King James Version

What Does 2 Peter 2:5 Mean?

2 Peter 2:5 in the King James Version says “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon ...” — study this verse from 2 Peter chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;”

2 Peter 2:5 · KJV

Salvation

Context

3

And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

4

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

5

And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

6

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

7

And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Chapter 2, verse 5 - 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 · 15 words
καὶ1 of 15

“And”

G2532

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

ἀρχαίου2 of 15

“the old”

G744

original or primeval

κόσμῳ3 of 15

“upon the world”

G2889

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

οὐκ4 of 15

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐφείσατο5 of 15

“spared”

G5339

to be chary of, i.e., (subjectively) to abstain or (objectively) to treat leniently

ἀλλ'6 of 15

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ὄγδοον7 of 15

“the eighth”

G3590

the eighth

Νῶε8 of 15

“Noah”

G3575

no, (i.e., noch), a patriarch

δικαιοσύνης9 of 15

“of righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

κήρυκα10 of 15

“person a preacher”

G2783

a herald, i.e., of divine truth (especially of the gospel)

ἐφύλαξεν11 of 15

“saved”

G5442

to watch, i.e., be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid

κατακλυσμὸν12 of 15

“the flood”

G2627

an inundation

κόσμῳ13 of 15

“upon the world”

G2889

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

ἀσεβῶν14 of 15

“of the ungodly”

G765

irreverent, i.e., (by extension) impious or wicked

ἐπάξας15 of 15

“bringing in”

G1863

to superinduce, i.e., inflict (an evil), charge (a crime)

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 3:6Hebrews 11:7Jude 1:14-15Luke 17:26-271 Peter 3:19-20Genesis 7:1-24

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