2 Timothy 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 Timothy 3:1 in other translations
| BSB | But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. |
|---|---|
| WEB | But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. |
| ASV | But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. |
| YLT | And this know thou, that in the last days there shall come perilous times, |
| DARBY | But this know, that in the last days difficult times shall be there; |
| BBE | But be certain of this, that in the last days times of trouble will come. |
| Webster | This know also, that in the last days perilous times will come. |
What does 2 Timothy 3:1 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER.
IN the first part of this chapter, 2Ti 3:1-8, Paul reminds Timothy of the great apostasy which was to be expected in the church, and states some of the characteristics of it. In 2Ti 3:9, he says that that apostasy would not always continue; but would be at some time arrested, and so arrested as to show to all men the folly of those who were concerned in it. In 2Ti 3:10,11, he refers Timothy to his own manner of life in the midst of persecutions, as an encouragement to him to bear the trials which might be expected to occur to him in a similar manner. "Perilous times" were to come, and Timothy might be expected to be called to pass through trials similar to those which Paul himself had experienced. In those times the remembrance of his example would be invaluable. In 2Ti 3:12,13, he assures Timothy that persecutions and trials were to be expected by all who aimed to lead holy lives, and that it was as certainly to be expected that evil men would become worse and worse. And in 2Ti 3:14-17, he exhorts him to be steadfast in maintaining the truth; and to encourage him to do this, reminds him of his early training in the Holy Scriptures, and of the value of those Scriptures. To the Scriptures he might repair in all times of trial, and find support in the Divine promises. What he had learned there was the inspired truth of God, and was able to make him wise, and to furnish him abundantly for all that he was to do or to suffer.
Verse 1. This know also. The object of this reference to the perilous times which were to occur, was evidently to show the necessity of using every precaution to preserve the purity of the church, from the fact that such sad scenes were to open upon it. The apostle had dwelt upon this subject in his first epistle to Timothy, 1Timm 4, but its importance leads him to advert to it again.
In the last days. Under the gospel dispensation; some time in that period during which the affairs of the world will be closed up. 1Timm 4:1, Heb 1:2.
Perilous times shall come. Times of danger, of persecution, and of trial. On the general meaning of this passage, and the general characteristics of those times, the reader may consult 2Thes 2:1; seq. 1Timm 4:1, seq. There can be no doubt that in all these passages the apostle refers to the same events.
(b) "that" 1Timm 4:1, 2Pet 3:3, 1Jn 2:18, Jude 1:17,18
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Introduction
Dangerous times in the latter days, from the apostasy and wickedness of men, of whom an affecting description is given, 2Tim 3:1-7. It shall happen to them as to Jannes and Jambres, who withstood Moses, 2Tim 3:8, 2Tim 3:9. The apostle speaks of his persecutions and sufferings, and shows that all those who will live a godly life must suffer persecution, 2Tim 3:10-12, because evil men and seducers will wax worse and worse, 2Tim 3:13. Timothy is exhorted to continue in the truths he had received, having known the Scriptures from a child, 2Tim 3:14, 2Tim 3:15. All Scripture is given by Divine inspiration, 2Tim 3:16, 2Tim 3:17. Verse 1 In the last days - This often means the days of the Messiah, and is sometimes extended in its signification to the destruction of Jerusalem, as this was properly the last days of the Jewish state. But the phrase may mean any future time, whether near or distant.Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:1-9
Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain
2 Timothy 3:1 in the original Greek
Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.
Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).
Cross references for 2 Timothy 3:1
- 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 4:1-3
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; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 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 2:3-12
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; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. …
- Jude 1:17
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
- Micah 4:1
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 unto it.
- Isaiah 2:2
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 unto it.
- Jeremiah 49:39
But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the Lord.
- Daniel 12:11
And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
- Revelation 8:1-13
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. …
- Ezekiel 38:16
And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.
Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
6 describes the enemies of the truth;
10 propounds unto him his own example;
16 and commends the holy scriptures;
in.
4:3; Ge 49:1; Isa 2:2; Jer 48:47; 49:39; Eze 38:16; Da 10:14; Ho 3:5
Mic 4:1; 1Ti 4:1; 2Pe 3:3; 1Jo 2:18; Jude 1:17
perilous.
Da 7:8,20-25; 8:8-14; 11:36-45; 12:1,7,11; 2Th 2:3-12; 1Ti 4:1-3
Re 8:1-17:18
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain
Context
- 2 Timothy 3:1
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
- 2 Timothy 3:2
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
2 Timothy 3:1 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | ESTO también sepas, que en los postreros días vendrán tiempos peligrosos: |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Or sache ceci, que dans les derniers jours il surviendra des temps fâcheux; |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Dieses aber wisse, daß in den letzten Tagen schwere Zeiten da sein werden; |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Hoc autem scito, quod in novissimis diebus instabunt tempora periculosa: |