King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:13 Mean?

2 Peter 2:13 in the King James Version says “And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are ...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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;”

2 Peter 2:13 · KJV

Context

11

Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. them: some read, themselves

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: adultery: Gr. an adulteress

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;

Read 2 Peter 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 13 - Comprehensive theological analysis. Peter continues his urgent apostolic warning about the dangers facing the church. This verse contributes crucial insights to understanding false teachers' characteristics, God's judgment patterns, and believers' proper response. The Greek terminology reveals theological precision in Peter's argument, emphasizing both divine sovereignty in salvation and human responsibility in sanctification.

The immediate context connects to Peter's broader argument about maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity while awaiting Christ's return. Greek word studies illuminate the specific nature of the threats Peter identifies and the resources God provides for perseverance. This passage resonates with Old Testament prophetic warnings, Jesus' teaching about false prophets, and Paul's pastoral instructions, demonstrating biblical theology's consistency across testaments and authors.

Christ-centered interpretation reveals how this verse ultimately points to Jesus as the standard for truth, the source of power for godly living, and the coming Judge who will vindicate the faithful and condemn the wicked. The eschatological dimension reminds believers that present struggles occur within the larger framework of redemptive history culminating in Christ's glorious return and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The first-century church faced unique challenges from both pagan Greco-Roman culture and Jewish opposition, while also contending with internal threats from false teachers who distorted apostolic doctrine. Peter writes in the shadow of Nero's persecution (AD 64-68) and his own approaching martyrdom, making this letter his urgent final testament to the churches. Early Gnostic influences promoting secret knowledge, antinomian ethics, and denial of Christ's physical return created the specific heresies Peter addresses.

Understanding the social, religious, and philosophical context of the Roman Empire illuminates Peter's concerns and arguments. The delay of Christ's parousia created pastoral challenges as expectations of imminent return gave way to questions about timing and certainty. Jewish apocalyptic literature, Greco-Roman moral philosophy, and mystery religions all influenced how different groups understood salvation, ethics, and eschatology, requiring apostolic clarification to maintain orthodox Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge compromises you might be tempted to make for cultural acceptance or personal comfort?
  2. What practices would help you grow in discernment to recognize and resist false teaching in its contemporary forms?
  3. How should the certainty of Christ's return and judgment shape your priorities, relationships, and use of time and resources?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
κομιούμενοι1 of 19

“And shall receive”

G2865

properly, to provide for, i.e., (by implication) to carry off (as if from harm; genitive case obtain)

μισθὸν2 of 19

“the reward”

G3408

pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad

ἀδικίας3 of 19

“of unrighteousness”

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

ἡδονὴν4 of 19

“it pleasure”

G2237

sensual delight; by implication, desire

ἡγούμενοι5 of 19

“as they that count”

G2233

to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider

τὴν6 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν7 of 19

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἡμέρᾳ8 of 19

“the day time”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τρυφήν9 of 19

“to riot”

G5172

effeminacy, i.e., luxury or debauchery

σπίλοι10 of 19

“Spots”

G4696

a stain or blemish, i.e., (figuratively) defect, disgrace

καὶ11 of 19

“they are and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μῶμοι12 of 19

“blemishes”

G3470

a flaw or blot, i.e., (figuratively) disgraceful person

ἐντρυφῶντες13 of 19

“sporting themselves”

G1792

to revel in

ἐν14 of 19

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ταῖς15 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπάταις16 of 19

“deceivings”

G539

delusion

αὐτῶν17 of 19
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

συνευωχούμενοι18 of 19

“while they feast”

G4910

to entertain sumptuously in company with, i.e., (middle voice or passive) to revel together

ὑμῖν19 of 19

“with you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Peter. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Peter 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Peter 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:13Romans 2:8-9Hebrews 2:2-3Philippians 3:191 Peter 4:4Jude 1:12-16

Test Your Knowledge

2 Peter 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Peter Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Peter 2 with CommentaryAll 2 Peter ChaptersComplete 2 Peter QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes