false teachings, which are reflective of the "terrible times" Paul describes. This phrase serves as a reminder for believers to remain faithful and prepared, drawing strength from Christ, who is the ultimate source of hope and endurance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and warnings about future challenges.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/timothy.htm">Timothy</a></b><br>A young pastor and protégé of Paul, recipient of the letter, tasked with leading the church in Ephesus.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a></b><br>The city where Timothy was leading the church, known for its diverse culture and challenges to Christian teachings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_last_days.htm">The Last Days</a></b><br>A period referred to in the New Testament, often associated with the time between Christ's ascension and His second coming.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/terrible_times.htm">Terrible Times</a></b><br>A prophetic warning about moral and spiritual decline, characterized by difficult and perilous circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_and_discernment.htm">Awareness and Discernment</a></b><br>Christians should be aware of the signs of the times and exercise discernment in recognizing moral and spiritual decline.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_faith.htm">Perseverance in Faith</a></b><br>Despite the challenges of the last days, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/moral_integrity.htm">Moral Integrity</a></b><br>In the face of societal decay, Christians must uphold biblical values and live lives that reflect the character of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>The church should be a place of encouragement and support, helping believers navigate the difficulties of the last days together.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/evangelistic_urgency.htm">Evangelistic Urgency</a></b><br>Understanding the times should motivate believers to share the gospel with urgency, knowing that the days are short.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_timothy_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_affect_the_end_times'_timing.htm">Can our actions influence the timing of the end times?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_label_2_tim_3_1-5_traits_as_unique.htm">In 2 Timothy 3:1–5, how can we label these behaviors as uniquely “last days” traits when similar conduct is observable in every era of human history? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_doomsday.htm">What are the Bible's views on doomsday predictions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_those_who_love_him_like_the_sun.htm">Can our actions influence the timing of the end times?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_timothy/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">III.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">This know also.</span>--Better rendered, <span class= "ital">But know this.</span> The Apostle had warned Timothy (<a href="/context/2_timothy/2-3.htm" title="You therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.">2Timothy 2:3-13</a>) 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 (<a href="/context/2_timothy/2-14.htm" title="Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.">2Timothy 2:14-26</a>) 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 (<a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm" title="This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.">2Timothy 3:1</a>), having told him that although there was no reason to fear, yet warns him that grave dangers to the Church <span class= "ital">would</span> surely arise, and that God's servants, like Timothy, must be prepared to combat.<p><span class= "bld">In the last days.</span>--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 (<a href="/mark/13-32.htm" title="But of that day and that hour knows no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.">Mark 13:32</a>).<p>It seems, however, more in accordance with such passages as <a href="/1_john/2-18.htm" title="Little children, it is the last time: and as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.">1John 2:18</a> : "Little children, it is the last time"--where <span class= "ital">the present, </span>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, <span class= "ital">in the end of days.</span> (See <a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm" title="And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.">Isaiah 2:2</a>; <a href="/hosea/3-5.htm" title="Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.">Hosea 3:5</a>; <a href="/micah/4-1.htm" title="But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow to it.">Micah 4:1</a>.) The words of <a href="/2_timothy/3-5.htm" title="Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.">2Timothy 3:5</a>, "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 . . . are there not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood, and earth, and some to honour and some to dishonour." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_timothy/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="accented">But know this</span> for <span class="accented">this know also</span>, A.V.; <span class="accented">grievous</span> for <span class="accented">perilous</span>, A.V. <span class="cmt_word">Grievous times</span> (<span class="greek">καιροὶ χαλεποί</span>). "Grievous" is not a very good rendering. "Perilous," though in some contexts it is a right rendering, is a little too restricted here. "Difficult," "trying," "uneasy," or the like, is nearer the sense. They are times when a Christian hardly knows which way to turn or what to do. He has to live under a constant sense of hindrance and difficulty of one sort or another. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_timothy/3-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">But</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understand</span><br /><span class="grk">γίνωσκε</span> <span class="translit">(ginōske)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this:</span><br /><span class="grk">Τοῦτο</span> <span class="translit">(Touto)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">In</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] last</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐσχάταις</span> <span class="translit">(eschatais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2078.htm">Strong's 2078: </a> </span><span class="str2">Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">days</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμέραις</span> <span class="translit">(hēmerais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">terrible</span><br /><span class="grk">χαλεποί</span> <span class="translit">(chalepoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5467.htm">Strong's 5467: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps from chalao through the idea of reducing the strength; difficult, i.e. Dangerous, or furious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">times</span><br /><span class="grk">καιροὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kairoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2540.htm">Strong's 2540: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fitting season, season, opportunity, occasion, time. Of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. Set or proper time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will come.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐνστήσονται</span> <span class="translit">(enstēsontai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1764.htm">Strong's 1764: </a> </span><span class="str2">From en and histemi; to place on hand, i.e. impend, be instant.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">NT Letters: 2 Timothy 3:1 But know this that in the last (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_timothy/2-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Timothy 2:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 2:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Timothy 3:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Timothy 3:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>