Inhuman translates a word that denotes a lack of love or affection, especially for close associates and members of one’s family; hence “heartless” (Jerusalem Bible), “no natural affection” (New English Bible), “devoid of gratitude” (Revised English Bible), “unkind” (Good News Translation), or “treat other people roughly.” This word also appears in Rom 1.31, where it is translated “heartless.”

Implacable describes an unwillingness to be reconciled to others; hence “unforgiving” (New International Version), “unappeasable” (Jerusalem Bible), “remorseless” (Phillips), “merciless” (Good News Translation).

The final group of vices deal with behavior toward others, either by words or by actions.

Slanderers translates a word that can literally be rendered “devils” but which is derived from a Greek verb that means “to slander”; hence “scandalmongers” (Revised English Bible), “gossipers.” See also in 1 Tim 3.11.

Profligates pertains to people who are completely lacking in self-control; hence “intemperate” (New English Bible), “licentious” (New American Bible, Revised), and even “violent” (Good News Translation).

Fierce describes behavior that is wild, vicious, and untamed; hence “savages” (New Jerusalem Bible), “brutal” (New International Version, New American Bible, Revised), “violent” (Revised English Bible), “brutes” (New Revised Standard Version). The word occurs only here in the New Testament.

Haters of good pertains to people who are against anything that is good; hence “hostile to all goodness” (Revised English Bible), “enemies of everything that is good” (Jerusalem Bible). The word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .