2 Timothy Chapter 3 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάντες all G3956
πάντες all
Strong's: G3956
Word #: 2 of 11
all, any, every, the whole
δὲ Yea G1161
δὲ Yea
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 3 of 11
but, and, etc
οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλοντες that will G2309
θέλοντες that will
Strong's: G2309
Word #: 5 of 11
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
εὐσεβῶς godly G2153
εὐσεβῶς godly
Strong's: G2153
Word #: 6 of 11
piously
ζῆν live G2198
ζῆν live
Strong's: G2198
Word #: 7 of 11
to live (literally or figuratively)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 8 of 11
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
Χριστῷ Christ G5547
Χριστῷ Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 9 of 11
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
Ἰησοῦ Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 10 of 11
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
διωχθήσονται shall suffer persecution G1377
διωχθήσονται shall suffer persecution
Strong's: G1377
Word #: 11 of 11
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

Analysis & Commentary

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Paul universalizes his experience: persecution isn't peculiar to apostles but common to all believers. "Yea, and all" (kai pantes de, καὶ πάντες δέ) is emphatic—absolutely everyone, no exceptions. "That will live godly" (hoi thelontes zēn euseōs, οἱ θέλοντες ζῆν εὐσεβῶς). The participle thelontes (θέλοντες, "willing, desiring") indicates deliberate choice. Euseōs (εὐσεβῶς, adverb from eusebeia) means godly, piously, reverently—living in a way that honors God.

Critically, this godly living must be "in Christ Jesus" (en Christō Iēsou, ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ)—connected to union with Christ, not mere moralism. The promise is absolute: they "shall suffer persecution" (diōchthēsontai, διωχθήσονται). Future passive indicates certainty—they will be persecuted, it's inevitable. This contradicts prosperity gospel and health-wealth teaching. Genuine Christianity produces conflict with the world system that hates Christ (John 15:18-20). Godly living exposes worldly living, provoking hostility.

This sobering reality serves multiple purposes:

  1. It prepares believers for inevitable suffering, preventing disillusionment.
  2. It provides diagnostic—those never facing opposition should examine whether their Christianity is authentic or culturally accommodated.
  3. It encourages the persecuted—their suffering validates rather than questions their faith.
  4. It exposes false teachers who promise comfort and prosperity without cost.

True discipleship costs everything (Luke 14:25-33).

Historical Context

Early Christianity faced systematic persecution from both Jewish and pagan authorities. Believers lost jobs, property, families, freedom, and lives for refusing to deny Christ. Yet churches grew through martyrs' testimony. Tertullian wrote, "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church." Paul's promise wasn't theoretical but empirical reality. Modern Western believers, largely free from persecution, are historical anomaly. Global Christianity still faces intense persecution. This verse challenges comfortable Christianity seeking worldly approval rather than Christ's commendation.

Questions for Reflection