2 Timothy 3:12
What does 2 Timothy 3:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 3:12 means
Paul states a sober norm: “all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Godliness draws fire in a world set against God. This is not to discourage, but to recalibrate expectations. The path of Christ includes the cross before the crown. Those who aim to honor Christ Jesus will at times be misunderstood, opposed, or harmed. Yet this truth also comforts: suffering for righteousness’ sake is not random or meaningless; it aligns believers with their Lord. Anticipating hostility helps disciples remain steadfast, gentle, and hopeful, trusting that the Lord who delivers also uses trials to refine faith and witness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Yes, and all whose purpose is to be living in the knowledge of God in Christ Jesus, will be cruelly attacked.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and all also who will to live piously in Christ Jesus shall be persecuted,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And all indeed who desire to live piously in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Context
Following Paul’s personal testimony of deliverance (verse 11), verse 12 generalizes the pattern to all believers who pursue godliness. It sits in contrast to verse 13, which describes evil men growing worse. The juxtaposition highlights two trajectories: the godly will be pressured yet preserved, while impostors spiral deeper into deception. This framing prepares for Paul’s call in verses 14–15 to continue in received truth and to rely on the Scriptures that lead to salvation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
- Matthew 23:34
Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:
- 1 Peter 5:9
whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.
- 1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
- Titus 2:12
instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;
- Titus 1:1
Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,
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