2 Timothy Chapter 3 · Verse 13

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

πονηροὶ evil G4190
πονηροὶ evil
Strong's: G4190
Word #: 1 of 12
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 12
but, and, etc
ἄνθρωποι men G444
ἄνθρωποι men
Strong's: G444
Word #: 3 of 12
man-faced, i.e., a human being
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 4 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γόητες seducers G1114
γόητες seducers
Strong's: G1114
Word #: 5 of 12
properly, a wizard (as muttering spells), i.e., (by implication) an imposter
προκόψουσιν shall wax G4298
προκόψουσιν shall wax
Strong's: G4298
Word #: 6 of 12
to drive forward (as if by beating), i.e., (figuratively and intransitively) to advance (in amount, to grow; in time, to be well along)
ἐπὶ worse and worse G1909
ἐπὶ worse and worse
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χεῖρον G5501
χεῖρον
Strong's: G5501
Word #: 9 of 12
from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)
πλανώμενοι being deceived G4105
πλανώμενοι being deceived
Strong's: G4105
Word #: 10 of 12
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 11 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πλανώμενοι being deceived G4105
πλανώμενοι being deceived
Strong's: G4105
Word #: 12 of 12
to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

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.

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