2 Timothy 3
King James Version (1769) · Tap a verse to see it in context
About this chapter
AI-assisted, sourced"In the last days perilous times shall come," when men will be "lovers of their own selves" and "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." Timothy has known Paul's doctrine and persecutions, and "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." He is to continue in what he has learned, for "All scripture is given by inspiration of God," to make "the man of God... perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:12 Timothy 3:22 Timothy 3:42 Timothy 3:52 Timothy 3:102 Timothy 3:112 Timothy 3:122 Timothy 3:142 Timothy 3:162 Timothy 3:172 Timothy overview
Who, where, when, and the key verses
Who
Paul writes to Timothy and compares the false teachers to "Jannes and Jambres," who "withstood Moses." 2 Timothy 3:82 Timothy 3:102 Timothy overview
Where
Paul recalls the persecutions that came to him "at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra." 2 Timothy 3:11Antioch 2IconiumLystra2 Timothy overview
When
Traditionally about AD 64-67, during a second imprisonment in Rome shortly before Paul's death. Many scholars hold that the letter was written after Paul's death by a follower writing in his name, about AD 80-100; others accept that Paul wrote it. 2 Timothy overview
How it fits
Chapter 2 ended with instructing "those that oppose themselves"; here Paul describes men who "resist the truth." Chapter 4 follows with the charge, "Preach the word." 2 Timothy 2:252 Timothy 3:82 Timothy 4:12 Timothy 4:22 Timothy overview
Key verses
- Verse 5
"Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." 2 Timothy 3:5
- Verse 12
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." Paul names his own sufferings, "but out of them all the Lord delivered me." 2 Timothy 3:112 Timothy 3:122 Timothy overview
- Verse 16
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." Romans 15:4 says the Scriptures "were written for our learning." 2 Timothy 3:152 Timothy 3:162 Timothy 3:17Romans 15:4
Takeaway
Expect religion without power and expect persecution, but keep to the Scriptures, which make you wise unto salvation and equip you for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:52 Timothy 3:122 Timothy 3:152 Timothy 3:17
Drafted by AI from the Scripture and data shown under “Show sources,” then checked automatically and by a separate AI reader. Updated 2026-10-29.
Perilous times
1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
Persecution for the godly
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Continue in the Scriptures
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.