We for we ourselves, A.V.; afore-time for sometimes, A.V.; hating for and hating, A.V. Foolish ( ἀνόητοι); a Pauline word (Galatians 3:1, Galatians 3:3), found also in Luke 24:25 (see 1 Timothy 6:9); of frequent use in classical Greek.
Disobedient ( ἀπειθεῖς); as Titus 1:16. In Luke 1:17 it stands, as here, absolutely, meaning disobedient to God and his Law. Deceived ( πλανώμενοι); led astray, made to wander from the path of troth and right, either by false systems of religion, or by our own evil affections and appetites (see 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 Peter 2:25; 2 Peter 2:15, etc.
). Serving; slaves to ( δουλεύοντες); 2 Peter 2:19 (see above, Titus 2:2). Lusts ( ἐπιθυμίαις); not always in a bad sense, as here, though usually so (see Luke 22:15; Philippians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; Revelation 18:14).
Pleasures ( ἡδοναῖς); always in a bad sense in the New Testament (Luke 8:14; James 4:1, James 4:3; 2 Peter 2:13). Living ( διάγοντες); see 1 Timothy 2:2, where it is followed by βίον, which is here understood.
διάγειν τὸν βίον αἰῶνα χρόνον σάββατον. etc., are common phrases both in the LXX. and in classical Greek for passing or spending one's life, time, age, etc. But it is only found in the New Testament here and in 1 Timothy 2:2.
Malice ( κακίᾳ). This word is sometimes used of wickedness generally, as Acts 8:22; James 1:21; 1 Corinthians 5:8; and probably Romans 1:29; anti even of badness in things, as Matthew 6:34. But it frequently in the New Testament denotes malice, the desire to do harm to others, as Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8, etc.
Envy ( φθόνῳ); almost always found in St. Paul's enumeration of sins (Romans 1:29; Galatians 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:4, etc.). Hateful ( στυγητοί); only here in the New Testament, not found in the LXX. (though the verb στυγέω occurs once or twice in the Maccabees), but used in good classical Greek.
The above is a sad but too true picture of human life without the sweetening influences of God's Holy Spirit.