Bible Commentaries

But there arose (εγενοντο δε — egenonto de). Second aorist middle indicative of γινομαι — ginomai (cf. γινεται — ginetai in 2 Peter 1:20).

False prophets also (και πσευδοπροπηται — kai pseudoprophētai). In contrast with the true prophets just pictured in 2 Peter 1:20. Late compound in lxx and Philo, common in N.T. (Matthew 7:15). Allusion to the O.T. times like Balaam and others (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 28:9; Ezekiel 13:9).

False teachers (πσευδοδιδασκαλοι — pseudodidaskaloi). Late and rare compound (πσευδησ διδασκαλος — pseudēsεσονται — didaskalos) here alone in N.T. Peter pictures them as in the future here (εισιν — esontai shall be) and again as already present (επλανητησαν — eisin are, 2 Peter 2:17), or in the past (παρεισαχουσιν — eplanēthēsan they went astray, 2 Peter 2:15).

Shall privily bring in (παρεισαγω — pareisaxousin). Future active of παρεισαγω — pareisagō late double compound εισαγω — pareisagō to bring in (παρα — eisagō), by the side (παρεισακτους — para), as if secretly, here alone in N.T., but see αιρεσεις απωλειας — pareisaktous in Galatians 2:4 (verbal adjective of this same verb).

Destructive heresies (αιρεσις — haireseis apōleias). Descriptive genitive, “heresies of destruction” (marked by destruction) as in Luke 16:8. αιρεω — Hairesis (from αρνουμενοι — haireō) is simply a choosing, a school, a sect like that of the Sadducees (Acts 5:17), of the Pharisees (Acts 15:5), and of Christians as Paul admitted (Acts 24:5). These “tenets” (Galatians 5:20) led to destruction.

Denying (αρνεομαι — arnoumenoi). Present middle participle of και τον δεσποτην — arneomai This the Gnostics did, the very thing that Peter did, alas (Matthew 26:70) even after Christ‘s words (Matthew 10:33).

Even the Master (τον αγορασαντα αυτους — kai ton despotēn). Old word for absolute master, here of Christ as in Judges 1:4, and also of God (Acts 4:24). Without the evil sense in our “despot.”

That bought them (αγοραζω — ton agorasanta autous). First aorist active articular participle of λυτροω — agorazō same idea with ταχινην απωλειαν — lutroō in 1 Peter 1:18. These were professing Christians, at any rate, these heretics.

Swift destruction (ταχινην — tachinēn apōleian). See 2 Peter 1:14 for απωλειαν — tachinēn and note repetition of επαγοντες — apōleian This is always the tragedy of such false prophets, the fate that they bring on (epagontes) themselves.

Lascivious doings (ασελγειαις — aselgeiais). Associative instrumental ease after εχακολουτησουσιν — exakolouthēsousin (future active, for which verb see 2 Peter 1:16). See 1 Peter 4:3 for this word.

By reason of whom (δι ους — di' hous). “Because of whom” (accusative case of relative, referring to πολλοι — polloi many). Αυτων — Autōn (their) refers to πσευδοδιδασκαλοι — pseudodidaskaloi (false teachers) while πολλοι — polloi to their deluded followers. See Romans 2:23. for a picture of such conduct by Jews (quotation from Isaiah 52:5, with βλασπημεω — blasphēmeō used as here with δι υμας — di' humas because of you).

The way of truth (η οδος της αλητειας — hē hodos tēs alētheias). οδος — Hodos (way) occurs often in N.T. for Christianity (Acts 9:2; Acts 16:17; Acts 18:25; Acts 22:4; Acts 24:14). This phrase is in Genesis 24:48 as “the right road,” and that is what Peter means here. So Psalm 119:30. See again 2 Peter 2:15, 2 Peter 2:21.

In covetousness (εν πλεονεχιαι — en pleonexiāi). As did Balaam (2 Peter 2:15). These licentious Gnostics made money out of their dupes. A merely intellectual Gnosticism had its fruit in immorality and fraud.

With feigned words (πλαστοις λογοις — plastois logois). Instrumental case. Πλαστος — Plastos is verbal adjective (from πλασσω — plassō to mould as from clay, for which see Romans 9:20), here only in N.T. “With forged words.” See sample in 2 Peter 3:4.

Shall make merchandise of you (υμας εμπορευσονται — humas emporeusontai). Future middle of εμπορευομαι — emporeuomai (from εμπορος — emporos a travelling merchant), old word, to go in for trade, in N.T. only here and James 4:13, which see. Cf. our emporium (John 2:16, market house).

Whose sentence (οις το κριμα — hois to krima). “For whom (dative case) the sentence” (verdict, not process κρισις — krisis).

Now from of old (εκπαλαι — ekpalai). Late and common compound adverb, in N.T. only here and 2 Peter 3:5.

Lingereth not (ουκ αργει — ouk argei). “Is not idle,” old verb, αργεω — argeō (from αργος — argos not working, alpha privative and εργον — ergon), here only in N.T.

Slumbereth not (ου νυσταζει — ou nustazei). Old and common verb (from νυω — nuō to nod), in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:5. Note απωλεια — apōleia (destruction) three times in 2 Peter 2:1-3.

For if God spared not (ει γαρ ο τεος ουκ επεισατο — ei gar ho theos ouk epheisato). First instance (γαρ — gar) of certain doom, that of the fallen angels. Condition of the first class precisely like that in Romans 11:21 save that here the normal apodosis (υμων ου πεισεται — humōn ou pheisetai) is not expressed as there, but is simply implied in 2 Peter 2:9 by οιδεν κυριος ρυεσται — oiden kurios ruesthai (the Lord knows how to deliver) after the parenthesis in 2 Peter 2:8.

Angels when they sinned (αγγελων αμαρτησαντων — aggelōn hamartēsantōn). Genitive case after επεισατο — epheisato (first aorist middle indicative of πειδομαι — pheidomai) and anarthrous (so more emphatic, even angels), first aorist active participle of αμαρτανω — hamartanō “having sinned.”

Cast them down to hell (ταρταρωσας — tartarōsas). First aorist active participle of ταρταροω — tartaroō late word (from ταρταρος — tartaros old word in Homer, Pindar, lxx Job 40:15; 41:23, Philo, inscriptions, the dark and doleful abode of the wicked dead like the Gehenna of the Jews), found here alone save in a scholion on Homer. Ταρταρος — Tartaros occurs in Enoch 20:2 as the place of punishment of the fallen angels, while Gehenna is for apostate Jews.

Committed (παρεδωκεν — paredōken). First aorist active indicative of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi the very form solemnly used by Paul in Romans 1:21, Romans 1:26, Romans 1:28.

To pits of darkness (σειροις ζοπου — seirois zophou). οπος — Zophos (kin to γνοποσ νεπος — gnophosσειραις — nephos) is an old word, blackness, gloom of the nether world in Homer, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:17; Judges 1:13; Hebrews 12:18. The MSS. vary between σειρα — seirais (σειροις — seira chain or rope) and σειρος — seirois (Σειροις — seiros old word for pit, underground granary). εις κρισιν τηρουμενους — Seirois is right (Aleph A B C), dative case of destination.

To be reserved unto judgment (τηρεω — eis krisin tēroumenous). Present (linear action) passive participle of κολαζομενους τηρειν — tēreō “Kept for judgment.” Cf. 1 Peter 1:4. Aleph A have κρισις — kolazomenous tērein as in 2 Peter 2:9. Note krisis (act of judgment).

The ancient world (αρχαιου κοσμου — archaiou kosmou). Genitive case after επεισατο — epheisato (with ει — ei understood) repeated (the second example, the deluge). This example not in Jude. Absence of the article is common in the prophetic style like 2 Peter. For αρχαιος — archaios see Luke 9:8.

Preserved (επυλαχεν — ephulaxen). Still part of the long protasis with ει — ei first aorist active indicative of πυλασσω — phulassō seven others (ογδοον — ogdoon). “Eighth,” predicate accusative adjective (ordinal), classic idiom usually with αυτον — auton See 1 Peter 3:20 for this same item. Some take ογδοον — ogdoon with κηρυκα — kēruka (eighth preacher), hardly correct.

A preacher of righteousness (δικαιοσυνης κηρυκα — dikaiosunēs kēruka). “Herald” as in 1 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 1:11 alone in N.T., but κηρυσσω — kērussō is common. It is implied in 1 Peter 3:20 that Noah preached to the men of his time during the long years.

When he brought (επαχας — epaxas). First aorist active participle (instead of the common second aorist active επαγαγων — epagagōn) of εισαγω — eisagō old compound verb to bring upon, in N.T. only here and Acts 5:28 (by Peter here also).

A flood (κατακλυσμον — kataklusmon). Old word (from κατακλυζω — katakluzō to inundate), only of Noah‘s flood in N.T. (Matthew 24:38.; Luke 17:27; 2 Peter 2:5).

Upon the world of the ungodly (κοσμοι ασεβων — kosmoi asebōn). Anarthrous and dative case κοσμωι — kosmōi The whole world were “ungodly” (ασεβεις — asebeis as in 1 Peter 4:18) save Noah‘s family of eight.

Turning into ashes (τεπρωσας — tephrōsas). First aorist participle of τεπροω — tephroō late word from τεπρα — tephra ashes (in Dio Cassius of an eruption of Vesuvius, Philo), here alone in N.T.

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (πολεις Σοδομων και Γομορρας — poleis Sodomōn kai Gomorrās). Genitive of apposition after πολεις — poleis (cities), though it makes sense as possessive genitive, for Judges 1:7 speaks of the cities around these two. The third example, the cities of the plain. See Genesis 19:24.

Condemned them (κατεκρινεν — katekrinen). First aorist active indicative of κατακρινω — katakrinō still part of the protasis with ει — ei an overthrow (καταστροπηι — katastrophēi). Instrumental case or even dative like τανατωι — thanatōi with κατακρινω — katakrinō in Matthew 20:18. But Westcott and Hort reject the word here because not in B C Coptic.

Having made them (τετεικως — tetheikōs). Perfect active participle of τιτημι — tithēmi example (υποδειγμα — hupodeigma). For which see James 5:10; John 13:15. Cf. 1 Peter 2:21.

Unto those that should live ungodly (μελλοντων ασεβεσιν — mellontōn asebesin). Rather, “unto ungodly men of things about to be” (see Hebrews 11:20 for this use of μελλοντων — mellontōn). But Aleph A C K L read ασεβειν — asebein (present active infinitive) with μελλοντων — mellontōn = ασεβησοντων — asebēsontōn (future active participle of ασεβεω — asebeō), from which we have our translation.

And delivered (και ερυσατο — kai erusato). First aorist middle of ρυομαι — ruomai as in Matthew 6:13, still part of the protasis with ει — ei Lot (δικαιον Λοτ — dikaion Lot). This adjective δικαιος — dikaios occurs three times in 2 Peter 2:7, 2 Peter 2:8. See Wisdom 10:6.

Sore distressed (καταπονουμενον — kataponoumenon). Present passive participle of καταπονεω — kataponeō late and common verb, to work down, to exhaust with labor, to distress, in N.T. only here and Acts 7:24.

By the lascivious life of the wicked (υπο της των ατεσμων εν ασελγειαι αναστροπης — hupo tēs tōn athesmōn en aselgeiāi anastrophēs). “By the life in lasciviousness of the lawless.” Ατεσμος — Athesmos (alpha privative and τεσμος — thesmos), late and common adjective (cf. ατεμιτος — athemitos 1 Peter 4:3) for rebels against law (of nature and conscience here). Αναστροπη — Anastrophē is frequent in 1 Peter.

For (γαρ — gar). Parenthetical explanation in 2 Peter 2:8 of the remark about Lot.

Dwelling (ενκατοικων — enkatoikōn). Present active participle of ενκατοικεω — enkatoikeō old but rare double compound, here only in N.T.

In seeing and hearing (βλεμματι και ακοηι — blemmati kai akoēi). “By sight (instrumental case of βλεμμα — blemma old word, from βλεπω — blepō to see, here only in N.T.) and hearing” (instrumental case of ακοη — akoē from ακουω — akouō to hear, common as Matthew 13:14).

From day to day (ημεραν εχ ημερας — hēmeran ex hēmerās). “Day in day out.” Accusative of time and ablative with εχ — ex Same idiom in Psalm 96:2 for the more common εχ ημερας εις ημεραν — ex hēmeras eis hēmeran (εβασανιζεν — ebasanizen). Imperfect active (kept on vexing) of βασανιζω — basanizō old word, to test metals, to torment (Matthew 8:29).

With their lawless deeds (ανομοις εργοις — anomois ergois). Instrumental case of cause, “because of their lawless (contrary to law) deeds.” For ανομος — anomos see 2 Thessalonians 2:8.

The Lord knoweth how (οιδεν κυριος — oiden kurios). The actual apodosis of the long protasis begun in 2 Peter 2:4. God can deliver his servants as shown by Noah and Lot and he will deliver you. The idiomatic use of οιδα — oida and the infinitive (ρυεσται — ruesthai present middle and see 2 Peter 2:7) for knowing how as in Matthew 7:11; James 4:17.

The godly (ευσεβεις — eusebeis). Old anarthrous adjective (from ευ — eu and σεβομαι — sebomai to worship), in N.T. only here and Acts 10:2, Acts 10:7 (by Peter). For temptation (πειρασμου — peirasmou) see James 1:2, James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:6.

To keep (τηρειν — tērein). Present active infinitive of τηρεω — tēreō after οιδεν — oiden (αδικους — adikous). As in 1 Peter 3:18.

Under punishment (κολαζομενους — kolazomenous). Present passive participle of κολαζω — kolazō old verb (from κολος — kolos lopped off), in N.T. only here and Acts 4:21. Present tense emphasises continuity of the punishment. See κολασιν αιωνιον — kolasin aiōnion in Matthew 25:46.

Chiefly (μαλιστα — malista). Especially. He turns now to the libertine heretics (2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:7).

After the flesh (οπισω σαρκος — opisō sarkos). Hebraistic use of οπισω — opisō as with αμαρτιων — hamartiōn (sins) in Isaiah 65:2. Cf. Matthew 4:19; 1 Timothy 5:15.

Of defilement (μιασμου — miasmou). Old word (from μιαινω — miainō Titus 1:15), here only in N.T.

Despise dominion (κυριοτητος καταπρονουντας — kuriotētos kataphronountas). Κυριοτης — Kuriotēs is late word for lordship (perhaps God or Christ) (from Κυριος — Kurios), in Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21; Judges 1:8. Genitive case after καταπρουντας — kataphrountas (thinking down on, Matthew 6:24).

Daring (τολμηται — tolmētai). Old substantive (from τολμαω — tolmaō to dare), daring men, here only in N.T.

Self-willed (αυταδεις — authadeis). Old adjective (from αυτος — autos and ηδομαι — hēdomai), self-pleasing, arrogant, in N.T. only here and Titus 1:7.

They tremble not to rail at dignities (δοχας ου τρεμουσιν βλασπημουντες — doxas ou tremousin blasphēmountes). “They tremble not blaspheming dignities.” Τρεμω — Tremō is old verb (Mark 5:33), used only in present as here and imperfect. Here with the complementary participle βλασπημουντες — blasphēmountes rather than the infinitive βλασπημειν — blasphēmein See Judges 1:8. Perhaps these dignities (δοχας — doxas) are angels (εςιλ — evil).

Whereas (οπου — hopou). Loose use of οπου — hopou (in Xenophon) = “wherein.”

Though greater (μειζονες οντες — meizones ontes). Than the evil δοχαι — doxai Concessive participle and comparative adjective.

In might and strength (ισχυι και δυναμει — ischui kai dunamei). Locative case. Both indwelling strength (ισχυς — ischus Mark 12:30) and ability (δυναμις — dunamis Matthew 25:15).

Railing judgment (βλασπεμον κρισιν — blasphemon krisin). “Blasphemous accusation.”

Against them (κατ αυτων — kat' autōn). The evil angels (δοχαι — doxai).

Before the Lord (παρα κυριωι — para kuriōi). In God‘s presence. See Judges 1:9 and possibly Enoch 9.

But these (ουτοι δε — houtoi de). The false teachers of 2 Peter 2:1.

As creatures (ζωα — zōa). Living creatures, old word, from ζωος — zōos (alive), Judges 1:10; Revelation 4:6-9.

Without reason (αλογα — aloga). Old adjective, in N.T. only here, Judges 1:10; Acts 25:27. Brute beasts like τηρια — thēria (wild animals).

Born (γεγεννημενα — gegennēmena). Perfect passive participle of γενναω — gennaō animals (πυσικα — phusika). Old adjective in ικος — ̇ikos (from πυσις — phusis nature), natural animals, here only in N.T.

To be taken (εις αλωσιν — eis halōsin). “For capture” (old substantive, from αλοω — haloō here only in N.T.).

And destroyed (και πτοραν — kai phthoran). “And for destruction” just like a beast of prey caught. See 2 Peter 1:4.

In matters whereof they are ignorant (εν οις αγνοουσιν — en hois agnoousin). “In which things they are ignorant.” Here εν οις — en hois = εν τουτοις α — en toutois ha (in those things which), a common Greek idiom. For αγνοεω — agnoeō (present active indicative) see 1 Thessalonians 4:13; 1 Timothy 1:7 for a like picture of loud ignoramuses posing as professional experts.

Shall in their destroying surely be destroyed (εν τηι πτοραι αυτων πταρησονται — en tēi phthorāi autōn phtharēsontai). Second future passive of πτειρω — phtheirō Rhetorical Hebraism in the use of εν πτοραι — en phthorāi (same root as πτειρω — phtheirō), word four times in 2 Peter. See Judges 1:10.

Suffering wrong (αδικουμενοι — adikoumenoi). Present middle or passive participle of αδικεω — adikeō to do wrong. So Aleph B P, but A C K L have κομιουμενοι — komioumenoi (future middle participle of κομιζω — komizō), shall receive.

As the hire of wrong-doing (μιστον αδικιας — misthon adikias). The Elephantine papyrus has the passive of αδικεω — adikeō in the sense of being defrauded, and that may be the idea here. Peter plays on words again here as often in 2 Peter. The picture proceeds now with participles like ηγουμενοι — hēgoumenoi (counting).

Pleasure (ηδονην — hēdonēn). See James 4:1, James 4:3.

To revel in the daytime (την εν ημεραι τρυπην — tēn en hēmerāi truphēn). “The in the daytime revel” (old word τρυπη — truphē from τρυπτω — thruptō to enervate, in N.T. only here and Luke 7:25).

Spots (σπιλοι — spiloi). Old word for disfiguring spot, in N.T. only here and Ephesians 5:27.

Blemishes (μωμοι — mōmoi). Old word for blot (kin to μυω — muō), only here in N.T. See 1 Peter 1:19 for αμωμος και ασπιλος — amōmos kai aspilos (εντρυπωντες — entruphōntes). Present active participle of εντρυπαω — entruphaō old compound for living in luxury, only here in N.T.

In their love-feasts (εν ταις αγαπαις — en tais agapais). So B Sah, but Aleph A C K L P read απαταις — apatais (in their deceivings). If αγαπαις — agapais is genuine as it is in Judges 1:12, they are the only N.T. examples of this use of αγαπη — agapē they feast with you (συνευωχουμενοι — suneuōchoumenoi). Present passive participle of late and rare verb συνευωχεω — suneuōcheō (συν — sun together, and ευωχεω — euōcheō to feed abundantly) to entertain with. Clement of Alex. (Paed. ii. I. 6) applies ευωχια — euōchia to the αγαπη — agapē f0).

Of adultery (μοιχαλιδος — moichalidos). Rather, “of an adulteress,” like James 4:4. Vivid picture of a man who cannot see a woman without lascivious thoughts toward her (Mayor). Cf. Matthew 5:28.

That cannot cease (ακαταπαστους — akatapastous). Reading of A B in place of ακαταπαυστους — akatapaustous (alpha privative and verbal of καταπαυω — katapauō to cease). “Unable to stop.” This a late verbal, only here in N.T. It is probable that ακαταπαστους — akatapastous is merely a misspelling of ακαταπαυστους — akatapaustous sin (αμαρτιας — hamartias). Ablative case as in 1 Peter 4:1 (αμαρτιας — hamartias). Insatiable lust.

Enticing (δελεαζοντες — deleazontes). Present active participle of δελεαζω — deleazō to catch by bait as in 2 Peter 2:18; James 1:14.

Unsteadfast (αστηρικτους — astēriktous). Late verbal adjective (alpha privative and στηριζω — stērizō), in Longinus and Vettius Valens, here alone in N.T.

Exercised (γεγυμνασμενην — gegumnasmenēn). Perfect passive predicate participle with εχοντες — echontes from γυμναζω — gumnazō precisely as in Hebrews 5:14. Rhetorical metaphor from the gymnasium.

In covetousness (πλεονεχιας — pleonexias). Genitive case after the participle.

Children of cursing (καταρας τεκνα — kataras tekna). Hebraism like τεκνα υπακοης — tekna hupakoēs in 1 Peter 1:14 = accursed (καταρατοι — kataratoi).

Forsaking (καταλειποντες — kataleipontes). Present active participle of καταλειπω — kataleipō (continually leaving) or καταλιποντες — katalipontes (second aorist active), having left.

The right way (ευτειαν οδον — eutheian hodon). “The straight way” of 1 Samuel 12:23 (cf. Matthew 7:13. for this use of οδος — hodos), “the way of truth” (2 Peter 2:2).

They went astray (επλανητησαν — eplanēthēsan). First aorist passive indicative of πλαναω — planaō like Mark 12:24.

The way of Balaam (τηι οδωι του αλααμ — tēi hodōi tou Balaam). Associative instrumental case after εχακολουτησαντες — exakolouthēsantes for which verb see 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 2:2. These false teachers, as shown in 2 Peter 2:13, followed the way of Balaam, “who loved the hire of wrong-doing” (ος μιστον αδικιας ηγαπησεν — hos misthon adikias ēgapēsen).

But he was rebuked (ελεγχιν δε εσχεν — elegxin de eschen). “But he had rebuke.” Second aorist active indicative of εχω — echō and accusative of ελεγχις — elegxis (late word from ελεγχω — elegchō a periphrasis for ελεγχω — elegchō here only in N.T.

For his own transgression (ιδιας παρανομιας — idias paranomias). Objective genitive of παρανομια — paranomia old word (from παρανομος — paranomos lawbreaker), here only in N.T.

A dumb ass (υποζυγιον απωνον — hupozugion aphōnon). Dumb is without voice, old word for idols and beasts. The adjective υποζυγιος — hupozugios (υπο ζυγον ον — hupo zugon on) “being under a yoke,” is applied to the ass as the common beast of burden (papyri, Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 160), in N.T. only here and Matthew 21:5.

Spake (πτεγχαμενον — phthegxamenon). First aorist middle participle of πτεγγομαι — phtheggomai old verb, to utter a sound, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:18, Acts 4:18.

Stayed (εκωλυσεν — ekōlusen). First aorist active indicative of κωλυω — kōluō to hinder.

Madness (παραπρονιαν — paraphronian). Only known example of this word instead of the usual παραπροσυνη — paraphrosunē or παραπρονησις — paraphronēsis It is being beside one‘s wits.

Without water (ανυδροι — anudroi). As in Matthew 12:43; Luke 11:24. Old word for common and disappointing experience of travellers in the orient.

Mists (ομιχλαι — homichlai). Old word for fog, here alone in N.T.

Driven by a storm (υπο λαιλαπος ελαυνομεναι — hupo lailapos elaunomenai). Λαιλαπς — Lailaps is a squall (Mark 4:37; Luke 8:23, only other N.T. examples). See James 3:4 for another example of ελαυνω — elaunō for driving power of wind and waves.

For whom (οις — hois). Dative case of personal interest.

The blackness (ο ζοπος — ho zophos). See 2 Peter 2:4 for this word.

Hath been reserved (τετηρηται — tetērētai). Perfect passive participle of τηρεω — tēreō for which see 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:9.

Great swelling words (υπερογκα — huperogka). Old compound adjective (υπερ — huper and ογκος — ogkos a swelling, swelling above and beyond), in N.T. only here and Judges 1:16.

Of vanity (ματαιοτητος — mataiotētos). Late and rare word (from ματαιος — mataios empty, vain), often in lxx, in N.T. here, Romans 8:20; Ephesians 4:17.

By lasciviousness (ασελγειαις — aselgeiais). Instrumental plural, “by lascivious acts.” Note asyndeton as in 2 Peter 1:9, 2 Peter 1:17.

Those who are just escaping (τους ολιγως αποπευγοντας — tous oligōs apopheugontas). So A B read ολιγως — oligōs (slightly, a little), while Aleph C K L P read οντως — ontōs (actually). Ολιγως — Oligōs late and rare, only here in N.T. So again the Textus Receptus has αποπυγοντας — apophugontas (second aorist active participle, clean escaped) while the correct text is the present active αποπευγοντας — apopheugontas them that live in error (τους εν πλανηι αναστρεπομενους — tous en planēi anastrephomenous). Accusative case after αποπευγοντας — apopheugontas (escaping from) according to regular idiom. Peter often uses αναστρεπω — anastrephō and αναστροπη — anastrophē f0).

Liberty (ελευτεριαν — eleutherian). Promising “personal liberty,” that is license, after the fashion of advocates of liquor today, not the freedom of truth in Christ (John 8:32; Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13).

Themselves bondservants (αυτοι δουλοι — autoi douloi). “Themselves slaves” of corruption and sin as Paul has it in Romans 6:20.

Of whom (ωι — hōi). Instrumental case, but it may mean “of what.”

Is overcome (ηττηται — hēttētai). Perfect passive indicative of ητταω — hēttaō (from ηττων — hēttōn less) old verb, in N.T. only here, 2 Peter 2:20; 2 Corinthians 12:13.

Of the same (τουτωι — toutōi). “By this one (or thing).”

Is brought into bondage (δεδουλωται — dedoulōtai). Perfect passive indicative of δουλοω — douloō Like Paul again (Romans 6:16, Romans 6:18; Romans 8:21).

After they have escaped (αποπυγοντες — apophugontes). Second aorist active participle here (see 2 Peter 2:18).

The defilements (τα μιασματα — ta miasmata). Old word miasma, from μιαινω — miainō here only in N.T. Our “miasma.” The body is sacred to God. Cf. μιασμου — miasmou in 2 Peter 2:10.

They are again entangled (παλιν εμπλακεντες — palin emplakentes). Second aorist passive participle of εμπλεκω — emplekō old verb, to inweave (noosed, fettered), in N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 2:4.

Overcome (ηττωνται — hēttōntai). Present passive indicative of ητταοω — hēttaoō for which see 2 Peter 2:19, “are repeatedly worsted.” Predicate in the condition of first class with ει — ei It is not clear whether the subject here is “the deluded victims” (Bigg) or the false teachers themselves (Mayor). See Hebrews 10:26 for a parallel.

Therein (τουτοις — toutois). So locative case (in these “defilements”), but it can be instrumental case (“by these,” Strachan).

With them (αυτοις — autois). Dative of disadvantage, “for them.”

Than the first (των πρωτων — tōn prōtōn). Ablative case after the comparative χειρονα — cheirona See this moral drawn by Jesus (Matthew 12:45; Luke 11:26).

It were better (κρειττον ην — kreitton ēn). Apodosis of a condition of second class without αν — an as is usual with clauses of possibility, propriety, obligation (Matthew 26:24; 1 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 7:7; Hebrews 9:26).

Not to have known (μη επεγνωκεναι — mē epegnōkenai). Perfect active infinitive of επιγινωσκω — epiginōskō (cf. επιγνωσει — epignōsei 2 Peter 2:20) to know fully.

The way of righteousness (την οδον της δικαιοσυνης — tēn hodon tēs dikaiosunēs). For the phrase see Matthew 21:33, also the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2), the straight way (2 Peter 2:15).

After knowing it (επιγνουσιν — epignousin). Second aorist active participle of επιγινωσκω — epiginōskō (just used) in the dative plural agreeing with αυτοις — autois (for them).

To turn back (υποστρεπσαι — hupostrepsai). First aorist active infinitive of υποστρεπω — hupostrephō old and common verb, to turn back, to return.

From (εκ — ek). Out of. So in Acts 12:25 with υποστρεπω — hupostrephō With ablative case. See Romans 7:12 for αγια — hagia applied to η εντολη — hē entolē (cf. 1 Timothy 6:14). 2 Peter strikes a high ethical note (2 Peter 1:5.).

Delivered (παραδοτεισης — paradotheisēs). First aorist passive participle feminine ablative singular of παραδιδωμι — paradidōmi f0).

It has happened (συμβεβηκεν — sumbebēken). Perfect active indicative of συμβαινω — sumbainō for which see 1 Peter 4:12.

According to the true proverb (το της αλητους παροιμιας — to tēs alēthous paroimias). “The word (το — to used absolutely, the matter of, as in Matthew 21:21; James 4:14) of the true proverb” (παροιμια — paroimia a wayside saying, for which see John 10:6; John 16:25, John 16:29). The first proverb here given comes from Proverbs 26:11. Εχεραμα — Exerama is a late and rare word (here only in N.T., in Diosc. and Eustath.) from εχεραω — exeraō to vomit.

The sow that had washed (ς λουσαμενη — hūs lousamenē). ς — Hūs old word for hog, here only in N.T. Participle first aorist direct middle of λουω — louō shows that it is feminine (anarthrous). This second proverb does not occur in the O.T., probably from a Gentile source because about the habit of hogs. Epictetus and other writers moralize on the habit of hogs, having once bathed in a filthy mud-hole, to delight in it.

To wallowing (εις κυλισμον — eis kulismon). “To rolling.” Late and rare word (from κυλιω — kuliō Mark 9:20), here only in N.T.

In the mire (βορβορου — borborou). Objective genitive, old word for dung, mire, here only in N.T. J. Rendel Harris (Story of Ahikar, p. LXVII) tells of a story about a hog that went to the bath with people of quality, but on coming out saw a stinking drain and went and rolled himself in it.