King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:22 Mean?

2 Peter 2:22 in the King James Version says “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that w...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 2:22 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 22 - 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 · 19 words
συμβέβηκεν1 of 19

“it is happened”

G4819

to walk (figuratively, transpire) together, i.e., concur (take place)

δὲ2 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς3 of 19

“unto 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

τὸ4 of 19

“according to”

G3588

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

τὸ5 of 19

“according to”

G3588

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

ἀληθοῦς6 of 19

“the true”

G227

true (as not concealing)

παροιμίας7 of 19

“proverb”

G3942

apparently a state alongside of supposition, i.e., (concretely) an adage; specially, an enigmatical or fictitious illustration

Κύων8 of 19

“The dog”

G2965

a dog ("hound") (literally or figuratively)

ἐπιστρέψας9 of 19

“again”

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

ἐπὶ10 of 19

“to”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὸ11 of 19

“according to”

G3588

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

ἴδιον12 of 19

“his own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

ἐξέραμα13 of 19

“vomit”

G1829

vomit, i.e., food disgorged

καί14 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

ὗς15 of 19

“the sow”

G5300

a hog ("swine")

λουσαμένη16 of 19

“that was washed”

G3068

to bathe (the whole person; whereas g3538 means to wet a part only, and g4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively)

εἰς17 of 19

“to”

G1519

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

κὺλισμα18 of 19

“her wallowing”

G2946

a wallow (the effect of rolling), i.e., filth

βορβόρου19 of 19

“in the mire”

G1004

mud

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 2:22 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 2:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 26:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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