King James Version

What Does 2 Timothy 3:13 Mean?

2 Timothy 3:13 in the King James Version says “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse , deceiving, and being deceived.” — study this verse from 2 Timothy chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse , deceiving, and being deceived.”

2 Timothy 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse , deceiving, and being deceived.

14

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Read 2 Timothy 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. While godly people suffer persecution, evil advances unhindered—temporarily. "Evil men and seducers" (ponēroi de anthrōpoi kai goētes, πονηροὶ δὲ ἄνθρωποι καὶ γόητες). Ponēros (πονηρός) means evil, wicked, morally corrupt. Goēs (γόης) means sorcerer, deceiver, imposter—originally referred to magicians chanting spells, later to any charlatan or fraud. These are the false teachers from verses 1-9.

"Shall wax worse and worse" (prokopsousin epi to cheiron, προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον). The verb prokoptō (προκόπτω) means advance, progress, move forward—but ironically toward "worse" (cheiron, χεῖρον), not better. Their "progress" is moral regress. Sin has progressive character—one evil leads to greater evil, creating downward spiral. Verse 9 promised limits to their advance; this verse acknowledges they will worsen before being stopped.

The tragic cycle: "deceiving, and being deceived" (planōntes kai planōmenoi, πλανῶντες καὶ πλανώμενοι). Planaō (πλανάω) means lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. Present participles indicate ongoing action. They actively deceive others while simultaneously being deceived themselves. False teachers aren't merely innocent victims of error but willing participants. Yet they're also deluded, believing their own lies. Satan, the ultimate deceiver, binds them in deception while using them to deceive others. This is the horrifying spiritual bondage Paul described in 2:26.

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Historical & Cultural Context

History validates Paul's prophecy. Heretical movements consistently progressed from bad to worse: Gnosticism began with subtle syncretism, advanced to radical dualism denying Christ's humanity. Arianism began questioning Christ's deity, progressed to open denial. Each compromise led to greater error. Contemporary examples abound: liberal theology started questioning biblical authority, progressed to denying resurrection and Christ's uniqueness. Moral compromise follows similar pattern: accepting homosexual practice led to celebrating it, now leads to persecuting those who object. Evil accelerates without repentance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you see contemporary culture and apostate churches 'waxing worse and worse' in moral and theological decline?
  2. In what areas might you be deceived while also potentially deceiving others—and how can you pursue truth to break this cycle?
  3. How does this sobering reality motivate vigilance, discernment, and commitment to unchanging biblical truth?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
πονηροὶ1 of 12

“evil”

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

δὲ2 of 12

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄνθρωποι3 of 12

“men”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ4 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γόητες5 of 12

“seducers”

G1114

properly, a wizard (as muttering spells), i.e., (by implication) an imposter

προκόψουσιν6 of 12

“shall wax”

G4298

to drive forward (as if by beating), i.e., (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along)

ἐπὶ7 of 12

“worse and worse”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ8 of 12
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χεῖρον9 of 12
G5501

from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)

πλανώμενοι10 of 12

“being deceived”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

καὶ11 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πλανώμενοι12 of 12

“being deceived”

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Timothy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Timothy 3:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Timothy 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 4:12 Peter 2:20Titus 3:32 Thessalonians 2:6-112 Timothy 3:82 Peter 3:3

Test Your Knowledge

2 Timothy 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Timothy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Timothy 3 with CommentaryAll 2 Timothy ChaptersComplete 2 Timothy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes