King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:20 Mean?

2 Peter 2:20 in the King James Version says “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, t...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

2 Peter 2:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

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.

Read 2 Peter 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 20 - 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 · 27 words
εἰ1 of 27

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 27

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀποφυγόντες3 of 27

“after they have escaped”

G668

(figuratively) to escape

τὰ4 of 27
G3588

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

μιάσματα5 of 27

“the pollutions”

G3393

(morally) foulness (properly, the effect)

τοῦ6 of 27
G3588

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

κόσμου7 of 27

“of the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

ἐν8 of 27

“through”

G1722

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

ἐπιγνώσει9 of 27

“the knowledge”

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

τοῦ10 of 27
G3588

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

κυρίου11 of 27

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ12 of 27

“and”

G2532

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

σωτῆρος13 of 27

“Saviour”

G4990

a deliverer, i.e., god or christ

Ἰησοῦ14 of 27

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ15 of 27

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

τούτοις16 of 27

“therein”

G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

δὲ17 of 27

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

πάλιν18 of 27

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

ἐμπλακέντες19 of 27

“entangled”

G1707

to entwine, i.e., (figuratively) involve with

ἡττῶνται20 of 27
G2274

to make worse, i.e., vanquish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to rate lower

γέγονεν21 of 27

“overcome”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

αὐτοῖς22 of 27

“with them”

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

τὰ23 of 27
G3588

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

ἔσχατα24 of 27

“the latter end”

G2078

farthest, final (of place or time)

χείρονα25 of 27

“is worse”

G5501

from an obsolete equivalent ????? (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally)

τῶν26 of 27
G3588

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

πρώτων27 of 27

“than the beginning”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 10:26-27Hebrews 6:4-8Philippians 3:19Luke 11:24-26Deuteronomy 32:29Matthew 12:43-45

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