The Fall of Man Prophesied by the Apostle Paul
Paul writes to Timothy:
2 Timothy 3:1 “But know this, that in the last days (Gk. eschatais hēmerais, G2078 + G2250) litteraly—last, final (the furthest, extreme-end). 2078/esxatos (“future things”), the root of “eschatology” is “the study of last things.” This includes future Bible prophecy, the end-times, and life after death (“the after-life”)—difficult times will come” (Gk. kairoi chalepoi, G2540 + G5467)—literally “seasons/periods that are hard to bear, fierce, dangerous”; times that will be grievous and hard to endure.
2 Timothy 3:2 “For people will be lovers of self” (Gk. philautoi, G5367)—preoccupied with their own selfish desires and self-interests. This word appears only here in the New Testament, emphasizing extreme self-centeredness, and points to the evolution of idolatry: from reptiles, to cattle, to birds, to man.
They will be “lovers of money” (Gk. philargyroi, G5366)—literally “lovers of silver”; in love with personal gain and material wealth.
They will be “boastful” (Gk. alazones, G213)—braggarts who loudly advertise self-importance, exaggerate accomplishments, and seek admiration without true substance; arrogant self-promoters.
They will be “proud” or “arrogant” (Gk. hyperēphanoi, G5244)—literally “showing oneself above others”; those who are pre-eminent in their own eyes, looking down on others with contempt; conspicuously haughty.
They will be “blasphemers” (Gk. blasphēmoi, G989)—slanderous, abusive speakers; those who speak evil, particularly against God and sacred things; revilers.
They will be “disobedient to parents” (Gk. goneusin apeitheis, G1118 + G545)—literally “unpersuadable to parents”; showing deliberate rejection of parental authority, which reflects deeper rebellion against God-ordained order.
They will be “unthankful” (Gk. acharistoi, G884)—without gratitude; the absence of thankfulness toward grace freely given; those who fail to recognize or acknowledge benefits received.
They will be “unholy” (Gk. anosioi, G462)—profane, impious; properly describing utter disregard for what is sacred; willful (arrogant) disrespect of the things of God; wicked.
2 Timothy 3:3 They will be “without natural affection” (Gk. astorgoi, G794)—devoid of family love; without the natural tender affection that should exist between family members, particularly between parents and children; heartless, unloving; without natural human affection toward their own kind.
They will be “unforgiving” or “irreconcilable” (Gk. aspondoi, G786)—literally “without libation/treaty”; those who refuse to make peace or be reconciled; implacable, unwilling to enter agreements.
They will be “slanderers” (Gk. diaboloi, G1228)—literally “devil-like” or “false accusers”; those who maliciously misrepresent others through false charges (the same root word used for “devil,” the accuser).
They will be “without self-control” (Gk. akrateis, G193)—lacking power over oneself; unable or unwilling to exercise restraint over passions, appetites, and impulses; intemperate.
They will be “brutal” or “fierce” (Gk. anēmeroi, G434)—savage, untamed; literally “not tame” like wild beasts; cruel and harsh without gentleness.
They will be “despisers of good” (Gk. aphilagathoi, G865)—literally “not lovers of good”; hostile toward goodness and those who do good; opposed to virtue and excellence.
2 Timothy 3:4 They will be “traitors” (Gk. prodotai, G4273)—betrayers; those who hand over or give up others treacherously; this word was used of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal.
They will be “headstrong” or “reckless” (Gk. propeteis, G4312)—literally “falling forward”; rash, precipitate in action; acting without proper thought or consideration of consequences; impetuous.
They will be “haughty” (Gk. tetyphōmenoi, G5187)—puffed up with pride; literally “wrapped in smoke” or “beclouded”; blinded by conceit and arrogance; swollen with self-importance.
They will be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (Gk. philēdonoi mallon ē philotheoi, G5369 + G3123 + G2228 + G5377)—literally “friends of pleasure more than friends of God”; those who prioritize personal gratification and sensual enjoyment above devotion to God; pleasure-seekers who have displaced God with self-indulgence.
