3:2–3:5b

In 3:2–3:5b, Paul lists several reasons why there will be terrible times. Paul used some of these words in Romans chapter 1.

3:2a

For: This verse begins with the Greek conjunction gar, which can be translated as For or “because.” This conjunction introduces Paul’s list of reasons why there will be terrible times. Use the appropriate conjunction or expression in your language to indicate such a relationship.

men will be lovers of themselves: This clause means that people will be selfish and overly concerned about themselves. They will ignore the needs of other people. They will love themselves, but not other people.

3:2b

lovers of money: The phrase lovers of money is the Berean Standard Bible translation of one Greek word. Another way to translate this word is “greedy.”

3:2c

boastful, arrogant: These two terms are have similar meanings.

boastful: People are boastful when they talk or brag about themselves in a proud way. This Greek word also occurs in Romans 1:30.

arrogant: People are arrogant when they think and feel that they are more important than other people are. Another English word for this term is “proud.” This Greek word also occurs in Romans 1:30.

3:2d

abusive: This term refers to the rude manner in which some people talk to, or talk about, other people. Some other English words for this term are “insulting” or “slanderous.” It refers to abusing people with words, not abusing them physically.

3:2f

ungrateful: People are ungrateful when they do not show appreciation to others who have helped them. Another English word for this term is “unthankful.” Many people do not recognize that ungratefulness is a sin, but it is one of the sins that Paul mentioned in Romans 1:21.

3:2g

unholy: People are unholy when they do not respect or honor God or matters having to do with God. Some synonyms for this term are “irreligious,” “irreverent,” “profane,” or “wicked.” The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as unholy occurs only here and in 1 Timothy 1:9.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.