King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:17 Mean?

2 Peter 2:17 in the King James Version says “These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.”

2 Peter 2:17 · KJV

Context

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. clean: or, for a little, or, a while, as some read

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 17 - 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.

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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 · 16 words
Οὗτοί1 of 16

“These”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

εἰσιν2 of 16

“are”

G1526

they are

πηγαὶ3 of 16

“wells”

G4077

a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)

ἄνυδροι4 of 16

“without water”

G504

waterless, i.e., dry

νεφέλαι5 of 16

“clouds”

G3507

properly, cloudiness, i.e., (concretely) a cloud

ὑπὸ6 of 16

“with”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

λαίλαπος7 of 16

“a tempest”

G2978

a whirlwind (squall)

ἐλαυνόμεναι8 of 16

“that are carried”

G1643

to push (as wind, oars or daemonical power)

οἷς9 of 16

“to whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὁ10 of 16
G3588

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

ζόφος11 of 16

“the mist”

G2217

gloom (as shrouding like a cloud)

τοῦ12 of 16
G3588

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

σκότους13 of 16

“of darkness”

G4655

shadiness, i.e., obscurity (literally or figuratively)

εἰς14 of 16

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αἰῶνα15 of 16

“ever”

G165

properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (jewish) a messianic period (present or future)

τετήρηται16 of 16

“is reserved”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jude 1:12-13Jeremiah 14:3Ephesians 4:14Jude 1:6Job 6:14-17Matthew 8:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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