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.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
How do you see contemporary culture and apostate churches 'waxing worse and worse' in moral and theological decline?
In what areas might you be deceived while also potentially deceiving others—and how can you pursue truth to break this cycle?
How does this sobering reality motivate vigilance, discernment, and commitment to unchanging biblical truth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.