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2 Peter 2:20

KJV

For 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.

Read it in context The 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.

  1. 2:10 But 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. 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
  3. 2:12 But 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;
  4. 2:13 And 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;
  5. 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
  6. 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
  7. 2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
  8. 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
  9. 2:18 For 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.
  10. 2:19 While 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.
  11. 2:20 For 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.
  12. 2:21 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.
  13. 2:22 But 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.

Who

What

When

Where

How

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 apostle Named 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.

Related passages

Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).

Macro-Structure

See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.

2 Peter 2

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.

2 Peter 1:1 2 Peter 1:5 2 Peter 3:11

False teachers and examples of judgment
2 Peter 2:1–9

FocusGod judges and delivers

Connection to the wholeThe warning against destructive teaching is followed by scriptural examples showing that God can both judge evil and deliver the godly.
interpretation
The teachers' character and end
2 Peter 2:10–22 You are here · 2:20

FocusCorruption disguised as liberty

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.

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