STRONGS NT 5306a: ὑφαίνωὑφαίνω; from Homer down; the Sept. for אָרַג; to weave: Luke 12:27 T WH (rejected) marginal reading

The term designates a point subsequent to the present, a season that lies “afterward” or “later.” Its solitary New Testament use (1 Timothy 4:1) frames that season as morally and doctrinally decisive for the church.

Biblical Setting (1 Timothy 4:1)

“Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons” (Berean Standard Bible).

Paul writes from Macedonia to Timothy in Ephesus, urging him to confront false teachers (1 Timothy 1:3). The Spirit-given warning looks beyond Timothy’s immediate horizon to an era characterized by spiritual defection, yet the language assumes that the descent has already begun (cf. 1 Timothy 1:6, 19; 2 Timothy 2:17-18).

Latter Times and Apostasy

1. Nature of the departure
• Abandonment of “the faith,” that is, the apostolic deposit (1 Timothy 6:20).
• Captivation by “deceitful spirits” and “teachings of demons,” exposing a supernatural dimension behind doctrinal error (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

2. Content of the error (1 Timothy 4:2-3)
• Ascetic legalism—“forbidding marriage and abstaining from foods.”
• Propagated by “hypocritical liars,” whose consciences are “seared.”

3. Moral atmosphere
• Deception and hypocrisy (1 Timothy 4:2).
• A veneer of spirituality masking demonic influence, fulfilling the Savior’s forecast, “Many false prophets will arise and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11).

Relation to Other Eschatological Expressions

Although ὑστέροις appears only here, the New Testament frequently depicts the same era with cognate phrases:
• “Last days” (2 Timothy 3:1): “In the last days perilous times will come.”
• “Last hour” (1 John 2:18).
• “Rebellion” before the Day of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:3).
• “Last time” (1 Peter 1:5; Jude 18).

Together these texts portray a sustained epoch, spanning from Christ’s ascension to His return, marked by intensifying opposition to truth.

Historical Trajectory within Church History

1. Early Centuries – Proto-Gnostic asceticism echoed 1 Timothy 4:3; Montanist enthusiasm and Arian denial illustrate subsequent waves of defection.
2. Medieval Period – Legalistic systems that eclipsed the sufficiency of grace fit Paul’s description of doctrines rooted in spiritual deceit.
3. Modern Era – Rationalistic and liberal theologies displacing biblical authority confirm the enduring relevance of the warning.
4. Contemporary Scene – Syncretism, moral relativism, and attacks on creation, marriage, and human identity manifest the same underlying conflict.

Theological Significance

• Inspiration and Foreknowledge – “The Spirit expressly states” underscores divine initiative in prophecy and the unity of Scripture’s testimony.
• Perseverance and Preservation – Apostasy does not invalidate the promises to the faithful (2 Timothy 2:19). God keeps His elect, yet summons vigilance.
• Warfare Worldview – Error is not merely intellectual but spiritual; believers engage with principalities by truth, prayer, and holiness (Ephesians 6:10-18).

Practical Ministry Implications

1. Guard the Deposit – “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (1 Timothy 4:16). Sound doctrine must be taught, modeled, and transmitted (2 Timothy 2:2).
2. Train for Godliness – Paul juxtaposes apostate asceticism with genuine discipline: “Train yourself for godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).
3. Equip the Flock – Shepherds must expose error, refute it with Scripture, and nourish believers in grace (Titus 1:9).
4. Cultivate Discernment – Churches test every spirit (1 John 4:1) and evaluate teachers by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20).

Call to Vigilance and Hope

The same passage that predicts defection also assures ultimate triumph: “We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:10). The faithful persevere by clinging to Christ, whose return will vindicate truth and judge deception (2 Thessalonians 2:8). Thus, the lone occurrence of Strong’s Greek 5306 becomes a beacon—alerting the church to coming storms, preserving her through them, and anchoring her in the certainty that the “later times” are held firmly within the sovereign plan of God.