Devine Scripture

2 Timothy 3:13

What does 2 Timothy 3:13 mean?

A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 2 Timothy 3:13 means

The reality for “evil men and impostors” is not moral neutrality but progressive decline—“worse and worse.” They both deceive others and are themselves deceived, trapped in a cycle of falsehood. This warns Timothy against compromise: dabbling with error does not leave one unchanged. It also realigns expectations about the church’s environment; improvement will not come merely with time. Therefore, Timothy must ground his ministry in what does not change—the gospel and the Scriptures—rather than in the shifting currents of human opinion. Deception breeds more deception, but truth, though opposed, remains steady and saving.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Evil and false men will become worse and worse, using deceit and themselves overcome by deceit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and evil men and impostors shall advance to the worse, leading astray and being led astray.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse: erring, and driving into error,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But wicked men and juggling impostors shall advance in evil, leading and being led astray.

Context

Placed after the promise of persecution for the godly (verse 12), this verse contrasts the trajectory of the ungodly. It underscores the urgency of Paul’s next charge in verses 14–15: to abide in the taught truth and the sacred writings. The backdrop of increasing deception makes the call to stability in Scripture all the more critical, setting the stage for Paul’s classic statement on the inspiration and usefulness of Scripture in verses 16–17.

v.12Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

v.13This passage

v.14But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Job 12:16

    With him is strength and wisdom; The deceived and the deceiver are his.

  • Revelation 18:23

    and the light of a lamp shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the princes of the earth; for with thy sorcery were all the nations deceived.

  • Ezekiel 14:9

    And if the prophet be deceived and speak a word, I, Jehovah, have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel.

  • 2 Peter 3:3

    knowing this first, that in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts,

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:6

    And now ye know that which restraineth, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.

  • Isaiah 44:20

    He feedeth on ashes; a deceived heart hath turned him aside; and he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore 2 Timothy 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on 2 Timothy 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to 2 Timothy 3:13.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary