Faith Online
2 peter 2:12-22

Explore the Bible Online

2 Peter 2:12-22

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”

— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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; 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; 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: 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; 16. But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

2 Peter 2:12-22 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Peter 2:12

Theological / Devotional

These. That is, the false teachers. Compare the parallel passage in Jude 10.

Natural brute beasts. Or, “irrational creatures.” The word translated “beasts” is zda, “living creatures” (see on Rev. 4:6).

To be taken and destroyed. Literally, “for capture and destruction.” Peter’s devastating description emphasizes the irrational and unspiritual nature of these lascivious deceivers.

Speak evil. Gr. blasphemed, “to blaspheme,” “to speak evil against.” Compare the use of blasphemed in vs. 2, 10, and of the adjective blasphemos, “slanderous,” “blasphemous” in v. 11.

Things. The clause reads literally, “in which things they are ignorant” (cf. 1 Tim. 1:7). The deluded ones could have gained an understanding of divine matters, but chose to remain in ignorance and to lead others astray.

And shall ... corruption. Rather, “in their perishing also they shall perish.” There is a play upon words in the Greek that is not brought out in the KJV. The writer may be suggesting that the false instructors will perish as do the animals, or that they will perish as a result of their own corrupt doings. Both interpretations are valid, and the end is the same — the teachers will be destroyed.

By SdaBc

A little insight, only with your permission.

Optional Google Analytics cookies help us understand visits to public pages. Accept or decline—you can change your choice in Cookie settings in the footer. How Google uses data (opens in a new tab)