2 Timothy 3 12

2 Timothy 3:12 kjv

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

2 Timothy 3:12 nkjv

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3:12 niv

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

2 Timothy 3:12 esv

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

2 Timothy 3:12 nlt

Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

2 Timothy 3 verses

2 Timothy 3 12 Meaning

2 Timothy 3:12 conveys the timeless and universal truth that genuine followers of Christ, who truly seek to live a life aligned with God's character and will, will inevitably experience various forms of persecution. This suffering is not a mere possibility but a guaranteed reality for those committed to a godly life rooted in union with Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3 12 Context

2 Timothy 3:12 is situated within Paul’s urgent final instructions to Timothy. The broader chapter (3:1-9) vividly describes the perilous times ("last days") characterized by widespread moral decay, selfish pride, and rebellion against God, even among those with a "form of godliness." Paul warns Timothy about the danger of these self-serving, unholy individuals, whom he likens to Jannes and Jambres, opposing the truth. Immediately preceding verse 12, Paul draws a stark contrast between these ungodly people and his own life (3:10-11), highlighting his sound doctrine, manner of life, endurance, and the persecutions he personally suffered in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. Verse 12 serves as a direct, universal principle drawn from his personal experience, affirming that Timothy (and all believers) should expect similar opposition if they truly live out their faith amidst such wickedness. This verse serves as a solemn warning and an encouragement to faithfulness despite adversity.

2 Timothy 3 12 Word analysis

• Yea, and (Greek: Kai) - This conjunction acts as an intensifier or a strong affirmation, often translated as "indeed" or "certainly." It emphasizes the absolute certainty and inevitability of the statement that follows, strengthening the causal link between godly living and persecution. It suggests that what follows is not merely an addition but a significant and expected outcome.

• all that (Greek: pantes) - "All" signifies universality, indicating no exceptions for any true believer. This is not a partial truth for some specific group or in particular circumstances, but a principle that applies to everyone who meets the subsequent condition.

• will live godly (Greek: theoprebos zen) - This is a crucial phrase.

  • Theoprebos combines theos (God) and prepei (to be fitting, becoming). It describes conduct that is "befitting God" or "divinely becoming." It refers to a life lived in a manner consistent with God’s holy character and His requirements. It is more than outward religious observance; it implies an inward disposition leading to practical holiness and devotion.
  • Zen is a present participle, emphasizing an ongoing, characteristic way of life, not just an occasional act or fleeting thought. It means to actively "be living."
  • The phrase describes a lifestyle, a consistent trajectory, and an intentional commitment to honor God in every facet of one's being and actions. This godly living intrinsically confronts the ungodliness of the world.

• in Christ Jesus (Greek: en Christō Iēsou) - This phrase defines the sphere or source of true godly living.

  • "In Christ" is a foundational Pauline concept indicating a deep, vital union and identification with Christ through faith. It speaks to a believer's new identity, spiritual reality, and empowering relationship.
  • Godly living is not a mere moral effort; it flows from being "in Christ," drawing power, wisdom, and purpose from Him. It is by His Spirit, in conformity to His nature, and lived in His authority.
  • This connection distinguishes suffering for Christ (or for godly living in Christ) from general hardship or suffering for one's own folly or sin (1 Pet 4:15-16). Persecution arises because of this identity with Christ and allegiance to Him.

• shall suffer persecution (Greek: diokestai) - "Shall suffer" or "will be persecuted."

  • Diokestai is the present infinitive passive of diōkō, meaning "to pursue, chase, persecute, harass, oppress." The passive voice ("shall be persecuted") highlights that this suffering is something done to them by others.
  • The term "persecution" is comprehensive, encompassing not just physical violence, but also social ostracization, verbal abuse, slander, economic pressure, discrimination, marginalization, or any form of hostility experienced due to one's commitment to Christ and His righteous ways. It describes a purposeful and often aggressive hostility against a believer's faith.
  • The definite "shall" implies an undeniable certainty, a promise (or warning) that holds true across all ages and cultures for genuinely Christ-like living.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus": This whole phrase clearly defines the group to whom the promise applies. It's not about all humanity, nor simply those who identify as Christian. It specifically points to those whose lives genuinely reflect Christ's character and teachings, powered by their union with Him. It's the active and deliberate pursuit of godliness from a position of faith in Christ that makes one a target for the world's hostility.
• "shall suffer persecution": This segment unequivocally declares the outcome. The directness emphasizes that persecution is an intrinsic part of the authentic Christian journey, a natural byproduct of godly life lived in an ungodly world. It confirms the collision course between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world.

2 Timothy 3 12 Bonus section

The statement in 2 Timothy 3:12 highlights a stark spiritual boundary: there is an inherent opposition between living in faithful devotion to God in Christ Jesus and the values, systems, and spiritual powers of the unredeemed world. This verse guards against the prosperity gospel or teachings that promise an easy, conflict-free life for believers. It asserts that ease in the world might, paradoxically, indicate a lack of genuine challenge to its values, potentially signaling a compromised or superficial faith rather than robust godliness. True "peace with the world" often means "enmity with God" (Jas 4:4). This verse thus functions as both a warning against false hopes and an encouragement for endurance, preparing believers for the reality of their journey and affirming that their suffering is part of a shared, divine narrative leading to ultimate glory.

2 Timothy 3 12 Commentary

2 Timothy 3:12 is a foundational declaration by Paul, grounding the expectation of suffering within the core experience of Christian discipleship. It asserts that genuine godliness, nurtured in a life of profound union with Jesus Christ, inherently sets one at odds with a fallen world (Jn 15:19; 1 Jn 3:13). This is not merely an occupational hazard for ministers or zealous evangelists, but a universal principle for "all" who choose this path. The suffering described by "persecution" encompasses any form of antagonism arising from fidelity to Christ – from verbal abuse and societal rejection to legal pressure and physical violence.

Paul's previous verses (2 Tim 3:1-9) describe the escalating moral depravity of "the last days," leading to intensified conflict. When a life characterized by Christ-like humility, purity, and truth (as opposed to the pride, hedonism, and deception listed earlier) is lived out authentically, it becomes a standing rebuke to ungodliness. This spiritual contrast inevitably elicits resistance and hostility from those who oppose Christ and His righteousness (Jn 3:19-20). Therefore, persecution is neither a sign of God's displeasure nor an unfortunate accident, but rather a validation of true godliness and a marker of identification with Christ, who Himself suffered rejection and persecution (1 Pet 2:21; Heb 12:3). It refines faith, deepens reliance on God, and strengthens spiritual character, becoming a means by which believers share in Christ’s sufferings and grow in anticipation of His glory (Rom 8:17; Php 1:29).