Devine Scripture

2 Timothy 3:1

What does 2 Timothy 3:1 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Timothy 3:1 means

Paul alerts Timothy to expect seasons of intense difficulty before the end. These “last days” are not a brief moment only at the very end, but the climactic era in which the church lives until Christ returns. In such times, pressures mount, sin grows bold, and faith is tested. The point is not to frighten Timothy, but to sober him. Ministry will not be carried on in easy conditions; God’s servants must be prepared for cultural headwinds and personal trials. Paul wants Timothy to read the times rightly and anchor his courage, not in circumstances, but in the unchanging Lord who forewarns and therefore equips his people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But be certain of this, that in the last days times of trouble will come.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And this know thou, that in the last days there shall come perilous times,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Know also this, that in the last days shall come dangerous times.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But this know, that in [the] last days difficult times shall be there;

Context

This opening verse frames the entire section that follows (verses 2–9), where Paul catalogs the moral chaos that marks the “grievous times.” The warning prepares Timothy to recognize what he will face in his pastoral work. After detailing the character of such days, Paul will pivot to Timothy’s steadfastness and the sufficiency of Scripture (verses 10–17). Knowing the context of hardship makes the later call to endurance and reliance on God’s Word both urgent and realistic.

v.1This passage

v.2For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 49:1

    And Jacob called unto his sons, and said: Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the latter days.

  • 2 Timothy 4:3

    For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;

  • Daniel 7:20

    and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows.

  • 1 John 2:18

    Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.

  • Daniel 11:36

    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 he shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done.

  • Revelation 8:1

    And when he opened the seventh seal, there followed a silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

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