2 Timothy 3:4

Modern

…traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

Traditional

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Literal

…betrayers, reckless, having been puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

Latin

…proditores, protervi, tumidi, et voluptatum amatores magis quam Dei:

Greek

English

…traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

Paul explains how people will behave in the last days, which had already started (see also 1 Timothy 4:1–5; 2 Peter 2:1–22; 3:3; Jude 1:18; 2 Timothy 3:5, 6–9).

Timothy must remain focused during the difficult times ahead.

Theme notes and profiles

Jude 1:4
For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:18–19
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
1 Timothy 3:6
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil.
2 Peter 2:10–22
Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.
Jude 1:8–9
Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings.
Jude 1:19
These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit.
Romans 16:18
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Romans 11:20
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
1 Timothy 5:6
But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.
1 Timothy 6:17
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.