For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Read it in contextThe teachers' character and end
Start reading at 2 Peter 2:10 (2 Peter 2:10 to 2 Peter 2:22).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Peter exposes greed, presumption, and enslaving promises, ending with a severe warning about returning to corruption after escaping it.
2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
2:11Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
2:12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
2:13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
2:15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
2:16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
2:17These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2:20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2:21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
2:22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Simon Peter is the named author and the traditional identification. The letter's authorship was disputed in antiquity and remains debated; the self-identification should not be confused with unanimous historical agreement. Biblical references: 2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 3:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Peter 1:1–3:18): The writer, identifying himself as Simon Peter, addresses believers who have received like precious faith, warning about false teachers and scoffers and urging growth and readiness. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Those who have obtained like precious faith, whom the writer also addresses as recipients of a previous letter. The greeting gives no city or province. Biblical references: 2 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The teachers' character and end. Read 2 Peter 2:10 through 2 Peter 2:22 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Peter exposes greed, presumption, and enslaving promises, ending with a severe warning about returning to corruption after escaping it. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The writer speaks of his approaching death and recalls a former letter and the transfiguration. No calendar date is supplied. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The recipients' specific location is not stated in the opening, and the writing location is not explicitly named. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The teachers' character and end (2 Peter 2:10 to 2 Peter 2:22).
Start reading at 2 Peter 2:10. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter bears witness to Jesus' majesty and addresses His promised coming. It joins knowledge of Him with growth, holiness, and warnings against falling from steadfastness. See 2 Peter 1:16, 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 3:17, 2 Peter 3:18. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Grow in the qualities the letter names, resist destructive teaching, and live in view of the promised coming. Retain its warnings rather than treating earlier knowledge as a guarantee of perseverance. interpretation
Cited: 2 Peter 2:10, 2 Peter 2:22, 2 Peter 1:16, 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Peter 3:17, 2 Peter 3:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Peter the apostleNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names Simon Peter and refers to a former letter and to the transfiguration. 2 Peter 1:12 Peter 1:162 Peter 3:1
Early traditionTradition names Peter, though this letter was accepted more slowly than the first.
What is debatedThis is the most disputed New Testament letter on authorship grounds, ancient and modern.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Peter 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The writer identifies himself as Simon Peter and addresses those who have obtained like precious faith. He urges growth, warns about false teachers, and answers scoffing about the Lord's coming without authorizing neglect or date-setting.
Connection to the wholeThe warning against destructive teaching is followed by scriptural examples showing that God can both judge evil and deliver the godly.
Connection to the wholePeter exposes greed, presumption, and enslaving promises, ending with a severe warning about returning to corruption after escaping it.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Peter
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
The writer identifies himself as Simon Peter and addresses those who have obtained like precious faith. He urges growth, warns about false teachers, and answers scoffing about the Lord's coming without authorizing neglect or date-setting.