2 Timothy 3:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} evil {G4190} men {G444} and {G2532} seducers {G1114} shall wax {G4298} worse and worse {G1909}{G5501}, deceiving {G4105}, and {G2532} being deceived {G4105}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

while evil men and imposters go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Timothy 3:13 serves as a sobering prophetic warning from the Apostle Paul to Timothy, foretelling the escalating nature of moral and spiritual decline in the last days. It describes a progression of wickedness where individuals characterized by malevolence and deceptive practices will not merely persist in their evil but will actively worsen, becoming more adept at misleading others while simultaneously succumbing further to their own self-deception. This verse underscores the pervasive and self-reinforcing cycle of falsehood that defines those who oppose divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's final letter to his beloved protégé, Timothy, written from Roman imprisonment, likely just before Paul's martyrdom. The immediate context of [2 Timothy 3](/2_timothy/3 "2 Timothy 3 - Perilous Times and God's Word") begins with a stark prophetic warning about the "perilous times" that will characterize the "last days" ([2 Timothy 3:1](/2_timothy/3-1 "2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous Times Will Come")). Paul then provides a detailed and grim catalogue of vices that will define humanity in this era, including self-love, greed, arrogance, disobedience, and a rejection of genuine godliness ([2 Timothy 3:2-5](/2_timothy/3-2-5 "2 Timothy 3:2-5 - A List of Vices")). Following this general description, Paul narrows his focus to specific individuals—false teachers—who "creep into houses and captivate weak women" ([2 Timothy 3:6](/2_timothy/3-6 "2 Timothy 3:6 - False Teachers Captivate Weak Women")), likening their opposition to truth to that of Jannes and Jambres against Moses ([2 Timothy 3:8](/2_timothy/3-8 "2 Timothy 3:8 - Jannes and Jambres Opposed Moses")). Verse 13 then acts as a summary and a grim prognosis for these deceivers, asserting their inevitable downward spiral.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's warning to Timothy was not merely theoretical; it reflected the burgeoning challenges faced by the early church. The Roman Empire, while providing a degree of stability, also fostered a syncretistic religious environment where various cults, philosophical schools, and mystery religions competed for adherents, often employing charismatic leaders and deceptive practices. Within this landscape, Gnostic tendencies, which emphasized secret knowledge and often denied the physical reality of Christ, were beginning to emerge, posing a significant threat to orthodox Christian doctrine. Paul's references to "seducers" and "deceiving" resonate with the ancient world's awareness of charlatans, sorcerers, and sophists who used rhetoric and trickery to gain influence or profit. The concept of "waxing worse and worse" would have been understood against a backdrop of moral decay in a society that, despite its advancements, was grappling with widespread ethical decline and spiritual emptiness, making it fertile ground for those who would exploit spiritual hunger with false promises.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Timothy](/2_timothy "2 Timothy - Paul's Final Charge"):
* **The Nature of Evil:** It highlights that evil is not static but dynamic and progressive, actively worsening over time. This progression is both internal (moral decay) and external (increased deception).
* **The Importance of Discernment:** By warning about deceivers, Paul implicitly calls Timothy, and by extension all believers, to cultivate keen spiritual discernment to distinguish truth from falsehood, especially in an environment where deception is rampant. This theme is echoed in Paul's earlier charge to Timothy to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" ([2 Timothy 2:15](/2_timothy/2-15 "2 Timothy 2:15 - Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth")).
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The verse underscores the reality of an ongoing spiritual conflict where truth is under assault by forces of deception. Believers are not merely observers but participants, called to stand firm in the face of escalating opposition, as Paul himself exemplifies throughout his ministry, even unto death ([2 Timothy 4:7-8](/2_timothy/4-7-8 "2 Timothy 4:7-8 - Paul's Good Fight")).
* **The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture:** In light of the rampant deception, Paul immediately follows this warning by emphasizing the divine inspiration and practical sufficiency of all Scripture for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). This provides the ultimate antidote to the "evil men and seducers."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** This term describes not merely something bad or harmful, but something inherently vicious, malicious, and destructive in its effect or influence. Unlike _kakos_ (which denotes essential badness of character), _ponērós_ emphasizes the active, hurtful nature of evil. It suggests a culpability and a deliberate choice towards malevolence, often with a corrupting impact on others.
* **Seducers (Greek, _góēs'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to wail," this term originally referred to a sorcerer or enchanter who used incantations or spells. By implication, it evolved to mean an imposter, charlatan, or trickster. It strongly conveys the idea of one who uses cunning, manipulation, and deceptive arts—often with a spiritual or pseudo-spiritual veneer—to mislead and exploit others.
* **Deceiving/being deceived (Greek, _planáō'_):** This verb means to cause to roam, to lead astray, or to wander from safety, truth, or virtue. It signifies a state of error or delusion. The use of the same root in both the active ("deceiving") and passive ("being deceived") participles highlights a profound spiritual dynamic: those who actively lead others astray eventually become ensnared in their own falsehoods, losing their own grip on reality and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse":** This opening clause functions as a strong adversative ("But"), contrasting with the steadfastness Timothy is urged to maintain. It introduces the primary subjects: "evil men" (those characterized by active malice) and "seducers" (imposters, charlatans). The phrase "shall wax worse and worse" (from _prokóptō_, meaning to advance or cut forward) indicates a progressive, intensifying deterioration. It's not a static state, but an active, accelerating descent into deeper wickedness and error, implying a growing boldness and effectiveness in their destructive work.
* **"deceiving":** This present participle (active voice) describes the continuous, deliberate action of these individuals. They are actively engaged in leading others astray, employing cunning, falsehoods, and manipulative tactics to divert people from the truth of the gospel. This highlights their role as agents of spiritual confusion and error.
* **"and being deceived":** This present participle (passive voice) reveals a crucial and tragic dimension of their state. While they are actively deceiving others, they are simultaneously caught in their own snare. They are not merely cynical manipulators but are themselves victims of their own lies, having lost the capacity to discern truth from falsehood. This suggests a profound spiritual blindness and a self-reinforcing cycle of delusion, where their actions further cement their own erroneous beliefs.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [2 Timothy 3:13](/2_timothy/3-13 "2 Timothy 3:13 - Evil Men and Seducers"). The phrase "wax worse and worse" is an example of **Hyperbole** and **Intensification**, emphasizing an accelerating and deepening moral decay rather than a static state. It paints a vivid picture of a downhill slide into greater wickedness. The use of the same Greek root, _planáō_, for both "deceiving" (active voice) and "being deceived" (passive voice) creates a striking **Chiasmus** or **Paradox**, highlighting the self-imprisoning nature of falsehood. It underscores the ironic and tragic reality that those who actively mislead others ultimately become lost themselves, trapped in their own web of lies. This dual action also functions as a form of **Antithesis**, contrasting the outward action of deception with the inward state of being deluded. Furthermore, the very terms "evil men" and "seducers" are **Labels** or **Characterizations** that serve to define and warn against specific types of individuals, simplifying complex behaviors into identifiable categories for Timothy's understanding.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The grim prognosis of [2 Timothy 3:13](/2_timothy/3-13 "2 Timothy 3:13 - The Progression of Evil") is not an isolated statement but a foundational truth woven throughout biblical theology regarding the nature of sin, the human condition, and the spiritual battle. It affirms the biblical principle that unchecked sin leads to deeper depravity and greater spiritual blindness, a descent that affects both the perpetrator and their victims. This verse serves as a stark reminder that the rejection of truth inevitably results in a self-imposed delusion, where the deceiver becomes the deceived. It underscores the urgency for believers to be grounded in the absolute truth of God's Word, which alone can provide light in a world increasingly darkened by deception.

* [Matthew 24:24](/matthew/24-24 "Matthew 24:24 - False Christs and False Prophets")
* [Romans 1:28](/romans/1-28 "Romans 1:28 - God Gives Them Over to a Reprobate Mind")
* [2 Thessalonians 2:10-12](/2_thessalonians/2-10-12 "2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - God Sends a Strong Delusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world increasingly saturated with misinformation, alternative facts, and spiritual counterfeits, [2 Timothy 3:13](/2_timothy/3-13 "2 Timothy 3:13 - A Warning for Today") stands as a timeless warning and a call to spiritual vigilance. We are not to be surprised by the escalation of evil or the proliferation of deception, for the Scripture has foretold it. Rather than succumbing to fear or cynicism, believers are called to cultivate a profound love for truth, anchoring themselves firmly in the unshakeable Word of God. This requires active discernment, critical thinking informed by biblical principles, and a willingness to test all teachings against the plumb line of Scripture. Furthermore, the verse reminds us that those who deceive are often themselves deeply lost, caught in a tragic cycle of self-delusion. While we must stand firm against their destructive influence, we are also called to pray for them, remembering that only the transforming power of the gospel can break the chains of deception and bring them to the knowledge of the truth. Our steadfastness in truth becomes a beacon of hope in an increasingly dark and confused world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the progression of "waxing worse and worse" challenge my assumptions about the nature of evil in the world today?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to deception, either from external sources or from my own biases and desires?**
* **Given that deceivers are also "being deceived," how should this understanding shape my approach to those who promote falsehoods?**

### FAQ
**What does "wax worse and worse" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "wax worse and worse" (from the Greek _prokóptō_) signifies a progressive and accelerating deterioration. It means that evil men and seducers will not remain static in their wickedness but will actively advance, or "cut forward," into deeper levels of moral depravity and deceptive practice. This implies an increasing boldness, effectiveness, and entrenchment in their harmful activities, making their influence more pervasive and dangerous over time. It's a prophetic warning of an escalating spiritual decline.

**How can believers protect themselves from being deceived, as warned in this verse?**

Answer: Protection from deception, as implied by [2 Timothy 3:13](/2_timothy/3-13 "2 Timothy 3:13 - Protection from Deception"), primarily comes through a deep and abiding commitment to God's truth. Paul immediately follows this verse by emphasizing the power of Scripture, stating that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" ([2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed")). Believers must diligently study the Bible, allowing it to shape their worldview and discernment. Furthermore, cultivating spiritual maturity, seeking wisdom from godly mentors, maintaining fellowship with a discerning community of believers, and praying for wisdom ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Wisdom from God")) are crucial safeguards against the cunning of deceivers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Timothy 3:13](/2_timothy/3-13 "2 Timothy 3:13 - The Triumph of Christ Over Deception") vividly describes the escalating power of evil and deception in the world, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the absolute triumph of Jesus over all forms of darkness and falsehood. The "evil men and seducers" represent the spiritual opposition that has always stood against God's truth, culminating in the rejection and crucifixion of Christ by those who were themselves "deceived" by their own spiritual blindness and worldly ambitions ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10-11 "John 1:10-11 - He Came to His Own")). However, Jesus, the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), came to expose the works of darkness and to set captives free from the snare of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - The Son of God Appeared to Destroy the Devil's Work")). His resurrection definitively broke the power of sin and death, which are the ultimate expressions of deception's destructive force. Ultimately, the prophetic warning of worsening evil serves to highlight the indispensable need for Christ's redemptive work and His eventual return, when He will judge all deception and establish His kingdom of perfect truth and righteousness, where "there will be no more night; they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever" ([Revelation 22:5](/revelation/22-5 "Revelation 22:5 - No More Night")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 4:1

¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Peter 2:20

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

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.

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

2 Thessalonians 2:6

And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

2 Thessalonians 2:11

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Ezekiel 14:9

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.