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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/2-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/61_2Pe_02_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Peter 2:20 - Deliverance from False Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm" title="2 Peter 2:19">◄</a> 2 Peter 2:20 <a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm" title="2 Peter 2:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_peter/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_peter/2.htm">New International Version</a> If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. <a href="/nlt/2_peter/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. <a href="/esv/2_peter/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. <a href="/bsb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if, having escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, now again having been entangled in these they are subdued, the last state has become worse to them than the first. <a href="/kjv/2_peter/2.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/2_peter/2.htm">New King James Version</a> For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. <a href="/nasb_/2_peter/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. <a href="/nasb/2_peter/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. <a href="/nasb77/2_peter/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. <a href="/lsb/2_peter/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For if they are overcome, having both escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and having again been entangled in them, then the last state has become worse for them than the first. <a href="/amp/2_peter/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world by [personal] knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, their last condition has become worse for them than the first. <a href="/csb/2_peter/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For if, having escaped the world’s impurity through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in these things and defeated, the last state is worse for them than the first. <a href="/hcsb/2_peter/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For if, having escaped the world&#8217s impurity through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in these things and defeated, the last state is worse for them than the first. <a href="/asv/2_peter/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. <a href="/cev/2_peter/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When they learned about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they escaped from the filthy things of this world. But they are again caught up and controlled by these filthy things, and now they are in worse shape than they were at first. <a href="/erv/2_peter/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. <a href="/gwt/2_peter/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> People can know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and escape the world's filth. But if they get involved in this filth again and give in to it, they are worse off than they were before. <a href="/gnt/2_peter/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> If people have escaped from the corrupting forces of the world through their knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then are again caught and conquered by them, such people are in worse condition at the end than they were at the beginning. <a href="/isv/2_peter/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> For if, after escaping the world's corruptions through a full knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Messiah, they are again entangled and conquered by those corruptions, then their last condition is worse than their former one. <a href="/msb/2_peter/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/2_peter/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For if after they have escaped the filthy things of the world through the rich knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again get entangled in them and succumb to them, their last state has become worse for them than their first. <a href="/nheb/2_peter/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. <a href="/wbt/2_peter/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. <a href="/wey/2_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For if, after escaping from the pollutions of the world through a full knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, people are once more entangled in these pollutions and are overcome, their last state has become worse than their first. <a href="/web/2_peter/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_peter/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for if having escaped from the defilements of the world, in the acknowledging of the LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, and again being entangled by these things, they have been overcome, the last things have become worse to them than the first, <a href="/blb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if, having escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, now again having been entangled in these they are subdued, the last state has become worse to them than the first. <a href="/ylt/2_peter/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for, if having escaped from the pollutions of the world, in the acknowledging of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and by these again being entangled, they have been overcome, become to them hath the last things worse than the first, <a href="/slt/2_peter/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For if having escaped the pollutions of the world by the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and again entangling with these, they be conquered, the last things have been to them worse than the first.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_peter/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For if, flying from the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they be again entangled in them and overcome: their latter state is become unto them worse than the former. <a href="/cpdv/2_peter/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For if, after taking refuge from the defilements of the world in the understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again become entangled and overcome by these things, then the latter state becomes worse than the former. <a href="/nabre/2_peter/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For if they, having escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of [our] Lord and savior Jesus Christ, again become entangled and overcome by them, their last condition is worse than their first. <a href="/nrsvce/2_peter/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overpowered, the last state has become worse for them than the first.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_peter/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through knowledge of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled by these very things, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_peter/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For if when they have fled the abominations of the world by the teaching of our Lord and our Savior, Yeshua The Messiah, they are again entangled in these things, they are overcome again, and their end is worse than the beginning.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_peter/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in these, and overcome by them, the last state of such is worse than the first. <a href="/godbey/2_peter/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For if having escaped the pollutions of the world through the perfect knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and having again become entangled in these things, they are overcome, the last state has to them become worse than the first. <a href="/haweis/2_peter/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For if having escaped from the defilements of the world by the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again enveloped by them and overcome, their last deeds are worse than the first. <a href="/mace/2_peter/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As for those who have renounc'd the pollutions of the world, by their owning Jesus Christ for their Lord and saviour, if they are prevail'd upon to be entangled therein again, their last state is worse than the first. <a href="/wey/2_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For if, after escaping from the pollutions of the world through a full knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, people are once more entangled in these pollutions and are overcome, their last state has become worse than their first. <a href="/worrell/2_peter/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For if, after having escaped the defilements of the world in a full knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but, having again become entangled with these, they are overcome, the last state has become worse with them than the first. <a href="/worsley/2_peter/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> For if, after they had escaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled and vanquished by them, their last state is worse than the first; <a href="/parallel/2_peter/2-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gzcat0SlE18?start=436" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_peter/2.htm">Deliverance from False Prophets</a> …19They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to depravity. For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 20<a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">If</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">indeed</a> <a href="/greek/668.htm" title="668: apophygontes (V-APA-NMP) -- To flee from, escape. From apo and pheugo; to escape.">they have escaped</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3393.htm" title="3393: miasmata (N-ANP) -- Pollution, defilement; a stain. From miaino; foulness.">corruption</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/2889.htm" title="2889: kosmou (N-GMS) -- Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally).">world</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">through</a> <a href="/greek/1922.htm" title="1922: epignōsei (N-DFS) -- From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.">the knowledge</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of our</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4990.htm" title="4990: Sōtēros (N-GMS) -- A savior, deliverer, preserver. From sozo; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ.">Savior</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">only</a> <a href="/greek/1707.htm" title="1707: emplakentes (V-APP-NMP) -- To enfold, entangle; pass: To be involved in. From en and pleko; to entwine, i.e. involve with.">to be entangled</a> <a href="/greek/2274.htm" title="2274: hēttōntai (V-RIM/P-3P) -- From the same as hetton; to make worse, i.e. Vanquish; by implication, to rate lower.">and overcome</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: toutois (DPro-DNP) -- This; he, she, it. ">by it</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">again,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">their</a> <a href="/greek/2078.htm" title="2078: eschata (Adj-NNP) -- Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final.">final condition</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegonen (V-RIA-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">is</a> <a href="/greek/5501.htm" title="5501: cheirona (Adj-NNP-C) -- Worse, more severe. Irregular comparative of kakos; from an obsolete equivalent cheres; more evil or aggravated.">worse than</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">it was</a> <a href="/greek/4413.htm" title="4413: prōtōn (Adj-GNP) -- First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.">at first.</a> 21It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it and then to turn away from the holy commandment passed on to them.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a> It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, / who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age— / and then have fallen away—to be restored to repentance, because they themselves are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to open shame. <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43-45</a> 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.’ On its return, it finds the house vacant, swept clean, and put in order. / Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first. So will it be with this wicked generation.” <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Luke 11:24-26</a> 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.’ / On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. / Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there. And the final plight of that man is worse than the first.” <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-27</a> If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. <a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a> It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. <a href="/john/8-31.htm">John 8:31-32</a> So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. / Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” <a href="/romans/6-16.htm">Romans 6:16-18</a> Do you not know that when you offer yourselves as obedient slaves, you are slaves to the one you obey, whether you are slaves to sin leading to death, or to obedience leading to righteousness? / But thanks be to God that, though you once were slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were committed. / You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. <a href="/1_john/2-19.htm">1 John 2:19</a> They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a> So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. <a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a> But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a> As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. <a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Ezekiel 18:24</a> But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die. <a href="/jeremiah/34-15.htm">Jeremiah 34:15-16</a> Recently you repented and did what pleased Me; each of you proclaimed freedom for his neighbor. You made a covenant before Me in the house that bears My Name. / But now you have changed your minds and profaned My name. Each of you has taken back the menservants and maidservants whom you had set at liberty to go wherever they wanted, and you have again forced them to be your slaves. <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-20</a> Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” / “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. ... <a href="/psalms/85-8.htm">Psalm 85:8</a> I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.after.<a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43-45</a> When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none… <a href="/luke/11-24.htm">Luke 11:24-26</a> When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out… <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-8</a> For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, … escaped.<a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">2 Peter 2:18</a> For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.<a href="/2_peter/1-4.htm">2 Peter 1:4</a> Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.through.<a href="/2_peter/1-2.htm">2 Peter 1:2</a> Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,the latter.<a href="/numbers/24-20.htm">Numbers 24:20</a> And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever.<a href="/deuteronomy/32-29.htm">Deuteronomy 32:29</a> O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!<a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a> Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Corruption</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Defilement</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-17.htm">End</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">Entangled</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">Escaping</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-20.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Free</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-16.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Last</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/acts/19-16.htm">Overpowered</a> <a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Pollutions</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-11.htm">Savior</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-11.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/colossians/4-8.htm">State</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-12.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-5.htm">World</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-29.htm">Worse</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-18.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-12.htm">Corruption</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-49.htm">Defilement</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">End</a> <a href="/exodus/14-3.htm">Entangled</a> <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Escaping</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-1.htm">First</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-14.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_john/1-4.htm">Full</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-18.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-3.htm">Last</a> <a href="/1_john/2-13.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/judges/3-10.htm">Overpowered</a> <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Pollutions</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Savior</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Saviour</a> <a href="/jude/1-6.htm">State</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">Therein</a> <a href="/jude/1-8.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-4.htm">World</a> <a href="/genesis/19-9.htm">Worse</a><div class="vheading2">2 Peter 2</div>1. <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">Peter warns of false teachers, showing the impiety and punishment both of them and their followers;</a> 7. <a href="/2_peter/2-7.htm">from which the godly shall be delivered, as Lot was out of Sodom;</a> 10. <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">and more fully describes the manners of those profane and blasphemous seducers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_peter/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_peter/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_peter/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>If indeed they have escaped the corruption of the world This phrase suggests a past action where individuals have managed to break free from the moral and spiritual decay prevalent in the world. The term "corruption" is often associated with the sinful nature and practices that are contrary to God's will. In biblical context, the "world" refers to the system of values and behaviors that are opposed to God. This escape is reminiscent of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, symbolizing liberation from bondage. The concept of escaping corruption is also echoed in <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a>, where believers are urged not to conform to the patterns of this world.through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ The means of escape is through the "knowledge" of Jesus Christ, indicating a deep, personal, and transformative understanding of who He is and what He has done. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, involving a commitment to follow Christ. The titles "Lord" and "Savior" emphasize His authority and His role in salvation. This aligns with <a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a>, where eternal life is defined as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ. The Greek word for knowledge, "epignosis," implies a full, experiential knowledge that leads to a change in behavior and perspective.only to be entangled and overcome by it again This phrase warns of the danger of returning to former sinful ways after having known Christ. The imagery of being "entangled" suggests being caught or trapped, similar to an animal in a net. This reflects the deceitful nature of sin, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>, which speaks of sin that easily entangles. The word "overcome" indicates a defeat, suggesting that the individuals have been overpowered by the very corruption they once escaped. This is a sobering reminder of the spiritual battle believers face, as described in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>.their final condition is worse than it was at first The final state of these individuals is described as worse than their initial condition, highlighting the severe consequences of apostasy. This echoes Jesus' warning in <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Matthew 12:43-45</a> about the unclean spirit returning to a person, making their last state worse than the first. The gravity of turning away after knowing the truth is also emphasized in <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6</a>, which speaks of the impossibility of renewing to repentance those who have fallen away. This serves as a cautionary message about the seriousness of maintaining one's faith and the dangers of spiritual complacency.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle Peter, traditionally recognized as the author of this epistle, is addressing false teachers and the dangers they pose to believers. 2. <a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a> Individuals who distort the truth of the Gospel, leading others astray with their teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/b/believers.htm">Believers</a> Those who have come to know Jesus Christ and have escaped the corruption of the world. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> Referred to as "our Lord and Savior," emphasizing His role in salvation and the knowledge that leads to escaping worldly corruption. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_world.htm">The World</a> Represents the sinful and corrupt systems and values that are opposed to God's ways.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_apostasy.htm">The Danger of Apostasy</a> Believers must be vigilant against falling back into old sinful patterns after having known the truth of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perseverance.htm">The Importance of Perseverance</a> Continual growth in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is essential to avoid being entangled again in worldly corruption. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_knowledge.htm">The Role of Knowledge</a> True knowledge of Jesus Christ is transformative and should lead to a life that reflects His values, not the world's. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teachings.htm">Guarding Against False Teachings</a> Christians must be discerning and grounded in Scripture to recognize and resist false teachings that can lead them astray. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_turning_back.htm">The Consequences of Turning Back</a> The spiritual state of those who return to sin after knowing Christ is more perilous, emphasizing the need for steadfastness in faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_peter_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Peter 2</a> <a href="/q/how_does_2_peter_2_20-22_affect_'once_saved'.htm">2 Peter 2:20–22 implies believers can fall away; how does this align with the doctrine of “once saved, always saved”?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_escape_global_pollution.htm">How can one escape the world's pollutions?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_backsliding_christian.htm">What defines a backsliding Christian?</a> <a href="/q/what_happens_if_you_abandon_faith.htm">What are the consequences of turning away from faith?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_peter/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world.--Applying the general statement of the preceding verse to the case of these false teachers. In the Shepherd of Hermas (I. Vis. IV. iii. 2.) "the black there is the world in which we dwell, and the fire-and-blood-colour (indicates) that this world must perish through blood and fire; but the golden part are ye who have escaped this world." Another possible reminiscence of our Epistle. (See above on <a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm" title="But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privately shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.">2Peter 2:1</a>; <a href="/2_peter/3-13.htm" title="Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.">2Peter 3:13</a>; <a href="/2_peter/3-15.htm" title="And account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given to him has written to you;">2Peter 3:15</a>; and below, <a href="/2_peter/3-5.htm" title="For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:">2Peter 3:5</a>.)Through the knowledge.--Better, in knowledge the preposition "in" pointing to that in which the escape consists. (See on <a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm" title="For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.">2Peter 2:18</a>, and comp. <a href="/luke/1-77.htm" title="To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,">Luke 1:77</a>.) The knowledge is of the same mature and complete kind as that spoken of in <a href="/context/2_peter/1-2.htm" title="Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,">2Peter 1:2-3</a>; <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm" title="For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.">2Peter 1:8</a> (where see Notes), showing that these men were well-instructed Christians. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_peter/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world; literally, for if, having escaped (ἀποφυγόντες). Is St. Peter in this verse still speaking of the false teachers, or of those whom they had enticed (verse 18)? Bengel, Fronmuller, and others take the latter view, thinking that the ἀποφυγόντες ("those having escaped") of this verse must be the same with the ἀποφεύγοντας or ἀποφυγόντας ("those who are escaping," or "those having escaped") of verse 18. But it is far more natural to understand St, Peter as continuing his description of the false teachers. The conjunction "for" connects the clause closely with that immediately preceding, and suggests that St. Peter is explaining the term "bondservants or slaves" applied to the false teachers in verse 19; the repetition of the word "overcome" also seems to imply that the subjects of yore. 20 and 19 are the same. The word for" pollutions" (μιάσματα) occurs only here. In 'Hermas' (Vis., 4:3, 2) there occurs what may be a reminiscence of this verse: "Ye who have escaped this world." Through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Several of the most ancient manuscripts read, "our Lord and Saviour." The word rendered "knowledge" is ἐπίγνωσις, full knowledge (comp. <a href="/2_peter/1-2.htm">2 Peter 1:2, 3, 8</a>; also <a href="/ephesians/4-13.htm">Ephesians 4:13</a>; <a href="/colossians/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">Colossians 3:10</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/2-4.htm">1 Timothy 2:4</a>; <a href="/romans/1-28.htm">Romans 1:28</a>; <a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a>). The preposition is ἐν. The full, personal knowledge of the Saviour is the sphere in which the Christian lives; while he abides in that knowledge grace and peace are multiplied unto him, and he is enabled to escape the pollutions of the world. The apostle warns us here that some of those who once enjoyed the blessedness of that sacred knowledge have been entangled in sin and have fallen from grace. They are again entangled therein, and overcome. The first clause is participial; the connection seems to be, "If, having escaped... but being again entangled they are overcome." The word "entangled" (ἐμπλακέντες) suggests the figure of fishes entangled in the meshes of a net, and seems to point back to the δελεάζουσιν ("entice") of verses 18 and 14; they entice others, but they are entangled themselves (comp. <a href="/2_timothy/2-4.htm">2 Timothy 2:4</a>), and become captives and slaves to the pollutions of the world from which they had once escaped. The latter end is worse with them than the beginning; rather, as in the Revised Version, the last state is become worse with them than the first. This is a distinct quotation of our Lord's words in <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Matthew 12:45</a> and <a href="/luke/11-26.htm">Luke 11:26</a>. The evil spirit had been cast out from these men; for a time they had lived in the full knowledge of Christ; but now the evil spirit had returned, and had brought with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself. This spontaneous adoption of our Lord's words without marks of quotation is not like the work of a forger. <a href="/commentaries/2_peter/2-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>If Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. indeed γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. they have escaped ἀποφυγόντες (apophygontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_668.htm">Strong's 668: </a> To flee from, escape. From apo and pheugo; to escape. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. corruption μιάσματα (miasmata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3393.htm">Strong's 3393: </a> Pollution, defilement; a stain. From miaino; foulness. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. world κόσμου (kosmou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2889.htm">Strong's 2889: </a> Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. Decoration; by implication, the world (morally). through ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [their] knowledge ἐπιγνώσει (epignōsei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1922.htm">Strong's 1922: </a> From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Savior Σωτῆρος (Sōtēros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4990.htm">Strong's 4990: </a> A savior, deliverer, preserver. From sozo; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. Christ, Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. only δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. to be entangled ἐμπλακέντες (emplakentes) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1707.htm">Strong's 1707: </a> To enfold, entangle; pass: To be involved in. From en and pleko; to entwine, i.e. involve with. [and] overcome ἡττῶνται (hēttōntai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2274.htm">Strong's 2274: </a> From the same as hetton; to make worse, i.e. Vanquish; by implication, to rate lower. by it τούτοις (toutois) Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. again, πάλιν (palin) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. their αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. final [condition] ἔσχατα (eschata) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2078.htm">Strong's 2078: </a> Last, at the last, finally, till the end. A superlative probably from echo; farthest, final. is γέγονεν (gegonen) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. worse than χείρονα (cheirona) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Plural - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_5501.htm">Strong's 5501: </a> Worse, more severe. Irregular comparative of kakos; from an obsolete equivalent cheres; more evil or aggravated. [it was] τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. at first. πρώτων (prōtōn) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4413.htm">Strong's 4413: </a> First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_peter/2-20.htm">2 Peter 2:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm">NT Letters: 2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/2-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 2:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 2:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Peter 2:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Peter 2:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>