Bible Strands
2 Peter 2:20
If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, only to be entangled and overcome by it again, their final condition is worse than it was at first.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Peter addresses a community confronting false teachers who have abandoned the truth. He speaks at a moment of urgent warning against those who claim liberty while remaining enslaved to depravity.
The words — ἀποφυγόντες (apophugontes) translates literally as "having escaped," and μιάσματα (miasmata) means "pollutions." These terms mark the precise boundary between temporary deliverance and renewed captivity.
The thread — The warning runs parallel to Hebrews 10:26 and Hebrews 6:4, which both address the irreversible danger of apostasy after receiving divine knowledge. It aligns with the trajectory outlined in Philippians 3:19 regarding those whose minds remain fixed on earthly desires.
Why it lands — The text states that returning to former corruption after knowing Christ leaves a person in a worse state than before. It requires the reader to treat initial knowledge of the truth as binding rather than optional.
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
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.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 10:26 If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains,
- Hebrews 6:4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
- Philippians 3:19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
- Luke 11:24 When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’
- Deuteronomy 32:29 If only they were wise, they would understand it; they would comprehend their fate.
- Matthew 12:43 When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.
- 2 Peter 1:4 Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
- Numbers 24:20 Then Balaam saw Amalek and lifted up an oracle, saying: “Amalek was first among the nations, but his end is destruction.”
- 2 Peter 2:18 With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error.
- 2 Peter 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.