Bible Strands
2 Peter 2:10
Such punishment is specially reserved for those who indulge the corrupt desires of the flesh and despise authority. Bold and self-willed, they are unafraid to slander glorious beings.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses a Christian community warning against infiltrating false teachers, immediately following his declaration that the Lord reserves punishment for the unrighteous on the day of judgment.
The words — μάλιστα (malista) renders "especially," and ὀπίσω σαρκὸς ἐπιθυμίας μιασμοῦ (opisō sarkos epithumias miasmou) literally means "after the passion of defilement of the flesh."
The thread — The pattern of judging those who pursue corrupt desires and slander others appears in Jude 1:10 and Jude 1:16, while the boundary against cursing earthly rulers parallels Exodus 22:28.
Why it lands — The text establishes that God's reserved punishment specifically targets those who actively follow fleshly corruption, reject established authority, and slander glorious beings without fear.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Cross-references
- Jude 1:16 These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
- Jude 1:10 These men, however, slander what they do not understand, and like irrational animals, they will be destroyed by the things they do instinctively.
- Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.
- Jude 1:18 when they said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow after their own ungodly desires.”
- Romans 1:24 Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another.
- 2 Peter 3:3 Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires.
- Romans 8:12 Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.
- Ephesians 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
- Jude 1:4 For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
- Ecclesiastes 10:20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich even in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your words, and a winged creature may report your speech.