King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 3:1 Mean?

2 Timothy 3:1 in the King James Version says “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

2 Timothy 3:1 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, false: or, one who foments strife


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. Paul transitions to eschatological warning. "This know also" (touto de ginōske, τοῦτο δὲ γίνωσκε) commands certain knowledge—this isn't speculation but revealed truth Timothy must understand. "In the last days" (en eschatais hēmerais, ἐν ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις) refers to the entire period between Christ's first and second comings. From Pentecost forward, believers live in "last days" (Acts 2:17, Hebrews 1:2, 1 Peter 1:20). This isn't future prediction but present reality already unfolding.

"Perilous times shall come" (enstēsontai kairoi chalepo, ἐνστήσονται καιροὶ χαλεποί). Enistēmi (ἐνίστημι) means arrive, be present, come upon. Kairos (καιρός) means season, opportune time—not mere chronological time (chronos) but significant seasons. Chalepos (χαλεπός) means difficult, dangerous, hard to bear—used in Matthew 8:28 for demon-possessed men who were "exceedingly fierce." The last days will be characterized by dangerous, difficult seasons marked by false teaching and moral decline.

This warning isn't pessimistic but realistic. The church shouldn't expect increasing earthly triumph but should anticipate opposition, apostasy, and moral decay alongside gospel advance. Understanding this prevents disillusionment and prepares believers for spiritual warfare. The catalog of vices (vv. 2-5) specifies what makes these times "perilous."

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians expected Christ's imminent return. When He didn't return immediately, some questioned eschatological teachings (2 Peter 3:3-4). Paul corrects false expectations: the entire church age constitutes "last days," not merely the final moments before Christ's return. History vindicated Paul's warning—every era since has faced dangerous times of moral decline and false teaching. Yet Christ's kingdom advances despite opposition. The "last days" perspective provides realism: expect difficulty, but persevere in hope that Christ will return and establish His kingdom fully.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you recognize that you live in the 'last days,' and does this shape your expectations about cultural trends and church challenges?
  2. How does understanding that 'perilous times' characterize the entire church age help you avoid both naive optimism and cynical pessimism?
  3. What specific 'perilous' challenges face the contemporary church that require biblical wisdom and spiritual discernment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Τοῦτο1 of 10

This

G5124

that thing

δὲ2 of 10

also

G1161

but, and, etc

γίνωσκε3 of 10

know

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ὅτι4 of 10

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐν5 of 10

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἐσχάταις6 of 10

the last

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

ἡμέραις7 of 10

days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐνστήσονται8 of 10

shall come

G1764

to place on hand, i.e., (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant

καιροὶ9 of 10

times

G2540

an occasion, i.e., set or proper time

χαλεποί·10 of 10

perilous

G5467

difficult, i.e., dangerous, or (by implication) furious


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Timothy 3:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Timothy 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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