Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. New Living Translation But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. English Standard Version while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Berean Standard Bible while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Berean Literal Bible But evil men and imposters will advance to worse, deceiving and being deceived. King James Bible But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. New King James Version But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. New American Standard Bible But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. NASB 1995 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. NASB 1977 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Legacy Standard Bible But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Amplified Bible But evil men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Christian Standard Bible Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. Holman Christian Standard Bible Evil people and impostors will become worse, deceiving and being deceived. American Standard Version But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Contemporary English Version But evil people who pretend to be what they are not will become worse than ever, as they fool others and are fooled themselves. English Revised Version But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. GOD'S WORD® Translation But evil people and phony preachers will go from bad to worse as they mislead people and are themselves misled. Good News Translation and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. International Standard Version But evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse as they deceive others and are themselves deceived. NET Bible But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves. New Heart English Bible But evil people and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Webster's Bible Translation But evil men and seducers will become worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. Weymouth New Testament But bad men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, misleading and being misled. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblewhile evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. World English Bible But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand evil men and impostors will advance to the worse, leading astray and being led astray. Berean Literal Bible But evil men and imposters will advance to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Young's Literal Translation and evil men and impostors shall advance to the worse, leading astray and being led astray. Smith's Literal Translation And evil men and impostors shall proceed to worse, deceiving, and being deceived. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse: erring, and driving into error. Catholic Public Domain Version But evil men and deceivers will advance in evil, erring and sending into error. New American Bible But wicked people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived. New Revised Standard Version But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut bad and deceptive men shall grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But evil men and deceivers will add to their evils, as they go astray and deceive. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut evil men and impostors will become worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. Godbey New Testament But wicked men and seducers will wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Haweis New Testament But wicked men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and deceived. Mace New Testament as for these impious impostors, they will go on from bad to worse, seducing others, and deluding themselves. Weymouth New Testament But bad men and impostors will go on from bad to worse, misleading and being misled. Worrell New Testament But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Worsley New Testament But wicked men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context All Scripture is God-Breathed…12Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them.… Cross References Matthew 24:11 and many false prophets will arise and deceive many. 2 Peter 2:1-3 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, / and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them. / For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, ... 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. Jude 1:4 For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Revelation 13:13-14 And the second beast performed great signs, even causing fire from heaven to come down to earth in the presence of the people. / Because of the signs it was given to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived those who dwell on the earth, telling them to make an image to the beast that had been wounded by the sword and yet had lived. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Acts 20:29-30 I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. / Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. Jeremiah 23:16 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. Ezekiel 13:9-10 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD. / Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built, Micah 3:5 This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: Isaiah 30:10 They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. Jeremiah 14:14 “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name,” replied the LORD. “I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, a worthless divination, the futility and delusion of their own minds. Treasury of Scripture But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. evil. 2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 2 Timothy 2:16,17 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness… 2 Thessalonians 2:6-10 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time… being. Job 12:16 With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his. Isaiah 44:20 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand? Ezekiel 14:9,10 And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel… Jump to Previous Advance Bad Deceit Deceived Deceivers Deceiving Evil False. Grow Impostors Leading Misleading Misled Overcome Proceed Themselves Using Wax Wicked WorseJump to Next Advance Bad Deceit Deceived Deceivers Deceiving Evil False. Grow Impostors Leading Misleading Misled Overcome Proceed Themselves Using Wax Wicked Worse2 Timothy 3 1. Paul advises Timothy of the difficult times to come;6. describes the enemies of the truth; 10. explains unto him his own example; 16. and commends the holy Scriptures; while evil men and imposters This phrase highlights the presence of individuals who actively oppose the truth and seek to lead others astray. In the context of the early church, false teachers and heretics were a significant concern, as seen in other epistles like 1 Timothy and Titus. The term "imposters" suggests those who pretend to be something they are not, echoing Jesus' warnings about false prophets in Matthew 7:15. Historically, the early church faced challenges from Gnostic teachings and other heresies that distorted the gospel message. go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and encouragement to his young protégé. 2. Timothy A young pastor and close companion of Paul, recipient of the letter, tasked with leading the church in Ephesus. 3. Evil Men and Imposters Individuals who oppose the truth and lead others astray, mentioned as a warning to Timothy. 4. Ephesus The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and challenges to Christian teaching. 5. The Last Days A period referenced by Paul, characterized by increasing wickedness and deception. Teaching Points Discernment is EssentialBelievers must cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and resist deception. Growth in Truth Continuous growth in understanding and applying God's Word is crucial to withstand false teachings. Guard Against Deception Be vigilant in prayer and study to protect oneself and others from being led astray. The Reality of Spiritual Warfare Acknowledge the ongoing battle against evil forces that seek to deceive and destroy. Encourage One Another Foster a community of accountability and encouragement to stand firm in the truth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 3:13?2. How can we recognize "evil men and imposters" in today's world? 3. What strategies help us avoid being deceived as "deceiving and being deceived" occurs? 4. How does 2 Timothy 3:13 relate to Jesus' warnings in Matthew 24? 5. In what ways can we strengthen our faith amidst increasing deception? 6. How can we support others in discerning truth from deception in society? 7. How does 2 Timothy 3:13 relate to the concept of moral decline in society? 8. What does 2 Timothy 3:13 suggest about the nature of evil and deception? 9. How should Christians respond to the increasing deception mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:13? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Timothy 3? 11. What defines anti-Christian beliefs or actions? 12. Does Proverbs 31:10–31 conflict with other biblical passages, like 1 Timothy 2:11–12, that appear to limit women's roles? 13. In Matthew 13:41-42, angels are said to remove all evil from God's kingdom; how does this reconcile with the broader biblical theme that God desires none to perish (e.g., 2 Peter 3:9)? 14. According to 2 Timothy 3:12, every believer should expect persecution, yet many Christians report no such trials--how can this discrepancy be explained? What Does 2 Timothy 3:13 Mean WhilePaul has just reminded Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). The word “while” links that sober reality with an ongoing backdrop: at the very same time faithful believers are standing firm, another stream is flowing in the opposite direction. Scripture is crystal clear that both currents run side by side until Christ returns (Matthew 13:24-30; John 15:18-20). So, Timothy—and every believer today—must not be shocked when he sees wickedness pushing forward; the Word already told us this is exactly what will happen. Evil men and imposters Two groups are in view: • Evil men—those openly hostile to God, morally corrupt, unashamed in their rebellion (Romans 1:28-32). • Imposters—religious pretenders who cloak themselves in spirituality while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5; Matthew 7:15). Both camps fight the truth, but imposters are especially dangerous because they look “like” the real thing long enough to gain influence (Acts 20:29-30; 2 Peter 2:1-3). Go from bad to worse Sin never remains static. Just as righteousness leads to greater righteousness (Proverbs 4:18), wickedness spirals downward (Romans 6:19). Paul states it plainly: degradation is progressive. • The conscience grows dull (1 Timothy 4:2). • Behavior hardens (Ephesians 4:18-19). • Society reaps escalating consequences (Isaiah 5:20-23). Yet even this trajectory is under God’s sovereign eye; He allows it to expose hearts and purify His church (1 Corinthians 11:19). Deceiving and being deceived The downward slide is fueled by a two-way street of deception: • They actively deceive—spreading error, twisting Scripture, offering “another gospel” (Galatians 1:6-9). • They are themselves deceived—so entrenched in lies that they believe their own message (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). The blindness is both self-chosen and judicial. God permits those who reject truth to be “given over” to the very delusions they crave (Romans 1:24-25). This explains why arguments alone cannot rescue them; only the Spirit opening eyes through the gospel can (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). summary 2 Timothy 3:13 is not a pessimistic footnote but a realistic forecast that fortifies believers. Evil will keep compounding, and counterfeit teachers will keep misleading others while falling deeper into their own darkness. Knowing this: • We anchor our confidence in the unchanging Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17). • We stay vigilant against falsehood (1 John 4:1). • We persevere in godliness, assured that Christ’s truth will ultimately triumph (Revelation 19:11-16). (13) But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse.--This verse is closely connected with the following (2Timothy 3:14), to which, indeed, it serves as an introduction. 2Timothy 3:14 takes up again the exhortation to Timothy begun in 2Timothy 3:10 : "But thou hast fully known my doctrine," &c. 2Timothy 3:14 takes up the thought: "Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them." Here, in 2Timothy 3:13, these evil men and seducers (or better, perhaps, deceivers) are spoken of as advancing towards the worse. History has borne witness to the accuracy of these prophetic words. The false teachers known to St. Paul and Timothy developed into the leaders of the various wild and speculative Gnostic sects, whose connection with Christianity consisted alone in the name; and each succeeding age has witnessed a development in opposition to the truth as it is in Jesus. In this allusion to the gradual development of hostility to the truth it will hardly be out of place to instance the eighteenth Christian century, when opposition to the teaching of Jesus had reached such a pitch that, with the approval or even the applause of thousands, the most brilliant writer in Europe wrote of Christ and His religion in the well-known words, "Ecrasez l'infame!" while it was reserved for our own century--the nineteenth--to witness the rare, though we believe ephemeral popularity, among so-called Christian peoples of a work which, with honeyed phrases, and in romantic, graceful language, paints the Redeemer of man in the strange and apparently contradictory characters of a loving enthusiast and of a conscious impostor!Verse 13. - Impostors for seducers, A.V. Evil men (πονηροί). In 2 Timothy 4:18 it is παντὸς ἕργου πονηροῦ. The adjective is applied indifferently to persons and things - evil men, evil servants, evil persons, evil generation, evil spirits, etc., and evil deeds, evil fruits, evil eye, evil works, etc. Satan, the embodiment of evil, is ὁ πονηρός. Impostors (γόντες); only here in the New Testament. In classical Greek γόης is a juggler, a cheat, an enchanter. St. Paul still had the Egyptian magicians in his mind. Shall wax worse and worse (προκόψουσιν ἐπὶ τὸ χεῖρον); see above, ver. 9, note.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek whileδὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. evil πονηροὶ (ponēroi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4190: Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. men ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. imposters γόητες (goētes) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 1114: A conjuror, juggler, sorcerer; a tricky (crafty) deceiver, imposter. From goao; properly, a wizard, i.e. an imposter. go [from bad] προκόψουσιν (prokopsousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 4298: From pro and kopto; to drive forward, i.e. to advance. to ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. worse, χεῖρον (cheiron) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular - Comparative Strong's 5501: Worse, more severe. Irregular comparative of kakos; from an obsolete equivalent cheres; more evil or aggravated. deceiving πλανῶντες (planōntes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4105: To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. being deceived. πλανώμενοι (planōmenoi) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4105: To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam. Links 2 Timothy 3:13 NIV2 Timothy 3:13 NLT 2 Timothy 3:13 ESV 2 Timothy 3:13 NASB 2 Timothy 3:13 KJV 2 Timothy 3:13 BibleApps.com 2 Timothy 3:13 Biblia Paralela 2 Timothy 3:13 Chinese Bible 2 Timothy 3:13 French Bible 2 Timothy 3:13 Catholic Bible NT Letters: 2 Timothy 3:13 But evil men and impostors will grow (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim) |