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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Timothy 3:10–17. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here the apostle, to confirm Timothy in that way wherein he walked,
I.Sets before him his own example, which Timothy had been an eye-witness of, having long attended Paul (Ti2 3:10):
Thou hast fully known my doctrine. The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ and the apostles, the more closely we shall cleave to it; the reason why many sit loose to it is because they do not fully know it. Christ's apostles had no enemies but those who did not know them, or not know them fully; those who knew them best loved and honoured them the most. Now what is it that Timothy had so fully known in Paul?
1.The doctrine that he preached. Paul kept back nothing from his hearers, but declared to them the whole counsel of God (Act 20:27), so that if it were not their own fault they might fully know it. Timothy had a great advantage in being trained up under such a tutor, and being apprised of the doctrine he preached.
2.He had fully known his conversation: Thou hast fully know my doctrine, and manner of life; his manner of life was of a piece with his doctrine, and did not contradict it. He did not pull down by his living what he built up by his preaching. Those ministers are likely to do good, and leave lasting fruits of their labours, whose manner of life agrees with their doctrine; as, on the contrary, those cannot expect to profit the people at all that preach well and live ill.
3.Timothy fully knew what was the great thing that Paul had in view, both in his preaching and in his conversation: "Thou hast known my purpose, what I drive at, how far it is from any worldly, carnal, secular design, and how sincerely I aim at the glory of God and the good of the souls of men." 4. Timothy fully knew Paul's good character, which he might gather from his doctrine, manner of life, and purpose; for he gave proofs of his faith (that is, of his integrity and fidelity, or his faith in Christ, his faith concerning another world, by which Paul lived), his long-suffering towards the churches to which he preached and over which he presided, his charity towards all men, and his patience. These were graces that Paul was eminent for, and Timothy knew it. 5. He knew that he had suffered ill for doing well (Ti2 3:11): "Thou hast fully known the persecutions and afflictions that came unto me" (he mentions those only which happened to him while Timothy was with him, at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra); "and therefore let it be no surprise to thee if thou suffer hard things, it is no more than I have endured before." 6. He knew what care God had taken of him: Notwithstanding out of them all the Lord delivered me; as he never failed his cause, so his God never failed him. Thou hast fully known my afflictions. When we know the afflictions of good people but in part, they are a temptation to us to decline that cause which they suffer for; when we know only the hardships they undergo for Christ, we may be ready to say, "We will renounce that cause that is likely to cost us so dear in the owning of it;" but when we fully know the afflictions, not only how they suffer, but how they are supported and comforted under their sufferings, then, instead of being discouraged, we shall be animated by them, especially considering that we are told before that we must count upon such things (Ti2 3:12): All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution: not always alike; at that time those who professed the faith of Christ were more exposed to persecution than at other times; but at all times, more or less, those who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. They must expect to be despised, and that their religion will stand in the way of their preferment; those who will live godly must expect it, especially those who will live godly in Christ Jesus, that is, according to the strict rules of the Christian religion, those who will wear the livery and bear the name of the crucified Redeemer. All who will show their religion in their conversation, who will not only be godly, but live godly, let them expect persecution, especially when they are resolute in it. Observe,
(1.)The apostle's life was very exemplary for three things: for his doctrine, which was according to the will of God; for his life, which was agreeable to his doctrine; and for his persecutions and sufferings.
(2.)Though his life was a life of great usefulness, yet it was a life of great sufferings; and none, I believe, came nearer to their great Master for eminent services and great sufferings than Paul: he suffered almost in every place; the Holy Ghost witnessed that bonds and afflictions did abide him, Act 20:23. Here he mentions his persecutions and afflictions at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, besides what he suffered elsewhere.
(3.)The apostle mentions the Lord's delivering him out of them all, for Timothy's and our encouragement under sufferings.
(4.)We have the practice and treatment of true Christians: they live godly in Jesus Christ - this is their practice; and they shall suffer persecution - this is the usage they must expect in this world.
II.He warns Timothy of the fatal end of seducers, as a reason why he should stick closely to the truth as it is in Jesus:
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, etc., Ti2 3:13. Observe, As good men, by the grace of God, grow better and better, so bad men, through the subtlety of Satan and the power of their own corruptions, grow worse and worse. The way of sin is down-hill; for such proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. Those who deceive others do but deceive themselves; those who draw others into error run themselves into more and more mistakes, and they will find it so at last, to their cost.
III.He directs him to keep close to a good education, and particularly to what he had learned out of the holy scriptures (Ti2 3:14, Ti2 3:15):
Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned. Note, It is not enough to learn that which is good, but we must continue in it, and persevere in it unto the end. Then are we Christ's disciples indeed, Joh 8:31. We should not be any more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, Eph 4:14. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines; for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, Heb 13:9. And for this reason we should continue in the things we have learned from the holy scriptures; not that we ought to continue in any errors and mistakes which we may have been led into, in the time of our childhood and youth (for these, upon an impartial enquiry and full conviction, we should forsake); but this makes nothing against our continuing in those things which the holy scriptures plainly assert, and which he that runs may read. If Timothy would adhere to the truth as he had been taught it, this would arm him against the snares and insinuations of seducers. Observe, Timothy must continue in the things which he had learned and had been assured of.
1.It is a great happiness to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed (Luk 1:4); not only to know what the truths are, but to know that they are of undoubted certainty. What we have learned we must labour to be more and more assured of, that, being grounded in the truth, we may be guarded against error, for certainty in religion is of great importance and advantage: Knowing, (1.) "That thou hast had good teachers. Consider of whom thou hast learned them; not of evil men and seducers, but good men, who had themselves experienced the power of the truths they taught thee, and been ready to suffer for them, and thereby would give the fullest evidence of their belief of these truths." (2.) "Knowing especially the firm foundation upon which thou hast built, namely, that of the scripture (Ti2 3:15): That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures."
2.Those who would acquaint themselves with the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the holy scriptures, for these are the summary of divine revelation.
3.It is a great happiness to know the holy scriptures from our childhood; and children should betimes get the knowledge of the scriptures. The age of children is the learning age; and those who would get true learning must get it out of the scriptures.
4.The scriptures we are to know are the holy scriptures; they come from the holy God, were delivered by holy men, contain holy precepts, treat of holy things, and were designed to make us holy and to lead us in the way of holiness to happiness; being called the holy scriptures, they are by this distinguished from profane writings of all sorts, and from those that only treat morality, and common justice and honesty, but do not meddle with holiness. If we would know the holy scriptures, we must read and search them daily, as the noble Bereans did, Act 17:11. They must not lie by us neglected, and seldom or never looked into. Now here observe,
(1.)What is the excellency of the scripture. It is given by inspiration of God (Ti2 3:16), and therefore is his word. It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, Pe2 1:21. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style, - from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it, - from the harmony of its several parts, - from its power and efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it, - from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight, - and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine original: God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will, Heb 2:4.
(2.)What use it will be of to us.
[1.]It is able to make us wise to salvation; that is, it is a sure guide in our way to eternal life. Note, Those are wise indeed who are wise to salvation. The scriptures are able to make us truly wise, wise for our souls and another world. "To make thee wise to salvation through faith." Observe, The scriptures will make us wise to salvation, if they be mixed with faith, and not otherwise, Heb 4:2. For, if we do not believe their truth and goodness, they will do us no good.
[2.]It is profitable to us for all the purposes of the Christian life, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. It answers all the ends of divine revelation. It instructs us in that which is true, reproves us for that which is amiss, directs us in that which is good. It is of use to all, for we all need to be instructed, corrected, and reproved: it is of special use to ministers, who are to give instruction, correction, and reproof; and whence can they fetch it better than from the scripture?
[3.]That the man of God may be perfect, Ti2 3:17. The Christian, the minister, is the man of God. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the scripture. By it we are thoroughly furnished for every good work. There is that in the scripture which suits every case. Whatever duty we have to do, whatever service is required from us, we may find enough in the scriptures to furnish us for it.
(3.)On the whole we here see,
[1.]That the scripture has various uses, and answers divers ends and purposes: It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction of all errors in judgment and practice, and for instruction in righteousness.
[2.]The scripture is a perfect rule of faith and practice, and was designed for the man of God, the minister as well as the Christian who is devoted to God, for it is profitable for doctrine, etc.
[3.]If we consult the scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work.
[4.]There is no occasion for the writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God, since the scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to us.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
5 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
These spirits, therefore, are lurking under the statues and consecrated images: these inspire the breasts of their prophets with their afflatus, animate the fibres of the entrails, direct the flights of birds, rule the lots, give efficiency to oracles, are always mixing up falsehood with truth, for they are both deceived and they deceive;
These ignorant men are drunk, not with wine but with their own wickedness. They make a profession of priesthood and glory in their threats. Do not believe them. When we are tried, let us humble ourselves, not being made captive by them.… So we, when we are tried by these things, must not become separated from the love of God.
"But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." Let none of these things, he says, disturb thee, if they are in prosperity, and thou in trials. Such is the nature of the case. From my own instance thou mayest learn that it is impossible for man, in his warfare with the wicked, not to be exposed to tribulation. One cannot be in combat and live luxuriously, one cannot be wrestling and feasting. Let none therefore of those who are contending seek for ease or joyous living. Again, the present state is contest, warfare, tribulation, straits, and trials, and the very scene of conflicts. The season for rest is not now, this is the time for toil and labor. No one who has just stripped and anointed himself thinks of ease. If thou thinkest of ease, why didst thou strip, or prepare to fight? "But do I not maintain the fight?" you say. What, when thou dost not conquer thy desires, nor rest the evil bias of nature?
Make progress, make progress in well-doing, for, according to the apostle, there are certain people who go from bad to worse. If you are progressing, you are advancing. Progress in well-doing, progress in good faith, progress in good deeds. Keep singing. Keep advancing. Do not wander. Do not return. Do not remain stationary.
And all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
And what am I saying about myself? For all who desire to live piously will be persecuted, Paul says, persecution not only from the idolaters but also tribulations and temptations. For the way of life is narrow and afflicted. (Matt. 7:14)
in Christ Jesus. For this alone is a godly life, the one in Christ Jesus.
will be persecuted. Such is the nature of things. Since the present life is not for the godly, but for the wicked. For no one lives in peace who wages war and shoots arrows.
will grow worse and worse. For to grow is split in the middle, both for the better or for the worse. Therefore, these will grow towards the worse. For by interpreting what worse is, Paul said that they themselves will be led into error and will get it wrong.
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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 begins with a stark prophetic warning about the "perilous times" that will characterize the "last days" (2 Timothy 3:1). 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). 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), likening their opposition to truth to that of Jannes and Jambres against Moses (2 Timothy 3:8). 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:
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).
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).
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). This provides the ultimate antidote to the "evil men and seducers."
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
Reflection and Application
In a world increasingly saturated with misinformation, alternative facts, and spiritual counterfeits, 2 Timothy 3:13 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
FAQ
What does "wax worse and worse" mean in this context?
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?
Protection from deception, as implied by 2 Timothy 3:13, 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). 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) are crucial safeguards against the cunning of deceivers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Timothy 3:13 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). However, Jesus, the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), came to expose the works of darkness and to set captives free from the snare of the devil (1 John 3:8). 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).