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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 2:21 It 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_peter/2-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/61_2Pe_02_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Peter 2:21 - Deliverance from False Prophets" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to have known it 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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="/ad1.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/2-20.htm" title="2 Peter 2:20">◄</a> 2 Peter 2:21 <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm" title="2 Peter 2:22">►</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> It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. <a href="/nlt/2_peter/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. <a href="/esv/2_peter/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/bsb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> It 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. <a href="/blb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to have turned from the holy commandment having been delivered to them. <a href="/kjv/2_peter/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. <a href="/nkjv/2_peter/2.htm">New King James Version</a> For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/nasb_/2_peter/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. <a href="/nasb/2_peter/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. <a href="/nasb77/2_peter/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/lsb/2_peter/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. <a href="/amp/2_peter/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For it would have been better for them not to have [personally] known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to have turned back from the holy commandment [verbally] handed on to them. <a href="/csb/2_peter/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy command delivered to them. <a href="/hcsb/2_peter/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy command delivered to them. <a href="/asv/2_peter/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. <a href="/cev/2_peter/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> They would have been better off if they had never known about the right way. Even after they knew what was right, they turned their backs on the holy commandments they were given. <a href="/erv/2_peter/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. <a href="/gwt/2_peter/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> It would have been better for them never to have known the way of life that God approves of than to know it and turn their backs on the holy life God told them to live. <a href="/gnt/2_peter/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> It would have been much better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn away from the sacred command that was given them. <a href="/isv/2_peter/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and turn their backs on the holy commandment that was committed to them. <a href="/msb/2_peter/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> It 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. <a href="/net/2_peter/2.htm">NET Bible</a> For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, having known it, to turn back from the holy commandment that had been delivered to them. <a href="/nheb/2_peter/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/wbt/2_peter/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/wey/2_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For it would have been better for them not to have fully known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandments in which they were instructed. <a href="/web/2_peter/2.htm">World English Bible</a> For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_peter/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for it were better to them not to have acknowledged the way of righteousness, than having acknowledged [it], to turn back from the holy command delivered to them, <a href="/blb/2_peter/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to have turned from the holy commandment having been delivered to them. <a href="/ylt/2_peter/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for it were better to them not to have acknowledged the way of the righteousness, than having acknowledged it, to turn back from the holy command delivered to them, <a href="/slt/2_peter/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For it was better for them not to have known the way of justice, than, having known, to turn back from the holy command delivered to them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_peter/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For it had been better for them not to have known the way of justice, than after they have known it, to turn back from that holy commandment which was delivered to them. <a href="/cpdv/2_peter/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of justice than, after acknowledging it, to turn away from that holy commandment which was handed on to them. <a href="/nabre/2_peter/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment handed down to them. <a href="/nrsvce/2_peter/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment that was passed on to them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_peter/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Verily it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment that was delivered to them. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_peter/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than that when they knew, they would turn away afterward from the holy decree that was delivered to them.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_peter/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/godbey/2_peter/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For it was better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment which has been delivered unto them. <a href="/haweis/2_peter/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For it had been better for them never to have been acquainted with the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to have turned aside from the holy commandment delivered unto them. <a href="/mace/2_peter/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for it had been better for them, not to have made any profession of the gospel, than after they have embraced it, to abandon the holy injunction, that was delivered to them. <a href="/wey/2_peter/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For it would have been better for them not to have fully known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandments in which they were instructed. <a href="/worrell/2_peter/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For it were better for them not to have fully known the way of righteousness, than, having known it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/worsley/2_peter/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than when they knew it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. <a href="/parallel/2_peter/2-21.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=452" 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> …20If 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. 21<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēn (V-IIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">It would have been</a> <a href="/greek/2909.htm" title="2909: kreitton (Adj-NNS-C) -- Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler.">better</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.">for them</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1921.htm" title="1921: epegnōkenai (V-RNA) -- From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.">to have known</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/3598.htm" title="3598: hodon (N-AFS) -- A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.">way</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynēs (N-GFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">of righteousness</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">than</a> <a href="/greek/1921.htm" title="1921: epignousin (V-APA-DMP) -- From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge.">to have known it</a> <a href="/greek/5290.htm" title="5290: hypostrepsai (V-ANA) -- To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return.">and then to turn away</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- 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/40.htm" title="40: hagias (Adj-GFS) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">holy</a> <a href="/greek/1785.htm" title="1785: entolēs (N-GFS) -- An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.">commandment</a> <a href="/greek/3860.htm" title="3860: paradotheisēs (V-APP-GFS) -- From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.">passed on</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.">to them.</a> 22Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.”…<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/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="/matthew/12-45.htm">Matthew 12:45</a> 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/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a> That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows. / But the one who unknowingly does things worthy of punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more will be demanded. <a href="/john/9-41.htm">John 9:41</a> “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” <a href="/james/4-17.htm">James 4:17</a> Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin. <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Romans 1:32</a> Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them. <a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4</a> If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm">Galatians 5:7</a> You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth? <a href="/1_timothy/1-19.htm">1 Timothy 1:19</a> holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith. <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="/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="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Proverbs 26:11</a> As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. <a href="/jeremiah/11-10.htm">Jeremiah 11:10</a> They have returned to the sins of their forefathers who refused to obey My words. They have followed other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant I made with their fathers. <a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Isaiah 1:4</a> Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him. <a href="/hosea/8-3.htm">Hosea 8:3</a> But Israel has rejected good; an enemy will pursue him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.it had.<a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Matthew 11:23,24</a> And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day… <a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47</a> And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.<a href="/john/9-41.htm">John 9:41</a> Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.the way.<a href="/proverbs/12-28.htm">Proverbs 12:28</a> In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.<a href="/proverbs/16-31.htm">Proverbs 16:31</a> The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.<a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Matthew 21:32</a> For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.to turn.<a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Psalm 36:3,4</a> The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good… <a href="/psalms/125-5.htm">Psalm 125:5</a> As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.<a href="/ezekiel/3-20.htm">Ezekiel 3:20</a> Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.holy.<a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Romans 7:12</a> Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.<a href="/1_thessalonians/4-2.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:2</a> For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Acknowledged</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-17.htm">Better</a> <a href="/james/2-10.htm">Command</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/titus/1-14.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-7.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Handed</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Law</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-5.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-18.htm">Sacred</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-11.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/38-26.htm">Acknowledged</a> <a href="/revelation/3-15.htm">Better</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Command</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Commandments</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/1_john/3-2.htm">Fully</a> <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Handed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/genesis/32-4.htm">Instructed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-2.htm">Law</a> <a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-11.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/exodus/12-16.htm">Sacred</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-1.htm">Way</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>It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness This phrase suggests a severe consequence for those who have been exposed to the truth of the Gospel but choose to reject it. The "way of righteousness" refers to the path of living according to God's standards, as revealed through Jesus Christ. In the biblical context, this echoes the warnings found in <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Hebrews 6:4-6 and 10</a>:26-27, where the dangers of apostasy are highlighted. The idea is that greater knowledge brings greater responsibility, and turning away after knowing the truth results in a more severe judgment. This reflects the principle found in <a href="/luke/12-47.htm">Luke 12:47-48</a>, where Jesus teaches that those who know their master's will and fail to do it will receive a harsher punishment.than to have known it and then to turn away This part of the verse emphasizes the gravity of apostasy, which is the act of abandoning one's faith. Historically, the early church faced challenges from false teachers and those who fell away, as seen in the context of 2 Peter. The act of turning away is not merely a passive drifting but an active rejection of the truth once embraced. This is reminiscent of the Israelites in the Old Testament, who, despite witnessing God's miracles, often turned away from Him, leading to their downfall (e.g., <a href="/numbers/14-22.htm">Numbers 14:22-23</a>).from the holy commandment passed on to them The "holy commandment" likely refers to the core teachings of the Christian faith, including the call to live a life of holiness and obedience to God. This commandment is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, as seen in passages like <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a>, where Jesus summarizes the law as loving God and neighbor. The phrase "passed on to them" indicates the transmission of apostolic teaching, which was a critical aspect of the early church's mission. This reflects the Great Commission in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>, where Jesus instructs His disciples to teach others to obey everything He commanded. The failure to adhere to these teachings after having received them is seen as a serious breach of faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a> The apostle and author of this epistle, addressing the early Christian communities and warning them about false teachers. 2. <a href="/topical/f/false_teachers.htm">False Teachers</a> Individuals within the early church who were leading believers astray with heretical teachings and immoral behavior. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The community of believers in the first century who were recipients of Peter's letters, facing challenges from both external persecution and internal false teachings. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_way_of_righteousness.htm">The Way of Righteousness</a> Refers to the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ, which lead to a righteous life. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_holy_commandment.htm">The Holy Commandment</a> The teachings and commandments of Jesus Christ, which were passed down to the believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_apostasy.htm">The Seriousness of Apostasy</a> Turning away from the faith after knowing the truth is a grave matter. It highlights the importance of perseverance in the Christian walk. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_knowing_the_truth.htm">The Value of Knowing the Truth</a> Knowing the way of righteousness is a privilege and a responsibility. Believers must cherish and uphold the truth they have received. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_false_teachings.htm">Guarding Against False Teachings</a> Believers must be vigilant against false teachings that can lead them away from the truth. This requires a strong foundation in Scripture and discernment. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Obedience to the holy commandment is crucial. It is not enough to know the truth; one must live it out in daily life. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_persevere.htm">Encouragement to Persevere</a> Despite challenges, believers are encouraged to persevere in their faith, trusting in God's promises and the power of the Holy Spirit.<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/what_is_the_way_to_reach_heaven.htm">What is the way to reach heaven?</a> <a href="/q/is_this_worse_than_being_an_unbeliever.htm">Is this worse than being an unbeliever?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_peter_4_8_conflict_with_salvation_texts.htm">Does (1 Peter 4:8) saying 'love covers a multitude of sins' conflict with other texts that emphasize salvation only through Christ's atonement?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_psalm_139_19-22_and_love_align.htm">Psalm 139:19-22: How do these verses endorsing hatred for the wicked align with other passages in the Bible that command love for one's enemies?</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>(21) It had been better for them not to have known.--There are many things of which the well-known lines."'Tis better to have loved and lost,Than never to have loved at all,"do not hold good. To have loved a great truth, to have loved a high principle, and after all to lose them, is what often causes the shipwreck of a life. To have loved Jesus Christ and lost Him is to make shipwreck of eternal life.The way of righteousness.--The life of the Christian. That which from a doctrinal point of view is "the way of truth" (<a href="/2_peter/2-2.htm" title="And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.">2Peter 2:2</a>), from a moral point of view is "the way of righteousness." So also "the faith delivered to the saints" of <a href="/jude/1-3.htm" title="Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write to you, and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.">Jude 1:3</a>, is the doctrinal equivalent of "the holy commandment delivered unto them" of this verse.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_peter/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness; better, as in the Revised Version, for it were better. (For this use of the imperfect indicative, see Winer, 3:41, 2, a.) The verb ἐπεγνωκέκαι, "to have known," here, and the participle ἐπιγνοῦσιν, "after they have known," in the next clause, correspond with the noun ἐπίγνωσις of the preceding, and, like that, imply that these unhappy men once had the full knowledge of Christ. (For "the way, of righteousness," compare "the way of truth" in verse 2, and note there.) Than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. The manuscripts exhibit some slight variations here: the Sinaitic and Alexandrine give "to turn back." By "the holy commandment" St. Peter means the whole moral Law, which the Lord enforced and widened in his sermon on the mount; from this the false teachers turned away. For the word "delivered" (παραδοθείσης), comp. <a href="/jude/1-3.htm">Jude 1:3</a>. Like the corresponding word παράδοσις, tradition (<a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:6</a>), it implies the oral transmission of Christian teaching in the first ages (comp. also <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">1 Peter 1:18</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_peter/2-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>It would have been ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. better κρεῖττον (kreitton) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_2909.htm">Strong's 2909: </a> Stronger, more excellent. Comparative of a derivative of kratos; stronger, i.e. better, i.e. Nobler. for them 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. not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. to have known ἐπεγνωκέναι (epegnōkenai) Verb - Perfect Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1921.htm">Strong's 1921: </a> From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine 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. way ὁδὸν (hodon) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3598.htm">Strong's 3598: </a> A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means. of righteousness δικαιοσύνης (dikaiosynēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. than ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. to have known [it] ἐπιγνοῦσιν (epignousin) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1921.htm">Strong's 1921: </a> From epi and ginosko; to know upon some mark, i.e. Recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge. and turned away ὑποστρέψαι (hypostrepsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_5290.htm">Strong's 5290: </a> To turn back, return. From hupo and strepho; to turn under, i.e. To return. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine 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. holy ἁγίας (hagias) Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. commandment ἐντολῆς (entolēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1785.htm">Strong's 1785: </a> An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription. passed on παραδοθείσης (paradotheisēs) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3860.htm">Strong's 3860: </a> From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit. to them. 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_peter/2-21.htm">2 Peter 2:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-21.htm">NT Letters: 2 Peter 2:21 For it would be better for them (2 Pet. 2P iiP ii Pet) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_peter/2-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Peter 2:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Peter 2:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Peter 2:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Peter 2:22" /></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>