Feral

Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things . . . (ESV) 

2 Timothy 3:3 (NIV84)3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,

The description of people in the end times comes from Paul's book to Timothy. There are nineteen traits listed between verse 2-4. Today is focused on the word for brutal. Most importantly Paul says, Mark this! People will be like this in the end times. Following is the Greek word and the meanings behind it.

ἀνήμερος, 2   anēmeros   wild, untamed*
In 2 Tim 3:3 with διάβολοι, ἀκρατεῖς, ἀφιλάγαθοι, and other words referring to human behavior in the “last days.”

     Balz, H. R., & Schneider, G. (1990–). In Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 98).      Eerdmans.

20.5 ἀνήμερος, ον: pertaining to fierceness, in the sense of being wild and untamed—‘fierce, vicious, untamed.’ ἔσονται γὰρ οἱ ἄνθρωποι … ἀκρατεῖς, ἀνήμεροι, ἀφιλάγαθοι ‘for people will be … lacking in self-control, they will be fierce and hate the good’ 2 Tm 3:2–3.

      Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). In Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 228). United Bible Societies.

Each of us has seen examples of this on the news. People killing people. Riots, destruction of property and attacks on others who do not use the correct words. The positive side of this reality is that Christ is coming soon. Maranatha .  . . Come Lord Jesus!

Cathy and Danny Sartin
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The Holy Bible: New International Version (2 Ti 3:3). (1984). Zondervan.
Copyright © Danny Sartin. All Rights Reserved.Bible Nuggets are written for pastors, youth leaders and missionaries who desire to go deeper still in God’s Word. 
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