King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:20 Mean?

“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.”

Context

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

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.

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.

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.

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 full chapter →

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world.**—Applying the general statement of the preceding verse to the case of these false teachers. In the *Shepherd* of Hermas (I. *Vis.* IV. iii. 2.) “the black there is the world in which we dwell, and the fire-and-blood-colour (indicates) that this world must perish through blood and fire; but the golden part are ye *who have escaped this world.”* Another *possible* reminiscence of our Epistle. (See above on 2Peter 2:1; 2Peter 3:13; 2Peter 3:15; and below, 2Peter 3:5.) **Through the knowledge.**—Better, *in knowledge* the preposition “in” pointing to that in which the escape consists. (See on 2Peter 2:18, and comp. Luke 1:77.) The knowledge is of the same mature and complete kind as that spoken of in 2Peter 1:2-3; 2Peter 1:8 (where see Notes), showing that these *men* were well-instructed Christians. **Entangled therein, and overcome.**—Or, *entangled and overcome thereby, *which, from the latter part of 2Peter 2:19, seems to be the more probable construction. **The latter end is worse with them than the beginning.**—Most certainly this should be made to correspond with Matthew 12:45, of which it is almost an exact reproduction—*their last state is worse than the first.* The only difference is that the word for “is” in Matthew 12:45 means literally “becomes,” and here “has become.” (Comp. the *Shepherd, Sim.* IX. xvii. 5.)

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.